Elizabeth & Michael
Wedding Party
Kourtney Goodison-Orr
Matron of Honor
Kourtney and Lizz have been friends since the dawn of time—at least that’s what it feels like. Considering how close their respective birthdays are (Kourtney is May 9 &Lizz is May 11) and the fact that they were born in the same hospital, Kourtney and Lizz have often joked that they must have waved to each other as their mothers passed one another in the maternity ward. Reconnecting in kindergarten in East Brunswick, NJ, Kourtney and Lizz have been inseparable since. Even now, as they reside on two opposite ends of the country, their friendship is still going strong with almost daily communication. Kourtney is very excited to celebrate this new chapter with the lovely couple!
Doug Schuster
Brother of the Groom and Best Man
Go way back with Mike and have known him my whole life. Grew up following Mike everywhere from the ski slope, to CU. I ran away to Michigan and got married with Mike being my best man. Now live in Grosse Pointe with my wonderful wife, a fur daughter, and human daughter. If you need me, you can find me on the dance floor.
Cait Kennett
Maid of Honor
Lizz & Cait's friendship can be described best by the C.S. Lewis quote, "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one!'" The two became fast friends after Lizz posted an invite to a Nathaniel Rateliff concert; the road trip that followed fostered a friendship for the millennia. Since then, the two have run hundreds of miles, gone to a questionable amount of Target trips, celebrated countless hikes, and consumed far too much Chinese food - together. Cait is the reason Lizz accepted Mike's invitation for a first date, posing the age old question, "If he's a nice guy, what's the worst that could happen?" Look where we all are now! Cait is so excited for Lizz and Mike, and can't wait for the big day.
Amy Schuster
Sister of the Groom and Groomsgal
Amy has known Mike since, well, the day she was born. She couldn’t ask for a better brother who has somehow hooked her onto Marvel movies and TV shows, and become equally emotionally attached to fictional characters. She loves having jam sessions in Mike’s car and saying anything without a filter followed by awkward silence. In her spare time she enjoys walks on the beach even though she hates sand and lives nowhere near a beach. She is so thrilled for Mike and Lizz and is so happy to have another sister in law!
Troy Bailey
Brother of the Bride and Bridesman
Troy is Lizz's younger (and much taller) brother. Troy has known Lizz his whole life, what a blessing it is! Lizz and Troy were always close growing up, even when Lizz stole Troy's legos. Troy's taught Lizz important life lessons like the benefits of hugging it out, how to play MarioKart, and that a short text goes a long way. Lizz has taught Troy important life lessons like how to drive (before he got his permit, sorry mom), how to make the perfect snowball, and when it's time to dance it out. Essentially, these two have always been best friends - even with all of the yelling while they were teenagers. Troy is so excited to have Mike as a brother-in-law and wishes years of hilarity for both Lizz & Mike.
Victoria Work
Groomsgal
Mike and I met in Taekwondo as elementary schoolers, and it was all downhill from there. Downhill skiing, that is! We stayed in touch through Lake Powell trips in high school, the special connection that violists and trombone players share as the quirkiest of band geeks, and those New Year's parties that have survived us all! Contrary to a few brain cells and the neighbors' sleep, of course Mikakula and I were honorably dubbed Miki and Wiki by our dear Searnums (aka. Shauny, Böz, or Sean). So now you'll know who is being summoned when you hear these unusual animal calls echoing across the land. Extra credit for identifying noises like "swasidj!" "aouwkeip!" "unyin bagidj!" and "tweee!" Congratulations, Lizz and Mike! We are fortunate to revel in your abundant joy and radiance! <3
Ryan Dalton
Bridesman
Ryan met Lizz during chemistry class in High School. The two immediately bonded over how god awful the teacher was, and the absolute nonsense of Chemistry. After years of winding up in the same classes together, and Lizz witnessing Ryan run far too long on the pacer in gym class, they went to college together at Montclair State for the freshman year. Ryan eventually moved on, but those memories of absolute ridiculousness still hold the two together. Lizz and Ryan enjoy activities such as drunk scrabble, dry and rude sarcasm, and being socially awkward. Ryan truly believes that Mike is the best person who Lizz, because who else could have the patience? Look for Ryan near the open bar or on the dance floor.
Lauren Lacy
Groomsgal
Michael and I were always laughing. Somewhere between high school symphonic shenanigans, seriously debating comic book lore over post work drinks or plotting evil on weekends, we became fast friends. Our recent adventures have included helping Boomer look for the rest of his ear…It’s probably under the couch.
Tricia Collova
Bridesmaid
Tricia and Lizz met working as RAs at Montclair and immediately bonded over a love of True Blood and their matching septum piercings. Their friendship has stood the test of time and distance over the last decade. When they're together, Tricia and Lizz can usually be found throwing shade Jersey style, laughing way too loudly, and finding some time outdoors. Tricia is so happy & excited to be a part of Lizz and Mike's big day!
Sean Warnecke
Groomsman
Sean and Mike have been friends since Middle School, where they met in a hip-hop group. They became fast friends after discovering a mutual interest in video games, action shows and movies, trading card games, and music. Between summers at Lake Powell, daily carpooling to Aspen High School, memorizing Rammstein lyrics, climbing 14ers, and now living just a few minutes away from each other, they've remained pals for over 20 years. Despite reaching adulthood, you can still catch them laughing like kids over random words and phrases (almonds! bwana bwana bwana!), taking photos of TRUE beauty, and reminiscing about something to do with the legacy of Kurt Cobain and cigars... Sean is beyond excited to be there for Mike and Lizz while they open this new chapter in their lives. Congrats you two!
Anne Kelly
Bridesmaid
Lizz and Anne met on Catalina Island. Their friendship bloomed one night when there was no water in Middle Ranch, so Anne came into Avalon with a simple invite from Lizz, "Isn't beer better than water anyway?" Many IPAs later, and their friendship was solidified. Since then, Anne has moved around and Lizz has been happy to visit her. Lizz often blames Anne for her need to move out West, after visiting Anne in Moab, UT. Most recently, Mike and Lizz visited Anne in Vegas while she was living in Zzyzx, CA. Anne looks forward to hosting Lizz and Mike at her new home in Alaska, and that those two give her a good reason to visit the lower 48. Oh, and the snow in Colorado too.
Charles Plucker
Groomsman
Charles was Mike's first friend in Colorado - they met as 8 year olds living next to each other in Snowmass. From goofing off in the pool, trying wasabi for the first time, hunting and selling golf balls to passerbys on the Snowmass golf course (of course they didn't get in trouble), Mike and Charles spent some magical summers together. When the Plucker family moved to Snowmass full time, they were both in high school, and have kept the childhood magic alive ever since.
Kim Shewmaker
Bridesmaid
Kim grew up in New Jersey just a few towns over from the bride! She went to CU Boulder for her undergraduate degree (go Buffs!) and hasn't left Colorado since. She moved up to the Roaring Fork Valley with her husband, 2 cats and 2 dogs in 2017. She met Lizz through an internship she was completing for her graduate program where they became fast friends! Lizz and Kim can usually be found chillin' lake side, eating way too much sushi together, or debating about the universe and everything on Kim's couch.
Levi Burke
Groomsman
Levi and Mike met at the Buttermilk ski shop, and quickly became fast friends with live music, great beers, extended ski breaks, safety meetings, and generally anything else the lifestyle of Aspen had to offer. Levi eventually convinced Mike to get lost in India, even with their friend Tucker as a guide. Through 12 hour train rides (no AC), water-stealing monkeys, getting lost in fishing towns with no cell service, and several (minor) moped accidents, they became friends for life. Afterparty will be at Curlie's, Kingfishers all around!
Erica Kaplan
Bridesmaid
Erica and Lizz have known each other since kindergarten, but their friendship really took off in the second grade. Erica and Lizz spent hours together on the playground, over each other's houses watching soap operas, and obsessing over the cuteness of the Back Street Boys. As they grew up together, they became Harry Potter nerds and went to the book releases. They went to separate colleges, but always found time to party together. While in separate sororities, they both joined Greek Life. Nowadays, the two can be found screaming "YAS QUEEN" and cheering each other on through life's ups and down. Erica is so happy for Lizz and Mike, and looking forward to the big day!
Tucker Hawkins
Groomsman
Tucker and Mike met at the ski shop at Buttermilk Mountain. The two quickly bonded over their shared loves of skiing, traveling, and beer. After a few years, Tucker helped Mike scratch that travel itch and was the informal tour guide on a life changing trip to India. Breakfast at The Prison was a highlight of the trip, but the two of them won't say anything more than that. Catch Tucker out for an early morning hike or on his bike likely until moments before the nuptials.
Cady DeFrates
Flower Girl
Age 4. Lover of owls, dancing and high-decibel vocalization. Lizz was there the day Cady was born. The two often bond over nail polish, silly stories, and talking a whole lot.
Hunter DeFrates
Ring Bearer
Age 9. Master builder and professional bookworm. Hunter and Lizz have always been best friends for as long as the two can remember. Hunter loves to talk all things Pokemon with Mike.
Malcolm DeFrates
Ring Bearer
Age 6. Rock hound intent on mastering his teleportation ability. Often known as the Dude, Lizz met Malcolm when he was just learning to walk. The Dude gives great big hugs and loves sharing his fish knowledge with Mike.
Nicole Gibbons
Usher
Nicole is Lizz's younger cousin, in fact, she's known Lizz her whole life! Look for Nicole to help you find your seats and hand out some hilarious wedding literature at the church.
AJ Schuster
Usher
AJ is Mike's younger cousin, in fact, he's known Mike his whole life! Look for AJ to help you find your seats and hand out some hilarious wedding literature at the church.
Kat Warder
Usher
Kat is one of Lizz's first friends from Colorado - although Kat and Lizz both share a passionate love for all things East Coast as Kat hails from the great state of Massachusetts. Look for Kat to help you find your seats and hand out some hilarious wedding literature at the church.