Wedding Party
Emily Hagmann
Matron of Honor
Emily and Ellen met at WWU and soon after became classmates, coworkers, travel buddies, roomies, and best friends. From the northernmost parts of the States and into Central America, they have never failed to share a laugh or embarrassing story, a michelada or a brisk walk across the local river (pictured above).
Malakai Gustilo-Rios
Best Man
Though living in the same town for under two years, Kai became something of a spiritual big bro to Justin, sharing hearts through many highs and lows. Their good tastes in the simple pleasures paired perfectly resulting in many ballads belted and imaginary basketballs dunked.
Bethany Monsrud
Bridesmaid
Bethany and Ellen’s friendship was born at 6th grade camp but blossomed their 1st year of college at Salsa/Bachata Club. Bethany whisked Ellen onto the dance floor, and they haven’t stopped dancing since.
Anthony Thomas Meza Santos
Groomsman
If you’re around Thomas and Justin, don’t be alarmed if they spontaneously begin reenacting movie scenes or improvising their own with great vigor and passion. Sometimes they fall into believing they have actually been to war together, which became fertile grounds for a deep friendship.
Brooke Ziegenhagen
Bridesmaid
Brooke and Ellen happily inherited friendship from their moms, and they have been peas in a pod since before they were the size of peas in a pod. However, after 24+ years, their relationship is better described as sisters.
Raphael Luis De Ocampo
Groomsman
In second grade, Justin walked by Raphie during class and whispered to him, “Do you believe in powers?” Raphie firmly responded, “Yeah,” and their friendship took off. It was forged in high school through summer long runs (and talks) and watching movies while their friends were in class (shoutout to Running Start) and in college as they learned (by some trial and error) to become men.
Marie Morgan
Bridesmaid
Marie and Ellen are best known for their regular 4-hour coffee dates but can also be heard blasting the Mamma Mia and HSM soundtrack in the car or reminiscing their adventures from the 1st grade playground and beyond.
Collin Swanson
Groomsman
At a very young age, Collin and Justin competed as YMCA sports teammates but only started to become friends after Collin pummeled Justin to a pulp in a bounce house boxing ring in seventh grade. From there, they bonded over UW sports, watching Interstellar (it was only twice but felt like much more), and the shared exhaustion and joy of working as summer camp counselors.
Kendra Baker
Bridesmaid
Kendra and Ellen’s friendship grew exponentially from 80-hour summer work weeks to shenanigans including but not limited to: dance battles, cross-country road trips, and tea parties (pictured above).
Juan Balmedina
Groomsman
Juan and Justin’s friendship exists in a state of laughing at the ridiculous and/or the heartfelt without much in between. Working long hours and living together in college produced many Kobe moments, adventures, and debating if something was a good idea or not.
Kate Rillo
Bridesmaid
Kate and Ellen first bonded over their shared love of laughing, but Kate soon became Ellen’s great friend and spiritual mentor as they together pondered questions of God and the school of life over coffee by the bay.
Ryan Hagmann
Groomsman
Ryan and Justin became good friends trying their best to be philosophers while working into the summer nights and living together in college. Also great for bonding: their girlfriends leaving to go to Honduras together while they were roommates.