MATT AND JESS ARE TYING THE KNOT!

The Big Weekend is almost here!!!
Please see some notes below detailing the weekends activities!!

Friday, September 19: We'll be hosting a welcome reception at the Moose Lodge on the GLL property.

We'll be catering in food and have drinks to serve
Festivities begin at 6pm

Saturday, September 20: Matt and Jess have rented 2 pontoon boats for some time on the lake

Boats will be running from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and can accommodate 22 people at a time-- happy to run in turns if we have the interest
There is a pool in addition to the lake, so if you want to go for a dip, don't forget to bring a bathing suit.
Wedding party: Rehearsal will be at the Lodge at 4pm followed by Rehearsal dinner at 6pm
Elk Cabin: Jess and Matt have rented the largest cabin available, Elk Cabin, to act as 'HOME BASE' for visiting and casual activities.
- Saturday evening: Please feel free to join in games, drinks, and general merriment Saturday night ~8pm at the Elk Cabin

Sunday, September 21: THE BIG DAY!!!

Ladies of the wedding party will be occupied all day but Matt and the boys may be going for a short hike in the morning if others are interested
Ceremony will begin at 4:30 pm at the Nuptial Knoll Ceremony site located a short walk from the GLL parking lot down a semi-steep gravel trail.
- Ladies: HEELS are NOT recommended
Cocktail hour will run from ~5pm - 6pm on the Front Lawn
Reception seating will begin just after 6pm with everyone seated by 615pm
- Party will wind down at 10pm (we don't have to go home, but can't stay at the Pavilion!)

Matt and Jess are saying "I Do" Sunday, September 21st in Grand Lake, Colorado!

We will be spending the weekend at Grand Lake Lodge beginning on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 and culminating with the Wedding on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025. Please join us for all or part of our Wedding weekend at Grand Lake for fun and activities with our favorite family members and friends.

Please RSVP

Our Story

Our First Date

We first spent time together during an early summer pick-up volleyball game and park day at Wash Park in Denver. During breaks from the sun and games, we spent time in the shade learning about each other sparking interest from both. After the park day, Jess asked Matt to join her and some friends for an outdoor music festival near DU and Matt agreed. More sparks, fun with friends, a torrential June downpour soaking Matt and Jess to the core, and our first kiss. After our fun in the rain, Matt asked Jess to join him for dinner and took her to a nice restaurant in Cherry Creek where the conversation flourished... at least from Jess. Matt said about 5 words the whole evening leaving Jess stumped on whether the date was a success; it was.

The Best of Friends

Though the spark between Matt and Jess was undeniable from the start, those close to us know that the early months were far from perfect. Those who know us know we are both stubborn, independent and hard headed and when we first met and started dating, neither of us were exactly willing to admit faults or bend to each others wills. Thus, our stubborn independent streak led to multiple stand-offs and break-ups. However, our attraction and mutual respect continually pulled us back together, much like the gravitational pull on a celestial body that Matt would love to bore anyone with details of who will listen.
Never out of touch long, we continued to grow closer as we learned more about each other and found our walls starting to soften. Despite our best efforts to simply 'be friends', we couldn't deny our continued attraction and chemistry that nearly demanded more. Finally conceding to call a spade a spade and give our romantic relationship one last go, we reconciled our relationship in May of 2019 finally ready to relax our stubborn ways and prioritize each others needs.
The days, months, and years that have passed since have done so in a wonderful haze. Surviving world pandemics, changing careers, additional degrees, blending homes, and the welcome of a third furry-child, we've come to realize just how blessed we are to have failed so miserably at just being friends because the friendship that has ensued within this partnership goes beyond what any words could justify.

Our Proposal

Matt nailed it! On a beautiful winter day in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Matt and Jess grabbed the dogs and headed out to Fish Creek Falls to partake in one of their favorite outdoor activities - hiking. Despite having less than an hour of sunlight left in the day, Matt insisted on heading out to a scenic overlook above the frozen waterfall. Surrounded by the beautiful snow covered mountains and the dogs running around having a blast, Matt grabbed Jess into a great big hug and expressed his genuine love for her. Then he finally got down on one knee and popped the question! Speechless for one of the first times in her life, she nodded 'yes' and they proceeded to plan the rest of their lives.