Wedding Party / El Cortejo
Krystin
Bride
Krystin is truly one of a kind. She’s the perfect combination of a fairy garden gnome — enthusiastic, creative, curious, and witty — and a National Geographic field correspondent. She’s a secret birder who can identify birds in the middle of conversations and knows when a weather front is coming through by the change of pressure in her ears. Basically, she’s nature’s cutest and least-funded meteorologist. She’s always dreaming up exciting future plans, and I love watching her get swept up in the possibilities. And then, with impeccable speed, she gets FOMO about all of them. With Krystin, there’s never just one path — there are seventeen, all sparkling, all intriguing. She’s made up of the most beautiful subtleties: smiling at every passing puppy, being in awe of how beautiful flowers are, feeling a whole spectrum of emotions through her love of music. She doesn’t just notice the small things — she truly delights in them. She brings wonder into the everyday and curiosity into our adventures. She’s funny, caring, smart, chaotic in the most charming ways, and full of magic — especially the kind that makes life better simply by being in it. And I just can’t wait to be surrounded by this magic for life! — Sebastian
Sebastián
Groom
A man with the most golden-retriever soul! He’s adventurous, endlessly radiating positivity, and always bringing joy, warmth, and good vibes. He loves blasting music exceptionally loud around the house, has a playful spirit, and approaches life with a determined, hardworking mindset, with equal parts charm and chirp. He has an effortless sense of style and somehow manages to shower multiple times a day. He always knows where “west” is. Some say he is an impeccable pilot. On the ground? Questionable driver. An incredible organizer and trip planner, effortlessly mapping out adventures and making travel feel seamless (though I happily jump in to help plan from time to time so he can take a step back). From the beginning, we quickly found ourselves having intentional, meaningful, and deeply honest conversations that laid the foundation for everything we’ve built together. He has an answer to nearly every question I ask, with a depth of insight and knowledge that constantly amazes me. There is always something new to learn from him, and his curiosity and wisdom inspires me to grow and to be the best partner I can be! A natural explorer with a passion for discovering cultures through food, music, and traditions. If there's a special festival involved, he simply won't miss it! We all better keep up because you will be left behind! With a full heart and deep care for those around him, he makes life louder, brighter, and better! I can't wait to marry you! -Krys
Alexandra Shea Houk
Matron of Honor
Ally and I grew together in our early twenties, side by side through college years filled with equal parts self-discovery and questionable decision-making. Think loud concerts, basement band parties, and proudly unleashing our very basic white girl dance moves whenever the opportunity arose. She was also the first (and only) person brave enough to sneak me into a bar using her ID as a fake, which honestly tells you everything you need to know about the trust, chaos, and laughter that built our friendship from the start. As life unfolded, so did our adventures. From Florida beach trips and New Orleans shenanigans to Blue Ridge Mountain hikes, fun on the river, 5Ks, holidays, and chasing epic snowfall on Rocky Mountain hikes, we somehow turned every place into a core memory. No matter where life takes us, we always find our way back to each other. We balance one another perfectly. No one dares interrupt our snuggles or our much-needed catch-up-on-life sessions. Ally is naturally caring and pours her heart into everything she does as an incredible teacher, the most loving mother to Addison and such a devoted, admirable partner to Jonathan. She’s the kind of friend who will hop on a plane at a moment’s notice—no questions asked—just to show up when it matters most. No matter the distance or the season of life, Ally has always been my sister, my safe place, and my best friend.
Daniel
Best Man
Dan has been the perfect friend, travel companion, and confidant. I first met him when he got his PT Cruiser stuck at a house I was house-sitting in my late teens — a house where I absolutely was not supposed to have guests — and somehow that moment set the tone for everything that followed. Since then, our friendship has taken us across the world: Japan, Argentina, Peru, and the UK. Every trip I promise him a calm, relaxing vacation, and every trip he ends up trekking across mountains — including a four-day hike through the Andes Mountains to Machu Picchu while he had COVID. And he did it without complaint, because that’s who he is. Loyal, caring, kind, and always there for the people he loves. Dan is the friend you trust with your secrets, your travel plans, and your life at 12,000 feet above sea level. I’m lucky to have him as a best man, and even luckier to have him as a friend.
Tracie
Bridesmaid
Tracie is one of the kindest, most free-spirited souls I know and truly an old soul with a deep love for adventure and exploring the world and its many cultures. She is my most well-traveled friend, and her experiences across the globe, deeply inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s approach to food, storytelling, and culture, have shaped her incredible cooking and taken it to an entirely new level. Tracie has a rare ability to connect people through food, with a keen eye for meaningful details and beautiful aesthetics in both her meals and the spaces she creates. She has been by my side since our awkward middle school and high school years, growing up together while figuring out who we were meant to be. From Black Friday mall trips to family holidays filled with the best elk tacos, her grandparents’ cooking, and making Christmas candy, Tracie has always felt like home. She is truly a sister to me and someone I value and love deeply. Watching her grow into an incredible wife to James and mother to Evangeline has been endlessly inspiring. We’ve shared our fair share of fun from New Orleans adventures and traveling through the South to snorkeling with manatees and even walking the set of The Walking Dead. Through every stage of life, Tracie has been someone I could always lean on, and I’m so grateful to have her standing by my side!
Juan Diego
Groomsman
Juan Diego has always been the man, the myth, the legend of few words — but the ones he chooses are dry, witty, and perfectly timed. Growing up, he unknowingly served as my personal WWE practice dummy, taking DDTs, Sweet Chin Music, and the occasional Triple H Pedigree without complaint. He’s incredibly smart and one of those rare conversationalists who can talk about anything — history, science, music, you name it. His 10,000-song music library is proof of both his curiosity and depth. He’s laid-back, caring, and calm to a fault. This is the same guy who once accidentally set off bear spray on himself during a hike, got rushed to the hospital, and somehow stayed chill through the whole ordeal. He has the biggest heart, the sharpest wit, and a deep love for his family. Always down for adventure, travel, and fun — he’s the kind of brother you’re lucky to have.
Caitlyn
Bridesmaid
Caitlyn is the kind of best friend you can call at a moment’s notice and know she’ll be there with endless love and support. She is the most devoted wife to Bo and the very best mother to Fallon and Leni. A natural cheerleader with the most genuine and positive spirit, Caitlyn has supported every chapter of my life—whether it meant staying close in Florida, heading off to grad school, or chasing adventures in Colorado. From our CrossFit days and Navarre and Pensacola beach trips to river outings, backyard pool fun, Country Western dancing outings, our traditional holiday lights at Sowell Farms, cheering Bo on at dirt track racing, and constantly sharing cat memes back and forth, we’ve built a friendship full of joy and laughter. She’s the best hugger, the biggest animal lover, and fun fact, my Mom actually met her before I did when she was our pets’ vet tech. Caitlyn has loved me, my family, and our pets wholeheartedly through the years, and her family truly feels like my own. I’m endlessly grateful to have her by my side through life!
Kai
Groomsman
Kai and I go all the way back to high school, when we ran wild on the soccer fields for our competitive team. He’s thoughtful and kind, always measuring his words — He’s the friend who listens, and who chooses his words the way he chooses everything else: carefully, and with heart. After we graduated, we decided to explore the world in the most 19-year-old way possible: by going to Amsterdam, Germany, and Rome with the movie Euro Trip as our inspiration. We experienced our first (and last) bottle of Absinthe, the blur that became Rome, and so much more. Since then, Kai has grown into the Alaskan man we all thought he'd be — someone who finds peace in nature, purpose in hunting, and balance in the outdoors. He’s genuine, loyal, and intentional in a way that’s rare. I’m grateful for our soccer team, for Rome (even the parts we don’t remember), and most of all for Kai.
Nacho
Bridesman
Nacho is one of the most loyal and supportive friends I’ve ever known. We first met when he was a TA for my anatomy class at the University of West Florida, and I immediately thought he was too kind and funny not to invite into my friend group. I’m so glad I did as we became instant best friends and true partners in fun. As two social butterflies in Pensacola, we could laugh and have a great time doing absolutely anything together. Over the years, we’ve shared countless adventures, from my first trip to Mexico, swimming in cenotes and sipping the best margaritas by the pool, to kayaking Pensacola Bay, hiking Tennessee waterfalls, camping and exploring Yosemite, and renting mopeds in Cozumel (where we learned I absolutely cannot be trusted to drive one). Whether it’s yoga classes, Mardi Gras week with hosting our German friends, exploring Mexico City with his family, or simply walking dogs and relaxing at my parents’ house, Nacho shows up with laughter and a full heart. We share a deep love for travel and for seeing where our flight-attendant lives take us. Nacho is a natural leader who inspires me to go after hard things, and his humor, advice, and unwavering moral support mean the world to me. He is truly the kind of best friend everyone should be lucky enough to have!
Tommy
Groomsman
Tommy and I bonded early as kids born into immigrant families — which meant we were always the last ones picked up. Not just from the team, but from the entire soccer complex. That extra time is where our friendship bloomed. We spent our days playing soccer, missing free kicks, and hating suicide runs with equal passion. Since then, our adventures have taken us from hunting trips to a completely random drive to Iola, Kansas in search of the best burrito in the state. Through it all, we’ve kept growing together. Tommy is witty and quick — the king of puns — and he’s one of the hardest-working people I know. He shows up for his family, for his daughter — the most perfect, witty, and cute three-year-old — and in both his personal and professional life. He inspires us all with his grit, his determination, and his ability to grind while still cracking jokes the whole way.
Taylor
Bridesmaid
Taylor was my roommate in grad school and quickly became like a little sister I happily swept under my wing. She is a bright, radiant soul with a deep connection to the world, nature, and the energy around her and truly a natural spiritual guide. Taylor supports and cheers me on through every season of life, big or small, joyful or challenging. We built core memories together while surviving our COVID times at The University of North Alabama, from long study sessions at Rivertown Coffee, to hiking waterfall adventures that are still some of my favorites. She is one of the kindest, most adventurous people I know, with a deep love for hiking, live music, and discovering new artists. Without a doubt she is the number one fan of her all-time favorite, Kenny Chesney. Getting life updates from her via voice memos is one of my favorite things, and her hilarious, witty, and sparkly personality makes everyone around her smile. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, Taylor knows how to make it a great time. She’s a natural hustler building her business or taking charge as a cycle instructor, she’s bold, brave, and absolutely unstoppable once she sets her mind to something. Taylor is endlessly inspiring, and I can’t wait to see where life takes her. She is a sister to me for life, and I am so grateful to support her every step of the way.
Cam
Groomsman
Cam is our "pansexual" friend and by that I mean he knows everything there is to know about pans: Teflon, stainless steel, skillets — if it’s cookware, Cam has opinions. He’s patient enough to explain the differences, and even more patient considering he grew up alongside me, usually from the passenger seat, watching my atrocious driving with quiet horror. In high school we survived 40-below winters in frigid Fairbanks, Alaska, powered by Guitar Hero marathons and scientific investigations into which fries were the best in town. Cam is also the most loving husband to Margot, and father to Cade and Olive. During the pandemic, while the rest of us were trying to figure out sourdough starters and Tiger King, Cam was a nurse working day in and day out — literally saving lives. Now he’s a CRNA, and if there’s ever a surgery in the future that can fix bad driving skills, I truly hope Cam is the one putting me under. He’s warm, witty, selfless, and the kind of person who makes sure everyone around him feels welcome, loved, and appreciated.
Ashley
Bridesmaid
Ashley may have originally been my boss at Volunteers of America in Denver, but we instantly clicked and quickly became so much more. Our shared passion for helping senior adults find health and wellness brought us together, but our friendship outside of work made us inseparable. She is the most witty, bubbly social butterfly and someone who effortlessly brings people together. She knows exactly how to have a good time! Ashley has the best eye for all things fashion and décor, with a sense of style and a talent for making any space (and outfit) feel pulled together and beautiful. We share a love for quick Chick-fil-A runs, face masks, getting cozy on the couch with wine to binge watch Broad City, and all live music events, especially concerts at Red Rocks! Always up for the next adventure, she is my outdoorsy buddy. She's my girl down for a walk around the park, hot yoga, or renting a cabin and exploring local hikes. She shares her love for life and adventure alongside her husband Bryan and their sweet fur baby, Bob. As she steps into her next chapter as a soon-to-be mother, I can’t wait to watch her grow! Ashley is the funniest woman I know, complete with the best Tennessee accent, Kentucky basketball fanatic, and an unmatched enthusiasm for everything life throws our way. I’m her “Pookie,” and our friendship means the world to me. I’ll forever be grateful for the time we shared together in Denver and look forward to life ahead!
Brian
Groomsman
Brian and I did our mid-to-late 20s together — not just personally, but professionally as Air Force pilots. We met in pilot training, not through studying, but through parties as he was the only one in town with a house. From there, our careers sent us across the map: stationed in Cambridge in the United Kingdom, then Spokane, Washington, and a series of extremely “hardship” tours. And by hardship, I mean combat-adjacent zones like Spain, Greece, and Turkey — where the most dangerous things were Barcelona's nightlife, Sevilla tapas, and the perils of the Mediterranean diet. Truly harrowing environments. Through all of it, Brian has been a phenomenal friend and the guy you can always count on. He’s reliable, funny, caring — and absolutely terrible at chugging light beers. He’s also the friend who will always bring a speaker to the party, no matter what. He’s the person you can call for advice on anything, the person who actually shows up, and a friend I’m grateful to have flown (and occasionally “suffered” through tapas) with.