Rachel & Tyler
Wedding Party
Katy
Maid of Honor
I moved in next-door to Katy in the summer of 1996, and the rest is literally history. We've been best friends for 24 years, and I can't imagine who I'd be without her. She is a badass, genius, beer-brewing human who just generally makes the world a much better place by being in it. Every time we FaceTime, we find we are experiencing some kind of parallel challenge or learning moment, and I leave each of our conversations with a more profound sense of understanding and an intense gratitude for a friend who knows me so deeply. She's made me who I am.
Alec
Best Man
Alec and I met our freshman year in Newsom Hall at CSU, as we'd both arrived early for marching band camp. Our first marching band party sparked a friendship, and from there tons of adventures. We spent a huge amount of time together playing the Pokemon trading card game, going on road trips, infiltrating our rival school, longboarding, and a host of other shenanigans. Alec has taught me to be adventurous, confident, and to always be myself. I wouldn't be who I am today without him, so I'm honored to have him be a part of my wedding.
Olivia
Bridesmaid
I was lucky enough to meet Olivia when she started working in my office. We became fast friends, and now work as the two-woman team that manages the health leave process for USC. She helped me plan and execute my proposal to Tyler, and has successfully intruded into my life in such a way that I'll just never be able to live without her. I am grateful for her fierceness and love for life and her ability to show up fully, and as a bonus, has the cutest kiddo on earth who melts my heart daily.
D'Andre
Groomsman
D'Andre and I met while working at USC - after a solid heart to heart during a staff retreat, we became fast friends! Many lunches, game nights, brunches, Vine references, and movies later, he has become one of my closest friends. He's a passionate, thoughtful, and super silly guy who has made LA feel like home. He was part of both my and Rachel's proposals, and I'm honored to have him in my life.
Kelli
Bridesmaid
Sometimes you meet people you just connect with on a soul-to-soul level. Kelli and I graduated from grad school in the same cohort, and our friendship has only grown since then, in spite of living in different states. I never fail to deeply appreciate any opportunity to connect with her - she's incredibly thoughtful and intelligent and also a real life badass. Kelli is a kind, gentle, wise-beyond-her-years human, and I am constantly humbled by her presence in my life.
James
Groomsman
James and I met in high school! In college, he helped me get my first job in the Crop Genomics lab. We then worked a summer job together in the wheat fields, which involved commuting on the bus and playing Pokemon together. My most iconic high school memories are in his parents' basement, playing video games til the wee hours of the morning. James is a supremely talented dude, he is so good at seemingly everything he does. Speaking of, Google "The Chunderfins" to hear his Chiptune music!
Carter
Bridesman
Carter and I became instant friends from the moment we started our grad program together. We did research, created projects, started a RamFam, got tattoos, and did basically all the other things you do with your grad school buddy. He is brilliant and thoughtful and he and I have never spent any time together that didn't involve meaningful conversation.
Adam
Groomsman
Adam and I met in middle school in Mr. Roberts' math class, and our friendship ignited by way of discussing the video game Kingdom Hearts. From there, Adam has been a big part of my life, and there for me through some of the toughest parts of my life. Adam is an incredibly caring, kind, and supportive guy. I couldn't ask for a better friend, and am honored to have him as part of my wedding.
Christine
Bridesmaid
I adored Christine from the moment I sat across from her during her interview for a job in our office. She is authentic, intelligent, hilarious, and passionate about eating - just ask her. Every time I hang out with Christine, I love her more. She is so fun to be around and we speak at the same pace, which is really helpful for efficiently covering as many topics as humanly possible during an after-work manicure.
Zach
Groomsman
I met Zach in High School, and got closer to him through our time at CSU. From working the wheat fields to D&D to attending E3, we've spent lots of time together! Zach is seriously one of the nicest people I know. He's always been a consistent presence in my life, and puts in a ton of effort to make people feel cared about. Zach is a music teacher, and those kids are so lucky to have him (and so am I).
Dan
Bridesman
One of the best parts of becoming an adult has been getting to be adult friends with my brother. Anyone who's ever spent any amount of time with him knows he's kind, funny, and so easy to like and be around. He is an amazing human and I'm incredibly grateful he's my brother.