Wedding Party
Taylor Poynor
Bride
Tom's favorite fun fact about Taylor: Taylor almost always has a treat in her hand, whether it's for the dogs, or for her, but never for him. :) Taylor's favorite person in the wedding party: Definite tie between Evelyn, Tom, and Deli ;)
Thomas Chesson
Groom
Taylor's favorite fun fact about Tom: Taylor has only ever seen Tom pee standing up when they are hiking/climbing/camping. He sits on the toilet every chance he gets claiming "comfort." He is also the funniest person she has ever met. :) Favorite person in the wedding party: Tied between Zach and Taylor
Evelyn Von Nieda
Maid of Honor
DEBSSSS!!!!!!!!!!! Other than Tom, Taylor's most favorite roommate (sorry Zach love you too)/felt most at home with person is Evelyn (who has a formal invitation to move in or visit WHENEVER SHE LIKES for however long). Taylor considers the best gift that Tom ever gave her was him saying "you should meet my friend Evelyn." He brought the two of them together and Taylor is SO grateful for that!!!! :') There is no one in this world that makes Taylor feel more comfortable being her authentic weird, loud, enthusiastic self. Evelyn is tied with Tom for one of the funniest people Taylor has ever met. She is also tied with Zach for one of Lily's favorite humans besides Tom and Taylor (for those that don't know, our now deceased pup Lily was a great judge of (most) character and it was incredibly high praise for her to "let you in"). Beyond that, she has imparted SO MUCH wisdom on both of us (seriously, she is wise beyond her years, folks!!). She is by far the most incredible listener we have ever met, and able to empathize with people and their situations so naturally. Thank you, Evelyn, for being one of our favorite humans in this world and being THE INCREDIBLE person and friend and badass that you are. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH (NOW PLEASE MOVE IN)!!! Fun fact(s) about Evelyn: If she is talking with you she's probably thought about it a lot, allegedly & for the past 3 years, when she's been outside alone, she often rehearses what she would say in a speech at Taylor and Tom's Wedding :)
Zach Barton
Best Man
The modern world's Pajama Sam. Zach has been the fearless leader of countless adventures with Tom: pitter-pattering up the tallest peaks, sliding into the deepest & darkest canyons, leading all the scary pitches, and sinking into big blue holes. They've lived out of a tent together for weeks, out of a car together for months, and in 6 different states over the course of a decade. Zach is a man of many titles: Mountain Man, Canyoneer, Pilot, Scuba Diver, Physicist, Master Chef, Climber, Bears Fan, Dancin' Fool, Shrek Fanatic, Rock Lobster, Schlobberpus, International Man of Mystery, Ginger, Galvitron, Eagle Scout, Zissou Society Member, Junior Ranger at many acclaimed National Parks, Doctor (TBD?)... but, the most fitting title he deserves is Best Man. Cheers to the best man I've ever known. Fun fact about Zach: Zach has never pooped his pants as an adult. Therefore, Zach is a liar who cannot be trusted.
Hayley Schutz
Bridesmaid
Hayley and Taylor were practically sisters growing up together in Ohio. Though Taylor only met Hayley in 7th grade (and moved to Texas after 8th grade), they had PLENTY of time to get close, realizing they only lived a few blocks from each other. After school (most days), Taylor would walk home with Hayley and kindly raid her AMAZINGLY WELL-STOCKED PANTRY (pantry GOALS) and join Hayley in some kind of weird activity (walking to CVS in clown costumes? making igloos? watching children's shows? basement games? watching Moulin Rouge or Flight of the Concords?). The two had SO many similarities, it felt like they had been separated at birth! Hayley is one of the sweetest, creative, and best friends Taylor has ever had the pleasure of tricking into being her friend (Hayley, my mom says the most recent check is in the mail) ;) This sweet human joined Taylor on her 2ish month adventure to Twin Falls, ID for work training so she wouldn't have to be alone! Hayley is also dog-mom to a cattle dog, so we can just send her something that Deli has done.... and she gets it! HAYLEY!!! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! CANT WAIT FOR YOUR WEDDING!!! Fun fact(s) about Hayley: Not only weird in spirit, Hayley too has weird hands (a different weird from Taylor, but still weird), she and Taylor have coordinating tattoos to symbolize their friendship through the years, and she and Taylor have known each other longer than they haven't :)
Juan Florez
Groomsman
Juan is one of Tom's oldest friends. Since they peaked in high school, those years together will forever be the fondest of memories, for better or worse. Juan is one of the last OG Lumberjack Society members still standing. Though we who began preaching of the Lumberjack ways faced harsh persecution over the years, Juan has stood proud and carried that legacy. The countless hours we've spent at Denny's is most likely some kind of record. Your fearlessness is remarkable and also a bit terrifying, but what could you expect from my fellow creator of the game Foot Darts. A man of impeccable style, the living embodiment of the word "chill", and is loyal to his friends nearly at the level of a WWII-era Japanese soldier. I'm lucky to have this man by my side. Fun Fact about Juan: He is the co-founder of the world-renowned game of foot darts and founding member of The Lumberjack Society.
Annie Clark
Bridesmaid
Annie is one of the greatest, most authentic friends we could've asked for. Taylor and Tom met Annie at Mines where she would always invite them to everything -- she is the ultimate convener of friends and fun! As Taylor was on the fringes of the friend group (finding her people toward the end of college), Annie was so inclusive and a thoughtful friend who always went out of her way to invite Taylor and help her feel at home! She is someone who has ALWAYS been there for us in hard times and through all our moves has always been sure to visit and stay in touch. Another amazing dog mom, Annie loved our Lily SO much and took amazing care of her (her pup, Shiloh, was also Lily's best friend, though Shiloh is a cool kid and gets along with everyone). When Lily was dying (it was a long, unexpected ordeal) she was ready to jump on a plane and be there for us, even though she was coming to visit in a week! She cried with Taylor all day that day and was one of her main support systems, along with Tom, Zach, and her parents. Annie, thank you for being a rock in our friendship, WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!! Fun fact(s) about Annie: She definitely tele-skis and does cross-fit and was a ski racer (all things you will find out without asking;)), was stung by a jelly fish and BIT by sting ray in the same day (who does that happen to?!?), knows all the words to the cheese tax song, and has some of the best, strongest legs the bride has ever seen.
Travis Clark
Groomsman
The life of the party and bright light to any occasion. His noodle-dancing is contagious and can get anybody grooving. He's one of the few folks out there who can meet a total stranger (including 3a.m. Denny's patrons) and instantly connect as if they've been old friends reunited. Always up for an adventure, canyon, or float down the creek. Travis has taught me many things over the years and I want to thank him for that... here's of few of his key lessons: - Sauce is the most important food group. - Dancing is 99% confidence and 1% skill. - Hot Shelauken is the best way to make friends, blister your hands, and get holes in puffies all at the same time. - Taco Bell is a way of life. - Always be curious (especially when it comes to fast food value menus). Fun fact about Travis: He truly believes all cats love being held by him (they most likely do not) and soft mattresses swallow his knees.
Syd Slouka
Wedding Singer and Badass
Syd is one of the MOST incredible, positive, and STOKED people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Taylor feels especially lucky, having gone on SO many incredible adventures with Syd who became her main 14er buddy! Things we love about Syd (not limited to): her goofy humor that encourages you to let loose, be yourself, and not care what others think, her badassery that allows her to scale walls and mountains of all kinds, and amazing musical talent. Syd will be singing for us at our ceremony, and we could not be any more grateful. Syd - it's okay if the singing just becomes crying too - we will join in with you! :) WE LOVE YOU, SYD!! Fun fact about Syd: She has a bed built out in the back of her Tacoma and she and Taylor and Lily spent A LOT of time back there together on their 14er excursions! Syd was especially sad when Taylor informed her one night that she had lentils for dinner...
Alex Badgett
Officiant and Baguette Lover
Likes baguettes. (and is one of our very best friends. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH BADGETT THANKS FOR DOING THIS FOR US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Fun fact about Badgett: Years ago, while Taylor was conquering the 14ers, she convinced Alex to join her for Ellingwood Point and Little Bear Peak in the Sangre de Cristo range. As this mountain had a particularly arduous approach, the team determined that a stop at Taco Bell was merited. While satisfying at the time (as always), this led to an urgent restroom situation at nearly 13,000 ft elevation and 6 AM (Something Zach is apparently unfamiliar with). Gastrointestinal distress notwithstanding, the team successfully summitted and completed their journey. Sharing this incredible experience with Taylor, helped to reignite Alex's passion for Taco Bell and he is now planning a 100 mile bike ride which stops at 25 different Taco Bells in the Denver Area, dubbed the "Taco Bell century." Also, Alex has an incredible mom, Peggy who we all love and is a general badass and artist and writer!
Jessie Shaw
Dog Mom of Honor
Jessie (another Mines alum) is an INCREDIBLE human and dog mom who is HILARIOUS and emanates the utmost "chill" (something Taylor had always aspired to)! When Taylor was in her peak 14er frenzy, Jessie, along with Evelyn, became her go-to person for watching Lily. As many of you know, Lily was very particular, not just about her humans, but her dog-friends too. Lil LOVED getting to hang out with Jessie and Chelsea, and co-existed most excellently with their long haired chihuahua Wheezy (Lily was a grumpy old lady, which worked well with grumpy old man, Wheez). Jessie, I'm sorry you have to corral the spawn of satan (Deli) during this... we are working on her manners though!!! Thanks for agreeing to be dog mom of honor for us! WE LOVE YOU + YOUR LITTLE FAMILY SO MUCH!!! Fun fact(s) about Jessie: Alaskan-raised Jessie is a double-jointed green thumb (aka PLANT MASTER from her days of employment at Home Depot, and only double jointed in one thumb), has 2 cute pups, and has nordic skillz for DAYS (she tried teaching Taylor once how to skate... Taylor is still very bad but Jessie is very good)
Bri Miller
Dog Momsmaid and Amazing Human
We feel so lucky to have met and become friends with the kind, positive, bright, upbeat life-force that is Bri Miller. She will do anything for ANYONE in the drop of a hat and is truly one of the most kind people that the we have ever met. Taylor credits a major shift in her outlook on life and how she treats strangers to Bri, and seeing how kind and patient she was no matter the interaction (especially with impatient RVers who often interrupted our lab work so they could dump at the plant). Anytime she would watch Lily for us, she would treat her like her own pup and always send pictures and updates. Lily loved her so much (which makes her EXTRA special in our eyes), and of course we do to. WE LOVE YOU BRI!!!!! Fun Fact about Bri: She LOVES poop (too)! She and Taylor both went to Mines together but didn't meet and become friends until Tom bumped into her in Telluride, and Taylor joined her to work as a laboratory tech at the water and wastewater plants there. There, Bri brought 3 kittens to become the "Wastewater Plant Cats". We named them Sludgy (Taylor's favorite), Floc, and Rotifer (his name became Ed) after wastewater terminology. :) OH! And Bri is also a fellow cattle dog-mom, so she gets it ;)