Christian & Taylor
Wedding Party
Christian Colgate
Groom
Tried to schedule the wedding as a Google calendar meeting. The love of Taylor’s life; Christian lives in Tacoma, Washington with Taylor and their dog, Oslo. He has a B.S in Psychology from Kennesaw State University and currently works as a board member for BAD Marketing, founder and CEO of Cortexuum Digital Marketing, and cofounder of Kalyxi AI Integration Firm. In his free time, Christian is a talented cook, marathon runner, avid hiker, and enjoys spending his time researching vague topics no one else knows about, hitting chest almost everyday at the gym (not that Taylor’s complaining), and playing the guitar.
Taylor Garner
Bride
Wanted to wear armor to the wedding but settled for a dress The love of Christian’s life; Taylor lives in Tacoma, Washington with Christian and their dog, Oslo. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences as an University Honors Scholar from Colorado State University and is currently a medical student graduating in 2027 from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest. Taylor has 4.5 years of neurodegenerative research experience, has written 5 fantasy novels (and read hundreds more), summited countless mountains and has traveled across the globe. Taylor loves nature above all else and truly wants to make a positive impact on this world.
Todd Colgate
Best Man and Father of the Groom
Could sell a glass of water to a fish. Christian’s father; Todd is a retired salesman and lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Monica Colgate and step-son, Michael. He enjoys cooking gourmet, Italian meals (such is the way he shows his love) and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is the most street-smart person you will ever meet and is a great father.
Monica Colgate
Step-Mother of the Groom
Catches cruises like kids catch colds. Christian’s step-mother; Monica Colgate lives in Atlanta, Ga with Christian’s father, Todd. Monica enjoys traveling, going on cruises, and can be found at the nearest poker table with an aperol spritz in hand. She has been an amazing step-mother and is the most fun person to be around.
Len Garner
Father of the Bride
Thinks the CSU fight song is the only reason why words were invented. Taylor’s father; Len lives with his wife, Sandra, and their son, Trey, in Parker, Colorado, and works as a corporate attorney. Len is a proud CSU alum, passionate hiker, talented pianist, and enjoys spending time outdoors with his grand-puppy, Oslo (Taylor & Christian’s dog). Taylor and Len share a passion for hiking and traveled to Switzerland and Norway on hiking trips.
Sandra Garner
Mother of the Bride
MOB, wishes it was the Italian one and not an acronym. Taylor’s mother; Sandra lives in Parker, Colorado with her husband, Len, and their son, Trey. Sandra is a proud CSU alum, and works as a literacy specialist at a middle school. She is most likely to be found out on a 13-mile walk in the mountains, preferably followed by a bottle of Malbec and The Godfather. She loves spending time with her grand-puppy, Oslo (Taylor & Christian’s dog), and answering the phone whenever Taylor calls her, which is a full-time job in its own right.
Christian Phares
Best Man
AKA: Christian #2 Christian’s best friend; Christian Phares is a Behavioral Health Specialist in Denver, Colorado and enjoys flying, running, and eating Pho! He has been Christian’s best friend since college and they have grown together during all the many stages that occur in a man’s life between the ages of 20 and 30.
Hannah Lardinois
Matron of Honor
Refused to let Taylor play with her purple toy car once and Taylor is still holding a grudge. Taylor’s best friend of 24 years; Hannah lives in Denver with her fiancé, Caleb, and their puppy, Gus. She currently works in healthcare coordination and management with a B.S in Psychology and Molecular Biology with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience from University of Denver. Taylor and Hannah studied abroad in Europe together and also went to Nepal and climbed Everest Base Camp.
Matthew Minning
Groomsman
Is “chill like that” Christian’s step-brother; Matthew Minning lives in Savannah, Georgia and is Christian’s step brother and good friend. He is a successful salesman and enjoys hanging out with friends and being on a boat. Fun fact: Matthew taught Christian how to jet ski the “right way.”
Taylor Kassel-Shepherd
Matron of Honor
Is solely referred to by the bride as “Taylowwww”. Taylor’s best friend of 22 years; Taylor Kassel-Shepherd lives in Loveland, CO with her husband, Chris, and their two dogs, Skai and Frankie. She has a B.A in Psychology with a minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Northern Colorado, and currently works as an operations support specialist at a mental health facility. She and Taylor rode horses, played volleyball and also went to France together.
Michael Minning
Groomsman
Superpower: Can cite ANY football stat you ask him Christian’s step-brother; Michael graduated with his bachelor's degree from Kennesaw State University and love sports, playing videos games, and hanging out with family. Michael is probably the most genuinely nice person you will ever meet.
Lauren Colgate
Bridesmaid
Christian’s womb-mate. Christian’s (younger) twin sister; Lauren lives in Atlanta, Georgia and is an incredibly talented and creative chef alongside owning and running her catering company, Gentle Kitchens. In her free time, Lauren plays the ukelele and sings, and is passionate about the arts in all forms.
Trey Garner
Groomsman
Thinks the show Arcane is God's gift to the universe. Taylor’s brother; Trey lives in Parker, Colorado and works as a private plane detailer at multiple airports throughout Colorado. Trey has a B.S in Digital Film Making from Los Angeles Film School. Trey is passionate about cars, planes, Rocket League, Star Wars, and loves to spend his time at the gym, flying on his flight simulator, going to the driving range with his friends, and discussing the Netflix show, Arcane. The only thing that Trey loves more than Arcane, is obviously his sister.
Katalina Colgate
Bridesmaid
The smallest and loudest person in every room. Christian’s youngest sister; Katalina hails from Brooklyn, New York and currently works as a bartender alongside attending fashion school. Katalina is the life of every party and in her free time, enjoys living life as the main character.
Chris Rubino
Groomsman
The staightest gay man you will ever meet. Christian’s best friend; Chris Rubino lives in Paris, France and currently attends a university studying international business and marketing. Chris also works with Christian in the Marketing world and has helped his agency grow tremendously. Chris and Christian used to work together at Delta during their early 20’s. Chris enjoys traveling, photography, and living life to its fullest.
Kristina Cohen
Bridesmaid
A granola person Christian’s older sister; Kristina lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her boyfriend, Codee, and is an accomplished filmmaker, director, and is currently revolutionizing granola as a cofounder of The Granola People. In her free time, Kristina is very spiritual and enjoys adventuring and spending her time in nature and with the people she loves (especially her favorite sibling, Christian).
The Honorable Adam Torem
Officiant
We are honored to have a lifelong friend, The Honorable Adam Torem, Washington Judge and retired Colonel of the United States Air Force, officiating the ceremony.
Mercedes Sanchez Cea
Bridesmaid
Does not drive a Mercedes and is tired of that joke. Christian’s oldest sister; Mercedes works as a marketing commercial manager and lives in El Salvador with her daughter, Sofia, and her husband, Juan Carlos. She is an avid surfer and adventurer, and enjoys spending her time outdoors, soaking up the sunshine.