Wedding Party
Leanna Nighswonger
Best Woman
Leanna and I met after I graduated high school at Outback Steakhouse where we both worked about 20 years ago. Since I have known her what has rung true over and over is that her heart is gold. She has been a wonderful person to admire and learn from over the years. She is a model friend, mother and human. I want to share ome of my favorite things about Leanna. She is kind and she really cares...like always. She is a really good mother. Leanna's laugh is the best. You will know it when you hear it. Its the best kind, the kind that makes you laugh harder. She loves old school R&B music, and likes to dance....and she has a signature move, hopefully you all will get to see it, haha. She's simply the best and I can't wait for you all to meet her.
Amber Bruce
Bridesmaid
This little friend of mine, she's gonna make it shine. That is Amber for you. She is sweet and sparkles and so much fun. We met about 13 years ago and though the path has been interesting as life took us in different ways, I am very fortunate to have reconnected with her and call her a best friend. She is fun-loving and gracious and fun to grow with. Things I love about Amber and I know you will to, she doesn't know how to have a bad time, it will be fun, always....get ready. Her soft, sweet little voice. Her laugh, I love it and she laughs a lot. Her sense of adventure, we have had many and I hope to have many more. I can't wait for you all to meet her, she is simply wonderful
Susan Schuermann
Bridesmaid
So Susan is a friend I gained through Nate. She was a training client of his but come to find out she also had worked for my step dad as a dental hygienist some years back. I am so fortunate that the universe brought me Susan. She has been a guiding light, source of inspiration, fun loving, and kind and caring friend over the last couple of years. Some things you need to know about Susan, she has a little east side Pasco thug in her....and I love it. She smiles all the time and has a great laugh. She is a momma and also a grandma and is so incredibly kind and loving. Her commitment to her marriage and faith is inspiring. I can't wait of you to meet Susan and experience how wonderful she is
Breanna Galstadi
Bridesmaid
Breanna, I was so lucky to meet when she moved to Tri-Cities for a short time. Originally from Seattle, she is a my music loving, world traveling yogi of a good human. I am so blessed to have crossed paths with her and call her a friend. Some of my favorite things about Bre is her authenticity, her style and her vibe. I love her love for music, food, travel and exploring the world. Her laugh is raw and amazing and she laughs a lot. We have had so many great conversations and adventures, I can't wait for more and for you all to experience how much coolness Bre has going on.
Brittany Schneider
Bridesmaid
Brittany is one of the many blessings I found when I moved to Colorado. She is another beauty with a gorgeous smile and heart. We share common interests of health and wellness, hiking, eating gluten free foods (haha) and even did a sprint triathlon race together. Love her to pieces and know we have many more adventures together.
Aubrey Loftus
Best Woman
Where to even begin...Aubrey is my younger sister and has been the most consistent friend I have ever had. Our lives have been woven together for over 40 years, filled with tons of love, laughter, and tears. I have been blessed to have this amazing soul as a sister and best friend. She really does have a heart of gold and I can't imagine what my life would have been like without her. From wilderness backpacking trips, working together as wilderness instructors, international travels, endless talks about nothing and everything, she has made my life immeasurably better. Her laugh is contagious, her love is unconditional, and I hope you all get a chance to meet her, she truly is one of a kind!
Ryan Gladstone
Best Man
Ryan was not only an amazing older brother but an amazing friend to me as well. We had so many memories from playing football together, going 4x4ing in his jeep, hookey bobbing in the snow, working at the Flower Farm together, working at Ojanen's Brick Art together, hunting, fishing, golfing, having long talks about everything important and nothing important. He was always there for me, watching out for his younger brother, and although he won't physically be present at our wedding, his presence and his spirit will be there!
Mark Monroe
Groomsman
Where to even start with this guy. Mark and I first met in middle school playing AAU basketball. He wasn't as good at basketball as I was and I had cooler hair so he didn't like me much, but he eventually warmed up! We went to high school together and dated some of the same girls- not at the same time. Then we both ended up in Spokane where our friendship continued to grow. Eventually we ended up back in Tri-Cities and became roommates. Our paths have always woven in and out of each others lives geographically, but he is one of the most incredible friends I could have ever had. His sense of humor and wit has put a smile on my face countless times. I know if I ever need a laugh or someone to truly listen to me when I have something important to talk about I can always count on Mark!
Todd Schuermann
Groomsman
Todd was a late addition as a close friend. I had known Todd for many years, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I got to KNOW him. Todd is one of those rare guys that wears his heart on his sleeve and would do absolutely anything for you. We first started getting to know each other better through my fitness training, and it didn't take long for me to come to appreciate what an incredible person he is. I was amazed that even though we didn't know each other that well, he was always there to lend a hand or an ear if I needed it. It didn't take long for us to become closer friends after that and now I know I have a friend for life- no matter the geography. Kara and I are very blessed to have him and his wife Susan in our lives and I hope you get to meet them both!
Maisey Loftus
Flower Girl
Too much sweetness to even put into words. This sweet girl is the oldest daughter of Aubrey Loftus, maid of honor. She is kind and smart and funny. We can't wait for you to meet our flower girl.
Louise Loftus
Flower Girl
This little sweetie is the younger sister of Maisey. She is a lover of animals and stories. Lou is sweet, smart and has the best giggle. We can't wait for all to meet our sweet flower girl.
Pat Loftus
Groomsman
I was fortunate enough to have Pat join my family when he married my sister. I was always nervous about who my sister would bring into the family (there were a couple doozies along the way), but when she brought Pat to the house for the first time I knew she was onto somethiing. Not only is Pat a great husband to my sister and an incredible father to my nieces, but I gained a friend and backpacking buddy out of the deal, so I feel extra fortunate! Along with great hikes and backpacking adventures (complete with Magnum photos), Pat is as solid as they come when it comes to counting on someone. Always there to lend a hand, take my money in Fantasy Football, and take on about any project together, I couldn't have asked for a better addition to our family and to my group of friends!
Jamo
Best Dog
This 'ole boy stole Kara's heart 12 years ago. They have been constant adventure and snuggle buddies. Jamo shares a love for cheese with Kara and Nate and has perfected the art of energy conservation(lounging). He is with us in spirit but won't be making the wedding. Flights and hot weather are not really his thing. Like his sister their are many things he has taught us. Patience and persistence are two teachings that stand out with Jamo and his greatest gift is the endless kisses.
Nala
Matron Dog of honor
Our sweet Nala girl. If the world could love like Nala, what a different world it would be. She will be with us in spirit as she won't make the trip down. There have been many lessons I have learned from my dogs but Nala is definitely a teacher of unconditional love.
Jennifer Gardner
Matchmaker
Jennifer, little sister to Jason is the reason our paths crossed. She had know Nathan from high school but had not seen him in many years. Jen started out as Kara's workout coach but became much of a mentor and friend over the years. Jen is a light in the world, you will feel it the minute you are around her. Bright sparkly eyes, a gorgeous smile that lights up the room and and energy that can't help but be felt. We are truly blessed to have her a part of our lives and our story.
Jason Gardner
Officiant
We both have know Jason over the years in different capacities but when it came to thinking of who we would want to marry us we both thought of Jason Gardner. He is just a good dude plain and simple. Jason, like his sister Jen, can light up a room with his good energy and smile. We are honored he accepted our request to marry us and can't wait for you to meet and experience this special friend of ours.