Wedding Party
Kristen Shader
Bride
We are so excited to have you all there to connect, dance, and celebrate with us! This is a photo from our second date at the Denver Renaissance Faire- Ben looked so dreamy in a kilt!
Ben Vernon
Groom
The one and only! Kristen is the luckiest gal in the world to have met this wonderful man. Yes, Ben and Kristen are dressed as hot dogs in this picture.
Kurt & Karen Shader
Kristen's Parents
The reason Kristen is here today! We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and support in making the wedding happen. And for traveling across the US to come celebrate!
Tom & Debbie Vernon
Ben's Parents!
The reason Ben is on this Earth! <3 We are so grateful to have you both in the wedding and for your kindness and support with the planning process!
Alexi Neal
Matron of Honor
Kristen's best friend! Alexi and Kristen have been friends since they met in Florida back in 2012! (Her husband, Chas, is also a dear friend and our officiant! And their son, Bodhi, is Kristen's godson and our very stylish ring bearer!)
Noreen Khan
Bridesmaid
Kristen and Noreen have been friends since meeting and working at CU Denver in 2018! Noreen shares an adventurous spirit and a love for travel. She's from Norway, and Kristen is so glad to have become so close with Noreen over the years!
Rae Libersat
Bridesmaid
Rae and Kristen met in Denver a handful of years ago. (Alexi introduced us!) Rae is thoughtful, kind, and loves her solo time! She's here with her sweet boyfriend, Forester.
Alice Wotkyns
Bridesmaid
Alice and Kristen met through Alice's parents, Kip and Jeanette. (The same friends that introduced Ben and Kristen!) Alice has been great in recommending fun California activities, since she used to live near Sunnyvale, CA, too! (Also pictured: Her daughter, Ginny!)
Allison Whitley
Bridesmaid
Allison and Kristen lived in the same apartment building post-Covid in Denver! Allison asked a neighbor group chat if anyone wanted to make a new friend and Kristen joined - and Kristen is so glad she did!
Kent & Grace Shader
Kristen's Brother and Sister-in-Law
These two are like two peas in a pod. They met each other and fell in love years ago! We are so grateful they can join for our wedding celebration! They would love to have you come say hello. They live in South Carolina!
Scott Vernon
Best Man
Ben's older brother! (Pictured with his badass wife, Allie, and two kids- Everett and Avery. Avery is our adorable flower girl!)
Michael Vernon
Groomsman
Ben's younger brother and favorite work out partner! Michael is pictured with his wonderful wife, Weisi!
Jack Dougan
Groomsman
Ben's cousin and favorite late night video game teammate! (Pictured with his awesome wife, Ana!)
Sam Kesten
Groomsman
Ben's friend from childhood who grew up down the street! (Pictured with his wife, Alice, and daughter, Ginny). Alice is also in our bridal party!
Matt Nieveen
Groomsman
Ben's lifelong friend from childhood who traveled all the way from Atlanta! Ben and Matt met in elementary school.
Chas Neal
Officiant
Chas has been a dear friend of Kristen's since 2012 in Gainesville, FL! He and Alexi have been together since then- and have two little ones together (Wes and Bodhi- our ring bearer!) Chas has a great sense of humor and makes life goofier and more fun.