Wedding Party
Blake Cole
Best Man
I've known this guy for awhile. One of the smartest, hardest working and wittiest humans I've ever had the pleasure of encountering. I often tell people, "if you like me, Blake is like me but better in every way - smarter, funnier, more disciplined. If you don't like me, Blake isn't loud, annoying or abrasive...he's intelligent, well spoken, and hilarious" Blake currently resides in Boston, MA where he is pursuing a PhD in the field of Fluid Dynamics at MIT.
Lauren Fitzgerald
Maid of Honor
The best sister since day one... when I was 5 and would prop her up among my stuffed animals to "teach," to now being adults (also in quotes) and realizing how much she has to teach me. She knows when to bring calm and reason to my temper and stubbornness; her confidence in me and in herself has taught me to be more present and enjoy a more full existence. I'm looking forward to growing through all of life's pivotal events with her, and sharing the day-to-day moments in between. Lauren is a model citizen of Huntington Beach and works in healthcare. She is applying to PA school so send good wishes!
Nick Spittle
Groomsman
I met and became close with Nick at UC Irvine as we were fellow sons of the South Bay. I knew of his family after doing JGs with his brother Anthony and by consistently reading about the three Spittle Bros' Volley achievements in the Easy Reader during the high school era. Nick is as stand up of a guy as they come; authentic and genuine and fiercely loyal to his friends and family. Nick lives in Hermosa Beach and works in the Port of LA/Long Beach.
Stacie Overmyer
Bridesmaid
Stacie reminds me of myself in many ways, with her strong convictions and love for adventure... except the fact that she is also an extremely talented professional dancer, and amazingly responsible steward of the planet. I vividly remember dreaming about the day when the cousins, Lauren, Stacie, and I, would be old enough to get our nails done (yeah, I had big dreams). Now, I am beyond thrilled to have them with me as I walk down the aisle. Stacie resides in Running Springs, CA, is a member of Emergent Dance Company, and is starting her Master's as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
Brett Simpson
Groomsman
"The Other" Brett Simpson was one of the first people I met at UC Irvine who had the same passions I did: hanging on the beach, surfing, playing volley, working hard and leaving a positive impact wherever we went. Born & raised in San Clemente, I realized shortly thereafter that meant he was automatically much better than me at all things ocean. It didn't matter though, Brett was always stoked to have a shorter, less creative, and less athletically talented version of himself tagging along. A master of the PMA (Positive Mental Attitude), Brett is the kind of guy you want around in any situation as he has the unique ability to make literally anything better. Brett lives in San Clemente with his wife Laura and baby Marin. He works in eCommerce.
Jessica Ferris
Bridesmaid
As evidenced by our obvious grace and agility, Jessica and I began ballet when we were young and spent 13 years sharing the stage in countless shows, while working our way through practically every role in The Nutcracker. Along the way, I was honorarily adopted into her family (as was Mark eventually), and our friendship has stayed constant throughout the years over many a Taco Tuesday and desert trip. Jessica is a Global Cloud Project Manager (don't ask me what that means) and lives with her husband Steven, and their puppy Sadie in their home in Anaheim.
Luke Van Patten
Groomsman
Luke is a talented soccer player who dominated on the pitch at UC Irvine; however unlike many of his contemporaries in sport, Luke is a multi-talented creative with so much more to give the world than simply his athletic prowess. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Luke is an Angelino through his core and his love for the Lakeshow, Dodgers and the City of his Birth are unparalleled. Luke lives in Culver City and is a producer for Paramount Sports.
Kara Mannion
Bridesmaid
True to form, Kara keeps me on my toes... like not having social media photos to pull from, and only sending photos of N'Sync members upon request of a self-portrait. Known most fondly as Fug (to my Fat), this one has been around to see it all from what first formed as a friendship between 7th grade band nerds (she was actually cool because she was percussion) and lasted through all the ups and downs of "growing up" through college and beyond. Kara and her fianceé, Marissa, live and work as nurses in Folsom, CA, and are the proud parents of Obie - photo featured above.
Tyler Stover
Groomsman
No matter the adventure, no matter the timing, no matter the lack of planning, if I want to do something that has the potential to be rad and I need a partner in crime, Tyler is always the first person I'm calling. Anytime Tyler is jumping into a car, boat, or plane with me, first of all he normally shows up with something unexpected: a portable microphone, a BB gun, and a model rocketery set, etc. No matter what might happen next, I know we're gonna be in for a good time and some great memories. Tyler lives in Oak View, CA and is a registered nurse.
Leah Legaspi
Bridesmaid
Leah has been my source of sanity over the last seven years of educating the youths. Not only do we share a deep passion for education, we just GET each other. Like finish each others' sentences/communicate a whole story with a glance/know when not to talk at all GET each other. She's been my fierce proponent and confidant, and has taught me how to loosen up, give real hugs, properly eat a cupcake, and generally enjoy life more along the way. Leah lives in Carson, CA and is a superhero by day, teaching a 3/4 combo class (online!) at Hickory Elementary.
Chris Maloney
Groomsman
I met Chris at UC Irvine when we found out we were both from the South Bay and both surfed. We lived together on the beach in Newport for two years and from that moment until the present day, Chris has been one of my biggest supporters. He was early to recognize whatever leadership talents I had and was right there, every time, backing me to help make everything fun I did in college possible. Without him there would be no party buses, no dodgeball tournament, and no Drive-Thru Utah...the list goes on and on. The guy is a fellow "yes" person and everything you could ever want in a friend. Chris currently lives in Hermosa Beach and is a full time Ocean Lifeguard.
Tara O'Brien
Bridesmaid
Tara is another strong advocate for education, who lives on my same wavelength (and literally on my same block), and has become a close friend over our time in teaching. I am motivated by her passion for what she does, and her love for her friends and family. Whether I need life advice, recommendations for travel, or just to vent about work, she is there to listen and support. I count myself lucky to benefit from her non-judgmental ear and overflowing kindness. She lives in Redondo Beach, and is a Technology Lead Teacher for the Torrance District -- may God bless her soul.
Francesca Noyes
Groom Honoree
The problem with claiming Fran is your best friend is that your 20 other friends also think she's their best friend. I've known Fran since my early high school days and she is largely responsible for guiding me through the pitfalls of adolescence; having strong female friends is incredibly important if you attend an all boys private high school. Needless to say she's been consistently working behind the scenes to help me become the best version of myself -- and for that I will always be incredibly thankful. Fran lives in Santa Monica, CA and works as an immigration lawyer.
Sadie Lowe
Bride Honoree
Sadie and I were enthralled with each other from the day our bikes were magnetically attracted to one another on the street in front of our houses when we were 3. As my first friend and across-the-street neighbor, we have countless memories of our adventures traipsing through the woods of Twin Peaks, navigating middle and high school, and continuing a friendship over long distances. From building forts, to choreographing dances, to coffee shop dates, Sadie taught me how to get dirty, be brave, love fiercely, and pack light. :) I'm continually inspired by her adventures. Sadie resides in Washington with her husband, Brandon, and her five seriously angelic children - Traegan, Amelia, Blu, Tatian, and Leeland.