James & Ria
Wedding Party
Mary Bowen
Maid of Honor
You may recognize Mary and I from the Sabino High School yearbook, pictured in our coordinated Eminem shirts as the winners of "Best Best Friends." We have been Maria Bowseph since 2007 with no plans to change that. Although we started as rivals (there could only be ONE fastest girl on the soccer team), our friendship has survived and thrived through the years, even when we lived an ocean apart. Mary and James became close during the few wonderful years when we all three lived in Colorado and he eventually earned her approval. He has always known that we were a package deal!
Christina Golden
Bridesmaid
I knew I wanted to play, but I was SO nervous to walk into a room full of rowdy strangers, aka the rugby team, during my freshman year of college. As I sat in awkward silence a friendly Justin lookalike turned to me and said "Hey what's up, I'm Bieber," and with that simple gesture she helped me make one of the best decisions of my life in joining the team. We played rugby together for years but our greatest memories were formed off the pitch with the third member of The Bro Club, Alex. Christina is the kind of friend who will always make you feel special and loved, and she has a fierce sense of loyalty that is hard to find. Alex and I had the honor of standing next to her when she and her wife Sydney got married and, fun fact, her vows made James cry a little.
Alex Rath
Bridesmaid
When I first met Alex at rugby practice I knew she was way too cool to ever be my friend, but somehow she was tricked into liking me and look at us now! Alex is an impressive person all around, from being a stud on the rugby pitch, to being recognized as one of Tucson's Fab 50 Nurses, to being an incredible friend who is always down for an adventure. We have countless memories from the days when we were a little less tame and continue to celebrate each other for what we have accomplished since then. As the only pen-pal I've ever had, Alex and I have shared our stories in our own special way and I can't imagine life without her.
Kayla Vanderkooi
Bridesmaid
Kayla and I committed to being medical school roomies before we met, and that ended up being one of the most impactful decisions of my life. Our first adventure, thanks to Kayla and her husband Stuart, was climbing a 14er with our other gal pals before starting medical school. Annelisa and I got stuck on a steep ledge, and Kayla reached to grab my hand and firmly said "Trust me." I did, she pulled me to safety, and our relationship has been rooted in meaningful experiences like this one since then. We have spent countless hours together cooped up studying inside, exploring the wonders of Colorado, traveling, and laughing til I pee my pants more times than I can remember. Whenever James and I meet good, solid, caring people we compare them to Kayla and Stu.
Adela Miller
Bridesmaid
I had the pleasure of living with Adela for two years in medical school; one year with our Gal Pals and one year with her and her now-husband Jorg. Our friendship has been packed full of adventure, laughter, tears, and everything in between. We have hiked 30+ miles on a three-night backpacking trip with only ourselves as company, taken late-night ocean dips in Mexico, and even have a time capsule that will be locked away until 2029. Our shared life goal is to be neighbors and force our future children to be best friends forever!
Marissa Lown
Bridesmaid
The first things I learned about Marissa were that she LOVES to learn and that she LOVES the color sage. She approaches really everything in life with this all-caps level of enthusiasm, which makes even the most ordinary experiences feel special. Marissa plans the BEST dates, writes the BEST cards, and makes me actually care about my birthday because she spoils me endlessly. I don't know how I survived without her for 26 years, but I do know we'll be closer than close for the rest of our lives.
Zoe Johnson
Bridesmaid
My little Zoe bear is simply one of the funniest and hardest working people I've ever known. Marissa and I are constantly impressed by how much she can accomplish in a 24 hour period. It has been so special to watch her become a mom to her mini-me Peyton and grow into an incredible physician at the same time. You can always count on her for a warm hug (complete with her signature "Zoe wiggle"), an unfiltered comment, and a good laugh (usually following the unfiltered comment). Watch out for her on the dance floor though...she has been known to smooch cheeks and nibble noses after a few beverages. ;)
Lizzie May
Bridesmaid
My sister to be! From the moment I met the May clan, Lizzie has always made me feel like part of the family. You can catch Dr. May in her pediatric dentistry office, on her yoga mat, in a cycling class, hangin at home with her kitties, or traveling to gorgeous places like Sedona, Arizona. You'll be challenged to find someone sweeter than Lizzie or someone who says "Thank you!" in a cuter way (her subtle Australian accent really comes out). Can't wait for the years we have ahead of us as family!
Jim Brock
Best Man
Jim has been one of my best friends since we first met freshman year of high school. Growing up together, we spent many days at cattail park playing ultimate. Followed with Brothers pizza / slushys. And eventually becoming connoisseurs of Nicholas Cage / Vin Diesel – and all of their collective masterpieces. It’s always been easy to hang out with Jim – and I can remember laughing for hours every time we would get together. Towards the end of my time in Colorado, Jim welcomed Tim and I into his home as roommates. It was so awesome getting to spend more quality time with one of my oldest, best friends again!
Sunil Bellur
Groomsman
Right there with us at cattail, brothers, and probably introducing everyone to Mr. Diesel was Sunil! Sunil, Jim, and I have maintained our friendship throughout the years. Reminiscing on silly inside jokes and throwbacks to great memories together. Sunil has always been a very kind, loving, amazing friend! It’s been a shame to have watched so much of the Fast & the Furious franchise without him, but maybe we can share a Corona or two in August for La Familia!
Scotty Smidlein
Groomsman
Scotty was one of my first friends when I moved from Australia to Texas for high school. Scotty, Dimitri, and I would drive around the Woodlands exploring all the best things America had to offer – like the 2 for 99c tacos at Jack in the Box. I really do miss driving around the Woodlands, jamming to Hilary Duff (ironically?) in that classic red Honda Civic. Scotty has always been a real chuckle head, and has such positive energy! I think he’s probably had the classic “dad joke” vibe since 2012 – but now has such a beautiful family to share that with!
Dimitri Macris
Groomsman
I recently learned Dimitri was close friends with Machine Gun Kelly - back when he went by Colson. Which may be Dimitris’ defining characteristic? But seriously, Mitch has been an amazing friend throughout the years! We met in high school on the TWST swim team with Scotty – and the three of us have been on an Amazing/Special Journey since. Somehow every time we get together, we manage to talk for hours and never finish a single topic. Talking / opening up to Dimitri just comes naturally. He’s such an amazing person with such a sincere interest in others. I've been so blessed to have him as a lifelong friend!
Chris Boronow
Groomsman
While I knew Chris in High School, we didn’t really become close friends until we met up in college on the UT water polo team. My freshman year I roomed with a pretty interesting character in the dorms – and luckily sophomore year Chris brought me to a new living situation as roommates. The next three years were a revolving door of additional roommates, but we definitely bonded and grew as friends over the shared frustration. Chris is one of the smartest, most naturally talented people I’ve met. And he’s taught / continues to teach me a lot today! It’s probably not a good thing we spent all of our energy in college mastering ness on n64 super smash bros.
Tim Hickle
Groomsman
I moved to Denver for work in 2014, and ended up connecting with a coworker to share an apartment downtown. For the next six years we’d share another house, a Macy, a third house with Jim, and plenty of memories along the way. Tim has become one of the most reliable, honest, good-hearted friends I’ve ever had. We’ve shared so many great memories over the years, and have seen most of the Rockies together between all the ski / work trips. I was honored to stand beside Tim when he married Lauren, and am equally honored to have him beside me as one of my groomsmen! Hopefully we can get some good Timeoke classics playing on the dancefloor!
Nate Hopp
Groomsman
Nate was one of the first friends I made in Denver. We met at pickup ultimate, and Nate continued to pursue ultimate in the club seasons with me. We’ve spent many an evening playing frisbee till dark, then chasing that with pizza / beer / chatting about our lives. Nate has also always been one of my go-to ski buddies, and has taught me a lot since I first started. I’ve been chasing Nate on the mountain for years, but he’s always just out of reach. Whether it’s tossing the disk, or shouting “no friends on a powder day!” as we bail off the nearest ledge, I’ve really enjoyed the time Nate and I have shared together.
Zach Joseph
Groomsman
Everyone that meets Ria knows what a kind, sincere, honest soul she is. It really does amaze me how someone can be that positive – and I know I’m not alone in thinking that. After having spent some great quality time with Zach, it’s pretty clear it runs in the family! Each year we get to catch up for a week or so at Torch Lake in Northern Michigan. It’s been a blast hunting for wind together, or lounging out sharing a beer when the wind dies down. I can’t wait to join the family, and look forward to the years ahead!