Denver Marriott West

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

Nuptial Mass

Woodlands

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

Like so many modern love stories start, Sam and I met on Hinge. We planned a dinner date after a few text messages and I'm sure everyone can guess who made the first move. I was so nervous I almost canceled, but my roommates convinced me to go and said "Who knows, maybe he could be the one!"&nbsp; After dinner, drinks and 2 hours of talking about our lives, love for our families, and everything in between, we decided we didn't want the night to end just yet. We headed to a brewery to grab a beer, where I forced Sam to play five rounds of Bananagrams. I won every time, it’s the only thing I can beat him in. I may have gotten a parking ticket that night, but it was totally worth it.&nbsp; At the time Sam was traveling for work a lot so we spent time together when we could and talked over the phone when we couldn't. After a few dinners, a Nuggets game, and many Facetime dates, I think we both knew that we had found something special.&nbsp; Sam was everything I had prayed for. He was kind, family oriented and secretly very funny. Being around him felt easy and I didn't even mind losing to him every time we played pickleball or tennis.&nbsp; When my Pop died just a few months into dating, Sam was steadfast, supportive and everything I needed. He met most of my family for the first time at Pop’s funeral and sat by my Nanny and other Poppy. My Nan loved him almost as quickly as I did. I knew then that he was someone I could see myself building a life with.&nbsp; My Nan passed away a few months later. I had been at the hospital all day and Sam was in Pueblo for work. He told me to meet him at his place and on the way there, I threw up in my car. Sam immediately came down and had me go upstairs to clean up and rest, he cleaned up whole car and never once complained. I knew then I wanted to marry him.&nbsp; In June, we headed to Cleveland for the first time to meet Sam's family. It was so fun and crazy and I instantly felt like part of the family. I am so lucky to be a part of the Ricard family. They are some of the greatest people in the world. I think after that trip Sam thought he might want to marry me too. And so, we continued building our little life together. We've celebrated my sister-in-law and brother bringing our nephew, Baker, into the world, Sam's sister getting married, and her and her husband welcoming out other nephew, little William to the world as well. Sam was there when we put down our family dog of 18 years. And now we have a dog of our own, Gus. I love making memories with him and can’t wait for many more memories to come. Meeting someone who is patient enough to love your faults and never give up on you is rare, and I got extremely lucky that my person is Sam. He is the greatest partner and I can't wait to spend my whole life laughing with him.

Sam and Kenzie

Our Story

Photos

Addi Burns

Tommy Ricard

Lexi Sanelli

Jake Santiago

Alie Burns

Michael Burns

Maddie Olson

Billy Olson

Emily Ricard

Alex Beck

Caroline Ricard

Jake Kasday

Sophia Ricard

Sam Wright

Jess Loeschen

Adam Potts

Emily Parikh

Zach Pfeiffer

Julia Lisella

Adam Mehelic

Isabella Alfonso

Wedding Party

Q + A

We have reserved a block of discounted rooms at the Denver Marriott West. The last day to book is March 30th, 2025 but we ask that your book as soon as you can so we can add more rooms if necessary! We suggest renting a car if you want to hike or explore outside of Golden, however it is not necessary.

Denver International Airport

Travel

Golden, CO is right along the foothills and some call it the Gateway to the Rockies! The hotel is about a 10 minute drive to downtown Golden, which boasts tons of great restaurants, funky shops and the famous Coors Brewery!

Activities include kids' games and music provided by three bands starting at 11:30 am.

Golden 4th of July Festival 

Tours are free but book up quickly! If you want to do this, be sure to book ahead.

Coors Brewery Tour

A great way to cool off and enjoy Clear Creek, especially on the 4th of July! While the company linked is Kenzie's top choice, another great option is Golden River Sports Tubing.

Clear Creek White Water Park

If you want to see the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater check out their schedule for live music, comedy, or yoga on the rocks! The are tons of easy hiking trails here or you can just enjoy the views!

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

A fun restaurant with food stalls, self serve beer and cocktail stations and great outdoor seating!

The Golden Mill

One of Kenzie's favorite hiking spots! My mom took us here a lot as kids! Its great for an easy hike and a picnic!

Mount Falcon Park

There are so many amazing trails for all skill and comfort levels. Between the gorgeous mountain vistas and natural seclusion that Golden’s trails have to offer, hiking here has the potential to change your view of the world – literally. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, LOTS of water and a snack with you! Listen to the flow of the water beside you and the leaves crunching beneath your feet as you make your way along&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitgolden.com/listing/clear-creek-trail-access/4033/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Clear Creek Trail</a>, an easy, paved, two-mile excursion along the creek and underneath shady trees. It runs through the heart of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitgolden.com/things-to-do/attractions/historic-downtown-golden/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">historic downtown Golden</a>&nbsp;and provides a natural oasis to hikers, bikers, skateboarders, rollerbladers, and strollers. For more of a vertical adventure, hike one of the moderately challenging trails of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitgolden.com/outdoors/hiking/north-table-mountain/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">North Table Mountain</a>&nbsp;to the top of the mesa the shorter way or take in the panoramic views with a longer hike to the top. Avid climbers will love the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitgolden.com/listing/golden-cliffs-trail-at-north-table-mountain/3986/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Golden Cliffs Trail</a>&nbsp;for its rocky terrain and challenging climbing routes. It’s also ideal for those who want to enjoy a shorter hike. Designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitgolden.com/outdoors/hiking/triceratops-trail/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Triceratops Trail</a>&nbsp;is a family-friendly gravel hike that spans 1.5 miles. While hiking this trail, considered an outdoor museum and open year-round, imagine what life might have been like millions of years ago as you take in the scenic sights along the trail’s sandstone walls and surroundings. One of the best places to hike in Golden, CO, is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitgolden.com/outdoors/parks/golden-gate-canyon-state-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Golden Gate Canyon State Park</a>, the most diverse and expansive option in town. With 35 miles of trails spanning 12,000 acres, the park is a hiker and wildlife watcher’s dream. Come when the aspen tree groves light up in golden hues during the fall months or when its wildflowers bloom to life in the spring. During the early summer, the whole park turns green with verdant life. We recommend checking out alltrails.com for more hiking recommendations in the area!

MacKenzie + Sam

MacKenzie + Sam

Registry