Makenzie & Neil
Wedding Party
Danielle Barry
Maid of Honor
Danielle and Makenzie have been friends since they were born. They've shared so many memories together, with the exception of that tragic time when they went to different middle schools and it felt like the world was ending. They came back together in high school when the two were co-captains of the school dance team. As kids they adventured with their parents to faraway places like Havasupai Canyon, Disney Land, and the Bahamas. As adults they've continued to adventure together to Spain, Mexico, and beyond. Danielle's laid-back and up-for-anything personality has been a perfect balance to Makenzie's rapid, always-planned-always-moving lifestyle. The truest testament to their friendship is when Danielle recently not only allowed but embraced Makenzie's desire to constantly be snuggling.
Aaron Palumbo
Best Man
Aaron and Neil grew up in adjacent neighborhoods. They attended the same schools from elementary through high school. It wasn’t until 8th grade that they became such good friends. Once they did it stuck. They’ve shared many adventures together, many of which were formative. Aaron, also known as P-Dawg, lived with Neil in Boulder when he was obtaining his masters in Chemical Engineering at CU after obtaining his undergraduate degree at CSU. Yes, Neil was on his second and final senior year at CU. Aaron Palumbo PhD is one of those uniquely intelligent individuals who has an unending desire to understand the world around him. He is very well read and can have an engaging conversation about anything even if you don’t know much about the subject at hand. Neil places an incredibly high value on Aaron’s advice and could not be luckier to have Aaron by his side on the wedding day and for years to come.
Aly Pelchat
Bridesmaid
Aly and Makenzie met when they both attended the Eagle County Charter Academy. Their feud reached its peak in second grade when Makenzie and Aly both fought to be Hermione on the playground during lunch when several friends decided to search together for the Sorcerer's Stone, which was a crumpled up piece of tinfoil from someone's lunch and then sharpied red to look like a ruby. Soon, however, the two realized that instead of being mortal enemies, they could actually bond over their love for Harry Potter. Their friendship then grew through sleepovers spent looking at the stars, and traveling to incredible places such as Costa Rica and Nepal together. Today, they still adventure together often, most recently to the Tetons and Oaxaca.
Nico Edwards
Groomsman
Nico and Neil meet while sailing for a year. Nico's film "Sea Gypsies: Far Side of the World" is what inspired Neil to join Sailing Vessel Infinity in the first place. They spent many hours at the helm together exploring some of the hardest to reach places on Earth. To say Nico is a character is an understatement and meant as the utmost complement. He knows a lot about any topic imaginable. Nico is one of the most prolific story tellers likely because he has always chosen the road less traveled, especially if that road leads to an experience outside of most peoples' comfort zone. Nico has always and continues to challenge Neil to see the world through a different lens. He is always there for his friends and Neil couldn't be more honored to have Nico by his side once again.
Erin Lambert
Bridesmaid
Erin (Neil's sister) and Makenzie of course met only after Neil and Makenzie started dating. Though it's probably a good thing since Erin would have most likely ditched Neil in exchange for Makenzie as a sister. Just kidding! Neil and Erin are incredibly close! Luckily, that was not the case and now Erin gets to both keep Neil as her brother AND gets to add Makenzie as her sister. Erin and Makenzie have become close through many family gatherings, and especially as Makenzie has had a chance to be an aunt to Ari, Isla, and Joey. Fun fact: Makenzie received Ari's first-ever hug! If that doesn't say family love then we don't know what does!
Ian Lambert
Groomsman
Ian dated and since married his way into Neil’s life and Neil couldn’t have asked for a better brother-in-law. In hindsight, it took Neil longer to warm up to Ian than Neil would have preferred, but that comes with the territory of dating ones sister. Ian is one of the sweetest, generous and most caring people you will ever meet. His character is amplified when interacting with his wife, son and twin daughters. Neil greatly appreciated many thoughtful debates they have. Ian will not withhold his opinion and I’d recommend hearing him out since he can back it up with a multilayered understand of the topic at had. If you ever have a chance to golf with Ian do not pass it up.
Rita Mueller
Mother of the Bride
Rita is Makenzie's mom and one of the most supportive and helpful people you will ever meet. No matter what Makenzie ever needed (or sometimes still needs) she is there to lend a helping hand and a positive perspective. She also was the one who taught Makenzie to be such a good planner, having always been in charge of planning family trips to places like New Zealand, Croatia, Turks and Caicos and more. She lives happily now in Edwards with her husband and Makenzie's father, only a ten-minute drive from Makenzie and Neil.
Nancy Fowler
Mother of the Groom
Nancy is Neil’s mom and Neil couldn’t have asked for a better parent. Neil is thankful that she kept the dark temptations at bay when he had colic as an infant. Nancy has always supported Neil in his many endeavors, whether it was managing his hockey teams or supporting his many non-conforming life choices, such as an unorthodox career path and deciding to sail through some of the world’s most forbidding oceans. Neil is appreciative that Nancy passed on her love of travel, the joy of sharing meals and quality time with others, the ability to put others first, and much, much more.
Rick Mueller
Father of the Bride
Rick has always been one of Makenzie's best friends and as of recently, her boss and mentor at Remonov and Company. Though, there really is a question of who the real boss is. Rick is known for his joyous sense of humor and love for the outdoors, both of which he passed on to his daughter. Rick is hearing-impaired so if you see him throughout the wedding, please talk LOUD!
Frank Fowler
Step Father of the Groom
Frank is Neil’s stepfather, but you’ll overhear Neil introducing Frank as his dad. Frank has been in Neil’s life since he was five. Neil never blinked an eye when Frank was brought into his life. Rather Neil was magnetized to Frank’s fun-loving and playful nature. Frank and Neil have shared their hobbies with each other, which include and are not limited to, hockey, motocross, skiing, rock climbing, backpacking, and golfing. Neil attributes much of his intellectual growth to Frank’s encouragement of Neil in school and a passionate philosophical debate or two.
Those who couldn't be with us
Family
There are several people that are unable to be with us on this special weekend. Neil's father, who passed away when Neil was 18, will be with us in spirit over the weekend. Additionally, Makenzie and Neil would like acknowledge their grandparents who have passed away, and thank them for the love and support they gave to them both in their lifetimes. While these special people are unable to be with us in person, their love surrounds them every day, but especially on their special day.