Teressa & Jeff
Wedding Party
Jesse Merz
Officiant
Jesse taught theatre at Teressa's high school. They were each freshman in 2003, this being Jesse's first year at David Douglas. He was FULL of ideas and energy, and while the main focus of his lessons were of comedy and tragedy, he saw responsibility in the ease of his pupils' attention and taught practical life lessons- like to never buy a car fresh off the lot, and pushed students to investigate themselves- like introducing meditation to start the morning. He and his wife, Laurel, were consistent mentors to Teressa while she matured, are friends in her adulthood, and have always been advocates for one finding their own happiness. They've helped to navigate the path that led Teressa to Jeff, who are thrilled to have that continued support on their wedding day.
Terry Goshorn
Father of the Bride
This guy has always taken the time to make sure his daughter was cared for and felt special. Small things like dropping her at the store entrance with mom on a rainy day and forging the wet lot himself, passing the Sunday Comics while he read the paper so she could do the same beside him; returning from each business trip with a stuffed animal, including a prized Bugs Bunny on which Terry taught Teressa to tie shoelaces. They have always connected over a love of books and writing, starting with a typewriter that Terry would set her up with to write stories while he worked from home. These almost assuredly included a princess named Teressa, by his recommendation. Terry is a dedicated dad, a proven sounding board for life's big decisions, a total goober, and the first man Teressa ever loved.
Arlene Goshorn
Mother of the Bride
Teressa's first best friend, she grew up at her mom's side emulating every move. Enough so, her grandma affectionately titled her "Little Arlene". The admiration the girl held was whole-heartedly earned. She has always adored and invested in her children. She didn't just sew all her daughter's dresses through 3rd grade (always, only dresses) but was sure to make an embellished choker necklace from the fabric scraps and crochet a color-coordinated hair tie. Arlene was consistently available to create crafts or teach cursive writing, for last-minute school projects or the slacks Teressa needed for a class performance hours away, to soothe tears or provide perspective in uncertainty or excitement. So much more could be said. Objectively the best mom around, she is still Teressa's best friend.
Leigh Lapine
Mother of the Groom
“My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.” – Mark Twain It has not always been an easy relationship, but few mother-son bonds are. Leigh has, no matter, remained patient and kind with her youngest son Jeff, and has helped greatly to inspire his vocation to help those surrounding him. She deserves credit for teaching him resiliency and respect through the last three decades.
Samantha Warmack
Matron of Honor
We met at age 14 during our high school production of Carousel. After I failed to make the cast list, I settled for working on costumes. One day while I was just off stage chatting with new theatre friends, Sam come clamoring over with a giant ruffled skirt in hand. The volume of costumes was more than the department could handle, and actors were asked to make small mends themselves. Knowing I could help, I offered to stitch up the item. It started with the single act, and soon we would be threaded together ourselves. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without our shared experiences, and without the kindness, grace of this woman and our friendship.
Daniel Bayot
Man of Honor
We went to the same grade school in Portland- but wouldn't pair up until our early 20s. Dan was living in Las Vegas when myself and a mutual friend were looking for a third roomie. We reached out to see if there was reality to rumor of him wanting to move back to Oregon. True to his easy nature, Daniel gave us a, "Sure, give me a few weeks to get things in order." Under the same roof, we quickly picked up on the other's paranormal interests. We were getting together nearly every night to share experiences and beliefs, and to watch our beloved Zak Bagans. It was on this basis that we formed the very exclusive Spooky Squad. In the 8 years since, Daniel has been my ultimate ride or die. He is fierce, funny, tolerant, and devoted. I'm delighted to have him on my team.
Aislinn Argentine
Bridesmaid
I met Aislinn working at Washington Square, originally bonding over being the senior age of early-20s in our workplace of teenage co-workers. The other points of connection rolled from there. We found aligned interests, and a lot more complementary differences, growing closer all the while. We always choose to have fun- be it a night out in Vegas, hours of driving for a good natural view or hike, or lazing around with snacks and a romcom. We have shared major life stages together, and I'm certain she has had a hand is shaping the woman I am. She loves fiercely; her doughty exterior not quite enough to hide the energy and thought she puts into her people. Aislinn has always had my back, I'm so lucky that's continuing into my wedding day, marriage, and future. Thank you for being it this.
Kaitlyn Redwood
Bridesmaid From-a-Distance
I met Kaitlyn while working at a little jewelry shop in Tigard. Still in high school working her first job, she was full of nerves, but bright and very fun-loving. I took to her quickly and was sure of a connection. Through our work days we developed a closer friendship. I learned she was much more complex than I could have seen; I watched her discover her identity and confidence. We were each at critical points in our lives; we were then and are always there for one another. Though Kaitlyn has been living adventures around the country, we remain connected. When we are able to meet face-to-face, our energies still dance together and it's as if no time has passed. She is infectious, grounded, empathetic, and an all-around pleasure. To avoid risky travel, Kaitlyn will join the day virtually.
Steve Olson
Best Man
Sharing twenty-five percent of their DNA, Steve is the older brother to the groom. Nine years separates the brothers, and though childhood experiences were not shared, there has always been a common perspective between the two, one of inclusivity and equitability. It could be said that Jeff the adolescent learned these values from watching his brother live them as a young adult. Steve served as a positive male role model to Jeff, even from afar. More recently the two have lived closer to one another than ever before, Steve residing in Seattle. And in that proximity, Steve's values push farther than ever before as Uncle Steve. Whether he knows it or not, by being connectected to Ezra and Asher, he is helping the next generation live the values he radiates. Steve is the best man Jeff knows.
Josh White
Groomsman
Upon seeing Josh only for the second time, Jeff uttered "I can't hang out with this guy, he's trouble." There's legend of an evening with roller blades and a house party that can be shared elsewise. Clearly, Jeff was wrong, or at least Josh proved to be the good kind of trouble. Josh is a man of adventure, and gives Jeff the opportunity to experience the natural world in a different way. Whether through kayaking or backpacking or just coming over for pizza and football, Josh brings joie de vivre to all he encounters, and particularly to Jeff. An adopted uncle to the boys, Josh too brings his values to the generation, inspiring Ezra to write a short story in school about a kayak trip to Ross Island. A great man he is, and Jeff is proud to call him a best friend.
Patrick Allison
Groomsman
There's a special place and time where Patrick and Jeff's journeys' ran parallel. It began by working together at Starbucks, where on closing shifts they discussed their differing faiths. And from their it blossomed into a true brotherhood. The two then spent two years living together in Berkeley. This time spent together was full of experience, adventure, a healthy amount of recklessness, and intellectual growth. In fact, Patrick remains the smartest guy Jeff knows, though Jeff will never say it to him out loud. There is physical distance between them, and both men have their own families now. But there is an unstated understanding that they remain united as chosen family themselves. This could be seen as a textbook definition of CS Lewis's Philia, at least that's how Jeff defines it.
Ezra Klein
Ring Bearer
The older of Jeff's sons, Ezra is up for the challenge of bearing rings. As he has learned through years of experience with his younger brother Asher, he knows to care for and keep track of that which we hold most important. Currently a zebra belt in Taekwondo, he will approach this role with grace and discipline. And as far as being a fellow wedding guest, he will do his best to amuse you with a joke he's still workshopping or sharing with you his favorite soundcloud artists.
Dahlia Goshorn
Flower Girl
Teressa's three-year-old niece, Timothy's daughter, and a ray of sunshine. Dahlia is a plucky girl who shares the most enthusiasm about jokes only she understands, loves playing in the dirt but doesn't like being dirty, and gives sweetly caring hugs. We love our nutty little flower girl.