Wedding Party

Layah was born and raised in Aurora/Denver, CO. While she spent her younger years shooting hoops and tearing up ankles, she now enjoys video games and leisure rides on her bike. She's a huge fan of anime and reading books.

Alisha has lovingly called these two "Mother" (Stasia) and "Grandma" (Xan) since they were born. They are the littles of our beloved friends Jenny and Nathan Brandsma and we are so excited to have them lead us down the aisle. They are full of spunk and make playing board games an adventure. Stasia and Xan will be the life of the party on the boat and they'll help us navigate the waves after they spent a semester at sea a few years ago.

If there was a soulmate in a friendship, Quitta would be it! We met and bonded over football at a UTSA game while I was getting my Masters Degree in San Antonio back in 2012 and have been inseparable since. We've traveled the world and have gone on so many adventures in the last 10 years. She challenges me, encourages me, and is one of my greatest motivations. I could literally go on describing her incredible traits forever. My life is so blessed with her in it and I'm so excited to have her by my side for this next journey!

Alisha: Ah, my birthday twin! Not actual twins, for those who don't know, but we do share the same birthday, 2 years a part. He is one of the most magnificent human beings you will ever meet. Don't let the tough guy demeanor fool you, his niece has a way of melting through it all. Jay has been a constant support and advocate for our relationship, and that's always something you can wish for when you bring a partner home. I'm honored Layah chose him to stand beside us because their bond is something special. Layah: I obviously met Jay through Alisha! I was so nervous when I first met him, but as soon as we started talking, I could tell we would get along! As time passed, he began to feel more and more like my brother, and I am so grateful to have him be a part of this day!

My high school best friend and over 20 years of friendship. From driving up and down Academy belting Disney songs to running races in Disney World, she's the most magical friend I could have asked for. It's because of her I grew wings and finally left the state to experience life like never before. I stood by her side as she married the love of her life, and I'm so grateful to have her by mine.

Lamar is my brother...well, technically, he is my cousin... but we have been raised like twins. We lean on each other through the hard times, and we celebrate the good times together no matter what! I couldn't imagine him not being by my side.

My Heterosexual Life Partner (insert a Stick Up, the movie, reference) and favorite person to go to a concert with, especially in a blizzard at Red Rocks (the photo)! We met our freshman year at CSU with our Cluster 5 Family and she branched out with me into our first adult home as roommates. After almost 20 years of friendship, there's no one else I love belting Fall Out Boy songs with, so expect to see us at karaoke at some point. "You look so good in blue!"

I met Darain 4 years ago when I first started working for UCHealth. Our friendship was almost instant. He immediately fell into the "little brother" category. He was also there to help me decipher text and to help me sound cooler than I was when I first started talking to Alisha. So it would only make sense for him to stand beside me as I marry her.

My sister from another mister! Equally a part of the Cluster 5 Family freshman year at CSU and my favorite person to be on a boat with wake surfing. Her energy is like warmth from the sun and she's one of the most creative people I know! She, along with her mom and dad, have been one of the greatest gifts I was given in chosen family and I'm so excited to share this special day with them all.

I met Martin, or as I sometimes call him Keenan, four years ago when I first started at UCHealth. Working nights, he was the one who I would talk to. He is who I would bounce ideas off of, calm me down when I was getting too stressed with school, and make me laugh when I was having a hard time. He was also there when I first started talking to Alisha and has been there ever since.

Our story began as Orientation Leaders (2008) at CSU and grew into accountability buddies. She's my favorite person to be competitive with and reminds me of my worth every day. Whenever I need a foundation, she's there to provide it and ground me. She is a constant reminder that great things come in small packages. " I MEEELLLLTTTTTTT...."

I met Brittany when she first started working with me at WellPower. We immediately became friends. She has been there through some of my dark times and has helped me feel better. She is one person who can get me out of my shell and out of my head. I remember the first time we wet out in a group for work, and we randomly decided to go to a 6Lack concert after. Her spontaneity is one of her best qualities. I am so glad that she is able to be in my wedding.

An unconventional friendship officially blossomed from this very photo. We met while Becky was working with a semi-professional arena football team and had just moved to Fort Collins. She asked to come out with me on Halloween and of course I said "Yes". (I'm all about the more the merrier). The rest is literally an epic history of adventures. Her endless love is exactly what we need for our wedding.

Miss Winnipesaukee 2008 in the house! This picture pretty much sums up our friendship built on shenanigans. We met at the closing of Suite 152 in Fort Collins (2010) and she's one of my favorite dancing buddies. Look for her getting low and being the life of the party, because she's certainly been just that in my life. "SHOT TIME!"