Makala & Austin
Wedding Party
Shannon Shahkarami
Maid of Honor
Shannon Shahkarami and Makala met in College Summer of 2014. They both signed up to be a "standardized patient" which is an actor for medical and nursing students. They were the youngest by 40 years so naturally gravitated towards each other. After 4 hours of training, Makala asked Shannon if she wanted to come to her birthday party a couple of weeks later. Although surprised, Shannon agreed to come to this stranger's party. Shannon showed up with the card descriptor (the paper describing what kind of cards there are) and a $5 Starbucks gift card because what else do you give a stranger who invites you to her birthday party after only knowing each other for 4 hours? And they hit it off from there. Shannon has been a foundation Makala can always lean on. Including during her wedding day.
Alex Richard
Best Man
Alex and Austin have been friends since middle school. They have been co-workers, friends, and hunting buddies. They have gone on adventures involving dolphins, cooler raiding raccoons, and once upon a time played in a band together.
Angela Bloch
Bridesmaid
Angela and Makala met at Makala's birth although Makala has a difficult time remembering it. Many people often confuse Angela and Makala as they look like carbon copies of each other. And thats fine as long as on the wedding day Austin is able to distinguish the two. Angela has been a big influence for Makala. When Makala was a child, she had a writing prompt asking who her hero was and she wrote about Angela. Angela always used to do Makala's hair and she travelled the world which inspired Makala to become a traveller. They even got to experience Norway together. Angela and Makala naively hiked a famous hike in Norway called Trolltunga that they had no business hiking. It was 17 miles in total, they walked 20... Makala is happy to have Angela help her and be at her side.
Clayton Marshall
Groomsman
Clayton and Austin met in the 3rd grade when Austin brought the rattler from a rattlesnake into class on Clayton's first day at a new school. Don't know what this says about either of them but they have been friends ever since.
Michelle Kuhr
Bridesmaid
Michelle and Makala also met at Makala's birth. A lot of Makala's life was inspired by Michelle. Michelle was a star at theater so Makala did theater. Michelle also travelled the world, so Makala wanted to travel the world. Their relationship started to blossom when Makala was 16, Michelle was 20 and they road tripped to the Grand Canyon together. Michelle unknowingly let her hike alone too and from the bottom of the Grand Canyon with 10 young German strangers. "Unknowingly" because she filed two missing persons reports when Makala didn't return till slightly after sunset. When Makala went back to the campsite, she pulled up with a park ranger, ran out of the car tackled her to the ground in tears saying "mom would've killed me" as the ranger asked "is this her?" What are sisters for?
Jack Rogers
Groomsman
Jack's parents met Austin's parents in college at Texas Christian University. Since the day that they threw baby Jack and baby Austin into a bathtub together they have been partners in generally making their parents worry about them.
Victoria Merkel
Bridesmaid
Victoria and Makala met when Makala moved into the Austin's childhood bedroom for a travel nurse assignment. Much to Victoria's dismay, Makala would make Victoria walk a lot! The walks were good because it gave them a chance to really get to know each other. Makala is so excited to gain Victoria as a sister even though it feels like they've already become sisters because Makala seems to leave the Merkel home so they have plenty of chances to spend quality time together. Victoria is a determined strong woman and Makala can't wait to have Victoria by her side as a sister now at the wedding and in the future.
Bradley Otto
Groomsman
Brad has a Catan obsession. Brad lives with Austin. Austin now has a Catan obsession.
Katherine White
Bridesmaid
Katherine is an OG. One of the few that can take part in the title of closest and longest friend. Makala and Kat met during volleyball in high school and played softball together. The friendship blossomed when Kat revealed to Makala how much food one fridge could have and then would often proceed to share it. Makala and Kat have seen each other grow tremendously and have stuck through all the times good and bad. These days, when Makala and Kat get together, they often run out of breathe because they have so much to say to each other. Makala is so glad to have Kat by her side especially since Kat will have recent experience herself with planning a wedding!
Dan Stafford
Groomsman
Austin and Dan met in college in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Austin helped him not sleep through class and continually gave him the following life advice.. "you do you"... and as a result Dan does Dan
Sarah Guice
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Makala both went to Texas A&M and were both Aggie Catholics but didn't really get to know each other until Sarah agreed to live with Makala post A&M in Makala's house in San Antonio. Little did Sarah know what she was getting as she walked in on her move in day to dust everywhere from painting and other renovations. But she (mostly) embraced the role of roommate to a new clueless homeowner including helping tile the kitchen back splash and fixing the plumbing (after taking an axe to the main water line). Makala even got Sarah's whole family to help fix the dishwasher. It was an adventure, but it was one that deepened their bonds. Makala got to watch as Sarah became a wife and mother and she is grateful for Sarah to be by her side as she eventually follows in Sarah's footsteps.
Jack Kuplack
Groomsman
There are no real words that can describe this guy. Austin loves him though