On Sunday June 30, Chaco will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a unique celebration: the first-ever Chaco wedding in Bellvue, CO. The brand is inviting 35 sandal-loving couples to get married or renew their vows on the banks of the scenic Poudre River.
“We receive hundreds of wedding invites each year and are tagged in countless photos of Chaco Nation getting married in their sandals, so we are inviting everyone to come celebrate and tie the knot with us,” offers Chaco Senior Brand Director Jon Golub. “You invited us, and now we’re inviting you.”
Ceremonies will be held at the Mishawaka Amphitheater, a 1,000-person outdoor venue next to the Poudre River. The Mishawaka provides a picturesque backdrop for the unique celebration — a nod to Chaco’s history born on the river in 1989 in Paonia, CO. Couples will exchange vows amid the scenery, with the sounds of the river behind.
One of the couples attending is Monica and James, who got married a few miles upstream from the Mishawaka Inn in 1998. They will be renewing their vows in celebration of the 26th anniversary. “We always talked about renewing our vows and what better way to do it than an event like this?” offers Monica. Monica and James wore Chaco sandals on their big day, and the bride even had custom white sandals made. Working at REI, Monica was able to track down and order white webbing, which she sent to Chaco for a custom pair. Then, the couple’s best woman added beading. Monica still has them, and will be wearing them for the event.
The duo are self-proclaimed superfans. “We probably have at least six to eight pairs in our closet including some of our originals,” Monica adds. “A few have been resoled or new webbing, but we love them! How can you go without a chaco tan?”
Monica and James will be among 35 couples participating in elopement ceremonies, vow renewals, live mucic, and an open-house style reception.
