Amanda & Mason
The Party
Allen Suner
Best Man
Allen and I met back in the day when we were still perking up the lives of Issaquah with our amazing coffee skills. When I left for Bellingham, he'd regularly come visit me up until he decided to finish his bachelor's degree at WWU. We've spent the rest of our friendship watching too much TV, concocting delicious meals and agreeing/disagreeing on music tastes. Allen is my best friend who's been there for me through many changes in life, so it only makes sense he'd stand next to me on March 9, 2019. - Mason
Jo Grimm
Maid of Honor
Joanna and I met as little girls at homeschool group and were inseparable during our unconventional upbringing. I think one of the reasons for our 20+ year friendship is no one else quite "gets it" like we do. Being part of her journey and having her be part of mine is one of the greatest gifts life has given me. Her honesty, empathy, ability to read me with a glance, and knack for quickly identifying and mitigating risk is why I need her by my side during such a pivotal life event. Remember the time you thought we should cut our fingers open and rub them together to be "blood sisters?" I hope Maid of Honor is close enough for you. ;-) -Amanda
Blake Bishop
Best Man
I met Blake (a.k.a. Bla) through his now-wife Isabell. Our friendship deepened at WWU while I was getting my bachelor's degree and Blake was pursuing his MBA. We spent many times bonding over our love for craft beer and whiskey. After college, we lived together in nothing short of a mini-fraternity in Bellevue and have remained best buds ever since. Blake's kindness, passion, and love for his family and friends are just some of the reasons I'm glad to have him standing with us on March 9, 2019. Pro tip: If you want to get him to party, give him tequila. - Mason
Taylor Lewman
Bridesmaid
The Taters to my Manders, this one instantly became my bff when we met the summer between our 16th birthdays. Taylor and I have fun no matter what we're doing and no one can make me laugh like she can. Our adventures span Washington, California, and Vancouver (British Columbia). The inside jokes are endless and I'm smiling just knowing the last sentence made her laugh and most of you will have no idea why. She's tough, she's incredibly kind to others, and she has supported me with such grace even when I didn't deserve it. You're a real ride-or-die, Taters. <3 -Amanda
Michael Carnagey
Groomsman
I first met Michael at my lifelong friend's engagement party (shoutout to Katherine and Kris Kirby!). He, his now-wife Colleen, and I immediately hit it off so much so that months later at the wedding we were sat together and spent another evening imbibing and enjoying each other's company. When I moved home from Bellingham, I'd ran into Colleen and we continued right where we left off years before. When Amanda and I started dating, Michael and Colleen were some of the first friends I'd introduced her to, and it was clear there was something special about our friendship. After an evening Michael and I spent enjoying a couple beers and Amanda and I were leaving, he shouted across the crowded bar "I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!" Well, we love you, too, buddy. - Mason
Karissa Phillips
Bridesmaid
I met KP one rainy fall night in Pullman while visiting Taylor at WSU. We went to a party at a really strange frat that was nothing like I imagined a frat would be (in my memory it was blue like a swimming pool) and we've been keeping it weird ever since. The more I got to know Karissa the more things I found we had in common, like: an appreciation for over-dramatic reality shows, fighting the patriarchy, and listening to podcasts full of irreverent humor. One of my favorite memories with Karissa is when the two of us danced to Katy Perry in the kitchen and stayed up late talking about crystals at a sleepover after the other girls could no longer hang. You're a cool babe, KP. :-) -Amanda
Emily Gill
Groomsmaid
When I was thinking through all the people in my life I'd need to stand by my side, I knew I wanted to call-up my greatest friends, so it only made sense to have the person who taught me what friendship means from a very young age -- my sister. Emily has been my sidekick in life. Despite our obvious differences, I like to think we taught each other how to find common ground, value teamwork and have a good time. I love my sister and am thrilled to have her standing on my side. - Mason p.s. From Amanda: I wish Emily could stand on my side, too, but Mason pulled rank. Love you Em! Can't wait to officially be sisters.
Melia Winters
Bridesmaid
It's pretty ironic the sister I fought with the most growing up is now the one I can't go a day without texting. Melia is the funniest person I've ever met and the best little mommy to my two nieces. She has a gift for connecting with people and a heart to take care of them. Her resilience, loyalty, and ability to love deeply are inspiring to me. Whenever I was sick growing up, she would come check on me regularly and bring me snacks, water, and whatever books or movies I wanted. In return, I saved her when she was stranded on a floating dock in the middle of our lake and sometimes I let her hang out with me and Joanna. We're even, right? <3 Hi, Sissy-Poo. :-) -Amanda
Andrew Gill
Groomsman
Folks, I finally have a brother! Like, legally, Andrew is my brother! I was so glad to welcome Andrew into our family last August when he and Emily got married. To keep up with Andrew is to have a good time, every time. His friendliness, excitability and passion for good food makes him a perfect fit for our family and as a friend worth having by your side when you get married. - Mason
Lauren Chierichetti
Bridesmaid
We grew up a mile apart but didn't really meet till after college. I introduced her to my sister as "Allanah" and was excited when I moved to Sammamish because she lived in Ballard so I thought we'd pretty much be neighbors, right? Thank you for not dismissing me as a total ditz, Lo. :-) We talked about living together for a couple years and when we finally did, it ended up being two of the best years of my life. I'll never forget Pizza Ragazzi, high school reunions at The Mansion, and Sunday mornings with our weekend roomies watching the Seahawks in our cozy little living room. You're my BBS, LoLo! :-) -Amanda