“Mike and I are both Denver natives and many of our favorite memories as a couple and with our families have been in the mountains, so getting married in Vail was a no brainer. We chose Camp Hale because of the spectacular views of the open valley. We wanted a venue where everything was outdoors and could showcase the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains to all our out-of-town guests, and locals! Camp Hale offers the option of fly fishing and archery during the cocktail hour, which was also a no brainer. We knew choosing Camp Hale would give our guests the real Rocky Mountain experience and a taste of adventure which is an integral part of our relationship. The morning and early afternoon were incredibly gorgeous but there was rain in the forecast. I knew that nothing could stop the happiest day from being everything we’d imagined, so I rolled with the looming weather. When we arrived at Camp Hale, it started to drizzle. Our wedding planner set us up for our first look and right when I was walking towards my now husband, Mike, the clouds opened and there was the most gorgeous sunshine beating down on Camp Hale. It just affirmed to me how special this day was and that no matter what the weather might do, it was the best day already. The weather held for the bridal party formal photos, but by the time guests started to arrive, the heavy rain came. Right before I walked down the aisle, it was pouring. I told my dad, who walked me down, I didn’t want to walk with an umbrella because I wanted to take the day in for what it was, even if it ruined my hair. The ‘aisle’ at Camp Hale is about 200 yards. It is such a beautiful showcase of Colorado as you walk across an open lush green field and then across the bridge over the lake to the ceremony island. The world stopped when I made it to Mike. I hardly remember the rain during the ceremony, but what I do remember was that when we read our own vows, the rain completely stopped. It was such a magical way to start forever, and as they say, rain is a sign of the Lord’s blessing. After the ceremony, the rain completely stopped. We got to enjoy fly fishing and archery with our guests at the cocktail hour. We did a champagne tower toast and let the party begin! We all moved to the tent and continued to have a magical evening in the most beautiful setting. It was the most beautiful day where we took in the beauty that is the Colorado Rocky Mountains, in its bipolar weather and all! It was unforgettable.”
