Kara & Brannen
Wedding Party
Kara Marie Bengtson
Bride
Born and raised in Washington. Graduated from Washington State University in 2016 with a degree in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. A lifetime member of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, Omega Chapter at WSU. Currently works at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist for Cardiac Rehabilitation. Birthday: September 12th Hobbies: ATV riding, crotchet and craft work, dancing, being mom to Ila Favorite food: Sushi and Curry
Brannen L David Johnston
Groom
Born in Oregon, raised in Washington. Served in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to the Middle East in 2017. Currently works as a Carpenter’s Apprentice for Performance Contracting Group at Intel. Birthday: February 8th Hobbies: ATV riding, diesel mechanics and machinery, being father to Ila Favorite food: Breakfast
Hannah “Jules” Munson
Maid of Honor
Best friends since 2016. Kara and Hannah met just after graduation and became instant friends. They both enjoy hiking, kayaking, loving ALL the animals, and building their Faith. Hannah has been given the nickname Jules, and she is also baby Ila’s Godmother!
Kristin Paulson
Bridesmaid
Kristin also goes by the adorable nickname of Tinny or Tin Tin. Kristin and Kara have been best friends since their first year at WSU. They met through their sorority Alpha Chi Omega! Kristin and Kara enjoy wine tasting, game nights, and attending sporting events!
Cheyenne Yakes
Bridesmaid
Cheyenne is one of the couple's closest friends. She is also the godmother to Ila! You will see her on an ATV or driving the Side by Side like a mad woman, but she is one of the kindest hearted people you will ever meet!
Matthew “Matty” Yakes
Groomsman
Matty and Brannen have been friends for years. They originally met at Ness Campbell and have continued to strengthen their friendship through riding trips every year to the sand dunes! Matty and his wife Cheyenne are the parent's of Hayden, the Flower Girl. Matty and Cheyenne are also baby Ila’s Godparents!
Pouya Eimem
Groomsman
Pouya was actually Kara’s roommate for a short time but he developed a close relationship with Brannen! The two have remained best friends ever since! They both enjoy working on trucks and discussing mechanics, guns, hunting, and grilling.
Robert Spain
Groomsman
Robert served in the USMC with Brannen. This is when their friendship began, but they have since bonded over riding at the sand dunes and remained best friends. Robert and Brannen both enjoy time with friends and family, going hunting, and clubbing in Vegas!
Hayden Yakes
Flower Girl
Hayden is Matt and Cheyenne’s little girl. She loves the sand dunes just as much as the couple, if not more! You may even catch her trying to eat the sand. She is fearless and is just like her father when it comes to the sand dunes and riding in the Side by Side. Brannen's nickname for Hayden is "Sweet Pea" and her nickname for him is "Boo!"
Boss
Bridesman
Kara’s first love, a ~70 lb Pitbull full of cuddles. Follow his Instagram for weekly updates on his spoiled life @boss.the.pitbull While Kara wants him to love and listen to her more, he is obsessed with Brannen and loves to follow his commands! He goes absolutely crazy when Brannen comes home from work, you would think his tail would wag right off!
Mary Bengtson
Mother of the Bride
Kara is Mary's youngest child and last daughter to get married. Mary has always been a great support person for Kara and Brannen and have encouraged the couple to go after their dreams from the very beginning. Mary and Guy live in Tacoma, WA and have opened their home to the couple for multiple weekend stays, baby showers, and more. Brannen's dog Jake formed a bond with Mary early on, and now lives with Guy and Mary full time. While Mary insists Jake is still Brannen's dog, we all know Jake loves his forever home with grandma Mary!
Guy Bengtson
Father of the Bride
Guy has an adorable nickname for Kara and has called her "Shiffer Bains" since she was in early elementary school. After just a few months of Brannen and Kara being together, Guy changed Brannen's name in his phone to "Mr. Shiffer." Brannen and Guy love to discuss gardening, work in the green house, and overall home repairs. They are both extremely competitive and enjoy family game nights that turn into weekend events!
Anita Johnson
Mother of the Groom
Anita is Brannen's mother and has been a great support person for the couple since the early stages of their relationship. Anita and her husband Roger live in Snohomish, WA so any time the family can get together is a special time. Kara and Anita have bonded over their love of wines, gorgeous and delicious charcuterie boards, crafting, as well as spending time on the new boat!
Darren Johnston
Father of the Groom
Darren is Brannen's father, born and raised in Oregon. If you were to ask Brannen he would say his father is his best friend. They can talk and laugh about anything and everything, plus they are both extremely stubborn and hard headed! Darren and Brannen both enjoy spending time with their families, hunting, and going to the sand dunes. The two try to go on several trips to the dunes every year and plan for at least one big hunting trip every October. Darren and Kara have bonded over their love for Mongolian food, animals, floating the river in the summer, and riding quads on the sand!
Marcy Johnston
Mother of the Groom
Marcy has been step-mom to Brannen for over a decade. She has been a great and welcoming presence to Kara from the beginning, making her feel apart of the family instantly. Marcy is a vet tech and has been the go to person for Brannen for any pet related questions for years! While Brannen attempted to teach Kara how to ride quads on the sand dunes, it was ultimately Marcy's wisdom and patience that got Kara to really learn what she was doing and for her to feel comfortable out on the sand.
Roger Johnson
Father of the Groom
Roger is Brannen's step father and will be officiating the wedding ceremony. He has also performed a wedding in Nevada for Brannen's older brother Craigan! Roger has been a great influence for Brannen on how to be an amazing co-parent, husband, and friend. Roger and Guy are very similar in humor and both enjoy grilling and smoking various meats.