Megan & Zach
Wedding Party
Alex Thomas
Best Man
Zach and Alex met in college at Colorado State University. Their friendship was solidified quickly through many raucous nights in their first year of college. Starting off with a bang Alex had the good judgment to stop an inebriated Zach from eating leaves during one of their 1st nights out together. They lived together through much of their time in Fort Collins growing into adulthood and in friendship. Alex, like Zach, is an avid music lover and always has good foresight about a great concert including but not limited to singing “Marry Me” at a Train concert together. Additionally, Alex is an avid skier, so much so that he now works for Aspen Ski Company. The two of them have shared many an excellent ski trip, including a day ski trip with their dads which resulted in neither of the parents trusting Zach to choose the ski runs again. Alex is one of the people Zach turns to first, not only for a fun adventure but also as a listening ear. His family has welcomed Zach in as one of their own boys and have been a big part of Zach’s adult life. It is for these reasons and many more that Alex Thomas is Zach’s Best Man.
Eric Thomas
Groomsman
Zach initially met Eric through his brother Alex Thomas. Initially many in the friend group were concerned about Eric’s “unconventional” play style in the N64 game Super Smash Brothers, (a common video game played between the boys living together) but Zach found his character endearing. Zach and Eric grew a lot closer when they lived together in the Plum house during Eric’s college years and Zach’s post baccalaureate years in Fort Collins. Zach and Eric have had many excellent conversations as Eric is very thoughtful and creative often seeing the world in a way others do not. The two also share a deep love of complicated and convoluted board games such as Axis and Allies. This led to the house mantra of “you up for a quick game of Axis?” (a game that even at its fastest would take 3-4 hour hours if not several days). Eric has always been a steadfast and loyal friend and Zach is honored and excited that Eric will be standing in his wedding party.
Miles Rand
Groomsman
Miles and Zach met as undergraduates in shared Psychology courses. Since meeting, Miles has always been a charismatic and boisterous friend. He is someone that Zach can call to talk through any situation and expect an honest opinion along with some gentle ribbing. Zach and Alex Thomas got to spend an adventure filled Thanksgiving holiday with Miles’ family in LA while in college. Zach, Miles, and Alex also all tackled Vegas together in college for the adventure of Zach vs Vegas 1.0. Miles was always the prankster of the group and often would take photos threatening to unveil them as weaponized embarrassment in the future. Fortunately, thanks to the sands of time and the advancement of technology, all of these photos have been lost. Zach was able to attend Miles and Shelby’s wedding and is honored to have the two of them join for his and Megan’s Union.
Kyle Heart
Groomsman
Zach and Kyle met at a baseball camp while in Elementary School and had the good fortune of finding out they lived in the same neighborhood. Alex Petree, Kyle and Zach would spend a great deal of time together during their formative years in Wichita Falls. The three had many adventures but one that stands out is the crafting of a homemade firework called “Ba-Bomb” that was made from the scraps of many different fireworks. As Kyle was the best sprinter, he was tasked with lighting this monstrosity and running away to safety. As a credit to their good luck, no one was hurt, no fingers were lost, and no fires were started during this activity. This type of life serendipity has repeated itself for the two of them many times including accidentally meeting in New Orleans when they both had separately planned to be there for Mardi Gras during college. Both Zach and Kyle independently decided they wish to be Physicians and having Kyle go through the process first allowed Zach to ask many questions about how to succeed in the crazy journey of becoming a doctor. Zach also had the good fortune to attend Kyle’s wedding as a groomsman and is excited for Kyle to do the same.
Celia Horwitz
Groomswoman
Celia is Zach’s younger sister and has always been the far more hip and in touch Horwitz sibling. When Celia was young Zach spent a great deal of time with her sharing in her early phases of development and making up games that they both enjoyed. Zach now has the joy of being friends with her as she has come into her own in adulthood living in Seattle. Zach made sure Celia had an excellent post covid birthday in Las Vegas where the two challenged the city together in Zach vs Vegas 3.0. Celia not only learned a valuable lesson about Spirit Airlines but she also proved she could be a more than formattable late night poker shark at Ceasers Palace. Zach and Celia share the kind of inside jokes and idiosyncrasies that only siblings can. Zach is excited to be moving to the Pacific Northwest with Megan for their 1st jobs after training as this will mean they are closer to family and only a day drive away form a Horwitz sibling reunion.
Alex Petree
Groomsman
Alex is one of Zach’s oldest friends. Having met in the third grade the two of them have had many years for their friendship to grow, change, and develop. When very young the two bonded over baseball and their love of roller coasters. The two of them spent a lot of time designing the perfect roller coasters and parks in the game “Roller Coaster Tycoon.” In their teenage years the two loved playing paintball and airsoft. It was one fateful day in Alex’s back yard that Zach got his front tooth shot out with a gas airsoft gun, much to the dismay of both of their parents. In high school the two were a part of a group of friends who loved to play board games which is an activity that still brings both a great deal of joy. As adults, they share a love of travel often swapping stories and photos from the places they’ve had the good fortune to explore. Alex and Natalie made the long treck from Texas to Colorado to visit Zach for his 30th birthday party and were introduced to Megan. Zach was honored to be a groomsman in Alex and Natalie’s wedding and is excited to have Alex be there for his and Megan’s wedding.
Forest Kunkel
Bridesman
Forest is Megan’s sister and first best friend. While joking and pranking each other on trail runs growing up, to Megan getting help in calculus while Forest was still in high school, Megan has looked out for it and looked up to Forest. Now multiple states apart, we look forward to being just one state apart as we move to Eugene OR and have the opportunity for more family adventures together! Megan is very excited for Forest, Jessi, and Hailey to be part of the wedding!
Clare Burchenal
Maid of Honor
Clare and Megan have been friends since residency in Colorado. They survived the NICU together, and have been primary care buddies in residency. They have lived parallel lives throughout residency and after, both becoming aunts within a month, and continuing on to fellowship and primary care. After discovering their mutual love of running, they have shared multiple trail running adventures together while navigating the craziness of residency. We have yet to coordinate running a race together after Colorado weather had other plans for a subzero race day in January, but we’ll make it happen! Megan is honored for Clare to be her maid of honor and can't wait to celebrate together!
Carly Muller
Bridesmaid
Carly and Megan met in residency, along with Taylor, Alex, and Clare. They endured many challenging days together and have nurtured a lifelong friendship. When our schedules coordinate, we love spending time outside and catching up over wine nights, whether virtual or in person. Megan is honored for Carly to be a bridesmaid and can't wait to celebrate together!
Taylor Jones
Bridesmaid
Taylor and Megan met in residency, along with Carly, Alex, and Clare. They endured many challenging days together, have had near monthly wine nights to catch up and stay grounded in the craziness of residency and fellowship. When our schedules coordinate, we love spending time outside and catching up, whether camping, playing kickball, or playing with Taylor and Chirs' adorable dog Bert. Megan is honored for Taylor to be a bridesmaid and can't wait to celebrate together!
Alex Sanchez-Collell
Bridesmaid
Alex and Megan met in residency, along with Carly, Alex, and Clare. They endured many challenging days together, have had near monthly wine nights to catch up and stay grounded in the craziness of residency and fellowship. They have enjoyed adventures camping, skiing, hiking, and playing kickball. They have nurtured a lifelong friendship and enjoy any outdoor opportunities that come up. Megan is honored for Alex to be a bridesmaid and can't wait to celebrate together!
Jessi Kunkel
Flower girl assistant
Jessi is Forest's wife and Megan's sister-in-law as well as mother to adorable Hailey. Jessi's family and Megan's family have grown up together, and it is an honor for them to be here and for Hailey to be a flower girl.
Hailey Kunkel
Flower Girl
Hailey is Megan's adorable niece, and Forest and Jessi's adorable daughter. We are so excited for her to be our flower girl for our wedding and look forward to all of the cute, silly things she does and the laughs she brings.