Wedding Party
Adam Yaw
Groomsman
Adam is known through Cascade Elite Gymnastics in my elementary years. It is unknown if Adam knew me, but he may have known Dani, because she was talented at gymnastics and I wasn't. My dad proudly boasts to own the only digital copy of Adam's senior project of a graphic novel.
Art Estrada
Bridesman
Let’s just get this out of the way. He is 6 ft 6. We are all aware, he will ruin our pictures and require some special formations to get things uniform. Luckily, we have enough cheerleaders in the party to help him out. Technically, Denise is Art’s boss and longest work friend, but he still tends to look down on her. And that will complete the allotted tall jokes that Denise allowed me for the wedding.
Dani Learned
Groomswoman
For those who don't know, Dani is my fraternal twin. As embryos, I was frozen for three years which is why my birthday is 10/15 and hers is 10/16. We were lucky enough to compete on the same team our final season at the Cheerleading Worlds where we...probably won? I don't remember place and there is no way to check.
Chloe Paw-something
Bridesmaid
She went to University of Michigan. Based on that, she should just be glad she’s invited at all after CFP 2024 Championship. Karma hit them next year, which is why we continue to talk to her.
Bethany Shipley
Groomswoman
As my other sister, we related more to music and band than cheer. Bethany discovered the old person band that I currently play in. I often suggest she joins, but as she is currently studying to be a doctor, she claims she doesn't have time. I guess that's fair.
Hecker
Bridesmaid
Technically, this is Brittany Hecker, but when she was a child in cheer she lost out to another Brittany and has been Hecker ever since. Hecker wins the award for Best Straight Face Liar as the day on the proposal convinced Denise nothing was happening. Ask her about it, it’s a great story. She’s also the reason Denise listens to country music and I now have a pair of alligator cowboy boots. (Until Hecker’s dad wants them back.)
Diaz
Groomsman
To some he is known as Christopher Diaz, but to all he is known as Diaz. Why is he Diaz? That's rude to ask, at this point there is no origin. Diaz taught me how to stunt on my very first day of cheer, which was the beginning of my over decade long cheer journey.
Courtney Diaz
Bridesmaid
If Hecker wins the Best Liar, Courtney wins the Worst. However, she makes up for it by being Denise’s biggest hype woman. One of Courtney’s specialties is creating group celebrations much to our regret the next day.
Josh Hengesteg
Groomsman
Josh claims to be a WSU supporter, but often leaves out that he originally went to UW. By denying his true origin story, he cannot fully embrace his Hero's Journey. Please remind him that he is a Husky at every possible opportunity at the wedding.
Demi Peterson
Bridesmaid
I would make a tall joke here, but I used them all for Art. She’s not even that tall, it just so happens that her and Denise are normal sized while the rest of the friend group is miniature sized. This is why Art taking picture will be such an issue. That doesn’t count as a joke! I’m thankful that Demi convinced me to try CrossFit, but I am bitter I have only beaten her in one workout.
Kyle Bastien
Groomsman
Kyle believes that chess is a sport. He is one of the few people that have no relation to cheer and is originally from California. We met through his wife, Becky, which she greatly regrets as heard in our podcast, Pod Trivia.
Hayley Keenan
Bridesmaid
Let’s go back to the first time Hayley and Denise met, and Hayley definitely made an impression. She had a scraped leg, but if it occurred before, during, or after, that is irrelevant to the story. Then, Hecker starts belting out some ABBA at karaoke, which is one of Hayley’s favorite song. Feeling the groove, Hayley crawls along the side of the pool table in the best interpretive dance I have ever seen.
Madison Aitken
Groomswoman
Aka Mads, a former teammate and current concert goer. You can often find our location at the Gorge, Wamu or Showbox depending on who is playing. Mads also introduced us to Green Tea shots and the pregaming game changed forever.
Megan Auvil
Bridesmaid
Denise has known Megan for over 15 years which makes her Denise's longest American friend. Considering Megan strenuous hours as a nurse, this is considered a serious win for Denise. The friendship has lasted in part due to Megan's generosity, helping Denise move her ridiculously heavy table and stupidly complex bed MULTIPLE times. As the last mover of these items, I can tell you this is no small feat and I might not do it a second time.
Ryan Yakubek
Groomsman
In my head I call him Ryan Thomas, but that isn't his name, so I wouldn't say that out loud. Ryan also went to WSU. And LSU. And Morehead. And worked at Mississippi. And UW. So if you have ever been to college or seen a movie about a college, you and Ryan will have something to talk about.
Vivi Schreier
Bridesmaid
Vivi has always been jealous of her older sister, as she is 9 years younger. So much so that when Denise moved to America, Vivi had to one-up her by moving to Bali, Indonesia. When Denise started dating Britton, Vivi got herself an Italian boyfriend. I can only assume that she will be taking notes during the wedding on how it can be bigger and better.
Becky Bastien
Officiant
If Becky was not a pastor, she would have been a Groomsmaid. I've know Becky since Junior High, when she had an obsession with cheese and a Legolas cut out in her basement. It has been a long time joke that I am her parents favorite child...or at least son. This is probably due to the family portraits that I edited myself into and gave them as Christmas ornaments.