Wedding Party
Jemmie Quenga
Maid of Honor
My sister from another mister!! Jemmie and I have been through all of life's ups and downs together since we were 16 years old. First meeting while serving other high schoolers at a Young Life camp for a month...she has been basically my boyfriend since then and Sam definitely knows his place. Going to the same college further bonded our sisterhood and I am so thankful for the experiences we have had together close to home and traveling the world. She challenges me and makes me a better person because of it. I know she is always there for me and I couldn't think of anybody else to have stand by my side, this time for happy tears and no more break-up tears!!
Amy Violette
Bridesmaid
Sweet sweet Amy. My adventure buddy and someone I am constantly giggling with!! Amy and I met in college where we first bonded on our short-term study abroad to India. Needless to say, it was a life changing experience and from then on, we have continued to share our love for travel. Whenever I want to go somewhere crazy, I know I can always count on Amy to be right next to me on the plane. I love everything about Amy's spirit and her outlook on life. Our brains sometimes link way too similarly, but that's when I know her friendship isn't going anywhere.
Kendra Rice
Bridesmaid
My bumpkin and longest running friend on the line of gals. Who knew she would be a part of the matchmaking couple to introduce me and Sam?? We have been through every season and awkward stage of life together...from our selfies in mirrors at our hometown fro-yo shop to our COD gaming nights with our partners. I am so thankful for this soul that I grew up with. I can always count on her to pick me up and remind me who I am when I've been a little distracted. My Meredith Grey to her Cristina Yang...I can't WAIT for all of the exciting times ahead we get to have with our husbands!
Alex Borba
Bridesmaid
Al pal! I am overjoyed that life brought us closer together after nursing school to becoming roommates. Our little yellow home in Altadena was the biggest blessing to all of us, especially during such a stressful time during the pandemic. Alex carries so much wisdom and I have always enjoyed our life pondering conversations. She has so much room to love people where they are at and be loved in the same way. You can always count on us to be outside, exploring National Parks, kayaking down rivers, and always taking our books to read wherever we have laid blankets out in the sun!
Rachel Mallasch
Bridesmaid
THIS spunky gal is my firecracker!! From living in the same hall Freshman year to studying abroad in South Africa and really building a bond together...I know I can always count on this girl to give the best advice even if its been 2-3 months since we have last talked. She is true to herself and to others around her. I have so appreciated this friendship continuing to grow even after college. From many walks around neighborhoods to partying in San Diego for Rachel's bachelorette...I couldn't tie the knot without her!
Jack Wolff
Best Man
Jack is the other brother who I have known for over 20 years. He is thoughtful, driven and goofy. His wife Anna is a saint for dealing with him. Jack is a competitive powerlifter and will move heavy objects for you. He has been key in my faith for his thoughtful insights and talking me through the crazy ideas and thoughts I have. Jack is well known for having an infectious personality and can get an entire room laughing along with him after cracking a joke. Jack is not the current reigning champ at Mario Kart and is actually currently the worst of all the players. You should definitely ask him "who is the best?" frequently throughout the wedding (this is at the request of the bride and groom).
Michael Vartuli
Best Man
Michael has become one of my two brothers over the 20 plus years I have known him. He is humble, genuine and steadfast. Micheal has been instrumental in my faith as he was the one who invited me on a life altering mission trip that culminated in him baptizing me in Nicaragua. He also gets some credit for introducing me to my fiancée at his wedding a few years back. But Kendra gets most the credit if anyone asks. Micheal is always the first one to ask about playing some video games so that Erin and Kendra can get a rip in. Michael is the current reigning champ of our long held tradition of playing Mario Kart Wii.
Max “Daddy” Addante
Groomsman
Aka Daddy Max. Has been a close confidant for over 10 years since we met at KLIFE. He was frequently the instigator of putting Jack’s car on blocks and hiding the wheels around the property. Max is a new father to his girl Sutton and is going to be an amazing girl dad. Max has provided me wise and thoughtful advice as I have walked in my relationship with Christ. He has a way of being calming and supportive to all his friends and family. Kudos for him and his amazing wife Maggie for building a bridge for Erin and I reconnecting.
Adam Ginzel
Groomsman
Adam is a true extrovert and is the a chatty cathy that can hold any conversation. I met Adam while playing volleyball with Max. We all quickly got along and eventually did a European cruise together where we were bunkbed buddies in our cabin. Adam is a loyal and thoughtful guy who is always looking for a chance to get the group together for a hangout. He needs to get on and propose to his girlfriend Mikayla already…
Shaw “Tequila” Gifford
Groomsman
Tequila Shaw who was once well known for his love of tequila shots has mellowed out a tad as he recently welcome his second child, Soren, to go along with his daughter Kenna. We have always said that Jess was something special because she could keep Tequila Shaw in his place. Shaw is a coach at heart and loves to see the growth we can experience in life. Shaw is definitely some eye candy and Adam wishes he can be like him someday.
Gunner Seals
Ring Bearer
Gunner is my pistol of a nephew and has given me a crash course of how to change a diaper. He was even so kind to poop within seconds of me holding him the first time. His mother was very proud of him. Gunner is a bundle of joy and energy and we are so excited for him to deliver Auntie Erin's and Uncle Sam's rings! We couldn't have thought of a better guy to take on the job.
Athena Bird
Flower Girl
Athena has been Sam's little girl for the past 4 years. She is the biggest cuddle monster you would ever meet and she always has to be a part of the party. Of course this includes us getting married! She loves all people and animals and completes our little family. She most definitely will be our witness for signing our marriage papers.
Anthony Vartuli
Officiant
Anthony holds a special place in Sam’s life as the father of Michael, one of the best men. He has watched the groom and best men grow up as a pack throughout their whole lives in every new experience. Anthony is a gifted spiritual leader and has led both large and small congregations in his time as a pastor, as well as his time as a hospice chaplain. While no longer a pastor, Anthony is still a man dedicated to making disciples. So much so that we were warmly welcomed into his home and hosted monthly. While having thought provoking relational conversations about our faith, we were also treated to delicious food by his wife Diane. When thinking about who could marry us, we couldn’t think of a better person who had come to know us as a couple and would continue to pursue us and walk with us in our marriage. We are very grateful he will be with us for this special day!