Krystel & Chitalu
Wedding Party
Krystel L. Porter
Bride
Krystel grew up in the Seattle area, but has built a home and community wherever she has lived, whether in the US or in Africa (including Zambia). Her faith is the foundation of who she is as she seeks to live out of her belovedness to worship God and honor the image of God in others. Krystel values connection, intentionality, transformation, and strives to pay attention to God’s redemptive work happening around us. She's a justice seeker, advocate for those on the margins, lifelong learner, gatherer of community, outdoor adventurer, world traveler, prankster, bacon lover, and musician. Chitalu has come alongside as the partner she always wanted and never thought she’d find. Krystel has found a home with Chitalu and can’t wait for the greatest adventure yet—building a life together.
Chitalu E. Mumba
Groom
Born in Kitwe, Zambia, Chitalu immigrated to the U.S. in 2011, and has lived in the state of Washington ever since. He loves God, and always seeks ways to serve Him daily. He has a passion for seeing others grow, and he is ever willing to lend a hand or point people in the right direction. He has a love for technology, science, and nature. He enjoys picking up new skills, training, exploring the great outdoors, and he loves to eat (especially during certain times of the month😉). He often opts to listen than speak, and maybe mistaken to be shy – but give him time, reason and a stage, and he will express himself fully. He puts others before himself, and seeks peace for all. He now stands blessed and overjoyed, soon to be married to Krystel Porter, his loving Queen.
Kim Flores
Matron of Honor
Lovingly called "BFF," Kim and Krystel's friendship has weathered countless moves and timezones over the last 20 years since meeting freshmen year at Seattle Pacific University. The stories and memories are many-- from college roommate shenanigans to trekking through the Amazon with machetes, to Flores family adventures-- but our shared faith has tethered us to one another as we've seen each other through some of life's biggest highs and lows and heeps of transitions. Clothed in loyalty and faithfulness, Kim has modeled consistency and steadfast love time and time again. Kim and Krystel have built a trust that's solid and rooted and Krystel cannot imagine life without her BFF. Kim is simply the bees knees.
Justin Cloud
Best Man
Commitment and sheer will… Justin met Chitalu for the first time at the Capoeira club. The club had caught Justin’s interest and so he attended several lessons thereafter. Justin’s great sense of humor and personality always leaves a memorable first impression. Both Justin and Chitalu share a passion for physical fitness and learning new things. Justin is committed, reliable, focused, always up for a challenge and possess strong sheer will. Whether they are out exploring the great outdoors or learning a new skill, Justin and Chitalu have a friendship that continues to grow, and bound to stand the test of time. Through and through, he has been an amazing friend, and a great help in times of need. Chitalu honors the man with commitment and sheer will, Justin, as Groomsman.
Amanda Mootz
Bridesmaid
Although Amanda and Krystel first met in 2006 at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA and again at World Vision a few years later, it wasn't until they overlapped in World Vision's Seattle office between Krystel's years in Washington, DC and Zambia that they really hit it off. Amanda embodies integrity in ways that have encouraged and challenged Krystel. Her credibility, character, and convictions root her to be a woman of wisdom. For the last 8 years, amidst full lives, Amanda and Krystel have prioritized regular "hugfest" check in walks halfway between Tacoma and Seattle to dive deep, listen, tell the truth, and keep one another accountable to pursue a more transformative faith.
Hével Fernández
Groomsman
First son… Hével and Chitalu met at the Camp Casey Leadership Retreat of 2014 as they both ended up on the same color team (Viva marron!) with Chitalu as the mentor. It was there that their father-son relationship started. Hével appreciated Chitalu’s father-like approach as a mentor, and Chitalu saw qualities in Hével that he or any other father would be proud to have in a son. Hével has a charismatic, captivating personality, and great sense of humor. He also possesses a brilliant intellect, knowing all there is to know about just anything. Hével is caring, humble, and so amiable. From working together, and sharing in life’s ups and downs, Hével and Chitalu’s father-son relationship continues to grow. Chitalu honors the first son, Hével, as the Groomsman.
Dawn McGeorge
Bridesmaid
Dawn and Krystel met in 2013, shortly after Krystel moved to Seattle from Zambia. In the midst of new beginnings, a friendship began with a love for all things fall, fried chicken, and PNW hiking (quickly becoming one of Krystel's favorite adventure buddies). Dawn is the kind of friend you want in your corner-- intentional, thoughtful, compassionate, and fierce in her care. Together Dawn and Krystel have supported each other through many life transitions and for 8 years, spurred each other on to navigate singleness with integrity. She's a fighter and she's not afraid to get in the mud and dive into the messy parts of life-- both literally and figuratively. Faithful and consistently creating space for freedom and flourishing, Dawn is present in the small stuff-- not just the highlight reel.
Victor Houssa
Groomsman
A Man of God… Victor and Chitalu met as members of the African Student Association at Bellevue College. Victor has always been a self-starter and an amazing leader. He carries his cultural inheritance as an African with pride and honor. His love for God reflects in his compassion and willingness to help others. He extends his love to his friends, as he would to family. He speaks out against injustice and is not afraid to speak the truth of what needs to be said. Chitalu has rested on Victor’s wisdom as a leader, and as a friend. His many talents have always been inspiring to Chitalu – from speaking 5 languages, to playing the drums. Not to mention that Mr. Houssa is an African dance machine! Chitalu honors the man of God, Victor, as Groomsman.
Jennifer Porter
Bridesmaid
Jenny is Krystel's eldest sister who has been putting up with Krystel's micshief since Krystel was little-- poor Jenny. Although the age gap meant they didn't share tons of time growing up together, they've really made up for it as adults. From international travel to national parks and road trips, these sisters share lifelong memories. As a sister and friend, Jenny has been incredibly supportive of Krystel's pursuits and trajectory in life-- from spiritual formation, vocation, and issues of social justice. Jenny embodies unconditional love, kindness, grace, and shalom like no one else and really sees Krystel for who she actually is-- for better or worse. What a gift her prophetic words of life have been to Krystel, and now to Krystel and Chitalu's relationship.
Gianni Calderon
Groomsman
The Philosopher… After applying for the annual Camp Casey Leadership Retreat of 2013, Gianni and Chitalu ended up on the same team. The two bonded in five days, and after the retreat, they both ended up working at the Student Programs at Bellevue College. Gianni is an avid reader and quite the philosopher. Chitalu and Gianni have enjoyed deep conversations about philosophical questions, and exploring the depths of the human psyche. Conversations that Chitalu has valued greatly. Gianni has a heart for kids, and is passionate about human development. He also knows how to have fun when it comes to parties. From working as leaders in college, to living together and starting a business, Gianni has been a faithful, and present friend. Chitalu honors the philosopher, Gianni, as Groomsman.
Cheryl Manning
Bridesmaid
Cheryl is Krystel's older sister-- the one that kept Krystel from total danger and destruction when the rest of the family neglected to pay attention to the third child (old family video footage available upon request). Growing up, Krystel tried to be like Cheryl by making fake braces and stealing her prank ideas, but eventually Krystel broke out of both to march to her own drum. Cheryl's joyful spirit, heart for gathering, celebrating, and connection through hospitality has helped shape and influence these values in Krystel. Krystel admires Cheryl's patience, self-control, courage, and value of honor. Since Chitalu has come into the picture, Cheryl and her family have been so supportive of our love, welcoming him to the family!
Hakim Halimum
Groomsman
The Zen Master… Hakim and Chitalu met when they were hired to work at the Front Desk in College. For as long as Chitalu has known Hakim, he has always had a cool and calm demeanor exuding a monk-like aura. Hakim always looks for ways to grow and experience life in full by learning new skills, and applying himself fully. Hakim’s love for the outdoors has had Chitalu join him on camping and road trips, and other adventurous, at times competitive outings. Hakim’s spontaneity has taught Chitalu an appreciation of learning how to be flexible in planning. His devotion to his faith has helped Chitalu grow in his own relationship with God. Hakim is always willing to help those in need, and always goes the extra mile. Chitalu honors the Zen master, Hakim, as Groomsman.
Diana Ro George
Bridesmaid
Diana and Krystel met in 2013 shortly after Krystel moved to Seattle from Zambia. Krystel will never forget a group hike the two of them went on where they were off from the rest of the group engrossed in talking about their faith journeys. Diana is the kind of friend that asks hard questions, gives generously, and isn't afraid to name the ways God is at work in our midst. As a woman of prayer and persistence, Diana doesn't settle for the surface level of anything. Her love is unapologetic, authentic and helps remind Krystel of our own belovedness. Krystel loves how Diana and her hope together, even when things are unhopeful. And eat together-- Korean BBQ cures all the things!
Steve Ferreira
Groomsman
No excuses… Steve and Chitalu first met at Bellevue College in 2013. It was easy to tell that Steve was no ordinary man. He had established himself as a motivational speaker and as an Olympic athlete. Steve and Chitalu struck up a friendship that has had them on the move and building each other up through the years. From speaking together in colleges and businesses across the states, hiking, walking and riding several miles across on the eastside of Seattle, to having fun at concerts, and burning through three packs of Starbucks Double Espresso shots in one go while on road trips. To this day, Steve is a living inspiration for Chitalu, and everyone around him. Chitalu honors the man with no excuses, Steve Ferreira, as Groomsman.
Ineliz Soto-Fuller
Bridesmaid
Ineliz and Krystel met in 2007 through a dear mutual SPU friend. A friendship began as Krystel would frequent Ineliz and (mutual friend) Elizabeth's apartment when she was in town visiting from California and in between her years in DC and Zambia. After moving back from Zambia in 2013, Ineliz and hubby Chris welcomed Krystel into their church community, where they've served on the worship team together for the last 8 years. Ineliz's embodies strength, kindness and generosity, but above all else, authenticity and honesty. Being her full self without pretenses has always created space for Krystel to be herself-- never making her choose between being silly and serious. Ineliz makes life lighter and brighter! What a gift for Krystel and Chitalu to have Ineliz and Chris in our lives!
Priame Ndayshimiye
Groomsman
Axé… that is the word used in the Brazilian art of Capoeira to speak of the “energy” or “good spirit” that one brings to a circle. Chitalu and Priame met in 2013 at Bellevue College. For as long as Chitalu has known him, Priame has always exuded a contagious positive energy wherever he went or whatever situation he was in. No matter how bad a day anyone was having, Priame would always find a way to bring joy and cheer to them. His values and discipline reflect who he is as a very dependable help, and unwavering in his pursuits. From working together on several projects and hosting events, to spending all-nighters playing games, it would be hard to imagine a world without the unique cheer that only Priame brings to life. Chitalu honors Priame, and welcomes his axé as Groomsman.
Mark L. Mondoka
Honorable Best Man (unable to travel from Zambia)
Living Legend… Chitalu and Mark met for the first time in 2000. They struck a conversation and they found out that they shared very unique interests. They would stand at bus stops for hours and have deep conversations about everything from entertainment, philosophy, technology, business, the state of human mind, God – they would walk across Kitwe for miles sharing their ideas, hopes and dreams. They would often joke about spending eternity walking a road that God would set aside for them, where they would talk and debate about everything in existence. Through 21 years of their friendship, Mark has been a faithful friend, and strong foundation in Chitalu’s life. A visionary, brilliant mind, and caring soul, Chitalu honors, “The Legend”, Mark Mondoka, as the Best man.
Loice Akoth
Honorary Bridesmaid (unable to travel from Kenya)
Loice and Krystel first met in 2007 while Krystel was living and working in Nairobi, Kenya. At first Loice didn't know what to do with this crazy muzungu who disrupted her life with cheeky pranks, but they quickly bonded over mischief, Kenyan dancing, and a love for work in child development and children's rights. Even in the darkest of life's trials, Loice's compassion, humility, resiliency, and authentic trust in God have truly impacted Krystel both personally and vocationally. They have truly seen each other through it all! Despite the distance, nothing can stop these two from getting into each other's business and making each other laugh. It's been such a gift for Krystel to return to Kenya every couple years to bask in the joy of this sister and ever-expanding dear Kenyan family.
Museba Mumba
Honorable Groomsman (unable to travel from Zambia)
The Juggernaut… Born December 12, 1990 in Kitwe, Zambia, Museba is the last born in a family of five. Chitalu was 6 years old when his brother was born and he remembers Museba coming home and holding him for the first time. Museba and Chitalu grew up and played together doing what most brothers do. From playing with Legos and creating our own games, to fighting over toys, and seeing each other through lonely times, Museba has been and continues to be a big part of Chitalu’s life. As the last born of the family, Museba has shown a strength and resiliency that he has passed on to Chitalu. Today, Chitalu honors his unstoppable kid brother, The Juggernaut, as Groomsman.
Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil
Officiant
Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil has been making waves in Krystel's life since she was a seminary student at Fuller 15 years ago. A fan girl long before a friend, co-labor in the work of racial reconciliation, and ministry at Quest Church, Krystel and Dr. B got to know each other in real life in 2014 through Quest and then as partners in ministry starting in 2017. Affectionately called "Queen Bee" by Krystel, Rev. Dr. B has affirmed and encouraged Krystel personally and professionally. When Chitalu came along, she spoke life and truth into Krystel and Chitalu's relationship from the beginning. Chitalu has enjoyed getting to spend time with Rev Dr. B through the Black Questers group, special outings, and COVID style meet-ups, including our unforgettable trip to Leavenworth in a snowstorm!