Shannon & Branden
Our Amazing Wedding Party
Monika Lutostanski
Officiant
Monika is Shannon's bub, bosom buddy, & kindred spirit. She is the kindest, silliest, most creative and thoughtful person the couple knows. Shannon and Monika became best friends in 3rd grade and have been inseparable ever since. During childhood they were always outside coming up with new games and wholesome mischief, or inside by the fireplace writing each other letters from imaginary schools and making handmade toys and crafts. Monika is now an international businesswoman who speaks multiple languages, has translated books, travels extensively and makes friends all over the world, and never ceases to amaze her bub. Who better to marry the two goofballs than this superhero?
Linsey Barclay
Maid of Honor
Oh, dear sweet Linsey Sue. Shannon has loved Linsey with her whole heart since the day Linsey was born. She has been the best little sister in the world, and they have always been extremely close. It's so difficult living in different parts of the country now, but Shan is forever proud of Lins and every single thing she does. Linsey is SO MUCH FUN, hilarious, adventurous, and loving. She works so hard and achieves every goal she sets. Shannon constantly looks up to her and is amazed by her wisdom and determination. Branden is an enormous Linsey fan, and both Shannon and Branden are beyond grateful to have this sister by their sides on the big day. They hope to travel the world with Linsey in the future, and create numerous traditions for years to come.
Megan Shipman
Maid of Honor
Megan is Shannon's best friend (since kindergarten) and soul sister. It seems like they spent their whole lives together, and being BFFs with Meg is one of Shannon's greatest joys and blessings. Growing up, Meg and Shan did everything together - family holidays, vacations, a million sleepovers, day camps, sleepaway camps, band and school trips, sports, dances, parties, etc. Shan loves Meg's family like they're her own. Meg and Shan have seen each other through countless losses and successes and have always been supportive of one another. Meg is responsible for Shan's move to Colorado and therefore meeting the love of her life. Now Meg and Branden are close friends too! They play fantasy football together, and love Game of Thrones, craft beer, and coffee. Meg is the best!
Abby Boisvert
Bridesmaid
Abby is an absolute angel and one of Shannon's closest friends. Warning - when she and Shannon get together non-stop laughter immediately ensues! Time and distance can be quite cruel, but Abby and Shan will always pick up where they left off, and will always love each other unconditionally. Abby is an incredible friend; one who is always loyal, honest, and makes you feel welcome and cozy, and comfortable just the way you are. During their youths, Abby and Shannon could be found taking very long walks around ponds, sleeping in cars for fun, driving around pumping the breaks rhythmically to neat tunes, and pitching tents left and right. Abby and Branden hit it off right away because they both have such warm, funny, loving personalities. It'll be a dream come true getting married next to Abs!
Tiffany Montoya
Bridesmaid
Tiffany is Branden's (and now Shannon's) little sister. She's an incredible sister, mother, daughter and friend. B absolutely adores his little sister. As a matter of fact, when B's parents informed him of Tif's arrival, he spray-painted her due date on the front sidewalk to ensure every passerby was in the know. B and Tif have been extremely close throughout the years and love spending quality time with each other and the entire family. They enjoy playing Combo and the Dinosaur, Super Mario and board games. Shannon seamlessly and quickly bonded with Tif and her family and is very grateful and honored to have Tif standing by her side for her and B's wedding day.
Janna Zelinger
Bridesmaid
Janna was one of Shannon and Branden's first and biggest supporters. She has been one of Branden's best friends for years, and Shannon fell in love with her right away too! Both Shannon and B think of Janna as a sister. Janna is so incredibly strong and smart, and the most loyal and generous friend. The couple has countless memories of board time nights, dinners, parties, and long conversations into the night. B has years worth of heartwarming and fun memories, including racquetball, tennis, hiking, board games, and coffee. Shanny and B could not imagine their wedding day without Janna by their sides, and can't wait to have heart-to-hearts with Janna for the rest of their lives.
Stephanie Gregory
Bridesmaid
Steph is the glue. She's the glue that keeps everyone together. She has a heart the size of Jersey and makes everyone she loves feel at home with the continuous invitations to get together, hosting, cooking, and forever thinking of the next time she can get everyone together. Steph is hard-working, multi-talented, thoughtful, and so witty. She has always been there for both Shannon and Branden, and they both love her so much. EVERYONE needs a friend like Steph. Shan and B can't wait for all the many wonderful events that await - holidays, vacations, parties, and just comfy days chilling at home laughing for hours on end.
Wylie Bayes
Best Man
Wylie and Branden met at the age of 13 and built their friendship on trust and loyalty. Throughout junior high and high school, they were inseparable. Wylie is a hilarious, hard-working and down-to earth person who would give you the shirt off his back. Wylie and Branden share a fairly unique sense of humor. If you see Wylie, please find the time to ask "Want to buy some meat, bro?" Shannon and Wylie or as they affectionately call each other, Sistro and Brotho friendship is fun, effortless and filled with love. B and Sistro look forward to making plizzies with Brotho for years to come!
Mike Gregory
Best Man
Mike is one of the most trustworthy, genuine, loving and positive people. His heart-felt warmth for his friends and family is palpable and anyone who is lucky enough to be in his life knows how special he is. Branden and Mike became really close friends in college. Over the years, they have bonded over live music, quality beer, whiskey and poker. Mike and his wife Stephanie (Shannon's bridesmaid) constantly reach out to the people they love and are always looking for an opportunity to spend quality time together. Branden and Shannon feel so grateful to have Mike, Steph & Avery in their lives.
Corey Ferraro
Groomsman
Corey and Branden became friends around the age of 17. During their final year of high school, they would often curb their senioritis by skipping afternoon classes to drink beer, smoke cigars and grill steaks at Charlie's house. Weren't they so cool? They've remained close friends throughout the years, lived together freshman year of college, and no more than 20 min from one another ever since. Branden and Shannon always feel at home when spending time with Corey, his wife Lindsey, and their two amazing children, Noah & London. There is no way the bridal party would be complete without Corey standing next to them on their wedding day.
Nick Swanson
Groomsman
Nick and Branden have been friends for over 15 years. Nick is reliable, generous, intelligent and trustworthy. Branden considers Nick to be a pillar within the friend group as he never hesitates to go out of his way to help the people he cares about. Branden's nickname for his friend is "Johnny-on-the-Spot" because Nick has a natural ability to predict potential problems or hassles and solve them before anyone else is even aware. Branden and Nick have had countless good times: Poker-Mondays, Taco-Tuesdays, traveling to Moab and Spain together, Odd-Ball Comedy tour, casinos, grilling, beer pong, and surprising each other with Smirnoff Ices just to name a few. Branden and Shannon have loved watching Nick become a father and cherish time with Nick, his wonderful wife Laura, and their son Leo.
Chance Percival
Groomsman
Chance is a social butterfly. Chance takes pride ensuring that everyone around him is having a good time and he can always be counted on to provide an appropriate and fun playlist for any occasion. He values friendships, new and old, and effortlessly finds ways to connect with people. Branden and Chance became close friends in their early 20's. They lived in the same apartment complex and spent countless hours gaming, going to coffee shops, hosting parties and attending local concerts. They also particularly enjoyed taking long late night snowy walks to the park just to share enhanced conversations. Branden and Shannon are very grateful that Chance is a part of their lives and bridal party. They absolutely love Chance and his fiancée Brooke, and can't wait to make a million more memories.
Charlie Sawaya
Groomsman
Growing up, Branden admired his older brother "bubba" Charlie and wanted to be by his side all the time. Over the years, they have bonded over the family business, long drives to talk, poker, fishing and video games, especially World of Warcraft. Charlie and Branden can often find humor in very goofy things. For example, when B was in high school, you could spot him in the back of Charlie's truck yelling "Mustard!" and waving which would send both Charlie and Branden into a hysterical bout of laughter. Branden respects Charlie's intelligence and strong love for his family. Shannon is grateful to gain a brother and is excited to spend the upcoming years and family functions picking on B and laughing with Charlie.