Our Ladies & Gents

Melody Valenzuela

Maid of Honor

I have a memory of my baby sister, dancing and playing around in the sun while I blew her bubbles, and I wondered what she would be like when we were all grown up. So many memories have been made to bring us to this day. We always had a special bond, one that no amount of irritation or annoyance could touch, but when I look at my baby sister now, I see a courageous, goofy, creative, strong, and totally unique person that I love endlessly. Every minute we share is special. I could never have imagined her to have grown into someone that brings me an equal amount of embarrassment and pride every day. We are different, but made of the same experiences, which is why she's my very best friend. Thanks for being my Muskrat!

Rachael Shelby

Matron of Honor

This lady was an unstoppable force of badassery that used to unknowingly intimidate and inspire me back in our days as coworkers. She was always whisking away on another adventure, smiling, and striving to conquer the next cool challenge. I slowly realized she not only had ambition, but she was also a massive geek who could laugh at herself and handle her beer (sorta). Since college we have shared some embarrassing moments, gut busting laughs, deep talks, vodka shots, and near death experiences that have shaped a lifelong friendship. I cant believe we've made it this far without getting into worse trouble, honestly. I love this lady, and I'm lucky to have her in my life to keep the adventures coming!

Grace Coburn

Bridesmaid

This amazing and deeply loving lady is by far one of the goofiest and unique people I know! She brings a smile to my heart and cracks me up with her quick wit! She is incredibly true to herself, and has a heart full of God's goodness. I am inspired by her worldly travels and the fun and supporting relationship she has with her spouse as well as her friends! There is no such thing as distance between us, as her love, warmth, and quirky sense of humor close all the gaps in time and mileage with a simple phone call or one of our infamous sushi dates. I couldn't imagine my life without this girl in it, and I am so thankful that I have a best friend willing to include me in her life adventures! Haboogie Shnickle Shnickle!

Rachel Robertson

Bridesmaid

Not to be cheesy, but if you looked up the definition of loyalty in the dictionary there would be a picture of Rachel under it! No matter what we are doing, this girl makes you feel special and loved through her kindness and positive spirit. I’ve always loved how goofy we can be, creative in our craft projects as well as our dance moves, and how endlessly patient she is when I am sleep deprived and lost in foreign airports. No matter the task, I’ve always admired how she puts 110% of herself into her goals, and she never ceases to amaze me with her hidden talents and uncanny farming skills. There’s nothing you can’t love about this bundle of sunshine, and I'm blessed that she's part of my life!

McKenzie Brock

Bridesmaid

I have a lot of sisters, but this one is new and shiny! She is strong and beautiful, with so much raw talent there is nothing in this world she couldn’t do. This girl works incredibly hard while being sweet and humble about the amazing growth she’s accomplished in the short time I’ve known her. I’m blown away by her kind soul and the goals she sets for herself. I'm always inspired to be more like her! I literally look up to her (she's a Brock, they're tall people). I already feel so blessed to have Cody in my life, but gaining another set of relatives, especially McKenzie, makes my life that much better! I love being a big sister, and I hope she’ll enjoy having a sister to adventure with and learn bad habits from.

Summer Moss

Bridesmaid

Talented, intelligent, sui generis, these are just a few words to describe her. Fate must have brought us together when I moved to Oakland, because there was a natural bond between us! We share those deep, embarrassing similarities that only show themselves in front of people who know you the best. From silly times having kitchen dance parties or laughing hysterically during girls' nights, to professional growth and the day we got to shout to the heavens that we had finally become therapists! So much life happened in 3 years, and I’m so grateful I had her to hit the gym with, explore on our bikes, host house parties with, hog the shower from, eat and cook the best food together, and raise an avocado child with, ect.

Savannah Church

Bridesmaid

It’s funny to think that our goofy high school boyfriends brought us together, because there has never been a more effortless connection, bonding together a friendship for a lifetime! I like to think it was God who made us see we were too good for those geeky boys and should just run away with one another! I made some of the greatest memories throughout college with this gal, usually boot stompin' or burnin' up the midnight hour. She grows at whatever she sets her mind to, and tackles her dreams like damn beaver believer. She's got that hard-working attitude, do-it-yourself mind set, and know what-your-worth personality, I love everything about this perfect human being. Thank you for being my long lost sister.

Sarah Hambrick

Bridesmaid

This twinkling gem of a human is one of my greatest role models and teachers, because nothing about her is typical or boring. I admire her so so much! She has always stood her ground for what she believes in, while also being open and curious about the world and new opportunities. She's gorgeous and giving, not to mention if you’re looking for a dance partner she can hardly keep still when a good beat is playin! I think my favorite thing about her is her unfiltered positivity that most people would feel too uncomfortable to express. With Sarah, you’ll know exactly how much you are loved, no matter what. If you’re looking for a soulful person in your life, Sarah and her family will show you the way.

Calvin Knaub

Best Man

Ross Morrison

Best Man

Andrew Schellhaus

Groomsman

Wether it’s a helping hand, a guy to talk to or readjusting via appointment Andrew has got your back. Living just down the street and being on every sports team growing up Andrew locked his position in my wedding. More than likely the last remaining 2010 century lacrosse playing graduate that can string a lacrosse stick by memory... Recently engaged and I’m sure his fiancé will tell you just how much of a great guy he is to be around. I am truly honored that you accepted to be a groomsman in our wedding!

Chris Hathaway

Groomsman

Let’s be honest... without this man I wouldn’t have ever been in a relationship with Merilea. He’s a person to talk to in hard times and a homie to hang with in good ones, the pilot to the road when you need to make cross country trips, the guy that drives 10 hours just to be there for the engagement. He already has a stacked friendship resume and now I get to add the groomsman at my wedding.

Bronson Pauley

Groomsman

The best dancer out of my groomsmen goes to Bronson by far! He is a kind heart and another friend that I have had the pleasure of knowing since we were very young. From youth football-hanging under the stairs in high school, being invited to family gatherings and now just going to music shows and making dinner to catch up he is a man that I have loved growing up and get to grow old with. Want a good story or learn to bust a move, hit up this guy! Very happy to have him as a groomsmen in our wedding

Dan Shelby

Groomsman

Though we haven’t known about each other for much longer than 3 years, there is just something special about doing ju jitsu in the living room and playing nerdy board games that brings two grown men together. Getting to know dan one beer at a time, and being invited to his epic bachelor party/wedding has seriously locked in some exciting memories (sorry I almost blew the wedding). Thank you for being a groomsman at our wedding.

Landen Mattson

Groomsman

One of the friends that I got to adopt from Merilea's past at Oregon state. He is the rockstar that I aspire to be and his taste of music is impeccable. This guy has been to more shows than most people have been to birthday parties... and on top of all that he is amazing to be around. Don’t let that outer shell of a hard rocker fool you... those locks of hair blow softly in the wind. I’m very happy to have you as a groomsman at our wedding.

Jacob Higdon

Groomsman

Merilea's least favorite groomsmen and it’s only due to his taste in college football. Better known as Higgy... he’s just a good ole Oregon boy that loves camping, fishing and having a good time friends and family. He is a true one of a kind! One of the best nights that we have ever had was when he saved me from the bachelorette madness! You can’t say enough good things about him, he’s there for you whether for a good time or an ear to listen. I’m very happy that he is a groomsmen in our wedding.