Wedding Party
Matthew and Jordan
The Bride and Groom
Matthew and Jordan met in grad school and got to know each other well through the time they spent together in their Latin Psychology Specialty class. Both were immediately drawn to each other for their shared love and lived experiences in Colombia. They have been drawn closer in their relationship through shared interests in music, dancing, travel, and food (although it's savory for Matthew and sweet for Jordan). Matthew has helped Jordan get more active and sporty through things like pickleball, tennis, soccer, volleyball, and bike riding, and Jordan has helped Matthew learn how to take the time to slow down and relax more. They are both so grateful to have you join them for their special day and appreciate the love and support they have received from all of you over the years!
Elizabeth Sandlin
Maid of Honor
Jordan and Elizabeth both grew up in Wyoming and first met on the basketball team. Well, Elizabeth was on the basketball team and Jordan was the manager, and if you know Jordan then you know that checks out. It took a couple years for Elizabeth to forget about Jordan saying Elizabeth was perhaps a bit of a ball-hog (who's kidding, she hasn't forgotten), but soon the friendship from freshman year of high school turned into something that would last for decades. Elizabeth is a loyal and protective friend and her love for music, and books, and New Girl keeps her and Jordan connected. Elizabeth is a very talented writer, went to the Savannah College of Art and Design, works in the film industry, and helped inspire Jordan to reconnect with her love of reading! Jordan is grateful for the consistent support she has received and to have her by her side on her special day.
Shelby Midthun
Bridesmaid
Jordan and Shelby grew up together in small town, Cody, Wyoming, and became close when Jordan was in 10th grade. They would drive around together, listen to emo music, watch South Park, and talk in weird voices. Jordan always appreciated that Shelby accepted all the weird little parts of her. Shelby was a support for Jordan through high school, college years, and even when Jordan returned from the Peace Corps. Shelby is a thoughtful and creative person and always gives the most considerate gifts. She is a science teacher in Minnesota so she deserves a lot of respect and has plenty of bite, so watch out! Don't let her height fool you because she is one fierce lady and has protected Jordan on many occasions. Jordan is so grateful to have her in her life and by her side on this special day!
Theresa Morin
Bridesmaid
Jordan met Theresa in grad school when both were studying psychology at the University of Denver, although different programs. Jordan immediately felt close and connected to Theresa and she would NOT have survived grad school without her. The two would often stay up all night talking and lost a lot of sleep because of it! Theresa was a support through many hard times and you simply couldn't ask for a better person to be there by your side in those moments. She is a big sports fan and loves the Giants, the Mavericks, and the Mets, but do NOT mistake the Mets with the Jets like Jordan did... It was also through Theresa that Jordan first met Matthew while at a party for the psychology program that both Matthew and Theresa were part of. This was where Matthew was instantly intrigued by the white girl speaking Spanish and sounding strangely Colombian. So Theresa plays an extra special role in helping make this moment happen! Jordan is so excited to have this funny, witty, thoughtful, and courageous lady be part of her special day!
Ernesto Zepeda
Bridesman
Jordan met Ernesto in her International Disaster Psychology program in grad school and the two immediately knew they were going to be great friends. They soon started hanging out in the same friends circle (the one that Matthew just so happened to be in...) and Jordan loved how fun, friendly, and outgoing Ernesto was. Eventually Ernesto became a staple in Jordan's life as Matthew, Jordan, and Ernesto would hang out almost every week in Denver. He is another person who Jordan could talk to until the end of time, and he has definitely been a supportive space for Jordan on many occasions. He could have stood on either side of the aisle, but Jordan is grateful that she will have this thoughtful, supportive, and playful person join her on this special day.
Megan Simpson
Bridesmaid
Jordan met Megan her sophomore year of college when they both auditioned for the University of Wyoming's female a cappella group, The Bettys. Jordan was immediately drawn to Megan's infectious joy and spirit, and of course amazed by her beautiful singing voice. Megan was a source of support and friendship for Jordan throughout college and has showed up for her in many meaningful ways that Jordan will forever appreciate. Although the two miss singing together every week, they still have a blast doing karaoke or going dancing whenever they are able. You'll definitely catch Megan and Jordan on the dance floor on the big day, but feel free to join in! Jordan was grateful to be part of Megan's special day almost 4 years ago exactly (8/13/2022) and is so excited for Megan to now be a part of hers!
Loren and Debby Lidstrom
Parents of the Bride
Jordan is grateful to have the amazing parents she does who helped teach her to be the kind, caring, playful, hardworking, and independent person she is. Jordan watched her dad, Loren, show generosity and kindness to strangers without asking for anything in return, and learned to look to him for a listening ear or advice as she got older. Jordan learned from her mom, Debby, how to be thoughtful towards others and offer help whenever you can, and learned that you are never too old to be fun, silly, and playful. Jordan will forever be grateful for the parents who raised her and for never doubting how much she was loved.
Siblings of the Bride
Daniel, Rachelle, and Whitney
Jordan is the youngest of four siblings and definitely had to suffer the consequences of all the shenanigans her older siblings got up to when they were younger. Jordan and Whitney are very close in age and often were mistaken for twins despite their very different appearances. Whitney might have often been annoyed by her younger sister, but she grew to love her and create many memories together over the years. Jordan's older siblings, Rachelle and Daniel, helped take on roles of support and guidance over the years and Jordan is grateful for the opportunity to grow in those relationships as she gets older. All of Jordan's siblings each have a daughter all born on the same year, and Jordan has had so much fun getting to watch them grow into the kind, intelligent, funny, and beautiful young ladies they are. Jordan loves her nieces so very much and is so excited to have them there with her in this special moment!
Carlos Coto
Best Man
Coto and Matthew met in grad school at the University of Denver. Immediately, Coto being from Costa Rica and Matthew from Colombia, they connected and became close. Their love for sports, music, and socializing brought them together and became a bond that will not easily be broken (even if Matthew had to teach Coto a thing or two in the video game FIFA). Coto knew before Matthew that Jordan was the one and helped both realize the attraction they had for each other. Coto and Matthew's relationship has had a big impact on each other's life from traveling and getting to see new places, to supporting each other in their professional lives. Matthew was lucky to be part of Coto's special day in Costa Rica and now could not think of a better person to be the best man in his.
Nick Nitta
Groomsman
Nick and Matthew have been friends since high school and were brought together by the love for tennis. They would spend most weeknights teaching themselves how to play and grew close during their college days. Nick is a person Matthew can easily spend hours talking to about life, theory, and people. They share many memories that young adults could all relate to and a bond that has lasted for over a decade, so much so that they are now brothers! Despite distance between each other, Nick has found ways to visit Matthew wherever he lives and they continue to find ways to reconnect on a hike, shredding some fresh pow in the Colorado mountains, but especially on the tennis court. The great thing about tennis is that it can be played through all life stages and that is what these two intend to do!
Kyle Ashcraft
Groomsman
Kyle may be one of the first people Matthew met in 1st grade after moving from Colombia. Kyle found a way to connect with a little boy who barely spoke English and now this friendship has lasted for their entire lives. Kyle and Matthew have traveled to many states together and even across the world to Korea. Matthew is very lucky to have Kyle stand by him on one of the most special days of his life and check off another place in the world where they have traveled together. Despite the distance between them, these two belong to a group message of life long friends whom text each other on a daily basis so it never feels like they are away from each other for too long.
Juan Galvez
Groomsman
Juan is Matthew's actual brother and the first person Matthew got to get to know the world with. As kids these two were inseparable for better ors worse, whether they were playing video games, playing with toys, or fighting until one of them came out crying for mom. Despite differences in likes as they grew older, Juan has always been a person Matthew can go to for support. Growing up in the same family has shown them how similar they really are regardless of if one of them is into sports and the other into tech. Matthew cannot imagine getting married without his brother by his side and is grateful to be able to spend this special day together.
Tanner Hunt
Groomsman
Matthew and Tanner met in elementary school where they dominated tug of war every field day. Tanner then went off to a different middle school but they reunited in high school where they became part of the same 7/7 group of friends that have now traveled through the world. Matthew and Tanner share the same interests when it comes to video games (even if the talent level leans more towards Matthew). Both of them enjoy making a list of places to visit when they go to a new city as Matthew can trust that Tanner will choose the right restaurants and museums that will fill their day. You can see tanner standing furthest away from Matthew on the altar so that his 6'4" frame doesn't distract from the ceremony!
Andres Galvez & Lida Ronderos
Parents of the Groom
Matthew is extremely lucky to have been brought up by such strong, caring, and kind parents. Matthew's parents made the difficult decision to leave their home country of Colombia with 3 young children to better provide for them. Matthew grew up with strong values that were passed down by his parents that make him the driven individual that he is today. Matthew's dad, Andres, has always taught Matthew that any problem has a solution and how to see the good in everything. Matthew's mom, Lida, has taught him how to be a caring person through her sacrifices and the way she treats others. Any time Matthew visits his parents he knows he will laugh, feel loved, and have a full belly of the best food you can imagine!
Family of the Groom
Stephanie, Patrick, Lucas, Eva, and Sam
Growing up, Stephanie (Aka Nani) was like a second mom to Matthew and Juan. Nani has always taken care of her two younger brothers and had their best interest in mind. When Nani married Patrick he instantly fit into the family with his love for the Colombian culture. The same can be said about Sam who shows her love and caring nature through gift giving of her arts and crafts. Lucas and Eva are Nani and Pat's two children and they are growing up to be kind and intelligent. They will also be the ring bearer and flower girl so look out for them walking down the aisle!