Lauren & Shardad
Wedding Party
Makenna Johnson
Maid of Honor
Makenna is my younger sister and has been my built in best friend since 1994! She knows me better than anyone else & knows exactly how to cheer me up & completely piss me off all at the same time! We were lucky enough to share one year of college together in Oregon & she is now killing it in the Marketing/Ad industry in SD. She humbles me everyday with her easy going attitude and ability to always make me laugh and "not sweat the small stuff". I see my Dad in her daily & for that I am forever grateful. She is one of the strongest people I know and I look up to her more than I could begin to put into words. She also holds the very special talent of being able to drink like a fish, eat like complete garbage, never workout & still be the smallest person I know. I hope our kids get her genes!
Brian John
Best Man
Good ole Queen John. Brian is my cousin Leyla’s husband and my best friend. Brain and I hit it off from the very first time Leyla brought him over. He and I actually looked like each other (unfortunately for me) back then so Las Vegas and Newport bars thought I was Brian John from years 18-21. You will instantly love him for his outlook on life, his genuine love for you, and the incredible husband and father he is to his family. But his atrocious 6th grade style and ego the size of North America are easy to pick on. I’ve gone to Brian for every failure and every success since the day I’ve met him, and he has always given me the best, most honest advice which I respect greatly. He’s always had my back without a shadow of a doubt and I couldn’t be more grateful to have him in my life.
Natalie Sickler
Bridesmaid
Natalie has been one of my best friends since elementary school & as years have gone by, we have only gotten closer. We lived together post college for nearly 5 years...right up until the day Shardad moved in and I am SO thankful she only moved right down the street! Natalie has always been my biggest voice of reason, someone who can always give the best & most honest advice, someone who can tell it to me exactly how it is and is someone who I have shared more laughs & memories with. She is always down for a fun night out or hungover day on the couch. She is one of the most hard working and driven people I know and has been a huge part of mine and Shardad's relationship since Day 1. She is GF #2 and if it weren't for her being my wing-man in Vegas I don't know if we'd even be here today!
Shea O'Connor
Best Man
Bestman 1B – Not even sure where to begin with this one. Guess I’ll start with the fact I’m lifetime undefeated against Shea in everything. Basketball to 21, NCAA football on PS4, Beer Pong & overall life greatness. The man just can’t beat me. Jokes aside, we’ve been best buds since the first time we went to my dad’s club & were sneaking drinks, walking around VIP like we owned the place. Hands down one of the funniest guys you’ll ever meet. His parents are mine and mine are his. He & his wife gave me the wonderful honor of officiating their wedding last April. He was actually the one who introduced me to Lauren. Shea & Kendal’s love &admiration for Lauren was a big reason why I had to get to know/ love Lauren for myself. Be sure to ask Shea the Farsi he knows, you won’t be disappointed.
Katie Hamren
Bridesmaid
CHATIE! Katie has also been one of my besties since elementary school. I was lucky enough to be welcomed into the "popular group" by Katie back in 5th grade & am so lucky to still be so close with her. Katie has always been one of my most reliable & attentive friends- someone who is loyal to her core & would do anything for the people she loves. I love that about her. She is easygoing & the first person to be down to go out, grab a drink, or just come over to hang out. She is always showing me the latest and greatest fashion trends & above all is always the most helpful/generous person with anything & everything you need- at the drop of a hat Katie is there. Shardad & Katie have a brother/sister relationship which I love & she is GF #3! We are both so lucky to have Katie as a ride or die!
Adam Smith
Groomsman
My oldest brotherhood without a doubt. Adam and I have been through it all together. Thick and thin, he’s been by my side and I’ve been by his. From Taekwondo when we were 6 to running Yorba Linda aquatics at 21 years old there isn’t a lot we haven’t done together. Adam’s my brother who is constantly pushing me and challenging me to be my best self. He’ll be by far the skinniest guy in bridal party, it’s like he’s never heard of a push up. One of the most electric guys you’ll ever meet. He’s never walked into a room and gone unnoticed. A true comedian at heart, spend five minutes with him and he’ll have you in tears. My parents view him as one of their own and it’ll be that way forever.
Megan Ouellette
Bridesmaid
Megan is a fellow Duck and one of my best friends from college. Ironically, we grew up right down the road from each other but our paths did not cross until we met in Eugene. She is hands down the sweetest, most selfless and genuine friend and is someone who I admire greatly. Megan is the best listener and always the person asking how you are or how your family is. She has an ability to make everyone she meets feel so uniquely special and is loved by everyone who meets her. Not to mention she might be the hottest 6th grade teacher in all of Orange County! I've said it once and I will say it forever....everyone needs a Megan in their life!
Matt Susdorf
Groomsman
You will never meet a more genuine and loyal man in your life. I’ve never met someone who has met the guy and had a single bad thing to say about him. I’ve been through some tough times and Matt has always been one of the first to call and remind me he’s got my back and we’re in it together. He’s that friend that gives you the invincibility feeling because he’ll be there if you fail. 6’4 All American 2m water polo player but also led the school dive team. Like a flying Gazelle, it’s just pure beauty what this man can do in the air. One of my favorite things about our friendship is our ability to go some time without talking but get on the phone and pick up like it was yesterday. Take some time to meet him, you won’t regret it.
Katie Kuhnert
Bridesmaid
Oh my Kuhnert.... there are not enough words to describe this girl. I met Katie one of the first weeks into Freshman year at Oregon and my life hasn't been the same since! She is by far the most wild, adventurous, entertaining and smartest friend I know. She puts 120% into everything she does whether that is crushing it on Wall Street in NYC or going out for a Sunday Funday. Katie has the biggest heart and is always the first person to send you a meaningful text, hand written card or something absurdly inappropriate just to cheer you up. She makes me laugh harder than anyone and is incredibly loyal. Katie is currently living the dream in NYC but hopefully will be back in California soon!
Kevin Schiffmacher
Groomsman
Schiffy baby was my first best friend in HS. He was the stud goalie practicing with Varsity his freshmen year. We met through a mutual friend and never looked back. We were inseparable during HS. In fact, he was the architect behind getting Matt, Adam and I all together one night and the rest was history. His center field thinking and relaxed view on life are refreshing and humorous to say the least. Can’t tell you the number of times he’s given a thought and had us thinking “what the F” lol. The way he so humbly lives his life, he is always reminding us that everything is going to be alright and to keep smiling. From being absolute cheeky boys in HS to the amazing Father and husband he is now, I couldn’t be more proud of the guy.
Kendal O'Connor
Bridesmaid
Kenbug & I met in high school freshman year & I just couldn't get enough of her so I followed her all the way to Eugene! We were close in high school, but college is really when we became best of friends. She was my source of "home" & someone who helped me get through many homesick, "what am I doing here" moments. Kendal has always been my most mature, responsible & reliable friend & someone who has always looked out for me, taken care of me, & most of all loved me for me- in every version of myself. Kendal is always the first person to offer to help in any situation and her generosity & thoughtfulness never go unnoticed. I ultimately have her & her hubby to thank for introducing me to Shardad many years ago and although they are currently living in SC, we know distance has nothin on us!
Arrash Saidi
Groomsman
The Patriarch of the cousins (I have 13 on my mother’s side alone). He takes credit for raising me which I’m not entirely sure is a good or bad thing just yet. Give him a few drinks and without a doubt the story of me sleeping on his chest as a newborn will come. He’s one of the gnarliest guys I’ve ever met, in the best way possible. He is well traveled and was a professional BMX rider his whole life. He attacks life like he does a 20 foot gap. He taught me to always keep my head up and keep moving forward. That there will always light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t know where our cousins would be as a family without him and his guidance and loyalty to his family. Anyone who knows me knows I prefer to take shots and a lot of them... You can blame Arrash for this, he taught me well.
Katie Bremer
Bridesmaid
Katie is my Godsister and someone I have been lucky enough to call family for my entire life. Most of our lives we have actually been confused for sisters, as many think we look more alike than MaKenna and I! Almost every memory of my childhood has Katie in it and I know that will only continue for all the years to come. She is one of the most honest, realistic, level headed and hard working girls I know and I can always count on her to cheer me up with her contagious laugh. Katie is my go to running/work out buddy and someone I rely on to style me with all the newest sunglasses and accessories! She has been there for me and my family in every good, bad or indifferent situation and I am truly beyond blessed to have her as a sister and friend for life.
Souroosh Deshat
Groomsman
Sourooooooosh...My baby cousin. What Arrash was to me, I tried being for Souroosh. He was mine and Lauren’s child for the first 6 months of our relationship. Everywhere we went, Lulu came at the hip. Everyone needs a Lulu in their life. Without a doubt, the only person I’ve ever met that is ALWAYS ready to party. It’s ‘5 o’clock somewhere” 24/7 with him. The only man in the history of Sloshball to strike out one year and be the MVP the following year. I couldn’t be more proud of the man he’s becoming. Avoid him at the wedding at all costs or you won’t remember much of the night.
Carley Iasparro
Bridesmaid
Carley and I have been friends since before I can remember! Our families have been close since we were 5 years old & she is like a sister to me. Although we had a rocky start as I was a complete bully & picked on Carley when we were younger...we couldn't be closer now! Every major milestone in my life, Carley has been a part of & for the most part, we have experienced many of life's "firsts" together. We have always been able to pick up right where we left off. She has, and always will be, someone who I look up to. and she sure has set the bar exceptionally high as she is the most devoted wife and loving new mom. Carley is the most compassionate person and her faith is inspirational. We have been through so much together & I truly couldn't imagine her not standing beside me on this day!
Benny Velazquez
Groomsman
My sister calls me one night & asks me to come to Newport. She wants me to meet this new guy she was dating. She introduced me to Benny & I don’t think he or talked to her the rest of the night. We hit it off instantly. We drank & talked until we shut Woody’s down. I knew right then & there that I had met the perfect man for my sister. His smile is infectious & you know he’ll do anything in his power to make sure you’re having the time of your life. He’s handle adversity with his head held high & a positive outlook. Whether its arguing over sports (he’s miserably wrong on every take), hanging by the pool or stuffing our faces with Kabob; I know it’s impossible to have a bad time with Benny. He is the most generous man you will ever meet & his love for my sister will forever make me smile.
Heather Duden
Bridesmaid
I have also known Heather majority of my life and she is hands down one of the funniest people I know. She is so witty and always doing or saying something absolutely outrageous. Ever since we were little kids, she has managed to be the most entertaining and fun person. Heather is loved by absolutely everyone who meets her and she is truly one of the most sentimental, compassionate and loving individuals....no wonder she is a nurse! I can always count on her for a random fun night out which usually ends with a million hilarious memories. She is one of the strongest and most optimistic people I know and I am so lucky to have Heather as a sister and someone to take on all of life's challenges with.
Adam Robertson
Groomsman
Old English! Adam is my cousin Sahar’s husband and is family. He is by far the oldest of the crew (don’t be afraid to remind him that when you see him). We are all still unsure as to how he was able to marry our cousin. She’s far better looking than he is (remind him this as well). All jokes aside, Adam is someone who I have always looked up to. I can go to him for real life problems and with any issue. His wisdom is beyond his years and like I’ve said… he’s old as is! I’ve always tried to emulate his success as he only continues to grow. He’s an incredible husband and by far the wittiest man I’ve ever met. Take some time to sit him with at the wedding, you’ll understand what I mean.
Shiva Djahangiry
Bridesmaid
Sheevs is Shardad's younger sister who amazes me everyday with her maturity, confidence and incredible positive outlook on life! She is wise beyond her years and someone who I respect tremendously. Shiva can get along with just about anyone and is one of the most friendly and outgoing people you will ever meet. She is always going out of her way to help in any situation and is beyond generous. She is fiercely loyal and someone who will always defend the people she loves....it is one of my most favorite things about her. I am beyond grateful to have someone like Shiva in my life as a friend and soon to be SISTER!
Dustin Ouellette
Groomsman
There’s friends you’ve known forever and then there’s friend you meet once and feel like you’ve known forever. Dustin is that friend. Met Dubs through Lauren. He was actually her first guy friend in college (we won’t go back to her speech at their wedding lol). It’s been a short but amazing run together and I couldn’t be more stoked for what the future hold. His love for Lauren, his passion for life and his godly talent for dad jokes are just a few reasons why I couldn’t be more stoked to have him as brother.
Mary Lynn Pyle
Bridesmaid
MLP & I met in college and have been close since! We joke about being polar opposites as we have completely different tastes in style, music, food etc...but all joking aside, we do have many similarities & I am so grateful for her friendship. She always helps me to see things from different perspectives & has helped me branch out in many ways (even though I usually hate every second of it). Marylynn is one of the funniest people I know & without even trying, she can always make me laugh with her dry & sarcastic humor. I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel with Marylynn on many once in a life time trips. Her completely humble generosity is something that never goes unnoticed & is something I greatly respect & admire. I am so lucky to call MLP a life long friend!
Caitlin Hayes
Bridesmaid
Party girl Cait!!! I can ALWAYS count on Caitlin to be down for day drinking or a night out! She is my yes girl and someone who always is wanting to have a good time! She has an incredible ability to somehow always stay completely composed, mature and responsible....while documenting everyone else being complete degenerates! Caitlin and I met post college and have gotten incredibly close over the years. She is one of the most patient, loving people and has a heart of gold. I am so lucky she lives so close to me and has been such a big part of mine and Shardad's relationship since the very beginning!