We have both two-legged and four-legged companions in our bridal party. Since we met at the dog park, it was very important to us to have our dogs as a part of our wedding. 

           Kjrsten Ruecker and I have been friends for almost ten years. We met through mutual acquaintances while both attending San Diego State University. Eventually, along with two other girls, we lived in a house in Lake Murray, and a life-long friendship full of deep-fried food and burritos on the beach began.            
            Kjrsten is an amazingly positive and optimistic person, and I am thankful to have her to balance my occasionally pessimistic self. Having her around guarantees I will be laughing and smiling - an excellent trait for a matron of honor. She’s just that kind of person.  I was honored to be a part of her wedding three years ago, and appreciate that she’s been here to return the favor.            
            Kjrsten is a first grade teacher who lives in Denver, CO, with her husband, Tom, and their two dachshund/puggle mixes, Odie and Romo.

            Clara, a 3.5 year old Italian Greyhound/Spaniel mix, is 18 pounds of furry, fun enthusiasm. You haven’t seen true euphoria until you’ve seen this sweet little girl run through a field of tall grasses. She enjoys treats, toys that dispense treats, and stealing her best friend Harvey’s bones whenever possible. She’s also an excellent running buddy, and keeps me motivated. Feel free to pet her and give her lots of love on our ceremony day, as Clara loves to meet new people and make friends.

          She especially likes being scratched on her lower back!

            Neil Bruce is Shawn's older brother. He is the Mario to my Luigi. Arguably the reason I ever started, and now continue to play video games, read any book with less than half of it being pictures, and the only reason I watch sports is when he's around. He introduced me to Sci-fi, mp3's, and building computers. We've been through a lot together, and if there's one thing I've learned throughout those years it is he will always be there for me, maybe even with donuts at 8am.

            Neil is a Creative Director at an advertising agency in San Francisco. He lives there with his wife, Linda, and their 2 ½ year old son, Asher.

            Harvey, a 3 year old German Shepherd/Chow/Great Dane mix, is 115 pounds of doggy smiles who is wholly devoted to Shawn. He also loves his Auntie Yuki who rescued him from the side of the highway near the Target in Eagle Rock as a puppy and found him a home. Harvey enjoys slow walks,  playing tug-o-war with Clara for his favorite toys, and a good belly rub from his humans.

            He’s very sweet, and a bit shy, so approach him quietly, but feel free to say hello to him on our big day!