Wedding Party

Kelsey Liane Buck

Bride

Christopher Jason Grose

Groom

Kelly Karpuk

Maid of Honor

Kelly and Kelsey met at St. John's Episcopal School in the 6th grade. But the real catalyst for their friendship came in the 8th grade when Kelly asked Kelsey to participate in a pageant with her. Before that, they had been in two stage musicals together: Mary Poppins in the 7th grade and Oliver! in the 8th grade. Their shared love for performance might have been what brought them together, but the many years of experiences, including the one where they were roommates, is what has kept them together for the past 21 years, despite now living in different states. They have traveled to San Diego, Palm Springs, Colorado, and Washington together and look forward to many more travels in the future. The Fair will always be a special place for the two of them, but only they truly understand why.

Joshua Grose

Best Man

Jessie Jewell Lanier

Bridesmaid

Jessie and Kelsey have been by each other's side since Brownies in the second grade. When Kelsey moved away in the sixth grade, they kept in touch via actual letters (on Sanrio stationery no less), AOL Instant Messenger, countless sleepovers, two trips to Hawaii, and incredibly long phone conversations. Their friendship strengthened in high school as they were finally able to see each other whenever they wished, thanks to the ability to drive. In college and beyond they've traveled to Mexico, San Diego, and Joshua Tree. Their childhood was riddled with fantasy, and they've kept their love for adventure alive as they've continued through adulthood.

Bob Ramos

Groomsman

Brianna Cunha

Bridesmaid

Brianna and Kelsey met in their freshman year of high school, in both Spanish class and on the swim team. A shared love of literature, theater, film, strong political alignments, and a lovingly sarcastic, cynical view of the world have stoked the fire of this bond. In college, they visited each other in Colorado and Utah, and attended the Sundance Film Festival together. As adults they have come to love trying new restaurants and spending hours together doing nothing in particular, just loving each other's company.

Nate Pereau

Groomsman

Nate and Jason met because they both managed the same GameStop in La Habra at separate times and Nate would occasionally stop by to swap inventory. (Totally unimportant note: Jason’s assistant manager warned him not to trust Nate and if it wasn’t for Jason completely ignoring his assistant manager, he never would have met Kelsey! But nobody is interested in that story.) Living a block away from each other for a couple years meant they spent a lot of time hanging out late into the night arguing about one thing or another while playing video games. Despite not living so close to each other anymore, Nate still represents one of Jason’s strongest friendships, and it’s the only one on this list that didn’t start until they were adults.

Jill Barton

Bridesmaid

Jill and Kelsey met in Kelsey's sophomore year, and Jill's freshman year. They were both in the drama club, and were involved in the musical, Cinderella. In the coming years, they would be involved in several plays and musicals together, and they would travel to New York City with their drama club, but it wasn't until the summer before Kelsey's senior year, and Jill's junior year, in P.E. class, that they would become extremely close. Movie marathons, costumes, trips to the beach, LA, Disneyland, and eventually Las Vegas, countless concerts, and lots of cheese and wine have led to a lasting, close friendship. And they are still eagerly awaiting the Spice Girls reunion show!!

Matt Mootz

Groomsman

Matt and Jason met 30 years ago through cub scouts and they never got any cuter. Their family would spend camping weekends together in places like Doheny Beach where Matt and Jason would spend most of their time on their GameBoys. In high school and thereafter, they would hang out for hours at Matt's house on the computer, playing video games, and watching movies (though, to be fair, they’d probably be doing that if they weren’t together, too). Shared interests and sensibilities have kept these two in contact for almost as long as some people in this party have been alive. Jason refuses to call Matt by his nickname.

Miranda Keck

Bridesmaid

Kelsey was extraordinarily lucky to have had Miranda as her first-ever boss at the baby clothes store, Carter's. After two heart-warming experiences as being a summer season sales associate, Miranda and Kelsey stayed close as friends, despite Kelsey's decision to move on to a new job situation. Disneyland was their playground, long before it became Miranda's children's! Many nights spent dancing, solving murders, completing intense board game sessions, watching movies, and wearing costumes have cemented their friendship over the years. Brunches, swimming, dinners, and vibrantly atmospheric parties at Miranda's are the highlights of Kelsey's holiday breaks!

Mark Stephens

Groomsman

Alicia Atkinson

Bridesmaid

Alicia had a profound impact on Kelsey's adulthood, as she was the push for Kelsey's attendance of Whittier College (where Miranda also attended!). Alicia introduced Kelsey to delicious cheeses, great times at the fair, elaborate costumes, and many fun nights dancing and partying. They have stayed close over the years, and their friendship continues to grow.

Lou Trujillo

Groomsman

Lou and Jason met when Lou transferred to Benton Middle School late in the year and Jason pitied his lack of friends. They wound up becoming extremely close friends and bonded over a shared love of very nerdy things (have you noticed a trend?) and the over-analysis of said things. Despite the fact that they now live practically an entire country away from each other, they’ve managed to stay close through persistent text messages, group chats, late-night gaming sessions, and the occasional plane trip. Lou introduced Jason to Deadpool before he was cool.