Wedding PartyWedding Party
Leah HalonenLeah Halonen
Maid of Honor
As the bride’s older sister and lifelong partner-in-crime, Leah has been by Tess's side since the very beginning, growing up together in a bond that only sisters truly understand. While she may not have been the picture-perfect role model, Leah has always been fiercely protective, standing up for her little sister no matter what and making sure she always knew someone had her back. After years of navigating the ups and downs of corporate America, the two sisters decided to take a leap of faith and build something of their own. Together, they started a business, said goodbye to their 9-to-5s, and never looked back. It’s been one of the most rewarding and fun chapters of Leah’s life, made even better by getting to do it side by side. As Maid of Honor, Leah couldn’t be more proud of the incredible woman her sister has become, or more excited to stand by her on this day (though she reserves the right to share just a few carefully selected childhood stories if the moment feels right).
Corey SimpsonCorey Simpson
Best Man
Having met in sixth grade at Denver Academy, Corey has known Colin through every era of life. Their close friendship carried through high school, college, and beyond, ultimately earning Corey his place as best man. Corey’s passions include music, travel, language, reading, writing, cooking, and more. After living and working in Mexico sharpening his Spanish skills, and spending time as a chef at ChoLon, Corey is now pursuing a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology. From an early love of the Beatles and Led Zeppelin to now, Colin and Corey have traded albums, ideas, and jams. The two even wrote, recorded, and produced an album together as Walking Shadows. Travel became another shared passion, with stories spanning Mexico, Spain, the UK, and more. Corey is honored to celebrate the marriage of Tess and Colin, knowing Colin’s calm nature, adventurous spirit, and love of connection will always be at the center of their relationship.
Valerie Epstein and KarrahValerie Epstein and Karrah
VIP Bridesmaid and Flower Girl
Valerie Epstein is honored to celebrate her cousin, Tess, on this special day. Growing up, Valerie always admired Tess for her incredible musical talent, vibrant personality, and amazing ability to bring people together. Whether it was a family gathering, a wedding, or just an ordinary day, Tess had a way of making every moment more fun and unforgettable. Professionally, Valerie built a successful career as a bank examiner, where her dedication and attention to detail earned the respect of many. Today, she has begun an exciting new chapter as the owner of her own catering company in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, combining her passion for hospitality with her entrepreneurial spirit. Valerie is especially excited to share this day with her daughter, Karrah, who is proudly serving as the flower girl. Karrah is a true genius whose bright mind, kind heart, and joyful personality make her a delight to everyone who knows her. Valerie couldn't be happier for Colin and Tess as they begin this next chapter together. She wishes them a lifetime of love, laughter, happiness, and countless beautiful memories surrounded by family and friends. ❤️💍🥂
Taliah FarnsworthTaliah Farnsworth
Best Woman
Taliah met Colin for the first time when he joined the family as her baby brother. The two spent their childhood years exploring New Mexico, California and then Colorado with a ragtag cast of cats, dogs and parakeets, and Taliah got to watch and listen as Colin’s musical talent and skill blossomed from working his way through a Beatles guitar songbook to performing with live bands to making music his full-time job. The “science kid” of the family to Colin’s “music kid,” Taliah works for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the director of the National Eagle and Wildlife Property Repository, a one-of-a-kind facility which houses wildlife products like elephant ivory, rhinoceros horn, and pangolin scales that were seized after being bought or sold illegally, and receives the remains of deceased bald and golden eagles from across the country and distributes their remains, parts and feathers to enrolled members of federally recognized Native American Tribes. Taliah’s lifelong love of nature and living things blossoms in her personal life too, and she is an avid hiker, camper, gardener, and birder. Taliah lives in Denver with her Australian cattle dog, Zia. Taliah is excited to stand with Colin and Tess as they start their next chapter together as partners in music, in life, and in love - like Lennon and McCartney, Simon and Garfunkel, Sonny and Cher, Carter and Cash, and other famous duos throughout music history, they know that the best music is made together. Play on!
Glenna BullockGlenna Bullock
Musical Soulmate
Tess and Glenna met in the flute department at DU, bonding over music and a shared talent for finding humor in just about everything, and after 25 years of friendship, they are forever connected by heart. Glenna is honored to stand beside Tess today as she marries her beloved, Colin. For the last 10 years, Glenna has been raising her three children, Ethan, Stella, and Forrest, with her husband David, an Air Force officer. Military life has moved their family every couple of years, while Glenna balanced motherhood with passions for music, nonprofit work, travel, scuba diving, volleyball, and even a few marathons. She helped build a Denver-based nonprofit model focused on teaching life skills to urban youth and later worked alongside Tess teaching music and performing occasional wedding gigs. Over the years, she also worked for Special Olympics Montana, opened a piano studio, and supported military organizations. Now back in Colorado, Glenna is studying interior design, another creative passion inspired by her music background. From the beginning, Glenna admired Tess’s technique, tone, and determination - qualities that later helped her build a successful music lessons business. She continues to be inspired by Tess’s passion for music and life and is thrilled to see her effervescence joined with Colin’s old soul. Congratulations, you two!
David CorboyDavid Corboy
Groomsman
David and Colin met at Denver Academy in eighth and seventh grades respectively, beginning a friendship built on shared passions, creative projects, travel, and years of experiences together. A deeply driven and passionate person himself, David values loyalty above all. After attending Berklee College of Music, where Colin later followed him, David returned to Denver to pursue music before eventually heading to LA. His path later shifted toward entrepreneurship, leading him to start and run the vegan food truck Alpine Eatery. David and Colin’s friendship has long been rooted in music. The two performed together in the high school band Epic Peace, then reunited at Berklee, where they continued writing and recording music under the name 1892. Through music, food, sports, politics, and countless conversations, their friendship has remained as strong as ever. David is proud to stand beside Colin on his wedding day, especially after Colin once stood beside him at his wedding to Lizzie. Having known Colin for so long, David can confidently say that his loyalty, commitment, and unwavering support will always be at the center of his relationship with Tess.
Samm TillotsonSamm Tillotson
Bridesmaid
Samm Tillotson is a Denver native, attorney, civil litigation partner, professional multitasker, and mom of three little girls - including three-year-old twins who keep life exciting at all times. She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Management from Metropolitan State University of Denver before obtaining her law degree from University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Along the way, she also met two of the most important people in her life: her husband, Andy, and her lifelong friend, Tess. While at Metro, Samm ran for Student Body President alongside Tess as Vice President. After winning the election, the two spent a year advocating for students, working with campus leadership and state legislators, and trying to leave the university better than they found it. It remains one of the best and most meaningful experiences of her life. When she is not balancing courtrooms, client meetings, and motherhood, Samm loves traveling, soaking in local hot springs, camping, paddle boarding, cooking, making art, and spending time with friends. She has proudly lived in Denver her entire life and cannot imagine calling anywhere else home. Although free time is rare, Samm firmly believes the best escapes involve cocktails, concerts, and showing up to a protest with Tess and Colin. She is endlessly grateful for their friendship and absolutely thrilled to celebrate their big day.
Spencer MerageSpencer Merage
Groomsman
Meeting Colin at Denver Academy in middle school, Spencer has known Colin long enough to vouch for the person he is. Though they ran in many of the same circles throughout middle and high school, constantly crossing paths at social events, it’s funny that it took the COVID era for their friendship to really grow. Like many of Colin’s closest friendships, their bond was built on shared interests. Spencer is a man of many worlds: hockey, healing, music, and the outdoors. It’s no surprise the two found common ground so naturally. Whether he’s traveling through Chile, trekking deep into the backcountry, rafting wild rivers, or leading creative healing sessions, Spencer brings his whole heart into everything he does. Even after high school took them in different directions, Spencer and Colin always seemed to find their way back to each other. After graduating from DU, Spencer rejoined the familiar circle of Colin, Corey, and David, where guitars inevitably appeared at every gathering. Their shared love of Led Zeppelin, spontaneous jam sessions, and making music in the moment brought them even closer years after they first met. Because Spencer knows what it means to put your full heart into the people and passions you love, he also knows Colin will always do the same for Tess. Looking back on those early days together, Spencer could’ve told you this love story would last, and he was right.
Carrie DupreeCarrie Dupree
Bridesmaid
Carrie Dupree has always approached life with practicality, discipline, and just enough charm to keep things interesting. After growing up in public school and learning early that hard work pays off, she joined the Army before earning finance and accounting degrees from New Mexico State University. There, she first met future-cousin Val - a connection that would later shape much of her Denver chapter. Carrie went on to build a successful career at the OCC, where she’s known for her analytical mindset, editorial talent, and humor. Like most good things, her Denver story began over green chile enchiladas at future-cousin Tess’s house, where cousin Val played social connector. What started as a casual dinner turned into years of wine tastings, lively parties, and lasting friendship. Along the way, Carrie married cousin Johnny and made Denver home. Outside of work, Carrie enjoys reading, podcasts, art, travel, and creating a welcoming home. She also appreciates a gourmet meal, a well-planned trip, and any excuse to attend a party, especially if Tess is involved. Beneath it all runs a consistent theme: Carrie is steadily working toward the ultimate goal of a well-earned life of leisure with her husband, Jonathan, ideally with just a bit more time and resources to perfect the art of doing exactly as she pleases.
Mike DavisMike Davis
Groomsman
Originally from Chicago, Mike met Colin in 2012 after moving to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University. Though they did not meet directly through DA, they connected through mutual friends and quickly bonded over music, creativity, and shared life experiences. A multi-talented musician, Mike’s abilities extend far beyond drumming. While living in Fort Collins, he formed the band Chess at Breakfast, contributing not only as drummer, but also as a writer, arranger, producer, and videographer. His dedication to creativity made his friendship with Colin feel natural, as both shared a deep passion for music and artistry. After Chess at Breakfast ended in 2021, Mike shifted his focus toward coding and computer science, where he is currently building his career. A true “Mike of many trades,” he continually excels in whatever he pursues. Mike and Colin collaborated on both records released under The Ursidae throughout the 2010s. While their friendship was strengthened through creating music together, it was equally rooted in shared albums, concerts, and countless conversations about the art they loved. Mike knows Colin brings that same depth, loyalty, and care into all of his close relationships, including the one he shares with Tess. He can confidently say Colin will always show up to support and nurture the bond they continue to build together.
Monika HutchinsonMonika Hutchinson
Bridesmaid
Monika (they/them) is honored to stand beside Tess today, a role they’ve been preparing for since the first day of freshman year at the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver on September 11, 2001 — a date that made an already memorable introduction unforgettable. From there, Monika, Tess, and fellow bridesmaids Glenna and Gretta became proud “basement dwellers” of the Logan Street house, surviving music school together while creating countless stories and lifelong friendships. Today, Monika works at Charles Schwab as a Senior Manager of Corporate Compliance Training, leading an instructional design team and helping make complex topics understandable. Though their music degree is less central these days, they still sing occasionally, sometimes with Tess and sometimes even at Carnegie Hall. Outside of work, Monika enjoys scuba diving, hot yoga, and pursuing their yoga teacher certification. They live in Littleton with their partner Ted, two huskies, Lakota and Kallik, and a turtle named Pickle. They also share a special relationship with their boyfriend, Kyland, making life a well-balanced mix of adventure, logistics, and carefully coordinated calendars. Monika met Colin through Tess and quickly recognized him as her perfect complement — truly the yin to her yang. They are grateful to witness Tess and Colin’s love story and excited for the joyful future ahead of them.
John RemingtonJohn Remington
Groomsman
While both from Colorado, John did not meet Colin there. The two met on the first day of orientation at Berklee College of Music, finding a common ground instantly when they discovered they were both from Colorado. Beyond the Colorado connection, John has the same love for music and the creative fields, which was strengthened by his time at Berklee. He and Colin became not just close friends, but roommates while living in Boston. The two managed to not only share a love of many of the same artists and movies, but became close within the Creative Workshop ensemble led by John Damian. Outside of their shared classes, the two could be found having jam sessions in their apartment, or coming up with creative recipes on their college student budgets. These creations were often enjoyed over their other shared interest in movies and TV. As Colin’s path led him back to Colorado, John remained in Boston where he finished his studies at Berklee in the MP&E program. His path brought him back to Colorado as well, playing briefly with The Ursidae and then on to forge his way as the talented audio engineer, mixer, producer, songwriter and artist that he is. John can safely say that Colin is a kind hearted individual and someone that will always stand by those around him. His loyalty and kindness will serve Tess in every way you can imagine.
Gretta KuebertGretta Kuebert
Bridesmaid
University of Denver survivors Gretta Kuebert and Tess met in the freshman trenches of the Lamont School of Music and quickly bonded over the shared chaos of music school. Originally from Massachusetts, Gretta earned degrees in Vocal Performance and MBA Business Law & Ethics before moving to Los Angeles, where she spent seven years at Creative Artists Agency managing tours for major artists and attending enough concerts to permanently damage both her hearing and sleep schedule. Eventually, Gretta traded the LA grind for Colorado mountains and outdoor adventures. Before leaving California, she married her graduate school sweetheart, Taurin, and the two backpacked around the world together. After Taurin’s passing from terminal cancer, Gretta honored him by spreading his ashes everywhere from Kyoto to Iceland, proving both her resilience and elite airline status. Back in Colorado, Gretta met husband Kevin on opening day at Vail Ski Resort (cheaper than dating apps), married less than a year later, and welcomed daughter Oakley. Today, she thrives as a stay-at-home mom, community volunteer, and board member for the Eagle Valley Community Foundation. Gretta also happily admits she was wrong about the “cute younger musician guy” Tess once gushed about. After meeting Colin, she was pleasantly surprised by his maturity, kindness, and sociability. It quickly became clear the two were a perfect match, and she couldn’t be prouder to celebrate the partnership they’ve built together.
Hunter TomlinsonHunter Tomlinson
Groomsman
Hunter and Colin met at the Corboy house, as many people did. Since Hunter was a longtime friend of David’s and part of the DA crew, it was only natural that the two would quickly hit it off. Hunter, who was a student at Kent, spent many years closely connected with the DA group. As a guitar player and fellow music lover, he and Colin bonded effortlessly, with countless jam sessions breaking out in garages and basements across town. Alongside David Corboy, the two were also part of a jam band known as Jamadam. Hunter later attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, which only strengthened their friendship. During the years Colin frequently traveled to visit the FoCo crew, Hunter remained an important part of that circle. After college, Hunter began working for HP, and although his career eventually took him to Oregon, the friendship between the two has remained strong. They still make a point to see each other whenever they can. Music continues to be a major part of their connection, but conversations about sports, memories, and their shared passion for life are just as common. Even though they no longer live in the same state, their friendship has only grown stronger over time. Hunter knows firsthand the kindness, loyalty, and support Colin gives to the people he loves, and he has no doubt that Tess will receive nothing less than the very best of him.
Hadley AmbroseHadley Ambrose
Bridesmaid
Hadley came into Tess’s life about five years ago through a mutual friend's party. From the moment Hadley arrived in full costume, she and Tess instantly connected over their shared love of costumes, animals, and tuna casserole. Their friendship quickly grew, and Hadley has continued to admire Tess’s passion for music, dedication to her business, and ability to work hard while still making life fun. At the time that Hadley and her (now) fiancee Rylan met Tess, they were also introduced to Colin. Like introducing dogs for the first time, everyone always hopes that their boyfriends will get along with each other. Rylan and Colin clicked immediately with the same organic ease. Later on, they would come to find out that their own two worlds were already tethered together by another spark of serendipity. Together, the four of them have enjoyed many spontaneous outings and adventures! By day, Hadley works as a Senior Quality Assurance Analyst, and by night, she channels her creativity into gardening and art projects at her kitchen table. She and Rylan share their home with their two beloved dogs, Bubba and Lucy. Hadley is incredibly honored to stand beside Tess on such an important day and to be part of this special group of women in her life. After spending time with both Tess and Colin together and separately, she is confident they’ve truly found their forever person in each other and is overjoyed to celebrate this next chapter with them.
Rylan VanasdaleRylan Vanasdale
Groomsman
Even though Rylan and Colin did not meet until 2021, their friendship quickly felt as though it had existed for years. From the moment they met, the connection came naturally and immediately felt deeper than a typical new friendship. It was later revealed that Colin had been longtime friends with Rylan’s cousin, Hunter, which seemed to explain why their bond felt so familiar from the start. Originally from Parker, Rylan had not known Colin or the rest of Hunter’s friend group growing up, yet he fit seamlessly into the circle right away. After working as an arborist, Rylan transitioned into construction management and now works for Linx managing job sites. Outside of work, however, he is someone who truly works to live. Much of his connection with Colin comes from their shared passions for music, hockey, travel, language, and long conversations about life. Their friendship also deepened through the close bond between Colin and Tess and Rylan and his fiancée, Hadley, especially after the two couples became neighbors. Rylan has even started learning bass from Colin while teaching Colin how to ice skate with the shared goal of eventually playing hockey together. He knows firsthand what a loyal and genuine friend Colin is and has seen how naturally Colin and Tess complement one another. He is certain their relationship will continue to be a beautiful and lasting partnership for years to come.
Mary AndersonMary Anderson
Bridesmaid
Mary is thrilled for Tess and Colin’s big day, and for Colin to finally make an honest woman out of her for the sake of their children: Peach, Mocha, Vernon, and Jacques (who Mary’s toddler may or may not have licked when briefly left unsupervised). A Hoosier by birth, Mary bounced from Chicago to Charleston before landing in Boulder for her MBA at CU. After more than a decade leading marketing for a division of Ball, “corporate slavery,” as Tess lovingly calls it, Mary now co-runs an “afterschool enrichment empire” with Tess and Leah (manifesting). Mary lives in Morrison, CO with her husband, Andrew, and their two boys, Henry and Leland. She loves live music, dance parties, hiking, skiing, gardening, and celebrating carbohydrates in all their beautiful forms. Mary met Tess in 2012 through Mike Adamson and quickly bonded over theme parties, wigs, and being peer pressured into the after party. To know Tess is to love her intelligence, enthusiasm, and thoughtfulness. Colin entered the picture during Covid as the “hot young musician guy,” and Mary immediately appreciated his passion for music, adventure, and Tess. Mostly, Mary is just relieved the ‘hot young musician guy’ Tess soft launch after COVID made it all the way to a legally binding commitment.
Sam RealSam Real
Groomsman
Sam is yet another connection that was made through the Fort Collins scene by way of DA connections. The pair met first in 2012 and quickly found common ground amongst music. Be it jam sessions or concerts where the two ended up, the connection was natural. As the pair often found themselves at the same gatherings, the invites began to flow. Even beyond mutual invitations to weddings and such, the pair have found themselves as travel companions which formed an even greater bond. Sam is known for his hospitality, being the friend to always offer a drink and an experience. Colin can tell you of many times where he would be handed a cocktail at the door, which was always one of Sam’s new creations. His passion for sharing the things he loves with others is a hallmark of what Sam brings to you as a friend. Experienced in the hospitality and beverage industry, Sam can always recommend a place to go or a brand to try. Beyond that the two share a love for music, which is based within their knowledge of various types of guitars and other instruments. Oftentimes the two can be found gabbing about different models and players. Beyond that, their shared passions for travel, sports and more has given a firm basis for a longtime friendship. Sam can surely say that Tess will always enjoy having Colin there by her side, as he knows of Colin’s loyalty and dedication to those that he loves.
Megan MenendezMegan Menendez
Bridesmaid
When Megan and Tess first met several years back, it was a casual, easy friendship that was bound to grow over time. Since then, the friendship has grown through travels, frequent exchanges about the kitty bois and girls, holidays, jobs, unconditional camaraderie, and Jack White. Now, years later, it’s clear why Tess is so beloved by her friends and family, offering joy, support, and a safe space for everyone around her. Between managing the taproom and events at Fiction Beer Company, keeping up with contract writing, and helping clients of her web design business, it’s not always easy for Megan to find time to spend with friends, especially with Tess’s equally busy schedule. But no matter how long it takes for them to sync up again, it feels as if no time has passed–the mark of true friendship. It’s such an honor for Megan to be part of Tess and Colin’s day. With these two involved, it’s sure to be a wild ride of a day with the perfect amount of calm mixed in. Megan’s excited to help make it a day to remember–in a good way–and make sure that the bride makes time to eat, drink, and enjoy herself amidst all of the chaos of a wedding and reception.
Jackson HaimesJackson Haimes
Groomsman
Jackson and Colin met in eighth grade at Denver Academy, and while they didn’t get closer until later in high school, the friendship was always there. Having had the pleasure of being in the same classes junior year, their connection deepened through music, food, and more. Jackson and Colin’s connection only continued after high school, as more collaborations of music making and recipes ensued, through the trade of song ideas and cooking techniques which were often the main features of each get together. Jackson has followed his passions in the culinary world, taking the steps to train at and complete a program at a culinary school which has led him into finding his own niche in that world. Jackson launched his own company, Black Bear Bakery which specializes in breads, rolls, pastries and many other creations by Jackson himself. Through his cooking and baking Jackson shares his love for others. When tasting Jackson's creations you can feel the love and passion he puts into it, which makes it extra special when you get to try one of Jackson’s creations that he will make just for you. Beyond his culinary abilities, Jackson always holds the space for those he holds dear. After all of these years the connection Jackson and Colin have only continues to grow. Jackson knows that Tess and Colin are a perfect fit, and has seen their connection grow and blossom. Whenever you need a guitar part laid down, or a direct line to something delicious, Colin can be counted on.
Emily CuomoEmily Cuomo
Bridesmaid
Emily has had the joy of knowing Tess for nearly 18 years - a friendship that began in a diabetes research lab under their very memorable (and slightly questionable) boss, Brenda. Together, they spent their days in what they called “the mouse house,” bonding over caffeine dependency, lab delirium, and a rotating cast of deeply confused boys. Nothing says lifelong friendship like that. Since then, Emily has been lucky to keep Tess in her life as a source of laughter with a dash of chaos. She’s the kind of person who will always show up and make you laugh while doing it. Outside of her friendship with Tess, Emily works as a physician assistant and is also a proud new mom, which means she now balances caring for patients with caring for a tiny human (arguably the more demanding job). Emily feels incredibly honored to stand by Tess on her wedding day and couldn’t be happier to see her so loved. She’s so excited to celebrate this next chapter, and promises to keep any stories from the nuclear fallout shelter under National Jewish to a minimum… probably.
Jacob DahlJacob Dahl
Groomsman
Perhaps the person here who has known Colin the longest, Jacob and Colin’s connection stems way back to not just DA but Slavens Elementary. Having met in second and third grade respectively, as Colin was a grade above, the pair became friends in a summer rock band camp. Their shared interests of not just music, but film, TV, sports, travel and so much more carried their friendship for years. After Colin left Slavens to attend DA, Jacob followed suit, a move that only strengthened their friendship. Jacob graduated a year after Colin, after taking a memorable trip to see him in Boston and then New York while still a senior in high school. Jacob found his own path, heading the opposite side of the country from Boston and attending Puget Sound in Seattle, where he then moved to LA to work on his writing. Currently Jacob is applying to law schools and is furthering his expertise and knowledge. Even though the two may not have always been in the same state or timezone, or even just city, the pair always find the time to meet up when they can, proving these kinds of friendships never cease. Jacob can attest to how strong Colin’s relationships are and how his commitment to them will never falter. Tess will get to see that firsthand.