Wedding Party
Madi Mellage
Matron of Honor
Madi and I met in college at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 2008 via first day of volleyball preseason (aka: 2-a-days). We became roommates our junior year when moving into an off-campus house with Ariel and Reanna and lived together until graduation. We bonded over our love of Harry Potter and American Horror Story, including dressing up as our favorite HP characters for a midnight movie showing (that happened to appear in our college newspaper). We've been close ever since regardless of her living in CO and me living in Missouri and California. I can't imagine not having Madi stand next to me on my wedding day!
Whitney Magy
Bridesmaid
Whitney and I met in college through our mutual friend, Ariel. We didn't actually spend a lot of time together in college, but once we both graduated is when we became close. After college I lived outside of Kansas City, Ariel lived in Sioux Falls, and Whitney lived in Omaha so we would meet in Omaha (half way) quite frequently for the weekend. Our friendship continued to grow and evolve even as we moved away from those cities; She moved to Minneapolis, MN and I moved to California. She's the life of the party and always knows how to get me out of my shy, awkward shell. So excited for her to be apart of the big day!
MacKenzie Lang
Bridesmaid
MacKenzie and I met in 6th grade at "back to school night." I was new to Father Marquette School and our lockers were in alphabetical order, which meant that we were right next to each other. THANK GOODNESS for MacKenzie's dad, Paul forcing her to say hi and making me feel welcome. We were both super awkward, but that nudge jumpstarted our 22 years and counting friendship. We didn't go to high school together nor college, never lived in the same town but regardless our friendship has really stood the test of time. MacKenzie is as loyal as they come and I appreciate everything about her. Thankful to have her supporting me on this day!
Ariel Granillo
Bridesmaid
Ariel and I met as random college roommates our Freshman year. I remember us emailing each other the summer prior to start to get to know each other before living in the dorms; Her as a basketball player and me as a volleyball player. I'll never forget the first day you moved in and your mom asked if we needed a night light. I couldn't have asked for someone better to experience the highs and lows of college - academics and athletics. She's been an absolute rock through these last 11 years and I'm fortune to have her as a friend and bridesmaid.
Tim Navarrete
Best Man
My brother, and the person who knows me better than anyone, is without question my Best Man. Growing up we've had many experiences that have shaped us into the people we are today. Looking back to our wrestling days when we woke up at 4:30am to run to our morning practices, to golfing in the rain and spending the whole day at the club house talking about everything and anything, he is that person - no matter where we are or how long it's been since we've seen each other, that understands me on the most fundamental level. I am beyond honored that he is my Best Man on this special day.
Derek Watson
Groomsman
Member of the ABJ club (if you know, you know...), Dr. Watson and I have been through it all. Our paths first crossed during our graduate studies at the University of Northern Colorado, a period in my life that I hold very dear. We both entered the masters program eager to improve and hitting the ground running. Throughout our time at UNC we attended many of the same classes, events, and freelance gigs in the Colorado region. A few of my best memories involving our trip to China, New Orleans, and Dallas. He is one of my closest friends, I am privileged that he is here to celebrate with me today.
Darrel Watson
Groomsman
If I had to describe my relationship with Dr. Watson in three letters, it would be.... ABJ. Also a member of the ABJ club, Dr. Watson, the identical twin brother of Dr. Watson, is a person that shares the same passion for jazz as I do. Like his brother, our paths first crossed during our graduate studies at the University of Northern Colorado. Our friendship has grown by overcoming the trials and tribulations of the program, allowing us to bond over those experiences. I am honored that Dr. Watson is able to celebrate with us on this special day.
David Moore
Groomsman
David and I met at the University of Northern Colorado. Hired as the grad assistants for the Trumpet Studio we were involved with everything the music program could throw at us! From filing paperwork, late night practice sessions, to hanging out between classes, David and I have experienced it all. A few of my best memories involving our trip to China, Columbus, Ohio, and New Orleans. He is one of my closest friends and has always been an incredible friend. I am privileged that he is here to celebrate with me today.