Mike & Nicole
Wedding Party
Kaitlin Christensen
Maid of Honor
Nicole has known Kaitlin since the day Kaitlin was born. As a big sister, Nicole was always looking out for Kaitlin ... if by "looking out for," you mean, "elbowing during home video Disney performances" and "pretending to read the same book to her over and over." Whether visiting island caves in Scotland, wine caves in Spain, or secret forest caves in Hawaii, they've had some adventures! Kaitlin moved to Colorado in 2012 and is an incredible first-grade teacher. Some specialties include telling students, "Do not hulk slam that book," and allowing them to congregate near her during winter recess. Kaitlin can make Nicole crack up with one look and taught her to enjoy puzzles. She is one of the most caring and funniest people ever. Nicole is lucky to have this woman as a sister!
Tommy Greenless
Best Man
TMG and I met in 7th grade while I was playing morning basketball and he was out running in his Air Max 95's. The friendship continued at Milford High with relay teams, state meets, XC camp, summer running, morning Einstein Bagels, the Oakland Press, and lots of Beastie Boys. We lived two years together at Michigan while Tommy ran and I played a lot of pick up hoops. Go Blue! Despite professional life finally separating us, we keep in touch with weekly chats about teaching and gracefully aging. Twice a year we return to Milford, borrow our Dad's trucks, pick each other up (Truck Tales), drive around to go run, attend Tiger's games, and exchange Christmas gifts. Favorite international trips include turning over our coins before a Serbia Red Stars match in Belgrade and canyoning in Split.
Meghan Macy
Bridesmaid
Meghan is an absolute delight. She will make you feel like you are part of the family the moment you meet her. Even if right after that moment, you jump in her lake for a swim when it's 65 degrees outside. She will then insist that you shower in the nicest bathroom. She will also make delicious guacamole, a skill she inherited from her mother. Meghan is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. She is also very organized -- you might mistake her house for a magazine feature except in real life. Meghan has known Mike her entire life. She is also the mother of two adorable and smart children (spoiler alert: their names are Addison and Norah and you'll see them as flower girls!). Meghan is intentional, thoughtful, and welcoming. Nicole and Mike are honored to have her stand by their side!
Mike Macy
Groomsman
I met Mike years ago when home for the summer, my sister Meghan introduced me to the guy she was living with. Within 15 minutes of meeting Mike, I had popped my hamstring water skiing. Between limping and laying on the ground writhing in pain, Mike was nothing but kind, supportive, and generous with the one liners. All traits he has since used in his incredible marriage to my sister. A former adventure lifestyle while living in Utah has adequately prepared him for the rapidly changing elements of life with a highly advanced five year old future debate champion named Addison and her three year old sidekick Norah. An amazing husband, father, and brother in law, Mike has shared his life and love of the outdoors with my sister. Also gave my Dad someone else to talk to about tractors.
Julianna Kobs
Bridesmaid
Jules and Nicole first met while studying abroad in Chile. At the end of a whirlwind semester, they went on a three-day jeep trip across the salt flats of Bolivia where they were forced to listen to a Roxette CD on repeat. They stayed in a hotel made of salt and Nicole experienced symptoms of Yellow Fever because of a recent vaccine (Julie, it's my wedding website, no arguments). After that trip, they knew their friendship was meant to be. Any future disagreements would be burgers under the bridge. They couldn't have possibly known it then, but someday Julie and Nicole would share a vision of an underwater scene based on a Talking Heads song. In addition to being an incredible professional who motivates Nicole to step up her career game, Julie is an amazing friend and life partner.
Brett Barley
Groomsman
Brett and I met freshman year during basketball tryouts. By 12th grade, Brett, Tommy, and I became inseparable during cross country, track, and summer workouts (except, well, during the actual races). Once, in LA, when walking into a Dodger's game, the usher took our tickets and asked "where's your drummer?" I don't know who our drummer is, but Brett is definitely the lead singer. Running for student council, Brett printed t-shirts with his face on them. After most of the team bought them (my Dad even bought one), Milford High had "Brett Barley Day". After high school, Brett became a Florida Gator, regaling those of us who stayed close to home with wild tales of "Florida Man." After graduation, Brett put together a 7 week 8 country Europe trip which opened my eyes to international travel.
Amelia Jenison
Bridesmaid
Nicole and Amelia met in 6th grade at a sleepover in Marianne's basement. Somehow the term "bosom buddies" came up during the evening and they said they'd be each others'. Nicole joined a summer theater program Amelia was a part of. Nicole was a student council officer and wearer of hemp chokers with knit vests over blouses. Amelia must have had her doubts. But after they spent a little bit of time together, Amelia realized summer theater camp with this girl wasn't going to be so bad. Amelia and Nicole are Forensics state champs in Wisconsin (it's ACTING, not crime investigation, LOOK IT UP PEOPLE), and co-starred as the leads in the high school musical senior year. While they've been geographically apart since then, their hearts have always been together. True bosom buddies.
Brian Turner
Groomsman
BT and I met at the tail end of college freshman year. Another roommate along with Tommy in the legendary 530 South D house, BT could always be counted on to be blasting Springsteen after Saturday long runs, no matter if you were up or not. Growing up in Omaha and a love of Barry Sanders put BT in the same professional football purgatory as the rest of us Lions fans; one not understood by the rest of the NFC North representatives at this wedding. Our friendship would continue to grow post college as we each began professional life. Moving and settling in Denver soon after my westward move, BT and I would get together for Michigan games, Halloween parties, and Tour de Fat. Tommy, BT, and I are on a years long WhatsApp thread that provides laughter, insight, and recommendations.
Paige Baltzell
Bridesmaid
Paige and Nicole's friendship took off in 8th grade. With a mutual love of Ice Breaker mints, trapper keepers, and gel pens, these two had a deep connection. Paige was the first person to take Nicole camping. She was also the first person to take Nicole snowboarding, a choice she most likely regrets. After driving three hours from Fort Collins, they made it to a ski resort. They took the ski lift up and Nicole promptly become terrified. It took over an hour and a half to get to the bottom (spoiler alert: not because of Paige). Nicole was then done for the day. What a joy. Although Paige and Nicole have only lived in the same city for one short year, their love crosses state lines. Paige is honest, caring, and grounded. She is the person you want to choose paint colors for your house.
Nate Burch
Groomsman
Nate was one of my first Fort Collins friends, having met during a Tour de Fat party in 07. I was not adequately prepared or costumed for the ensuing insanity. Nate is the only Michigan friend I've had in CO, contrasted with half of Wisconsin. We soon spent Sundays at Steakout watching the Lions fail. After completing his PhD and moving to Spokane, Nate left me a decade long pipeline of new friends in the STATS(!) department. Nate taught me to snowboard at Copper Mountain by saying “Ok, you can stop. You are good. Have fun.” We raced for gold down the backstretch at the Gould Ski Scramble back when we were the only two people under 40 there. During a semester abroad Nate joined for a four day Bavarian Bike Tour where he learned about Vatertag and the Kellerwald. Legendary mustache grower.
Liza Meredith
Bridesmaid
When Nicole met Liza during high school freshman year study hall, Nicole immediately had a friend crush. They were both overachievers who used study hall to actually do homework. Fast-forward a few years later and Nicole made her friend dream a reality when she and Liza were both dating guys on the high school basketball team. Those relationships ended and the one that mattered most is still going strong! In college, Nicole and Liza were roommates who loved having deep conversations and making each other crack up. Liza is one of the most emotionally intelligent, level-headed, and truly empathetic people Nicole has ever met. Nicole has learned so much from her about being a good friend. Liza also sometimes leaves wet towels on the bed, which proves there are no perfect humans.
Brandon Ray
Groomsman
I met Brandon in 2010 during grad school. He had moved to Wyoming after living and teaching in Alaska. Our friendship started doing problem sets and meeting up on weekends for group projects. The second summer Brandon had bought a bike. After doing geometric proofs on a sphere, we’d go out for rides and then crush some Dan Issel Burgers. I’ve shared more outdoor adventures with Brandon than anyone else. We’ve biked in three different states, rafted two different rivers, snowboarded Steamboat, bikepacked around the Zirkel’s, XC skied in Medicine Bow, got muddy at the Laramie Enduro, and shared a lot of laughs around campfires. I’ve never experienced a hurricane, but I did spend a weekend at his house in windy Chugwater. Fun fact. Lived most of his life in towns without a traffic signal.
Renee Nigon
Bridesmaid
Nicole and Renee met while doing arts and crafts in their honors dorm on the second day of college. Yes, they have always been this cool. They soon became besties -- discovering their birthdays were one day apart, dressing up as ketchup and mustard for Halloween, and attending exactly one frat party. They were a bit like the odd couple. Renee was super organized, and Nicole liked to adjust Renee's perfectly folded T-shirts and see how long took her to notice. Renee loved exercise and Nicole loved to complain about exercise. As adults they took a trip to Iceland and almost ran out of gas in the sparsely-populated Western part of the island. At the time, there were three versions of salmon in their car, but apparently not enough gas. Renee is hilarious, adventurous, and loves Yanni.
Lucas Burge
Groomsman
Lucas is a Fort Collins OG with Midwestern roots whose life of adventure, connection to nature, and family are told through the ink on his body. I met Lucas and his luscious locks when he came out of the Peace Core and was a permanent sub for my friend Brian at work. I’d walk by and see pictures of giraffes and zebras on the smartboard and wonder how it provided relevancy or rigor in the classroom. The zebra sub and I became good friends through biking, camping, snow sports, and nights at Trailhead with his motley crew of friends. I was with Lucas at Old C’s the night he met his future wife. We’ve worked together at Rocky over two different stints between our time abroad. Lucas taught me if you can’t be handsome, you better be handy. We all know which one I am. His Mom Kari is a saint.
Kelly Robenhagen
Officiant
Kelly and Nicole have been friends for over a decade. They have spent time on a catamaran off the coast of Belize, in a sea kayak off the coast of Vancouver Island, and in nothing but their swimsuits and goggles for reservoir swims off the coast of Fort Collins. Since the first time they met, Mike and Kelly have connected over Star Wars, LOTR, and lots of other nerdy stuff that for the sake of everyone's interest will not be outlined here. Kelly is one of the kindest, most selfless, most hilarious, and smartest people you will ever meet. She is the person you want by your side whether you are sipping a martini at a fancy bar, adventuring in the Utah wilderness, or having a heart-to-heart on a living room couch. We are honored she is part of this day.
Addison & Norah Macy
Flower Girls
We are so happy to have Mike's nieces Addison and Norah be flower girls for our wedding. These two young women are fearless, independent, and kind souls who bring smiles and joy to anyone around. When not watching Frozen with their Dad or in the mini van with their Mom, these two adorable nieces can be found doing art projects with Grandma, gardening with Grandpa, swimming in the lake, asking really good questions, and spreading love. On the wedding day, Addison will just have turned six and Norah will be three and a half. When our families met summer 2021 in Wisconsin, Addison and Norah stole the show with their outfit changes, energy, and playground skills.
Annette Bierbower
Emcee
Annie Bierbower will light up your life. Married to one Travis Kauffman, this lovely lady moved to Colorado almost ten years ago and has been brightening the state ever since. Annie is originally from Nebraska and she might try to trick into believing she grew up on a farm - don't fall for it! Annie might be the most positive person you will ever meet. She is adventurous, joyful, kind, motivated, and caring. Annie will drop off a surprise loaf of homemade bread and a bottle of wine at your house, show her mad art skills by hand-lettering a beautiful sign, or laugh at herself as she slow-motion falls while skiing. She is a fierce mountain biker and swimmer and an ever fiercer friend. We are honored that Annie can be part of our day.
Travis Kauffman
Emcee
Travis is one cool cat. He makes us laugh with his hilarious stories of high school year book photos, getting chased by a raccoon on a run, and bringing a single pack of fruit snacks for a 60 mile ride. Mike loves Travis because he has someone to share outdoor adventures with. Nicole loves Travis for his infectious laugh and mad cooking skills. Everyone else loves Travis because he is a genuine old soul with boundless positivity. As talented with power tools as he is an endurance athlete, Travis and Annie host friend gatherings at their remodeled home. Their property has many historical buildings including the original Fort Collins General Store and an outhouse. No one rocks a torn tank top like TK. We are so honored to have such a funny and engaging pair emcee our wedding day.