Wedding Day

Reception

Our Wedding

Jeffery and I met on the World Race in 2019! From the moment I met him I was attracted to him; not just his good looks but his character, his sense of humor, and his love for all things nerdy. A group of us developed deep friendships from the beginning, so Jeffery and I were constantly around each other. During month 4 on the race we were placed on the same team! Jeffery was the team leader and I was the treasurer, so we worked together a lot as we tried to manage team finances and personalities. On the Race we never talked about dating because we were such good friends, with such strong boundaries. It wasn't until the end of the Race and after coming back to America that I realized how strong my feelings were for him. Fearful of messing up our deep friendship, I opted not to act on my feelings. Our friend Kelsey encouraged me to talk with Jeffery... after she basically set us up. As quickly as we started dating we each realized we had found our person. On the Race we saw so much brokenness, pain, and evil... and it was absolutely heartbreaking. We walked through this together, constantly encouraging and speaking truth to each other. Jeffery has a heart of gold and truly desires to know Jesus. He is an incredibly kind, humble, smart, funny, hard working, Jesus loving, hunk of a man. He is my rock, my encourager, my teammate, my lead, and my truth speaker. He stands up for me and somehow always knows what I need. I could not ask for a more suitable and fun partner as we tackle the rest of this adventure on Earth together!

She Said

Tess and I became close friends almost immediately after meeting on the world race. We were part of a great group of likeminded people with the goal of spreading the gospel to all nations; this was what attracted me to Tess the most. It is true that we started out as just friends, but our friendship was based around our relationships with Christ. All throughout the race in many pictures, we somehow ended up right next to each other! Foreshadowing! We pursued a dating relationship soon after the race, and I quickly realized that she is the one that God has for me. She is so strong both emotionally and spiritually and has done much to push me closer to Christ. I cannot imagine my life without her, and I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life and the rest of eternity with my soul mate.

He Said

Our Story

Photos

My built in best friend, sweet sister, and biggest cheerleader! Tilly and I grew up practically as twins since we are only 17 months apart. Thankfully our interests went in complete opposite directions. This meant that she could cheer me on as an athlete and I could cheer her on as a thespian. She has always been my biggest supporter; encouraging me to chase my dreams and adventure as much as possible. We never had to compete with each other, and I am so thankful that we have developed a deep friendship rooted in so much love and grace and the occasional (playful) roast. She has taught me so much over the years about grace, compassion, friendship, communication, and love. Tilly is the definition of a true friend; I just got lucky in the sister department. There is no one else on Earth I would have stand next to me as Jeffery and I step into this new and exciting adventure together.

Tilly Leeder

Stokes and I met on The World Race in 2019. While our versions of meeting are a bit different depending on who you ask, our friendship grew into a sisterhood. Throughout the 10 month adventure, Stokes and I were only separated a total of 3 days. We lived in tough situations, shared beds, laughed, cried, and everything in between. She has walked with me in the most broken moments of life and she has rooted for and encouraged me during the high points of life. She is one of the most genuine, fun, kind, honest, generous people I know. I feel honored to have her by my side as she truly knows Jeffery and me, and I know she will continue to love and encourage us in marriage!

Heather Stokes

Kelsey and I met on the World Race in 2019. Our friendship didn't develop until later on, but we have remained close through it all. She has quickly become family! She is the person you could call when you need someone, the person that always shows up, and the person that values relationship over all other things. Kels is truly thoughtful, genuine, funny, honest, and bold. She is my cheerleader, my friend, my prayer warrior, my secret keeper, my party planner, and my accountability. She knows Jeffery and me well, and I am confident she will continue to encourage and support us in this adventure and every adventure that follows!

Kelsey Kindall 

Nicholas is my younger brother, and we have known each other for our whole lives. He has been my friend and closest combatant since I can remember. Even though he is my younger brother, I have always looked up to him for his wisdom, encouragement, and his drive to live the best Christian life possible. He knows Tess from the world race, and has developed a friendship with her throughout his time knowing her. We wanted him to officiate because he is close to our hearts, and he knows us well. 

Nicholas Fain

Garrett is my best friend, and I could not have survived school or anything after that without him. He has invested in my life and wellbeing, and he is someone I will strive to keep in my life as long as God gives us time. No matter what the context of our conversation or our visits, we always seem to talk about the Lord and how good He is. He truly deserves the honor of being my Best Man.

Garrett Dixon

Logan is my youngest brother, and he and I have so much in common despite our age difference. He is such a pleasant person to be around, extremely funny, and highly intelligent. My time spent with him is never wasted or regretted, and whether we are chilling watching cartoons, or studying God's word, we enjoy each other's company. I am so glad he is a part of our big day. 

Logan Fain

Kyle and I met in high school and have been close friends ever since we roomed together for our freshman year of college. He is a true athlete, a hard worker, and a hilarious comedian. His honest and straightforward attitude have not only helped me grow and be more decisive, but have given me an example of how I persevere to conduct myself. I am very excited to have him stand by my side during our wedding.

Kyle Grinstead

Wedding Party

Q + A

After price checking local hotels, it seems that the best option may be to rent an AirBnB or VRBO with a group of people. Another option could be the Best Western Mountain Shadows hotel north of Durango or the Apple Orchard Inn near Hermosa. Keep in mind that the wedding venue is about 30 miles north of the city of Durango. The Nordic Center (venue) is just across the highway from Purgatory Ski Resort, which has condos and rooms available year round, but prices and availability vary.

Located north of town it has beautiful rooms and an epic swimming pool/ hot tub, do not forget a swimsuit! Rates for a one-two person room range from $160-190/night. Rates for 4 person room range from $165-190/night. Rates for 8 person rooms range from $200-240/night. About 25-30 minutes from the venue.

Best Western Mountain Shadows

Such a sweet little bed and breakfast! They have private cottages or rooms available in the main house! They also have a spa. Prices range from $160-$250/night for a two person room. Only 15-20 minute drive from the venue and 15 minutes from Durango.

Apple Orchard Inn

Purgatory does run a shuttle to and from town and the resort for a fee that depends on the location and the number of people riding. Carpooling or shuttle is preferred. Rental cars are becoming increasingly unavailable so if you know you want to rent a car, book that ASAP.

Tessa & Jeffery

Tessa & Jeffery

Photos