B&D WeddingB&D Wedding
Wedding PartyWedding Party
Rachel BravoRachel Bravo
Matron of Honor
Rachel has been my best friends since the day she was born. There was never a decision, a conversation, it always just *was*. Rachel lived "down the hill", which was a 3 minute drive away, and we spent our days running businesses (the newspaper company was a big hit, and the beanie baby hospital saved many lives). She's always been more than just a cousin, she has been my sister. As we grew older, I had the privilege of witnessing her become this incredible, smart, funny, loyal, beautiful woman, who never lost the ability to play. To this day, we still joke, play, and laugh like we did as kids. She understands my humor in only the way that someone who has known you an entire lifetime can. She knows my heart this way too. She has been there through every major milestone in my life, the good and the very hardest, showing up with presence, whole heartedness, generosity and love. Rachel recently gave me the best gift in the whole entire world by giving birth to my niece Nina who is completely perfect and is going to be my newest best friend. Words fall short for what Rachel's presence in my life has meant to me, she is the logic mind to my emotion, she is the steadiest, most enduring presence, and someone who shows up fiercely and without hesitation for the people she loves.
Nick NovakNick Novak
Best Man
I’ve known Nick since our awkward years in middle school, but we really didn’t start hanging out til the end of High School and we became best friends in college. It’s never a dull time with Nick. He is not afraid to be his charismatic, goofy, confident self, which is what I love about him. He carries a fiery passion in his heart where he goes for what he wants. He isn’t afraid to take big leaps. He is very supportive and is the perfect hype guy.
Claudia GonzalezClaudia Gonzalez
Maid of Honor
Anyone who knows me, knows Claudia. And most of you know the story of how we met, but for those of you who don't, Claudia and I met at work in 2018. It was my first day, and I introduced myself twice, which earned me a "Yes I know, we've met". I thought she hated me for months after that. But after multiple work traumas (gotta love working in acute mental health), and many shared Starbucks runs, we became inseparable. We've climbed mountains together, danced all night together, and spent countless evenings on long couch quietly enjoying each other's presence, in comfortable silence that only comes with the deepest of bonds. Claudia is the type of friend who will patiently listen to you tell the same story over and over again to allow you to process through it, who will set a bottle of wine and your favorite snack by your door for when you return from a trip or if she knows you had a bad day. She's the type of friend who will bravely have the hard conversations (even if we need to play the song "Just Lose it" in the background to make things feel less serious). Claudia is now more family to me than friend, and when there's a family event, people ask "Is Claudia coming" before they even ask if I am going to attend. Claudia has taught me the meaning of chosen family, she is my invisible string, someone I was always meant to meet. She is deeply generous, courageous, and loving, and I'm so lucky to call her a sister.
Robert KayeRobert Kaye
Best Man
Robert’s been my best friend for a very long time. I practically consider him a brother of mine. He was the friend I’d take on family camping trips. Any trip I’m going on or plans I make, it’s already decided that Robert will be coming along. It makes it easy that he is always down for anything. Robert’s loyalty is unmatched, he’ll defend you behind your back and you always know where you stand with him. He is always his true authentic self and lets you be yours.
Mandy HerreraMandy Herrera
Bridesmaid
Mandy and I met in grad school, bonding over SpongeBob references, Scandinavian Swimmers, and the shared chaos of our chosen profession. Somewhere between stress cries and snack breaks, we became “DanMan”, the inseparable, mildly annoying duo of the clinic. Since then, she’s been by my side through some of life’s most challenging and ridiculous moments. Mandy is the friend who can turn a full blown meltdown into a moment of laughter with one perfectly timed morbid joke. She’s the type of friend where a quick phone call can accidentally turn into a four hour one. Because Mandy and I spend some much time joking, making weird sounds and saying things in strange voices (we have a few favorite characters that we cycle through), it can be jarring when the conversation turns and she hits you with the most honest, profound, insightful truth. She has so much depth for both the silly and the seeing, and when we hang out, as we split the biggest plate of nachos known to man, we can vacillate between being the loudest, most obnoxious people in the restaurant, to speaking in hushed tones about the meaning of life. She's THAT friend. She has a kind of warmth and wisdom that makes you feel instantly understood. She is deeply compassionate, playful and is the brightest light of a human I've ever met.
Anthony PalmerAnthony Palmer
Groomsman
I’ve known Anthony since elementary school, he moved away for years and came back in Highschool. It took us a minute to place how we knew each other and when it clicked, we instantly became great friends. He is the kind of friend that no matter how long you’ve been apart, when you reconnect it’s as if you never left. His love for his friends and family shines bright. Anthony will always have your back. He is such a loyal friend and he is the most jacked guy I know.
Sophie CullenSophie Cullen
Bridesmaid
Sophie and I became best friends in high school, bonded forever after she brought me back a pen from Disneyland, which, at the time, felt like the grandest gesture of friendship imaginable since we were basically strangers at the time. But that's Sophie, deeply kind, thoughtful and giving. From there, it was a blur of inside jokes, vampire everything, late night talks, and a friendship that just clicked in the easiest, most natural way. Over the years, we’ve shared so many eras, our vampire phase (Twilight, True Blood, dramatic playlists and all), our fitness phase (with hundreds of burpee between us), and our forever TSwift era. Outside of my family and early childhood connections, I think Sophie was my first true best friend. She was the first person I feel I consciously chose. And it was an easy choice. Sophie is one of those people who makes life feel lighter, funnier, and more beautiful just by being in it. She’s warm hearted, fiercely loyal, and lowkey feisty in the best way. On top of all of that, she is an incredible baker, and if you've ever been lucky enough to try her bread, you'll understand why I crave it pretty much daily. Even though time and distance mean we don’t see each other as often these days, Sophie will always be one of those once in a lifetime friends, the kind who feels like home, no matter how long it’s been.
Chase HuanteChase Huante
Groomsman
I met Chase at CSUF, I knew nobody and decided to join some clubs to make friends. I walked up to the booths and there was Chase, the President of the Surf Club. We were even roommates in college and we had that classic college experience, from a spring break surf trip to Mexico to attending college sports games. He is the glue that keeps our surf group of buddies together. He is such a genuine, down to earth guy. He is an artist, a teacher, a connoisseur of sorts. Hilariously witty humor, very clever and his restaurant recommendations are always on point. He knows how to take advantage of any situation and turn it into a fun one.
Amelia CurryAmelia Curry
Bridesmaid
Anytime I have been in a situation where I am describing Amelia to someone, I say "she is what it would look like if love, or your softest warmest blanket, was in human form". Amelia is one of the most full hearted, warm, giving, thoughtful people I know, and I'm lucky to call her a friend. Amelia and I met in Big Sur on my very first Outsider's camping trip, and while I was nervous meeting all of these strangers, Amelia never felt that way. She walked right up to me in her enormous floppy hat (on such a tiny human!!) and made me feel immediately safe and at home, like we'd known each other for years. Amelia has that impact wherever she goes. There is another important side to Amelia though that is fierce and loyal, who will get violent toward the people who hurt you, who will go to bat for you, and will always be there with loving words, head scratches, and a craft or two when you're feeling down. Amelia also has one of the most adventurous and courageous spirits I have ever known. Sometimes she will casually drop some lore about her time in Alaska, or a baby she delivered (oh yeah, she's also a badass nurse) or her basket weaving class, and I am amazed all over again and the ways she fully embraces life. She constantly inspires me to live and love more deeply.
Michael DongMichael Dong
Groomsman
From Colorado, to Wyoming and even Canada, Michael is the type of guy to full send it to any location for a good camping trip with friends. He also has a knack for seeing the most wildlife than anybody I know. One of the most genuine, sweetest guys I know. Holds no expectations of others. A true friend.
Ciara DavisCiara Davis
Bridesmaid
I met Ciara in the most unexpected way...in my own living room... at a Christmas party... in July! And from the very beginning, I was struck by her presence. She’s the kind of person who immediately feels larger than life. She's stunningly beautiful, sharp as hell, drinks dirty martinis, snowboards with ease, and somehow balancing being a brilliant lawyer with having one of the kindest hearts I’ve ever known. Ciara is the friend who wakes up early to make you avocado toast with prosciutto, and who makes you feel like your feelings, your heart, and your chaos are safe with her. It still amazes me that two people who lived literal coasts apart ended up meeting and becoming best friends. But with Ciara, it never felt random, it felt like the universe working some kind of quiet magic. She’s the kind of person who teaches you what it looks like to truly show up for people, in both grand gestures (like the time she drove hours to surprise the girls in Bend just so we can have a few more hours together before she went back to DC) and in deep, consistent love. One of my favorite memories with Ciara is one of the most simple, ordinary moments, where we were grocery shopping together to get ingredients for soup. But if you know Ciara you'd get it, because you'd know how she can turn even the most everyday moments into something special, and fun, and full of life.
Nick HerbertNick Herbert
Groomsman
I met Nick on my very first Outsider’s camping trip. To be honest, I thought he didn't like me at first, but once I got to know him, I realized he is an amazing guy and we began to adventure on many camping trips together. We bonded over our trucks and love for overlanding and snowboarding. We even spent three weeks on the road together camping in our trucks through Utah and Colorado with Claudia and Dani (and his dog Jax) on what quickly became one of my favorite trips. Nick is a good friend with a good heart. He is thoughtful in ways few people are these days, is generous, loyal and kind. He is always thinking of others and I am lucky to call him my friend.
Sunee KiernanSunee Kiernan
Bridesmaid
For a long while now, I've considered play to be one of the most essential human experiences. If there's anyone in my life who has best taught me to play, to access unbridled laughter, and to re-meet my inner child, it's Sunee. If you know Sunee, you know that she is absolute sunlight. She is warmth and joy, and her presence just makes people feel good. Sunee and I met in middle school, but it wasn't until college that we became best friends. During that time we went through some of the hardest things life can throw at you, and while we cried together a lot, we also found ways to create joy in the hard times (one of such incidents included a highly embarrassing, intentionally ugly photoshoot that I will remember forever for the ways it made me laugh when I just wanted to fall apart). I have some many precious memories of time spent with Sunee, playing airplane in my living room, making flower garlands at Dolores Park, and styling the most exquisite bubble beards and hats in a giant bathtub in Vegas. While Sunee can be goofy and carefree, she is also quietly strong, honest, and steadfastly loyal. She is compassionate, deep, and the best listener. She is play. She is presence. She is the person who reminds me to be silly and real, to sing too loud, and not apologize for any of it. She’s my boopy. My bird.
Will RuoffWill Ruoff
Groomsman
Will or Willie as I know him as, is my stepbrother. I grew up with only sisters and in late elementary school, I finally got a brother I’d always wanted. We spent our weekends building eggdrop devices and cat houses to playing World of Warcraft and Guitar Hero. He can build just about anything and ski just about any mountain. He is always down for a challenge and very competitive which makes family game days even more fun. He is one of the smartest people I know, he is a natural born leader, who never gives up on anything.
Megan MataragasMegan Mataragas
Bridesmaid & Day of Coordinator
I’m pretty sure my friendship with Megan began before we even met, just two feral souls finding each other in a group chat for my first “non-cult” meetup. Even through a screen, I could tell she had the same cryptic, strange humor I did. And when we finally met in person, it was instantly clear that she also carried the exact right amount of silliness, spontaneity, and chaos. Megan is the kind of person who is so stunning and effortlessly put together, you almost wouldn’t expect her to be a fellow rat (and yes, that’s the highest possible compliment in our world). But she is, through and through. And within the first few months of knowing her, we had already created some of my most treasured memories. Our very first trip together was a spontaneous road adventure that started in Vegas, where we played George Washington in the lazy river and accidentally found ourselves at a Lil’ Jon concert, and led us to Zion, where we stayed up all night laughing in her car instead of setting up our tent. We hiked The Narrows the next morning on zero hours of sleep, running purely on adrenaline and delirious laughter. And because our sense of direction and timing is as chaotic as our sense of humor, we detoured through Colorado to climb the Great Sand Dunes and dance in a car wash at 1am. That trip captures the essence of Megan, spontaneous, grounded, joyful, and fully present. She has this rare gift of never taking life too seriously, while still showing up with so much heart and intention.
Austin HerbaughAustin Herbaugh
Groomsman
I met Austin back in college. He is always down for a good time. We share a love for nature and have been on some very memorable backpacking trips around California together. He has the quickest hiking pace and his dog Brock runs laps around all of us. He is the type of friend where it seems like no time has passed when we reconnect, which are the best types of friendships.
Margarita ValenciaMargarita Valencia
Bridesmaid
I met Margarita on my very first Outsiders trip. As you've heard me describe, it was a wild trip, full of stranger, and I was overwhelmed. I remember sitting on the beach feeling anxious and out of place, and then I met Margarita. She had this calm, grounded energy that immediately made everything feel less intimidating. She was warm, present, and kind in a way that didn’t feel forced. She didn’t need to say much to make you feel like you belonged, she just has that effect on people. Since that weekend, we’ve shared many hilarious, beautiful, and ridiculous memories. From sun soaked lake days to potlucks on chilly mountaintops where you can find her bundled tightly in a sea of blankets, Margarita has always been the person who helps anchor the group. She brings a kind of balance, fierce and always ready with a razor sharp one liner ("I never liked him"... I wasn't even there when she said this, but this line became quickly infamous in our friend group), but also thoughtful, intuitive, warm, and steady. She is a deeply loving, supportive, and full of light and fun. Also… let’s not ignore the obvious, she is a super hot yogi queen. Somehow always glowing, always stylish, and exuding this quiet confidence that makes you wonder if you should pick up yoga again yourself. She’s wildly cool, but never in a way that feels unapproachable, just the kind that makes you want to be around her that much more.
Caitlin DobleCaitlin Doble
Groomswoman
Caitlin is my older sister and we had a good ol fashion sibling rivalry growing up. I was always trying to keep up and be included, she always picked on me, I always got back at her. But as we grew up, we grew closer together and became true friends. Caitlin is a wonderful caring sister. She is supportive of her friends and family. Loyal to a fault. The deepest caring heart for all furry critters. If it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have grown up with a hundred different pets.
Akemi NekotaAkemi Nekota
Bridesmaid
Some people have a way of sticking with you, no matter how much time or distance comes between you. With Akemi, it’s always easy, no matter how long it’s been, we pick up right where we left off. We met in middle school, but it wasn’t until college that we became close. I can actually pinpoint the moment our friendship TRULY started to a particular night. It was one random, unplanned evening we stayed up talking until the sun came up, laughing at ourselves for not knowing how WWI started (sorry to out us... but at least now we'll never forget Franz Ferdinand and the Black Hand). It was the kind of night that cracks something open, when you realize you’ve just found someone who truly gets you. Even though Oregon sometimes feels so far away, and the time between our catch ups can stretch longer than we’d like, when we reconnect, it’s like no time has passed at all. She’s one of the wittiest people I know. She’s also intelligent (she's out there saving lives everyday as a veterinarian), fiercely loyal, full of strength and fire. She listens deeply, and shows up fully, and gives the best advice. I've actually never told her this, but the last time I was going through a difficult moment, she said something to me that landed so deeply in my heart that I still think about the ways it helped me to this day. That's the type of intuition and compassion Akemi brings to her friendships, that's just who she is.
Brice DobleBrice Doble
Groomsman
I’ve known Brice for a long time, he is the guy lucky enough to be married to my sister, Caitlin. Brice and I share a lot in common, from our love of fast fast cars and toyota trucks to video games and snowboarding. He has a great sense of humor, kind generosity and some of the best morals you’ll find in a person. Most importantly, he treats my sister with the respect, love, and care she deserves, and for that, I couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law.