Kevin and JD’s story began with a shared love for the outdoors and the river. After moving from New Mexico to the Colorado Rockies for college, Kevin discovered his passion for the water, spending summers guiding rafting trips and winters ski patrolling. Around the same time, JD was carving his own path on the river. Their journeys eventually converged on the Arkansas River, where a strong friendship and business partnership took root.

The river quickly became more than just a workplace. It’s where Kevin met his wife, Erin, and where JD’s wife, Stacey, also worked as a river guide. Together, the two families built their lives around water, community, and creating memorable experiences for others.

In 2007, Kevin and JD expanded their vision beyond rafting by opening the Riverside Grill, offering guests the chance to enjoy food right on the riverbank. Soon, live music was added to the mix — starting from the back of raft trailers and growing into full-scale concerts where people danced barefoot in the sand under the stars. The riverfront naturally evolved into a place to gather, celebrate, and connect.

Hosting weddings became the next step in that evolution. Couples were already drawn to the setting’s natural beauty — the flowing river, mountain views, and open sky. Creating a dedicated space for people to celebrate their most meaningful moments felt like a natural extension of what Kevin and JD had always done: bring people together in a place unlike anywhere else.