Ali & Ben
Wedding Party
Denika Ross
Officiant
Denika is one of Ben's oldest friends. They were probably still wearing diapers when they first met. In elementary school, Ben tried to keep up with Denika's gymnastics skills on the playground, ultimately resulting in multiple injuries. In middle school, they both explored their first ever multi-day river with their science class. In high school, they found camaraderie as the rebellious students in AP English who openly dreaded college and the traditional path to success. Today, Denika is still determined to write her own story as a small business owner, entrepreneur, creator, coach, and yoga teacher. Because she and Ben have stayed close over the years, she is more than eager to add wedding officiant to her list of skills. We are honored to have Denika guide us through this day!
Juniper
Ring Bearer
Our mustached baby girl. Quick to roll on her back for belly rubs and full of energy, we couldn't imagine our special day without her!
Mia Senz
Maid of Honor
"You only get one sister." Once said as a way to help us be kind to each other when we were teenagers, now said with gratitude and love as adults. I am the luckiest woman in the world to have a sister who is there for me through thick and thin, who makes me laugh until I cry on the regular. I never appreciated you enough as a kid, and it wasn't until I was in college that I realized that you had been a best friend built into my life all along. I admire your kindness and willingness to help others, both with your friends and with your patients as a nurse. I can't imagine navigating adulthood without you. Thank you for being you, a connoisseur of burritos, a wealth of SpongeBob quotes, and the creepy shadow at the edge of my bed on Christmas morning when we were little. I love you Minx.
Didier Bonnette Forenz
Best Man
D, DDA, Suger Plum Fairy, Frenchy, this Canadian turned American goes by a lot of aliases. D chased Kyle and I around growing up, always ready to say "I'll film that" when Kyle and I thought up some absurd and dangerous thing to do. We used to mattress surf behind cars on dirt roads, which D did take part in, so he's not all that innocent. I've worked a lot of jobs in the outdoor industry with D over the years. We got bit by the bug and haven't yet been able to pass up profroms and free ski tunes for a fulltime desk gig. I can say that D is and always has been a big brother to me - always looking out and always speaking up even though he knows I'll get mad when I don't hear what I want to hear, but it's what I need to hear. He's a good guy, trust me.
Geneva Mueller
Bridesmaid
I spent two years chasing you on the CSU Triathlon Team, but somewhere after that and before starting our "adult" jobs in the Denver area, we decided we should be friends. I can't pinpoint the exact moment it clicked, but I'm so thankful for it. We've shared so many miles on wheels, laughs, and tears in five years of knowing each other. From running around Downtown Denver to giving me the confidence to sign up for an Ironman, I've always been grateful that we've been able to share these memories. As my best friend, you've taught me to advocate for myself, to embrace my power, and to laugh at life's little joys. There is no one I know who is as brave, driven, and self aware as you. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better version of myself. P.S. 2016 vibes never die.
Addison Trower
Groomsman
I've known Addison my entire life - I remember him bringing girls down to the anthill in elementary school and eating ants in front of them... he's that kind of outdoorsman. From Cub Scouts, to Boy Scouts, to fishing trips, and hunting each season our relationship has only grown stronger over the years. He singlehandedly taught me more about the outdoors and chasing animals than anyone I know. Growing up in a house fully integrated with all things hunting, fishing, and the outdoors, it's no wonder Addison has become the guy he is today. His studies in biology led him to Wyoming where he spends the hunting season chasing big game and the rest of the year keeping wind turbines turning as a technician. I can't think of a better guy to suffer in the wild with.
Olivia Shay
Bridesmaid
If you're wondering where our amazing wedding cake is coming from, look no further than the boss-lady executive pastry chef that is Olivia Shay. Olivia, you are family to me. Getting to know you through Ben has been a true delight, and I'm not just talking about the chocolate. You are a true friend, a kind soul, and you have made me smile from the moment Ben brought me to meet you for dinner. Thank you for taking care of Ben all the years that I didn't know him; I am so lucky to become your sister!
Anthony Potter
Groomsman
I pushed my first skateboard off a loading dock trying to be as cool as this guy, not much has changed, but now it's kayaks and chasing him up steep pitches. Anthony and I launched our river career together fresh out of high school. Back then we didn't know where it would take us, but I can say both of us have a lot of river miles to thank for the values we believe in today. Anthony still splits his seasons on the river and on the snow - as a ski patroller and river ranger, guide, and more. I'd chase this guy anywhere. We've both come a long way since our days sleeping in the back of cars and pushing beginner trips down Clear Creek.
Kyle Knaeble
Groomsman
We had lived next door to each other for who knows how long, and it wasn't until he saw me riding down the hill on a rusty old bike that Kyle knew he had to help me out. After that day it meant more hours outdoors than indoors, tons of bandaids, broken bikes, broken shovels, and broken bodies. Kyle has settled down bit; as an engineer working on algae cleanups off the coast of Florida he gets less days on skis, but you could never tell from watching him. Without Kyle I probably wouldn't know that a bike offers more freedom than a day in front of the screen, ramen tastes better when you boil in the red pepper flakes while you cook it instead of after, and nothing is ever a bad adventure with the right company.