Wedding Party
Hailey
Matron of Honor
Hailey and I have a long history. Both of us went to Prescott Elementary, ran in similar circles, and both of us happened to move away around the same time. So if we want to go off technicalities, we met when we were about 6-7 years old. She moved back into the Parkrose district before I did, but after I returned my sophomore year of high school, it was only natural for us to be friends once again. We have seen so much together. 18th birthdays, dance competitions, graduations, 21st birthdays, and long distance. We were girls together, we were fiancées together, and now we will become wives in the same year. Being long distance with your best friend is not for the faint of heart, but I’m scrappy, and she will never get rid of me LOL! This friendship stems off of constant support, words of encouragement, and so much love. We only want what is best for each other, and our friendship only flourishes each passing year. I could not picture my life without her!
Audrey
Matron of Honor
Audrey and I met in a very strange and unconventional way. It wasn't high school or through a job because that is too simple. We met because I had to honor girl code and let her know that the boy trying to win her back was actually just a liar and not worth her time. We have been inseparable since that day back in 2016! Lunch/dinner dates, trips to the mall, and crawling into the back of her car in the Black Rock drive thru to give her son Monti a bottle, it is never a dull moment! Whenever we see each other, even if it's just for an hour, we always take a story (or 5) for the road. Loyal, honest, and thoughtful are just a few words to sum her up. Her creativity always amazes me as I feel she has such an eye for decor, art, and fashion. The Aries to my Pisces. I am so glad that the universe put her in my life!
Alaina
Bridesmaid
Oh boy, my little sister. In the last few years, I have gained such a friend within her. I moved out at 19, and she was 13. Although I visited home often, it still wasn't enough to truly know a sibling because I wasn't there growing up with her and living in the same house as her. My sister made me realize that if you want a relationship with someone, you have to work for it, and that goes for any family member. You don't just get a relationship JUST because you are family. As I got older and started figuring my life out, I felt the relationship with my sister come to fruition. I mean, who else are you going to vent to when it comes to your parents? Not many people will understand your parents like a sibling does. Alaina has grown to become a confidant. I admire her ability to make others feel included, her attention to detail, her silliness, and her heart. I love laughing with her, sharing new food/snacks with her, and just simply spending time with her.
Jessica
Bridesmaid
The older sister I never had. We didn't really have the choice but to see each other ALL the time. I feel like my family and I spent so many weekends at her house growing up because that was where the party was! Jessica and my dad are first cousins, and technically, we're second cousins, but in the mien culture, we simplify and just address second cousins as an aunt if they are older. I was the annoying girl who'd just be there, and Jessica, having the heart she does, always included me. She never lets anyone feel left out, and she has an aura that makes people naturally gravitate toward her. She is a textbook Sagittarius- loud, life of the party, funny, and full of love. She has always been in my corner, someone to lean on and get advice from, and a great friend. I will never forget the honor it was to be able to stand by her side on her wedding day, so I am grateful she was so excited to be part of mine. Her determination, strength, and character are what I admire her for, and look to her for.
Alyssa
Bridesmaid
Alyssa, my girl! We met when we were 15, and we clicked instantly! It helps a little that we're both mien haha. When we're together, it's like one mind. She is the yin to my yang. Our years on dance team, the coaches couldn't help but always mix the two of us up. Some practices I was Alyssa, and other practices she was Emily, it was hilarious! Suffice it to say, we have always been a package deal. For a few years after graduating high school, we did grow apart, but we found our way back to each other to continue the chaos that is the two of us together. We picked up where we left off, like no time had passed, and it was truly at the perfect time. Alyssa is always there for the people she loves. She is down to earth, kindhearted, and levelheaded. She gives the best advice, and she, usually, doesn't steer anyone wrong. She brings me back down to earth when I am floating in the clouds, and trust me, it is needed sometimes! Ever since we were 15, she has always been someone I pictured would be in my bridal party, and I am so happy that my vision came true.
Eric
Best Man
My older brother and sometimes co-conspirator. Eric has always been there and ready to help when needed. He is a successful Estate Attorney in the Los Angeles area, so he took the bulk of the brains in the family (along with my oldest bro Ed). His dry sense of humor always makes things interesting, and with being family, he seemed the natural choice for my Best Man.
Gavin
Groomsman
I met Gavin around the same time as Matt when we all worked in the VA Endo unit. Gavin is someone who could always deliver comedy with surgeon-like precision in the most inappropriate situations, and somehow BS or charm his way out of actually getting in trouble for it. Gavin is somebody I can always have both the deepest and dumbest conversations with, and he is reliable as the days are cloudy in Portland.
Jimmy
Groomsman
I met Jimmy somewhat recently through a coworker of Emily and I. Breanne would always tell Emily about the latest shenanigans her husband was getting into, and Emily would tell her "Ya know, that sounds like some crap Sam would do (or say)" So they decided we should meet and needless to say, we get along pretty damn good. We share similar music taste, outdoor adventures, and beer!
Josh
Groomsman
I met Josh when we both started the Nursing program at PCC in 2012. We both gravitated to the back of the classroom where we would eat snacks and laugh at the word "Perinium." Given our profound level of maturity, we earned the nicknames of two particular cartoon characters from 1990s MTV. Josh is the Beavis to my Butt-Head, and we stayed friends long after we graduated and became murses (male nurses).