Wedding Party
Heidi Fernance
Matron of Honor
Heidi is Gretchen's older sister and these two have grown closer as they've grown up together. Gretchen followed Heidi to Orange County where they attended one year together at Chapman before Heidi moved to Australia. Gretchen has always looked up to Heidi in all aspects of life - she has been Gretchen's role model as a daughter, sister, wife and mother. They have been connected heart to heart, distance and time can't break them apart (7,465 miles to be exact!)
Ian Thorn
Best Man
Jeff and Ian met through Ian’s wife Keely and sister-in-law Susie. They became close in 2018 when they started going to weekly trivia where their team, “Jeff and the Otterpops” absolutely dominated. They have shared countless Disneyland trips together, movie nights, and random adventures. They have shared so many life milestones together and one of the biggest was when Jeff stood by Ian’s side as best man at his wedding and now Ian will do the same for Jeff.
Katie Voorhis
Bridesmaid
Katie and Gretchen have known each other since their freshman year of college, but became best friends after sharing a room together their senior year. Since then, they have been inseparable and are always creating new memories full of love and laughter. For the past 6 years, they have been able to spend every birthday together! Katie and Gretchen love spending their time eating poke at the beach, crying at baptisms, and having dance parties!
Jason Richardson
Groomsman
Jeff and Jason go all the way back to high school. Their friendship started in the Monrovia High School library where they both were teacher’s assistants. They shortly began going to Disneyland most Friday evenings after school and they have been great buds ever since. They now have a heated hockey rivalry fueling their friendship thanks to Gretchen’s (and now Jeff’s) loyalty to the San Jose Sharks.
Becka Wachtel
Bridesmaid
Gretchen first met Becka in college after Gretchen heard that she would be her lacrosse teammate. Gretchen showed up at Becka's dorm room with birthday cupcakes for her and that day they went from teammates to best friends. Ever since, they have continued to grow an unbreakable bond, one that is filled with love of lacrosse, the outdoors and a passion for helping the each other be the best version of themselves. Becka and Gretchen are each other's #1 fan and biggest cheerleaders on and off the field.
Ryan Greer
Groomsman
Ryan and Jeff met about five years ago when they were both working in the same sales territory. In the beginning there was competition between the two of them, but it wasn’t long before they became great friends. Their friendship has revolved around golf and the love of wine. These days, you can find them spending hours on the phone catching up due to the 1,200 miles between Claremont and Washington.
Tessa Landgraf
Bridesmaid
Tessa and Gretchen's friendship began before they even knew it. They were both on a college tour at Biola where they met underneath the giant Jesus mural and connected over their love for the Lord, lacrosse and Disney. After they both decided to attend Chapman, Tessa reached out to Gretchen and they became roommates! They each had a built in best friend, Disneyland buddy, and knew that the other would one day be standing by their side at their weddings.
Tim Crittenden
Groomsman
Tim and Jeff met when they were both in the recording program at Citrus College where they spent hours together in the studios bonding over their love of music and sound tech. They have gone on to write music together and one of their best memories is recording a small album up in Big Bear. Their friendship has continued these days over playing golf, enjoying a good beer, and, of course, being music nerds.
Adelaide Fernance
Flower Girl
Hallie Fernance
Flower Girl
Maverick
Best Dog
Even though he won't be joining us on our special day, we wanted to include our beloved Maverick! This sweet boy is Gretchen and Jeff's 3 year old German Shepherd who is full of love and full of energy. He enjoys playing fetch with his giant ball, playing at the beach, eating water from the hose, and getting zoomies around the house. He is the most loyal dog we have ever had and is truly our best friend.