We are thrilled to introduce Kristina and Kyle, the recipients of 10th annual Wedding Pink. The 2020 wedding will take place October 1 on Colorado’s western slope at Orchard River View, Palisade’s newest wedding and event venue. It’s located on the bank of the Colorado River, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Bookcliffs, Grand Mesa, and peach orchards.
Here is Kristina and Kyle’s story:
How did you meet?
In disgust. It was Kristina’s favorite day of the year, the 2014 Kentucky Derby. She was busy hosting a party at her place celebrating all things Kentucky; thoroughbreds, mint juleps, pimento sandwiches, fancy hats, and fine clothing. A friend of mine invited me last-minute to come along. I agreed and quickly scoured my closets for what to wear. In a stroke of good fortune, I found my Halloween costume from the year before; an epic inflatable jockey riding an ostrich. Did it cross my mind that this was a bit bold and odd? Sure, but my affinity for jockeys prevailed so I reloaded four AA batteries into the fan and brought the costume to life.
Kristina is a social butterfly… she talks to everyone… especially when she is hosting. I recall talking with her briefly that day. I’m pretty sure my wardrobe choice didn’t bode well for me.
So, was it love at first sight? Nope.
Then what?
On September 30 at the age of 26 Kristina was diagnosed with breast cancer. With a strong family history of the disease and learning that she was BRCA 2 positive, Kristina underwent a double mastectomy, egg fertilization and chemotherapy. Although the cancer was found early, doctors recommended an aggressive treatment plan to ensure that the cancer would be gone forever. I wasn’t in the picture yet, but I often wish I could have been there to help through that time. Now five years since that diagnosis day, Kristina has remained cancer free. Back to the good stuff…
Memorial Day 2017, the Boulder Bolder 10k in Boulder Colorado. One of my best friends is married to one of Kristina’s best friends, and we decide to run this together. Kristina and I still don’t know each other all that well. Kristina shows up for the race wearing a full-body penguin suit. Now I’m interested. It was an exceptionally hot day. The Penguin melted.
Later that afternoon when our friends departed it was just Kristina and me. Almost by obligation, that turned into our first date at the Par 3 golf course. A few weeks of dating ensued, but she broke it off.
Why would she do that?
Some things you just can’t explain, but my best guess is that she was worried about the risk to friendships. I accepted this and moved on while always maintaining some interest and thoughts that she would be back. Guess who was right?
Spring 2018 rolls around and she starts holding my hand after a Rockies baseball game. We’ve been together ever since.
Tell us about yourselves.
Kristina is the youngest of two daughters. She spent her childhood in Louisville, Kentucky absorbing her dad’s competitive nature and her mom’s generous heart. For the past three years Kristina has been honored to be captain of “Team Kris Krew” at the Young Survival Coalitions (YSC) Tour De Pink West Coast. Tour De Pink is a three-day 200 mile bike ride that raises money for YSC, the only national nonprofit that solely focuses on serving young women under the age of 40 affected by breast cancer. To date the team has raised over $140,000 for the organization. Additionally, Kristina is a board member for the Colorado Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.
