Wedding Party
Johanna Thomas
Matron of Honor
Lauren and Johanna have been friends for over a decade, but their connection goes back even further. They met at church when Johanna moved back from China, and with both of their families attending the same church and their grandmas in the same garden club, it felt meant to be. They quickly became inseparable, bonding over wild ideas and a shared love for adventure. From Vegas pool parties to getting stuck in a fire lookout with cabin fever, Johanna has been by Lauren’s side through it all.
Natasha Schwartz
Maid of Honor
Lauren and Natasha met in nursing school and have been inseparable ever since. From dancing at clubs in Mexico to dressing up as Post Malone (face tats and all) for his concert, they’ve shared more wild adventures than they can count—including three full days of chaos at a country music festival. Natasha brings the energy, the laughter, and the kind of friendship that feels like family.
Elizabeth Downing
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Liz met in nursing school, but their friendship quickly became one of the best things to come out of it. Since graduating in 2019, they’ve shared countless girls’ nights, spontaneous adventures, and more inside jokes than they can keep track of. Liz brings laughter and light wherever she goes and has been one of Lauren’s closest friends ever since.
Victoria Hager
Bridesmaid
Victoria is engaged to Terran, one of River’s groomsmen and someone Lauren knew growing up. She and Lauren became fast friends after a game night playing Smoke or Fire, and since then, they’ve shared spontaneous brunches, karaoke at Chan’s, and plenty of unforgettable nights with their fiancés.
Ashley Whetstone
Bridesmaid
Ashley is a deputy at the jail where River and Lauren work. She and Lauren first hung out after River’s car was stolen from work. That chaotic start led to countless post-shift nights at the bar near Ashley’s apartment and an even better friendship.
Cassandra Garcia
Bridesmaid
Despite a 14-inch height difference, that didn’t stop Cassie and Lauren from becoming fast friends after meeting at a dive bar while River and Cassie were in the deputy academy. That unforgettable first night marked the start of countless memories, from splitting vegan chorizo nachos at many after-work hangouts to playing mermaids in every pool they touch.
Austin Burke
Best Man
River and Austin first met playing high school basketball, though it wasn’t exactly friendship at first. Austin actually couldn’t stand the way River played at open gym. But after bonding over Xbox with Terran and Rex, the two became inseparable. Now, he’s River’s best man and one of his longest-standing friendships.
Terran Oxman
Groomsman
Terran and River met playing high school basketball, but they didn’t talk much at first—just the occasional run-in through mutual friends. That changed when Terran invited River over one day. Since then, he’s become one of River’s most trusted friends, and his parents have become like a second family. Lauren also grew up with Terran in a childhood playgroup, which ended up sparking the connection between her and River (see our story).
Joseph Morales
Groomsman
River and Joe met playing high school soccer, and their friendship has only grown since those early days on the field. River used to drive Joe to school every day, and they’ve shared plenty of memorable moments—including a week-long road trip to Canada, where Joe, despite reminding everyone else to bring their passports, showed up with his expired childhood passport and still somehow made it across the border. These days, they play on two recreation soccer teams together.
Alexis Botello
Groomsman
River and Rex met through Austin and Terran, who have been friends since elementary school. Over the years, Rex has become someone River knows he can always count on, whether it’s picking up the phone or showing up as a reliable gym partner. Rex recently joined the team at the jail as a nurse, and now they all get to work together!
Ian Patterson
Groomsman
River and Ian met in middle school and quickly bonded over their shared love of basketball, especially their mutual frustration with a few less-than-great high school coaches. Ian is one of the most down-to-earth people River knows and someone he can trust with absolutely anything.
Cameron Cottis
Groomsman
River and Cameron are cousins who grew up just 500 feet apart and spent nearly every day together as kids. They were more like brothers than anything else. Even though they don’t see each other as often these days, that bond and love has never changed.
Curtis Kinsley
Officiant
Lauren and River’s officiant is Lauren’s Uncle Curt. Though this is his first time officiating a wedding, he’s no stranger to public speaking—he’s a personal injury attorney, after all. So if you find yourself in an accident... or planning a wedding, give him a call!