Charis & Christopher
Wedding Party
Adrian Gonzales
Best Man
Adrian may not be my oldest friend, but he is the very best. I met him when he was a junior in college and I was an incoming freshman looking at Greek life. I was pointed out to Adrian, who took my phone number and invited me to a number of events over the next two years. Our friendship was still somewhat basic at this time, however; it wasn’t until he asked if I wanted to be roommates with him that our friendship became the greatest one I have ever known. From letting me smash confetti eggs on his head when at my all-time lows, to telling me “I love you” every day so I would believe I was loved, he has shown intentionality greater than anyone I have ever met. Adrian Gonzales is more than just my best friend, he is my brother.
Blake Mallory
Groomsman
Kyla (Blake’s now wife), became a part of Young Life at WSU and was looking for a place for Blake to live when he transferred to WSU. She found Adrian and I, and although we were quite hesitant to live with someone we had never met, we signed Blake onto the lease. (In fact, we almost chose another guy to live with us, but we decided Blake sounded better after a phone interview – we’re not your typical unruly college men (okay, that’s not entirely true)). Our hesitations were unfounded, so much so that I used to walk into Blake’s room and interrupt him and Kyla from doing homework because I enjoyed talking with them so much. Blake has remained one of the closest men in my life, and will always do so.
Alex Payton
Groomsman
Freshman year of college, I met Alex during one of our residence hall events. We became part of a friend group within our hall and began sharing a number of experiences together; however, we went our separate ways in college after that year, and it would be two years until we reconnected. Adrian and I were living together in a house and needed another roommate for senior year when I remembered Alex. We asked if he wanted to live with us, and he inclined. I have never been closer to a fellow group of men as I have that year. Alex became more than a friend as we stayed up many nights talking about deep life things, sharing secrets we’d never told anyone else, etc. Alex became a brother to me and has supported me to this day. His soccer legs make everyone jealous.
Brandon Wussow
(Almost Groomsman)
Brandon and I had not officially met at the time, but due to different circumstances, we decided to remove ourselves after a few months of training in special warfare. I received orders to Security Forces technical school for my new job and learned that Brandon had received the same. I was unsure about the guy and quickly asked a friend about him in case I got to choose who to room with. All I got was, “He’s a good guy.” Brandon and I connected so well that we spent maybe an hour or two apart each day. One of my favorite memories was singing My Lighthouse by Rend Collective with Brandon as he played it on the guitar – we shouted it at the top of our lungs in our room, and I used an empty protein powder container to drum with. Say hi to his cardboard cutout at the wedding!
JoyAnne Baty
Maid of Honor
JoyAnne the most incredible older sister I could have ever asked for. Watching her become a mom to my two nephews has been one of the most beautiful things for me to experience during my adult life. I look up to her in more ways than she knows, and I am so happy to have her with me while I marry my best friend.
Kaitlin Watson
Matron of Honor
Kaitlin was one of the first people I met when I moved to Pullman. I have had the privilege of being a nanny to her three beautiful children for the past 5 years. While she is technically my "boss," she is so much more than that. She has loved and supported me through so many different phases of life and is one of my favorite people. I am so honored to have her by my side on our big day.
Hilary Kinney
Bridesmaid
Hilary and I are childhood best friends. We have known each other since we were four years old, and over the years she has become more like a sister to me than anything else. Growing up we would have sleepovers that lasted for multiple days and every other summer I would go to the Oregon Coast with her and her family for vacation. She has been by my side through every big event in my life, and I couldn't imagine my wedding day without her.
Ryli Lind
Bridesmaid
Ryli and I met in 2016 at a bible study that we both attended at the time. The following summer we moved in together and became roommates. Ryli and I's friendship has grown tremendously throughout the years. We have spent countless nights staying up talking, watching movies, and laughing about things no one else will ever understand. She is basically my second fiance while Christopher is in FL, and has helped me plan so many things for the wedding. I am so blessed to have her as my bridesmaid and one of my best friends.