Maki & Ryan
Wedding Party
Collin Beeson
Best Man
Bromance… possibly. After years of living together, Beeson and I created our own language both verbal and nonverbal. We are both very similar in our thoughts, opinions and overall attitudes towards life. The only difference is his IQ score is about 50 points higher than mine. We also agree on literally everything. That could be attributed to our "Aquemini" connection! But seriously after living together for years I don’t think we had one disagreement about anything. I believe our personalities do mesh, but more importantly we have the utmost respect each other. Beeson has always been there for me through the ups and downs of this crazy life and I can’t thank him enough for all he has done!
Mikhail Powell
Groomsman
Mikhail and I met freshman year of high school. From the first day we met we instantly became best friends. I have always respected Mikhail for his humble and soft spoken nature. We also have the exact same sense of humor, Mikhail and I would start laughing uncontrollably for no reason. (This still happens). In high school Mikhail always had the best car, best fits, newest music, and girls. He was also the strongest and fastest football player in our class and had the most ridiculous SWAG. But Mikhail’s kind and humble nature never changed. Mikhail is still that same calm cool and collected individual in every situation. He is such a stand up dude and has undoubtedly shaped my personally and who I am today.
Jeron Mastrud
Groomsman
I have always seen Jeron as the brother I never had. Looking back on our relationship I laugh at how ultra-competitive we were. We used to compete so intensely, that we often left each other’s houses black and blue after backyard basketball. We both refused to back-down. I have always respected Jeron for his hard-nosed competitive nature. Even when our emotions ran high and often got the best of us we were always boys at the end of the day, no matter what. Jeron is still ultra-competitive and has achieved so much. From playing in the NFL to starting his own company. I am so fortunate for our brother like bond and history.
Mario D’Ambrosio
Groomsman
Mario is someone you want to be around. He radiates an energy that people are attached to. Where and how do I began describing our relationship… Let’s just say Mario has been a shot of Expresso in my life. I love to be around his free spirited nature and enthusiasm towards everything. Mario has certainly impacted my life and the lives of many people with his contagious energy. He is truly one of a kind and I love him to death for that. He has always been true to himself and his abilities. It’s been fun watching him continue to crush all of his personal and professional life goals!
Erik Pedersen
Groomsman
We have the same last name so we must be family right!? From the first time I met Erik and his twin brother David at the Portland State dorms. We instantly had an affinity for one another. We had so many odd connections and similarities, we knew we were meant to cross paths. I like to think of Erik as my spiritual counselor, we connect on a very pure and genuine level. Every time we get to together I feel my spirit getting lifted. Whenever Maki and I get the chance to see Erik and his beautiful wife Ali, we always leave so refreshed and filled with happiness. Erik and Ali are the real deal “Couple Goals” everyone tries to achieve. It’s been special seeing their bond and it has definitely made my relationship with Maki more tender and caring. Love you Brother!
Matthew Ford
Groomsman
Some people see the glass half full, some see the glass half empty, Ford sees the glass overflowing. I don’t know if I have ever seen someone handle life with such positivity and grace day in and day out. I have seen Ford turn a negative into a positive more times than I can count. Ford has a gift, he sees the best in every situation no matter how big or small. Matt also has an infectious personality and is friends with everyone he comes into contact with. He has also shown me what it means to be an outstanding father and husband. Ford’s impressive optimism and energy spills over in everything he does.
Danny Urrego
Groomsman
Danny is a light-hearted, free flowing, positive soul. I have always related to Danny’s go with the flow lifestyle as it matches my laid back personality well. Although, DU enjoys the simple pleasures in life, he is not a simple minded person. Danny is a critical thinker an incredibly deep and intelligent mind with fascinating ideas and concepts. Throughout the years I have gotten to know this side of Danny well. He teaches these concepts to his students and student athletes, pushing and stretching them to think outside the box. I have admired Danny’s career path of becoming a teacher and coach and making a positive impact on the world. There is absolutely nothing more powerful than a positive role-model in an adolescent life.
Caitlin McCloskey
Maid of Honor
Caitlin is my oldest and best friend. We met in the third grade and have been hangin’ ever since! We’ve lived so much life together; from secret handshakes in elementary school, to lots of things in middle School that I don’t remember, but Caitlin does, to high school dances, annual week long slumber parties, family vacations, and endless walks between our houses and all over Beaverton. Caitlin is so sweet to everyone, a little shy which adds to her charm, and has the cutest laugh. So much of my personality comes from living life by Cait's side and I'm honored that she’ll be beside me once again, on the most important day of my life because her friendship is one of the most special relationships I have. Love ya long time, R4L (Reason 4 Living…yup that’s what we call each other).
Lauren Loether
Bridesmaid
My Friss (short for Frissy, combo of Friend and Sissy). Lo Lo holds one of the dearest places in my heart. I never had a sister growing up, but I watched Caitlin (my MOH) and her two sister's interactions closely throughout the years. Lauren is the closest thing I have to a sister, but she’s also a dear friend. Living with her for 5+ years on the beach in Redondo California are some of my most cherished memories. We fought, we cried, we laughed a lot, and we danced nonstop. We packed so much life into 5 years on the beach and I’m a better woman for it. Lauren taught me what true loyalty is. She loves harder than I’ve ever seen anyone love, she has the deepest heart and she selflessly pores so much into her patients, and her patients families. I love you, Friss. Thanks for being, you!
Olivia Geller
Bridesmaid
Olivia and I met when I was a freshman in high school, and she was in eighth grade. I showed her how to eat a pomegranate and the rest is history. I talk to Olivia probably more than I talk to any other human on this earth, maybe even more than I talk to Ryan and I live with him. And while I’m busy talking her ear off about virtually everything, she’s busy chasing and physically making out with every single puppy she can find. She truly is one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever known. She is eager to learn about herself, about her community and about the world and I’ve always admired her for that. But her best quality is willingness to just listen and be available. She also has a voice of an angel, and you might cry when she sings at our wedding.
Mallory Ebrahemi
Bridesmaid
What words can even be said about Mallory. First off, have you seen her? Yea… I know! And on top of that, she’s an incredible mother, the sweetest wife and a Bad Ass BOSS! Mallory and I met in College at FIDM. She went straight from College into our now shared career at Jack Nadel International while I worked in fashion for about 6 years. When I realized fashion wasn’t for me, Mallory urged me to interview at JNI. She couldn’t have suggested a better path. JNI is my home and I am beyond grateful to Mal for introducing this company to me. She is the epitome of what everyone woman (and man) should strive for; she’s insanely hard working, doesn’t take no for an answer, gives immensely to those around her and on top of everything, she truly is so kind and accepting of all. I love you Mal!
Katie Moon
Bridesmaid
Katie and I go way back as well. We’ve been hysterically laughing at each other’s jokes since High school. My humor, in large part is attributed to Katie. So much of the way I talk, my tone and inflection is from her. One conversation with Katie and you will see why she is such a special person; she lives her life for the Lord, she does it with so much grace and she loves to laugh while making others laugh as well. She is the most fun person to be around and lights up any room with her immense charm and beautiful smile. She is recently engaged and her love story with Brian is one of the sweetest you'll ever hear. She waited so patiently for the right man, and now she finally has him and I couldn't be happier. Jesus isn't the only one that loves you Katie Moon! I love you a lot too :)
Mary and Lee
Bridesmaid
(*Leigh loves when people spell her name “Lee” by the way). This a 2 for 1 deal. My relationship with both of them started at JNI on rocky terms at best. I fought for their love and attention and they basically ignored me for a good month. But with a little determination, a big smile and because our boss (Shout out to the Red Queen, Debbie) told them to be nice to me, I finally won them over! And I’m so happy I did. These two women bring so much laughter to my day constantly. Though none of us live in the same state anymore, we all lean on each other for moral support. We talk often and plan girls trips whenever we can and we motivate and push each other to be better people. Life is so much more fun with you two in it, I’m so glad Debbie finally made you guys be nice to me. <3
Marisa Lee
Bridesmaid
Marisa and I have been friends since high school. We used to skip school together and go to her house to eat ice cream and watch Will & Grace. Surprisingly, we both graduated with great grades. In fact, if I had to bet, I think Marisa is the smartest person I know. She's one of those people who just always knows the answer to everything, is witty and clever and perfectly timed. I always love the time I get to spend with Marisa, I'm constantly laughing and I swear she knows me better than I know myself. She's a beautiful friend, and a wonderful wife to Aaron Lee. And Aaron is our Officiant! We asked Aaron to officiate our wedding because not only is he just an amazing, stand up guy- but he's a perfect example of a husband and partner. It's an honor to have them both in our wedding!