Ellie & Chris
Wedding Party
Randall Baird
Best Man
How did you meet the groom? Chris and I go a long way back because he is my brother. We grew up together riding bikes through the neighborhoods around Auhay Drive, hiking in the Sierra Nevadas, eating delicious Mexican food at Beto’s Cantina, and playing with fire in our backyard. Create a haiku about the groom Lucky to know him My adventurous brother Damn that boy can cook What is your hidden talent? Naming things. For example, I have a cat that I named ‘Trout’. Her name perfectly matches her personality, temperament, and actions. Everyone that meets this cat agrees that she is a trout. Chris and Ellie, if you need help naming a child at some point, I got you. What’s your favorite animal? And why! The Manatee. Manatees are wonderful and peaceful creatures, and surprisingly like humans in some ways. They are social and hang out in groups, they love relaxing, and they are always searching out fresh water springs to hang out at and spend the day sun bathing. Sometimes manatees get a bad rap for being boating hazards, or for their aloof demeanor and overweight appearance which has earned them the moniker of ‘Sea Cow’. Once you learn more about them and understand them more, you’ll find they are really wonderful animals.
Anya Rifkin
Matron of Honor
How did you meet the bride? Ellie and Anya met when they were serendipitously placed in the same second grade class. They may have bonded over imaginary friends at seven years old, but their friendship grew throughout the years when they continuously found themselves sharing the same interests. One significant highlight was when Ellie introduced Anya to Camp Manito-wish when they were in middle school. Some other noteworthy escapades include learning how to windsurf, joining the rowing team in high school, and post-college life in Seattle. Create a haiku about the bride Fabulous redhead A force to be reckoned with Best adventure pal What is your hidden talent? I can turn any box of mac and cheese into a gourmet meal. What’s your favorite animal? And why! Humpback whale- They swam past me as I sea kayaked in Alaska!
Jesse Helms
Matron of Honor
How did you meet the bride? Ellie and Jesse met while working at Camp Manito-wish YMCA in 2010. They grew to be close friends over the summers at camp, and really bonded over an endless supply of inside jokes while working in the trips house. For many of those years, both Ellie and Jesse lived in Washington state, and it always felt like a piece of home getting to spend time and laughs with each other. Create a haiku about the bride A wonderful friend Beautiful inside and out Wait! Here comes the bride What is your hidden talent? I am surprisingly good at Fortnite. What’s your favorite animal? And why! My dog, Griffey-- he is just the sweetest boy! But also, crows. I think they are so mysterious and smart, I've always been intrigued.
Nick St. Oegger
Best Man
How did you meet the groom? I've known both Chris and his brother Randall since we were all boys. We met at elementary school, and our families became close friends as well. Create a haiku about the groom A Kind Gentle Soul Always Good For a Big Laugh He'll Go Far For Sure What is your hidden talent? I can speak Albanian What's your favourite animal? And why! Koalas, because they're very fluffy and live in trees.