Wedding PartyWedding Party
Theon NelsonTheon Nelson
Best Man
Theon has been one of the groom's closest friends for years, and their friendship was forged through a shared passion for drifting. While Theon is typically quiet and reserved, put him together with the groom and the two quickly become the source of endless laughs—and occasionally conversations that are best kept among friends. Over the years, we've shared countless memories, from late nights in the garage to friendly competitions that usually end with Theon indiscriminately defeating everyone at Super Smash Bros. His loyalty, sense of humor, and friendship have made him an important part of our lives, and we're honored to have him standing beside the groom as Best Man.
Erin SchmidtErin Schmidt
Maid of Honor
Kristen met Erin while shadowing at Erin's workplace during dental hygiene school. Not long after, the two unexpectedly crossed paths on a night out, and Erin offered Kristen a job on the spot. What began as a professional connection quickly grew into an unbreakable friendship, and they've been inseparable ever since. Although Erin is naturally quiet and reserved, she is one of the wisest and most compassionate people we know. She always seems to have the right advice at the right time and has been a constant source of support through life's biggest decisions. With her empathy, kindness, and unwavering friendship, Erin has become much more than a friend—she has become family. Kristen and her entire family are grateful to have Erin in their lives and are honored to have her standing beside her as Maid of Honor.
Brian PhanBrian Phan
Groomsman | Officiant
Brian and Eric first met through the automotive shop where Eric works, before he ever met Kristen. As a frequent visitor to the shop with plenty of connections there, Brian quickly became someone Eric enjoyed seeing around. Little did either of them know that Brian would eventually play a role in bringing Eric and Kristen together. Known for his charisma and sense of humor, Brian has a way of making everyone around him laugh. He's the kind of person who can strike up a conversation with anyone, and it's hard to find someone who doesn't enjoy being around him. His love of cars was contagious and helped spark Kristen's own interest in the automotive world—which, in a roundabout way, helped set the stage for this very wedding. More importantly, Brian has been a constant source of support and guidance throughout Kristen's life. As her older brother, he has always been someone she could look up to, rely on, and turn to when she needed anything. His dependability, kindness, and care for those around him have meant more to her than words can express. We are honored to have Brian standing beside us on our wedding day.
Alyssa PhanAlyssa Phan
Bridesmaid
Alyssa has been part of the family since before marrying Brian in 2020, and she and Kristen quickly formed a close friendship of their own. Sassy, funny, and full of personality, Alyssa fits right in with the family dynamic and has become someone Kristen genuinely considers a close friend. Alongside Brian, Alyssa was one of Eric and Kristen’s biggest supporters from the very beginning. The two of them happily took on the role of “unofficial matchmakers,” enthusiastically cheering on the relationship and helping—perhaps a little too eagerly—bring the couple together. Alyssa is also known for one very consistent trait: she is absolutely terrible at keeping secrets. She was the first to reveal Eric’s plans to ask Kristen out, and later managed to let slip that Kristen had similar feelings and intentions of making things official. While not ideal for confidentiality, it’s made for some very funny (and important) moments along the way. We’re so grateful to have Alyssa standing beside us on the wedding day.
Jeremy BuurmaJeremy Buurma
Groomsman
Jeremy has been the groom’s longest-standing friendship since 2010, when they crossed paths at a car meet in an Apple’s grocery store parking lot. What started as two turbo car enthusiasts crossing paths quickly turned into a lasting friendship built on shop hangs, shared projects, and a mutual appreciation for anything that makes boost noises. While Jeremy has always been rooted in the car world, his real passion is on the water—jet skis, pontoon boats, and a completely different kind of horsepower. Through him, the groom was introduced to lake life, long days on the water, and some of the best memories of summer. Over the years, they’ve grown through different chapters of life while consistently staying in each other’s corner through highs and lows. After 16 years of friendship, Jeremy remains a constant presence and an important part of the groom’s growth, perspective, and life journey.
Brooke FerrisBrooke Ferris
Bridesmaid
Brooke and Kristen have been friends since childhood, first meeting at church where they sat together during Sunday school and attended “Missionettes,” an evening church group for girls. What started as a simple friendship quickly grew into a lasting bond that has carried through every stage of life. Brooke is known for her calm, steady presence, as well as her supportive and easygoing nature. She has always been someone Kristen can count on, no matter what life brings. Some of Kristen’s fondest memories with Brooke come from a summer spent almost entirely together—playing Guitar Hero late into the night (once until 8 a.m.), and surviving on questionable amounts of Oreos. That summer, Brooke practically lived at Kristen’s house, and the two were inseparable. Through all the years, Brooke has remained a constant source of friendship, laughter, and support. Kristen is incredibly grateful for her and honored to have her standing by her as a bridesmaid.
Steve WilsonSteve Wilson
Groomsman
Steve has been one of Eric's best friends since 2012. He and Eric met at a tuning shop and bonded over a shared obsession with performance Hondas and a habit of starting projects that had absolutely no business being described as “quick.” Steve’s decision to start and grow his own business has been a constant source of inspiration to Eric, proving he’s willing to take risks, bet on himself, and permanently raise the bar for everyone else. He also has a knack for offering well-timed “I told you so” moments that are usually, unfortunately, correct. Whether offering advice, perspective, or participating in one of their many professional complaint sessions, he’s been a steady presence and a major influence in Eric's personal and professional growth. We're honored to have Steve standing beside the groom on our big day.
Kali OrenKali Oren
Bridesmaid
Kali has been a longtime friend of both Kristen and Brooke, with the three of them growing up together through church and sharing years of friendship that began in childhood. Over time, Kali became a central part of their bond and played a key role in keeping their friendship strong through different stages of life. Kali is funny, sarcastic, and quick-witted, always bringing humor and personality into every conversation. She has a way of keeping things light while still being deeply thoughtful. Kristen and Kali are especially connected through music. Whether it was playing music together or going to concerts over the years, music became one of the main ways their friendship continued to grow and stay strong. In many ways, Kali has been the glue that has held the three of them together. She is the friend who consistently reaches out, checks in, and makes sure time is made to stay connected—something Kristen has always deeply appreciated. Kristen is incredibly grateful for Kali’s friendship and honored to have her standing beside her as a bridesmaid.
