Fishnets & Fantasy:

If you’ve spent any time navigating the vibrant, chaotic floor of Fan Expo Denver, chances are high that you’ve done a double-take at a certain dynamic duo. Maybe it was a strikingly majestic Princess Leia standing tall next to a hilarious, bearded "Daddy" in a matching gown. Or perhaps it was Starlight accompanied by a gender-swapped Homelander, Korben Dallas and Leeloo, or even Jason Voorhees strutting through the crowd in full hockey mask and mesh fishnets.

Meet Teresa Anne and Joshua Allen Crites, known across the convention circuit by their hilarious and unmistakable combined moniker: Dress Me Up Daddy.

Hailing from Littleton, Colorado, Teresa and Josh have spent the last five years establishing themselves as the undisputed royalty of comedic, gender-bending, live-action sci-fi and fantasy cosplay. With Teresa serving as an official Fan Meetups Ambassador for Fan Expo Denver, this duo doesn't just attend conventions—they ignite them. COZ Magazine sat down with the comedic couple to talk dive bar origins, terrible makeup lessons, and the secret to a happy cosplay marriage.

Every iconic love story has a fitting origin, and for Teresa and Josh, theirs unfolded under the neon glow of a local dive bar on karaoke night.

"We met where all legendary couples meet," Teresa laughs. "Specifically on a karaoke night. We liked each other right away because we both picked show tunes."

That shared flair for the dramatic quickly laid the groundwork for their creative partnership. But the leap from singing show tunes to fabrication and full-costume convention outings happened when Josh invited Teresa to her very first Rocky Horror Picture Show shadow-cast night.

"His makeup was horrifying—and not in a good way," Teresa remembers with a grin. "I informed him right then and there that I would be doing his makeup in the future, and it slowly evolved from there."

Once Teresa took over the makeup brush and the pair realized just how much sheer joy they found in wandering convention halls together, their efforts skyrocketed. By 2021, Dress Me Up Daddy was officially born.

What makes Teresa and Josh so beloved in the Rocky Mountain cosplay scene is their willingness to sacrifice seriousness for a great punchline. Their portfolio is an eclectic mix of sci-fi nostalgia and horror comedy, ranging from The Fifth Element and Doctor Who to Wreck-It Ralph’s King Candy and Stranger Things Demogorgons.

Teresa candidly admits to being the resident horror enthusiast in the relationship, but Josh is always game to jump into the fray—provided there's room for a gag.

"Sometimes my husband agrees to go along with my horror obsession, as long as he can also make people laugh," Teresa explains. "An example would be when he let me dress him up as Jason Voorhees... in fishnets."

That balance of Teresa's technical prop-making and makeup eye paired with Josh's fearless comedic delivery has made their gender-bent takes—like their iconic Princess Leia & "Daddy" or Starlight & Homelander pairings—instant fan favorites.

"He agrees to go along with my horror obsession, as long as he can also make people laugh."

For Teresa and Josh, costuming together isn't about competition or hitting flawless screen accuracy at the expense of comfort. It’s about sharing an immersive, joyous space where they can flex their creativity as a team.

Whether they are hosting Fan Meetups at major conventions, designing intricate props in their Littleton workshop, or turning iconic sci-fi tropes completely on their head, Dress Me Up Daddy proves that the best partner in life is someone who will happily wear fishnets with a Jason mask just to make a crowd smile.

As they look toward their upcoming convention slate, one thing is certain: wherever Teresa and Josh go, laughter, incredible props, and unforgettable show-stopping energy are guaranteed to follow.

For this creepy, comedic cosplaying couple not following these creatives and cosplayers is the real horror.

• Jeetspool (Instagram)

• Heather Ever After (Instagram)

• Paul F. Dietz (Facebook)

Follow Dress Me Up Daddy on Instagram for more cosplaying couple fun!