Kayla & Justin
Wedding Party
Jennifer Stimson
Matron of Honor
Kayla & Jen met at Harvest Park Middle School and they’ve been inseparable ever since. You’ll often hear them refer to each other as “sisters” which is ironic because they only have brother(s). Yet, further consolation that they consider each other family. Kayla and Jen were also roommates for many years, which as most people know is one of the truest tests of a friendship, but they loved it! Jen always shows up and goes the distance for Kayla (and everyone she knows). She is one of the most thoughtful, kind, and supportive people you will ever meet. They’ve shared an abundance of good times, milestones, and memories over the years. Kayla was ecstatic when Jen agreed to be her Matron of Honor, and cannot wait for the BIG day.
Riley Coleman
Best Man
Justin met Riley in 2011 when Riley was placed in the same squad. During their time in the Marines they would frequently go on liberty together, even if that meant staying back at the barracks and tossing back cold ones. At the end of Justin's active service, he and Riley still managed to maintain a close friendship across state lines. When Justin was researching & shopping for Kayla's engagement ring, Riley was the first to know. The two talk about everything and share a strong "brotherly" type bond which they formed during their more difficult times in Marine Corps Infantry.
Alyssa Rasmussen
Bridesmaid
"Lyss" & Kay met through a mutual friend over 10 years ago. They instantly clicked and spent majority of the day ignoring other people, and going on and on about who they knew (collectively it seemed like the whole damn town!). For as long as Kayla can remember Alyssa has been there, laughing w/ her through the good times and toughing it out through the bad. Alyssa (like Kayla) comes from a BIG family, one which has always treated Kayla as one of their own. Alyssa approaches everyone she meets with a smile and if you're lucky you might even hear her little signature addition when she laughs. Kayla admires what a strong marriage Mark and Robin (Alyssa's parents) share, and feels so blessed the whole Rasmussen clan will be present to witness her step into her next chapter as a wife.
Joel Lawton
Groomsman
Justin met Joel 5 years ago through a mutual friend, and they share many similar interests and hobbies including their love for music (concerts), and hunting. You can usually find the two going out for drinks, shooting guns, or barbecuing some kind of animal one of them harvested. Joel has been there for Justin in countless ways and has become a very close friend to him over the years.
Nicole Groenewold
Bridesmaid
Nicole and Kayla met at a friend's house party in Brentwood. Kayla was a Sophomore at Amador High, and Nicole was a Freshman at Liberty High. Right away Nicole was happy, bubbly, and so friendly. To truly know Nicole, is to know that any room she walks into, she will leave having befriended everyone in the room. The summers were spent between Discovery Bay and Pleasanton, and many snowy winters in South Lake Tahoe. Whether they were on the boat, bbq-ing, or heading out for Girl's night in Walnut Creek, you'd always find them having the best time. Kayla is so grateful to have a kind-hearted, selfless, and fun-loving friend like Nicole, who holds such a special place in her heart.
Brandon Hahn
Groomsman
Brandon is Justin’s older brother and although they butted heads more than they got along growing up, they always had each other's back. Brandon and Justin’s relationship grew stronger when Justin left home for the Marines. For two guys that used to fuss and argue, they grew to become the best of friends. Whenever Justin returned home for leave they were inseparable. Justin and Brandon talk everyday, as Justin holds Brandon as his closest and most-trusted friend. His one wish is that they "could have had this sh*t figured out 20+ years ago."
Hannah Armtrout
Bridesmaid
Kayla was introduced to Hannah by their longtime mutual friend Christina in 2013. Not long after their intro, Kayla introduced Hannah to her cousin Josh. Hannah and Josh are now married adding another very special element to their friendship, as the two friends are now 'officially' cousins. Like Kayla, Hannah is spontaneous (on her own terms) and down for 'almost' anything. For instance, getting a friendship tattoo on a random Saturday after Brunch. The tattoo shop might be gone, but the memory of that day will last forever (literally). Hannah has been a fiercely loyal friend & confidant to Kayla over the last several years. She was considered part of the family long before they shared the same last name. Kayla is happy to have Hannah by her side during this special time.
Brody Armtrout
Groomsman
Brody entered Kayla's life by much surprise, shortly after her high school graduation in September of 2005. Brody is Kayla's little brother and easily one of the most caring, thoughtful, and loving people you will ever meet. He is an old soul, who is wise beyond his years (15 to be exact). Although the siblings are 18 years and 6 days apart, and have never lived in the same city, they share a bond that is unbreakable. Kayla couldn't wait to introduce Brody to Justin because she knew they would get along so well. The two of them text and chat often about everything from boots and hunting, to racing, knives, and guns. Kayla and Justin were so excited to ask Brody to be in the wedding and were so happy when he accepted with one of his BIG Brody hugs.
Ashley Thompson
Bridesmaid
Kayla & Ashley met almost a decade ago through mutual friends, but for lack of a better explanation, were too stubborn and competitive to learn more. It wasn't until they were reintroduced a year later that they would quickly develop friendship & affinity for the other. Since then, there has been no shortage of laughs, BBQs, trips, inside jokes, concerts, and everything in between. Kayla joined Ashley at Apple Inc. in October 2019 and wishes that she had done it sooner, working with your bestie is so awesome! Ash was there the night that Kayla met Justin, and landed herself the title of "best wing-woman ever!" Ash has played an integral role in many positive changes in Kayla's life over the last few years and is so thankful to have her in her corner.
Josh McCleary
Groomsman
Justin and Josh met in the Marines when Josh was assigned to the same squad. Both Justin and Josh were avid "gym rats" and there were many mornings when Justin would drag Josh with him to the gym at 4:00am before "reveille" was sounded. Accompanied with several other Marines they would make their escape on the weekends going up to North Shore (Opposite of the Marine Corps Base) in Hawaii where they could let loose and meet new people. Although Josh resides with family in Texas, he and Justin have managed to stay great friends throughout the years.