Chris & Juliana
The Wedding Party
Christina McDonald
Maid of Honor
Tina and I met freshmen year at CBU. We were both in the same discipleship group. I thought she was waaaay too cool for me to be friends with, but I quickly realized that she was one of the most genuine, compassionate, level-headed and kind people I would ever have the pleasure to know. Tina is quick to remind me that getting a cold is a choice, that all people have value and worth, and that time is best spent with people you love. She has had a huge role in Chris and my relationship (as in, she befriended him first and taught me that he wasn't a complete weirdo) Through thick, and a lot of thin, she has faithfully pointed me and if needed, carried me back to the Cross. To say I am honored to have her beside me on my big day and in life is an understatement.
Danny Davis
Best Man
Danny: Danny is my older brother. On December 2nd, I was privileged to be by his side as he married the love of his life. I can not wait to have him do the same thing for me just under 7 months later. We grew up doing lots of things together; diapers, backseats, super soakers, Mariokart, and eventually one memorable high school volleyball game. Danny is a guy who humbly loves and serves others without taking any of the attention for himself. I have learned more from watching his life than I ever thought possible. He’s an exemplary man of God and will be a excellent best man.
Erica Stevens
Maid of Honor
Erica, more commonly known as Caca, has been a member of my home team since freshmen year of college. We lived in the same dorm freshmen year and were in the same discipleship group. She is one of those friends that can make you smile on even the worst of days. I remember the summer after freshmen year she came and visited me in Santa Cruz, and during our time together I realized she was one of those friends I just couldn't imagine losing. This past Christmas her and Josh Gladney came and spent time in NorCal with Chris and I. As they drove off, Chris and I looked at each other and agreed that we had to do everything we could to keep close to them. Asking her to be one of my maid of honors has been one the best parts of wedding planning!
Josh Gladney
Groomsman
Josh is genuinely one of those people who you know is just too nice of a person for you to be friends with. But somehow, he stays your friend! I can’t recall a time where he didn’t greet me with a huge smile and hug. We both starting dating our longtime friends turned girlfriends around the same time, and Josh and Erica are two people that Juliana and I don’t ever plan on losing touch with. Josh is one of those people in whom the love of Jesus flows the through so naturally. He’s one of those friends you know you can’t lose!
Andrea Baugh
Bridesmaid
Andrea and I lived in the same building freshmen year at CBU, though it wasn't until senior year that we became good friends. It just so happened that she was placed on the same staff as me this year. One day early on, she and I took a trip to Home Depot to get stuff for work. As we were talking I was so struck by her trust in the Lord during the season of change she was in. Several months and many Home Depot trips later, I now consider her one of my closest friends. She is the kind of friend who will always remind you to eat your dessert and she never complains about a long, late night talk. I owe so much of the wedding planning to this sweet friend of mine!
Jake Shearer
Groomsman
I met Jake Freshman year in the greatest housing complex to ever grace the earth: Smith Hall at CBU. His muscles intimidated me and I never thought we would be such good friends, but I’m glad I was wrong! We’ve been friends since Freshman year has been a great final roommate along with Monty. Jake’s just an all-around good dude. I’ve loved watching him intentionally seek growth in his faith and in service to the church and know he will always encourage the same in me.
Maddie Martin
Bridesmaid
Maddie and I met freshmen year during a tour of CBU's design program. I was so giddy and nervous and grateful to have someone to talk to. Whether it was late nights in the design studio or bonding over similar music tastes, Maddie and my friendship continued to grow over the years. She has always been someone I have looked up to. I don't know a single person who doesn't love Maddie. She is known for being someone who cares so well for others and is always a joy to be around. She encourages me to not take life too seriously and is always ready to laugh at Chris. She is a faithful friend who cares deeply about my relationship to Jesus. Catch her gettin' down to Nickleback out on the dance floor!
Garrett Wick
Groomsman
Garrett is a guy who I would probably never been friends if it weren’t for life circumstances bringing us together. We are simply two very different people! We have different personalities, backgrounds, interests. But we believe the same message about Jesus, and that makes us brothers. I will never forget our time serving together as Pastoral Interns at Lakeshore City Church and look forward to seeing how God uses him in the future.
Dani Ramierez
Bridesmaid
Dani and I met freshmen year in a discipleship group at CBU. She was hands down the coolest person I had ever met (then I met Chris... sorry Dani, he wears Crocs). This girl does everything. She is one of most loyal people I know and gracefully balances nursing school, friendships, work at Loma Linda Hospital and running her own cake business, and somehow she still manages to look hot as heck everyday. Dani is always up for an adventure and another cup of coffee. She has sat with me during some really tough times and has never failed to point me back to the Cross. Falling in love with our best friends at the same time has been a joy!
Monty Montana
Groomsman
Monty Montana is the funniest person I have ever met in my entire life. Anyone who knows him will understand that this bold statement is somehow not an exaggeration. We’re still working out a contract for a comedy stage for him at the wedding. But Monty is more than funny. He’s a great friend who can offer great advice and calm you down with his relaxed but realistic outlook on life. Monty is the first peer I expect to call when we are both pastors and I need some advice. He takes the gospel seriously, but with an infectious joy that I rarely see. He’s a great friend.
Alanah Gorini
Bridesmaid
Where to begin? Alanah was my first official friend at CBU. Long story short, one morning during freshmen orientation, I was invited to breakfast with some people, one of whom was Alanah. From there, my life got a whole lot better. Alanah is one of those friends you just can't lose. We can go weeks without talking, and pick things up without skipping a beat. Alanah has been there since the beginning of Chris and my relationship and her and her husband, Felipe, have been some of our biggest cheerleaders. Chris and I got to stand beside them as they said their vows last summer and it has been such joy to see the Lord work through their marriage. Alanah has taught me about so much - Del Taco, Big Gulps, Ben and Jerry's Peanut Butter Cookie Ice cream and how to make life fun! I love this one!
Felipe Gorini
Groomsman
I met Felipe Sophomore year at CBU when we both were selected to be a part of Smith Hall Residence life staff for 2016-2017. He’s been a faithful friend ever since. We can make fun of each other one moment and then seamlessly uplift each other the next. Felipe helped turn me into a closet coffee snob, so my tastebuds will forever be indebted to him. Ultimately, Felipe is a great friend who is fun to be around and points me back to the gospel when we sees me drift from it. That is a priceless gift.
Savannah Zbindin
Bridesmaid
Savannah and I met sophomore year in a book club. Ironically, we were reading a book about biblical dating and marriage. From there she became my Scripture memory partner and dearest friend. One summer we were standing in line at Chick-Fil-A and I told her that Chris had asked me to be his girlfriend and she instantly grabbed my hands and prayed for us right there in the middle of everyone. Over a year and a half later, and she hasn't stopped praying for us. Sav continuously blows me away with her desire to know God's Word better and to live a life that models the gospel to others. She has challenged me so much in my walk with the Lord and has never failed to (lovingly) tell me to get over myself and put Chris's needs above my own. Everyone needs a Savannah in their life.
Brett Moulton
Groomsman
I like to call Brett my adopted brother. His family took me in as a bonus child for two consecutive summers. As a Pastor’s kid, he could have resented me, but he loved me instead! We’ve become good friends ever since. I will miss being his roommate this summer, but at the same time, we are both finding forever roommates this summer so I’ll just appreciate the time we had! It’s been cool to see Brett grow in just the short couple of years I’ve known him. He is a selfless guy who teaches me how to be the same through his life.