Wedding Party
Annika Salwender
Maid of Honor
Annika is the Maid of Honor and in Sarah's opinion the Alpha Niece. As Sarah's oldest niece and mini-me, this honor fits her. Annika and Sarah understand each other in a way that seems nearly otherworldly sometimes and she does a great job of reaching out and maintaining the relationship even though she lives in Southern California. She was chosen as the Maid of Honor because of how important she is to Sarah and how much her love of her aunt is seen, appreciated, and reciprocated. Sarah is the proudest aunt and loves that she can have Annika stand by her side as a witness to this new phase of life, and celebrate the love and family she, and everyone, will gain in celebrating this wedding day.
Samuel Cowdery
Best Man
Wyatt has known Sam was going to be his best man for almost a decade and a half, for as long as they have had phones it has been Sam’s nickname. From the many many nights playing NCAA football 2014 on the gamecube, going through young adulthood together, and talking about life and philosophy Sam has always been an incredible friend and encouragement. During college and then when Sam decided to get his Masters Degree at Notre Dame it was difficult to be separated but even when they went months without talking, it felt like time never stopped for their friendship. When life got tough Sam has always been there for Wyatt and they have seen each other through much of life sometimes with their best guesses at sound advice. Wyatt is excited to have Sam right by his side for this wedding and for all of life's changes.
Patty Orozco
Bridesmaid
Patty and Sarah met in first grade at age six, playing in the woodchips of the playground. Throughout the ups, downs, and inside outs of life, this friendship has been a constant in each of their lives. From playgrounds, to high school, through college, Patty has been an above and beyond friend, and Sarah has been thankful for her friendship every single day. Patty's analytical and straightforward approach to life and her ability to remain steady in tumultuous times has made Sarah more steady and helped align Sarah in tough times. Sarah got to stand next to Patty at her wedding, and couldn't be more excited to have Patty stand next to her.
Christian Francisco
Groomsman
One of Wyatt’s longest lasting friendships, Chris has remained a consistent and true friend throughout the years. Chris’s talents for photography, exploration, and adventure have challenged Wyatt at times and helped him out of his comfort zone and into greater things. On a whim they once competed as a team in parliamentary debate in which they won the tournament and are still undefeated. From impromptu trips into the wilderness and meeting new people, to challenging worldviews and steadfast friendship Chris is one of the friendliest, most genuine people around. Chris is an incredible friend and a stand up guy, which is why Wyatt picked him up to be at the altar for this wedding.
Tess Arrieta
Bridesmaid
Sarah met Tess in 2017 through the Senate Fellows program, it is a testament to Tess' kind and open heart that they became friends. From the very first Taylor Swift concert, to this day, Tess and Sarah have rarely been one without the other, and together they found a new community filled with love, fun, and meaningful connections. Tess has encouraged and grown Sarah's sense of adventure, and together they have gone all over the world, made friends, survived airports and music festivals, laughed, cried, laughed so hard they cried, and disco danced their way into an unforgettable life. It is only fitting that Tess be a part of this special day, and Sarah is so excited to have Tess by her side for another adventure.
Brennan Wheeler
Groomsman
Alongside Sam, and Chris, Brennan has remained a steadfast friend throughout the years. A crucial part of our dynamic squad, and believe it or not, once upon a time Wyatt used to be taller than him. An incredible and dedicated athlete and now personal trainer, Brennan is the king of the party, and is also known to burn it down on the dance floor. Brennan has a fiercely competitive spirit and although slightly younger than the rest of the squad he matured and grew beyond his years. His growth and discipline are inspiring and his friendship with Wyatt and the other gents is reflective of that, it has been an honor to have Brennan as a friend through adolescence into adulthood and be witness to Wyatt’s life and journey, and now alongside in support of this union.
Brittany Carnes
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Brittany met through Brittany's husband Milo. Of course he picked perfectly because Brittany turned out to be one of the very best friends Sarah could have hoped for. Her honesty and strength to advocate not only for herself but for the people she loves is one of the reasons Sarah is where she is today, Sarah learned how to be better to herself and others through her friendship with Brittany. While Sarah officiated Brittany's wedding, Brittany's love will be by Sarah's side at the altar.
Jonathan Muise
Groomsman
One of the lasting friendships Wyatt made at his time at Cal Maritime, Jon has always exemplified living a joy filled life regardless of circumstances. Jon is genuine, wholesome, a hard worker, and a true friend. Throughout rugby trips and weekend shenanigans in college, as well as weekend trips home to Wyatt’s parents Jon was steadfast and quick to lend a helping hand, these set him apart as the kind of lifelong friendship Wyatt was looking for in a college friend. Jon and Wyatt shared the experience of coming from large competitive families who expected contributing hard workers. It was these experiences that led Jon and Wyatt to a friendship that transcends time and distance. When Jon and Bailey got married in early 2021 Wyatt was honored to stand by Jon’s side as his best man.
Savannah Rose
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Savannah became friends through Tess, since Savi is Tess' sister. Back and forth Tess told stories about each one to the other. At the beginning Sarah lent her Taylor Swift reputation CD for both of them to listen to in Seattle, Tess brought back stories of sisterhood. Back and forth for a while, until Savannah came to visit. Through time and adventures they became closer until Savi had a rough move to Sacramento, and Sarah half moved in with her too, to help keep sanity and encourage Savi to stay strong. While it was only for a short time it created an unbreakable bond. Savi's quick wit, determination, strength, and almost unbelievable generosity have inspired Sarah and her sweet and steadfast love makes Sarah delighted to have Savi stand next her at the wedding.
Jack Yanos
Groomsman
One of the best and most rare parts of the Capitol community is meeting some positively wonderful people. Jack happens to be such a person and was introduced to Wyatt through a mutual friend. As a co-captain of a summer houseboat Wyatt confirmed that Jack is as helpful as he is reliable. While still remaining caring and always ready to have a good time. Jack seems more like a long time friend than someone Wyatt met through work and everyone who has met Jack has come to know him as an intelligent and kind man, who contributes to the lives and laughs of those he cares about and who is eager to help others. His intelligence and collaborative nature (as evidence through his trivia mastery) confirmed to Wyatt that , Jack the perfect fit as th lynch pin of his groomsmen.