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Ella & Justin

September 26 2026
South Fork CO

Our Story

Once upon a time

It all started back in October 2021… kind of.
The groom was technically the bride’s best friend’s brother, which meant we’d crossed paths before. But sparks? Nope. Not yet. We were just two people in the same orbit, occasionally making polite small talk.

Fast forward to August 2022, when fate (and a 21st birthday celebration) decided to intervene. We went on a trip for the groom’s sister’s big birthday, and suddenly… something clicked. Maybe it was the music, maybe it was the drunk cigs, or maybe it was the fact that the bride finally realized the groom was actually pretty great.

Our real love story officially began a two months later, during a long weekend in Keystone, at the end of September. Between the mountain air and way too much coffee, we became inseparable.

By June 2024, we were living together — which meant merging furniture, figuring out who’s in charge of the thermostat (still up for debate), and planning our next adventures. We’ve wandered through Salt Lake City, hiked around Estes Park, visited each other’s hometowns, and even taken our biggest trip yet: Greece, Rome, and Venice.

And speaking of Greece… that’s where it happened. In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, between the islands of Aegina and Agistri, the groom popped the question. The water was sparkling, the sun was shining, and the bride was saying “YES!” before he could even finish asking.

Now, here we are — ready for the next adventure… marriage. And this time, everyone’s invited.

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Travel

Quality Inn & Suites

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182 E. Frontage Rd., South Fork, CO, 81154, US
719-872-5010
Website

Tiny Timbers Resort

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28422 US-160, South Fork, CO 81154

Airbnb

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Airbnb would a great place to look for cabin rentals in the South Fork area!

Vacation Rental Collective Creede

Use Code: RG26
Rental properties. On the website select location “south fork” to see available options. 3 night minimum stay. Use Code: RG26 for 10% off.

Loge Wolf Creek

Picture of Loge Wolf Creek
31042 US-160, South Fork, CO 81154
719-873-1900

Things to Do

The Crow Bar

26 Escondida Dr, South Fork, Co
719-657-1157

Tiny Timbers Resort & Coffee Bistro

28422 US-160, South Fork, CO 81154

Pagosa Hot Springs

323 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
50 minutes from South Fork, CO

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Located close to Alamosa Colorado. One hour drive from South Fork, CO.

Sand Dunes Recreation

1991 Co Rd 63, Hooper, CO 81136
Hot springs located near the Sand Dunes.

Amazon Registry

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Registry

Wedding Party

Tani Hale
Tani Hale - Maid of honor
Tani is not only my cousin, she’s my older sister, and built in best friend. She’s been my ride or die my whole life. Tani is the most dependable, wise, and loving person I know. If you’re looking for some advice come find her, she always knows what to say. She has held my hand in the most trying times, and danced with me during the best. She truly such an amazing person to know her is to love her.
Jeni Pepper
Jeni Pepper - Bridesmaid
Jeni is not only my bestie but also Justin’s sister, who acted as Cupid in our love story. From college roommates to sisters, our friendship can only get better. If you’re looking to have a good time find Jeni. Her energy is electric and her stories are always entertaining. There’s never a dull moment when you have a Jeni Pepper in your life.
Carly Swallow
Carly Swallow - Bridesmaid
Carly was my first roommate in college, our friendship not only survived, but thrived, in a small dorm room in the midst of COVID. We got into our nursing program together, moved into our college home, and the rest is history. She’s been there through all the melt downs and the highs your early twenties can bring. Carly is the best type of funny. The type that can make a whole room laugh until their stomach hurts. If you need a good laugh or maybe some funky wonky vibes, find Carly out on the dance floor.
Kylee Lamas
Kylee Lamas - Bridesmaid
Kylee came into my life when I needed her most. I was introduced to her by Rachel and Carly, and she was the missing puzzle piece to our silly little college life. She’s held my hair, wiped my tears, and celebrated all of my accomplishments. She’s the best listener and she can always make bad days better. If you’re looking to learn some new moves find Kylee out on the dance floor, she’s the only one that has rhythm!
Briawanna Clark
Briawanna Clark - Bridesmaid
Bri was introduced into my life during college, and I’m so grateful she was. She loves baking, dogs, and Formula one. She’s the strongest, most selfless person, and will drop everything to help her people. She has a way about her that can brighten up a room and get everyone energized. Our baking days are some of my favorite days… and I think Justins too, He gets all the goodies with no sweat equity. If you’re looking for the best baker or just thrilling conversation about F1, Bri is your girl!
Sami Cotten
Sami Cotten - Bridesmaid
Sami is Justin’s oldest sister and a super mom. Sami, like me, is the oldest daughter, and thats why we jive so well, we just get it. She’s a teacher, mom, and wife. So you know she has the lords patience. But don’t let the word mom fool you, she not just a regular mom, she’s the coolest mom. She knows how to bust a move, and will party the night away. But just be ware if you are up to shenanigans and need to be removed… she’s going to be the one to do it. She’s bada** that doesn’t take any sh*t.
Stephanie Johnson
Stephanie Johnson - Bridesmaid
Steph is Justin’s youngest sister. She’s the baby of the family and has everyone wrapped around her finger. Her silly personality and witty remarks make that an easy feat. She’s the best Aunt and has a true love for kids. I can’t wait to have her as an Aunt to our future children. She’s still in her college years so if you’re looking for someone to out drink you, or shot gun a beer with, she’ll be your girl! Find her at the bar!
Eamonn Zollars
Eamonn Zollars - Best Man
Eamonn was one of my first friends when I moved to Sargent. We both love sports, video games, and blowing things up. He has been my brother through thick and thin and I always know he’s got my back. Whether it’s helping me move or doing something his mom wouldn’t approve of (she’s a judge) Eamonn’s always been by my side. Hit him up for parlay picks or advice, he doesn’t disappoint.
Esteban Aguilera
Esteban Aguilera - Groomsmen
Esteban is essentially my twin. My first memory of our friendship is me walking into our 6th grade classroom being the new kid, and he daps me up saying “I feel like I’ve known you forever bro!” with my response being “No way bro me too!”. That first interaction was a glimpse of how the next 15 years would be. I could go months without talking to him and then when we meet up again we don’t skip a beat. Hit him up for a great conversation, he won’t disappoint.
Brent Harrison
Brent Harrison - Groomsmen
Brent and I have been friends ever since we met at the Sargent football camp before 6th grade. I remember after the camp we had a sleepover and stayed up all night talking about girls and drinking soda (soda wasn’t allowed). Since then we’ve played every sport and every game together. Besides sports we would hunt, ride dirt bikes/atv’s, and live a rednecks dream. Hit him up if you’re looking for any good hunting spots or a dirt bike track.
Caleb Cotten
Caleb Cotten - Groomsmen
Caleb had always been the tall gangly guy in the grade above me until he started dating Sami. We worked together for the city of Monte Vista for a summer and that was probably the most fun I’ve had at work. As Sami and Caleb’s relationship grew we grew closer, especially through college. We have coached a Junior High team to a championship together and spent countless hours trying to drink all of the beer (it’s impossible they keep making more). Hit him up if you’re looking for a Basketball coach, he coaches a lot better than he played!
Kage Pepper
Kage Pepper - Groomsmen
I first met Kage on the football field. He was a 4th grade kid showing up to his dad’s football practice. As we grew up my Jeni started dating Kage and we’ve been friends ever since. We have the same sense of humor which makes hanging out that much better. We have bonded through a lot of beer, parlays, and most of all complaining about his woman (his wife is my sister it’s okay). One thing we can always find in common conspiracy theories 🧃. I know i can count on Kage and he is a brother till the end. Find him for interesting conversation and some good laughs.
Ty Harrison
Ty Harrison - Groomsmen
Ty is a built in brother that looks more like my real brother than anything. I remember one time in high school we had our faces photoshopped on the step brother’s cover and it worked out tremendously. We have always had each other’s backs. Whether it was on the football field or anywhere else in the world I know I got a brother in Ty. Hit him up if you’re ever in a foxhole and need a gunner.
Colby Harrison
Colby Harrison - Groomsmen
Colby has always been the craziest one of us boys, you could almost swear he’s Travis pastrana. Whether it’s walking on a 2x4 10 feet in the air or hitting 80mph on a dirt bike you can count on him to give it a go. I don’t know if it’s a lack of fear or just pure stupidity but if there is something wild needing done Colby is right there ready to go. Hit him up if you’re looking for trails to ride or just a ride or die friend.
Logan Sessums
Logan Sessums - Groomsmen
Logan and I have been friends ever since we got consolation champions as the C team in a JV tournament. We bonded through Basketball and FBLA through high school as we both would do whatever extra curriculars to get out of school. Throughout college we have found our love for golf and drinking beer equal. As much as it hurts to admit he is a great golfer and an above average beer drinking. Hit him up if you need an extra or the course.
Gabe Rodriguez
Gabe Rodriguez - Groomsmen
Gabe has been a big brother to me since day 1. I remember the first night we met we both did the Edward 40 hands challenge (if you don’t know ask). By the end of the night you would have thought we’d known each other our whole lives. Since then we’ve had multiple near death experiences together which solidified our bond as brothers. Whether it’s getting into trouble, or needing life advice to get out of trouble, Gabe is your guy. Hit him up if you’re looking for advice or just a great conversation.

Dress Code

COCKTAIL

Please refrain from wearing jeans.

Ideas & Advice

Rent The Runway

Woman in red cutout dress in a sunny garden.
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Photos

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