We had the good fortune of connecting with Felicia Anzaldúa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Felicia, how do you think about risk?
For better or worse, I’m a risk taker by nature. I’ve survived some unfortunate circumstances and instead of telling myself that I never want to go back, I’ve rationalized that I could survive again. So I often take risks. Some as rational as going off to college with only the love and moral support of my loved ones. Others as irrational as purchasing a wedding publication without an exhaustive background in publishing or the wedding industry. My risks pay off because I know when I’m taking them and I’ve been abundantly blessed with people who believe in me. This…anxiety-inducing…outlook has given me the gift of realizing that the rules aren’t real. We get to define success or failure for ourselves and it’s okay if a risk doesn’t pay off the way we hoped. I’ve never learned any lesson worth passing on in my comfort zone.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

The Colorado Wedding Magazine started in 2005 and I purchased it in June 2020. My goal for this publication is to give couples the tools they need to define and create an authentic, memorable experience as they enter this next chapter of their lives. We celebrate love in all its forms.

As human beings we all yearn for love and loving relationships. Marriage, more than any other construct in our society, signifies the commitment and love between two people. Ultimately, The Colorado Wedding Magazine is all about celebrating love and helping couples navigate their wedding journey. Love also represents the caring and feeling of community between us as human beings. We believe in treating others with respect, acting ethically in all we do and creating an environment of inclusion and representation.

We want this publication to be a place where love flourishes, where local business grows, where our values are reflected, and the wonders and beauty of Colorado are center stage.


Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1 is in Black Forest because the people and the animals are friendly. We’d take a walk around my neighborhood. My neighbor has a llama that puffs out its chest and watches me as I walk by. I really want to know if it’s just me or if that’s just how he is. After we solve that mystery, we’d have dinner from local favorite Firehouse on the Run. I’m from St. Louis and my partner is from Texas–when we find BBQ that we can agree on, we stick to it.

 

Days 2, I’d let them select from the rest of Colorado Springs area: Garden of the Gods, Old Colorado City (can’t go there without visiting Carnelian Coffee Co), feed the giraffes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, maybe dip into Manitou Springs (kids go nuts at the Penny Arcade).

Day 3, we’d have breakfast in Woodland Park and head up to Eleven Mile Reservoir for a morning sail. Ideally, we’d get a cabin at the Cripple Creek KOA and hang out there all afternoon and overnight. It’s the highest KOA in the world and the sunsets are unmatched.

Day 4, we go to Denver. I cannot be in Denver without visiting Whittier Cafe. I like to walk around Rino or Five Points–I obsess over historic neighborhoods.

Day 5 and 6, we see Pagosa Springs and Durango. Mountain Pizza & Taproom and Root House Coffee are a must in Pagosa. El Moro Tavern in Durango has a jerk lamb shank that will make you want to move in. At some point my guests will be forced to hike the short trail to Silver Falls.

Day 7, we rest and plan their next trip because there is so much more to see and do!


The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
my maternal grandmother

Website: www.thecoloradoweddingmagazine.com

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Image Credits
Editorial Board Photo by Ashley Tiedgen of Ashley Tiedgen Photography Other Photos by Valeria Moonch of Valeria Moonch Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.