Blackstone Rivers Ranch

Our Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

Darren and Olivia met at the gym, and bonded over both being in the first responder world. Their first date was drinks at Lady Jane in LoHi, Denver Colorado and from then they've been at eachother's hip ever since. Darren proposed to Olivia in Kauai, Hawaii on Tunnels Beach while Olivia was six months pregnant with their daughter Lorelei. Darren Olivia and Lorelei are enjoying growing as a family so much over this past year, and are so excited to celebrate their love story with all their loved ones in September!

This is us

Photos

Accommodations

Where to stay

Idaho Springs (closest – ~5 minutes away)West Denver / Golden (20–30 minutes)Downtown Denver (35–45 minutes)

We have secured a room block here under a discounted group rate!Denver Marriott West offers a polished, full-service stay close to Golden, Lakewood, and the Rocky Mountain foothills. Guests enjoy discounted rates starting at $209+TAX, plus free Wifi, free parking, an indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining at Copper Creek Restaurant. Available Dates: Wednesday, September 16th to Sunday, September 20thBook by: Tuesday, August 18thNeed Assistance? Reach out to our Travel Coordinator at Help@EngagedSourcing.com or 720.593.8534 with reference to the "Olivia &amp; Darren's Wedding."

Denver Marriott West

Just one minute away from our wedding venue, and a quick four minute drive to downtown Idaho Springs, Water and Stone Retreat offers a boutique enclave of refined &amp; rustic Rocky Mountain creekside vacation rental cabins.

Water & Stone Retreat

Getting to the wedding venue

Overview

Distance: ~38 miles from DIADrive Time: ~50–60 minutes (can vary with traffic and weather)Location: About 35 minutes west of Denver in the mountains near Idaho Springs We recommend arriving into Denver International Airport (DEN) and allowing about 1 hour of travel time to the venue. Rental cars and private transportation are the most convenient options. Due to the mountain location, rideshare availability can be limited late in the evening, so we encourage guests to plan return transportation in advance.

Transportation Options

1. Rental Car (Most Flexible Option)Available directly at DEN (all major rental companies)- Recommended for guests staying in different areas or wanting to exploreRoute:- Take Peña Blvd → I-70 West → Exit toward Idaho Springs → Chicago Creek Rd (Hwy 103)Notes:- Easy, scenic mountain drive- GPS works well, but cell service may drop briefly near the venue 2. Private Car Service / Uber / LyftTravel time: ~50–70 minutesEstimated cost: $80–$150+ depending on vehicle and demand- Good option for individuals or couples- Ride availability for return trips (late night) can be limited- Tip: Pre-schedule your return ride if possible

Important travel tips

Mountain driving: Roads are paved but winding near the venueWeather: If incliment weather is in the forecast, allow extra time!Altitude: ~8,000 ft — hydrate and take it easy upon arrivalTraffic: I-70 can get busy, especially weekends

Travel

Questions + Answers

Q + A

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

Dress Code

Registry

Things to Do

Dylan and Darren have been best friends for almost ten years, they work along side each other at Boulder Police Department, and before that at Northglenn Police Department. Their friendship can be described as, two peas in a pod, or two raccoons wrestling in a burlap sack down a county line road somewhere. Darren and Dylan truly have a great friendship, and the brotherhood they have built is so special.

Dylan Chavez

Although Olivia and Arianna are cousins, they always say they are more like sisters. Throughout the years growing up together Olivia and Arianna have been side by side through all of life's ups and downs. Olivia has such deep love and respect for Arianna, she feels honored to not only have Arianna stand next to her at the altar, but also to be able to continue to witness the amazing women she is becoming.

Arianna Frenzel

Juwaun and Darren met in college at Colorado Mesa University and have been friends for close to fifteen years. They have experienced the highs of life and the lows of life together, and their friendship has stood the test of time. Juwaun and Darren have especially enjoyed these last years recently, experiencing fatherhood together, and watching eachother's children grow up.

Juwaun Davis

Olivia and Kiran share a very special cousin bond, even as children growing up together, they always were very close.   Kiran is someone Olivia can always count on for the best advice, knows she will always feel heard and be accepted, and knows without a doubt, that Kiran is one of her biggest cheerleaders. There is no one else Olivia can imagine standing next to her on this special day besides Kiran.

Kiran Frenzel

Alex and Darren have been friends since high school, Alex has been one of Darren's closest confidants throughout the years, and is a true pillar in Darren's life both spiritually and emotionally.  Alex has always been consistent and true in his friendship to Darren, he is one of the most loyal people Darren has in his life.

Alex Torderica

Leilani is Olivia's youngest cousin in the wedding party, Olivia has had the privilege of watching Leilani grow up and views her as her little sister. Their relationship is full of so many laughs, and such a deep cousinly-love, Olivia is so proud and honored to call Leilani both her cousin and her best friend,  and is so excited to have Leilani stand at her side while she says "I Do".

Leilani Frenzel

Mark and Darren became friends through Liliane, Darren's old partner at Northglenn PD, years ago. Mark has served as not only a friend for Darren, but a pivotal mentor in his development as a police officer and a man. Mark and Darren enjoy their banter over college football, while also their shared love for their religion. 

Mark Cressman

Liliane and Olivia's friendship blossomed through Darren introducing them, and they realized how similar they are, and became instant bestfriends. Liliane was a huge pillar of strength, stability, and friendship to Olivia during her pregnancy. Liliane, and her husband Mark are also the Godparents of Darren and Olivia's daughter, Lorelei. The honor Darren and Olivia feel that Lorelei has such incredible Godparents who love her so purely, is the greatest gift.

Liliane Cressman

Tyler and Darren worked together at Northglenn PD, and quickly developed an unbreakable bond formed through adversity, loyalty, and a commitment to what's right. Tyler and Darren bond over their shared dark sense of humor, affinity for Harry Potter, and World War II history.

Tyler Lynch

Olivia and Mikhayla were introduced through Dylan and Darren, and quickly fostered a close friendship. They enjoy going out for girls night to Chilis, to laugh over margaritas and chips and salsa, discussing all things life, and discussing their next thrifting adventures. What Olivia loves most about Mikhayla is how strong, hilarious, hard-working, and dedicated she is.

Mikhayla Chavez

Matt and Darren have been friends dating back to middle school, they share a love of photography and everything artistic. Matt is one of the most loyal people in Darren's life. Matt has seen Darren at his absolute lowest, and has always answered the bell of being a good friend, Darren is honored to have Matt standing next to him at their wedding.

Matt Hise

Anna is without a doubt, Olivia's best friend. Olivia and Anna always say, although they met later in life, it was all by God's timing, divine guidance placed them in each other's lives. Anna is Olivia's safe-space, one of her role-models as a mother, and the sweetest, most selfless person Olivia has ever met. Darren always describes Anna and Olivia as "attached at the hip", because they spend so much time together.

Anna Heffner

Darren and TJ have been friends since high school, they played football together in high school, and while they went to different colleges their friendship has stood the test of time. TJ and Darren often bond over fond memories, while also looking towards the future with optimism and shared excitement for one another. 

Darren & Olivia

Darren & Olivia

Photos

This is us