Wedding Party

Harley Jeffers

Officiant & Pastor

Harley Davidson Jeffers—yes, really named after the motorcycle—has been the pastor of Life Church in Pilot Rock, Oregon, since January 2007, after five years of associate pastoral adventures in Central Oregon. He and his wife have been married for 25 years, which he claims doesn’t quite make him a marriage expert, but might earn him a black belt in lovingly annoying husbandry. They’ve raised three fantastic kids who are now in their 20s—and, just like everyone warned, it flew by faster than a Harley on the open road.

Christine Kammerzell

Wedding Planner

My dad and Janet Yarbrough, (Mark's mom) worked at the prison together. We were invited to a 4th of July party that they were also invited to where my younger sister Kaylee and Faith met and became besties. Later our family was invited to (I believe) a 4th of July party with the Yarbroughs and a bunch of their friends. Since then our families have been friends. That's the Yarbrough's: they love to grow their family even if those people are not blood. I'm so excited you're (Ahnica) officially being added to their family even though you know you've been part of the family for a long time.  

Mark Yarbrough

Groom

Ahnica Shoemaker

Bride

Lance Shoemaker

Father of the Bride

Stephanie Shoemaker

Mother of the Bride

James Yarbrough

Father of the Groom

Mark, in older form... where he got his looks and not surprisingly, his sense of humor.

Janet Yarbrough

Mother of the Groom

It has truly been an honor to have Ahnica become a part of our family over the course of the last 3 years. From the first time I met her I knew she was the one, even if it took Mark a little longer to figure it out :-) She is the most honest, genuine, kind and loving young woman I have ever met. From the time my sons were born my prayer has been "God please bring a woman into their lives whose heart is so deeply embedded in you, that they have to seek you first in order to pursue her heart" Ahnica is that woman and a joy to have in our lives. We are ecstatic to have her as our daughter-in-love.

Hunter Reynolds

Best Man

Hello, my name is Hunter, and I'm Mark's best man. I'm 23 years old and am going to school to be a youth pastor. I've known Mark for about 10 years and tend to see Mark more as a brother than a friend. Mark and I have spent many nights gaming until the sun rose.

Blake Franklin

Groomsman

Heyo, my name is Blake Franklin! I was born and raised in Pendleton, and after a 7-year college stint I found my way back to the special community, and I am SO glad I did. Knowing the impact the Lord had on my life I started cultivating Christian community right here in our small town, through a small group. That’s where I was blessed to meet my wife, and connect with this amazing couple. Mark & Ahnica started attending that Bible study group prior to their start of dating… then, as things unfolded we had the blessing of navigating our relationship alongside one another as we studied the word, spent time in small groups, and navigated life. Through those moments, we have had the honor to watch their relationship evolve. Now, we get the honor to stand by their side and support them on their wedding day. They have pursued with intention and trusted God in the process, as I pray they will continue to do for their entire marriage. Congratulations Mark & Ahnica, so blessed to be a part of your day, and even more to be a part of your life!

Arthur Rangel

Groomsman

I met Mark about three years ago at church, and we’ve been solid friends ever since. He’s the kind of guy you can count on—when my wife Kristyn and I bought a fixer-upper (while she was pregnant with our twins!), Mark was right there helping me get the place ready. I also met Ahnica during that time, while working at the fire department—she was gaining nursing experience, and it was easy to see how well they complemented each other. These days, I enjoy spending time with Kristyn and our daughters, getting outdoors whenever I can. I play a little golf, enjoy shooting competitions, and love to hunt. I’m honored to stand by Mark’s side as he marries the woman of his dreams.

Cody Sherman

Groomsman

Hi my name is Cody, and I’ve known Mark specifically since 6th grade. I was born and raised in Pendleton, and when I got to middle school, I decided to go into band and pick the loudest instrument I could for some reason and go to the drums. Thankfully Mark also decided to do that and we ended up meeting in Mr. Payne’s band class. Since we both did band all through middle and high school, we basically always sat together for a class for about seven years. Although, in 8th grade I let teenage angst takeover and I may have pushed Mark over a chair in band class, but that interaction actually led us both to the principals office, and made us better friends in the long run. The past few years I’ve been living in Corvallis, but managed to meet Ahnica some time within the past two years, and I could tell that there was no way Mark was willing to give her up. I am more than excited to see these two grow together, and I’m glad to be part of their future lives!

Evan O'Grady

Groomsman

Evan O’Grady is an English teacher in Ukiah, Oregon. He and Mark go way back. Actually, they go all the way back to the days when Evan was a fresh substitute teacher and Mark was just a young boy in high school. Unfortunately, Mark was a little rapscallion back then, and thought it would be funny to take advantage of Mr. O’Grady’s more trusting nature. Mark audaciously skipped class after he kindly volunteered to take the attendance sheet to the office for Mr. O’Grady. How funny that was! Anyway, Evan and Mark got to know each other a lot better while both attending Blake’s bible study, a place where iron sharpened iron. Throughout the years, Evan has been continually impressed with Mark’s relentless pursuit of going the extra mile, helping out where needed, and being a dependable human being. From hiking, playing on worship team together, snowboarding, spending time in the word of God, and just joshing around, Evan has witnessed Mark show poise and grace at all levels and at every stage. Evan feels privileged to call Mark a friend. He wants to wish the happy couple all the joy that this world can offer and that the blessing of the Lord be upon them! 

Kelton Shoemaker

Groomsman

Sam Burcham

Groomsman

I've known Mark since my freshman year of high school (I was homeschooled, though if you know me, you probably could have guessed that). I spent many years living abroad in Asia, and upon returning, there was nothing more disorienting than seeing how my previous friends had moved on. Mark was one of the few people who helped me feel like I belonged in this town and has been a brother to me since day one. Doubt I could have survived my high school years without him. So excited for him to embark on this next chapter of his life.

Joleah Franklin

Matron of Honor

Hi! My name is Joleah, but I go by JoJo! I am Ahnica’s matron of honor. My husband and I are Pendleton local. I spent a lot of my time baking at home and being a dog-mom! We love to travel or hike when we can! I have known both Mark and Ahnica for several years now. Mark I have known for much of my growing up, and Ahnica I met in college. I like to tell people I am responsible for their relationship as I introduced them at church. 😉 I could not be more excited to stand next to these two on the most special day of their lives!

Kaelyn Shoemaker

Maid of Honor

Hey, my name is Kaelyn! I am Ahnica's favorite sister and maid of honor as well. I am from Union Oregon, but am currently attending Umpqua Community College. I enjoy spending my free time competing in sports, being outside, and spending time with my family. I grew up sharing a room with Ahnica, which had it's highs, but also got me on trouble a lot. ;) The first time I heard about Mark, I was told he took Ahnica to a taco truck for their first date. By the sound of that you can probably guess that we made fun of both him and Ahnica for that. We also thought he might be homeless... But I've learned to tolerate their relationship, and to love the both of them together. I'm actually really happy that Ahnica met Mark because now I know she has improved in her taste in men! And I hope they let me come over and continue my legacy in being the favorite. Especially the favorite aunt! I am very happy for them both and pray God stays the center of their relationship. 

Sawyer Shoemaker

Maid of Honor

Hey guys! My name is Sawyer and I am Ahnica's little sister/Maid of Honor. I am going into my junior at Union High School where I will be graduating in '27 as my class's valedictorian. I love sports and fitness and am a varsity athlete in volleyball, basketball, and track. Having Ahnica as my eldest sister has been such a blessing as she has taught me so much, I couldn't be happier that she's found the happiness she deserves. I am so honored to stand besides this lovely couple on their special day!

Toryn Shoemaker

Maid of Honor

Faith Yarbrough

Maid of Honor

Hi, my name is Faith and I am the groom's little sister! I knew the moment I met Ahnica that she was going to be the better half of my brother, Mark had a rough time before he met Ahnica but he was always a good brother, however when he met Ahnica... well she brought out the best in him and he became a GREAT brother. I have seen these two grow into one solid couple of the years they've been together and I see a very God centered relationship between them. I can't wait to see what God has in store for their future.

Alison Bellando

Bridesmaid

Kristyn Rangel

Bridesmaid

Hi! I’m Kristyn, and I’m so honored to be a part of this special day for Ahnica and Mark. I met Ahnica in 2022 shortly after moving to Pendleton, and we quickly became friends through church. She was so sweet and welcoming, and her kindness has meant so much to me ever since. I’m a mom to twin baby girls who keep me on my toes, and my husband, Arthur, is one of Mark’s groomsmen—making this wedding even more special for us! When I’m not chasing after my little ones, I love reading, paddle boarding, hiking, painting, and laughing at cheesy jokes (which probably explains why I’m a middle school teacher!). I’m so excited to celebrate Ahnica and Mark as they begin this beautiful new chapter together!

Nancy Shoemaker Walsh

Flower Grandma

Bonnie Primus

Flower Grandma

Hello! I am Gma Bonnie, an was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1943. Our family moved to our Benton City farm in 1951 , and I graduated high school in 1961 with honors; then graduated college with honors in 1983. I have raised a family and had a fair share of relationships in which I have namely been "Gma Bonnie" to the Shoemaker grandkids while with their late Grandpa Keith Shoemaker for many happy years. One of my passions is raising, showing and training dogs-first German Shepherds, and then toy dogs: papillons (which Ahnica loves!). I set many records and excelled with papillons, while enjoying their companionship. Eventually, another love of mine-teaching came along in many different forms. Whether it was Sunday School at Church, Seminary, at Columbia Basin College and dog training throughout the Northwest. When the opportunity presented itself, I took to build a dog training program at the Pet Smart store, retiring 10 years later to care for my mother, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Grandpa Keith and I cared for my mother until her passing; I remained with Grandpa Keith until his passing in 2012. My life has been full of wonderful people-Ahnica's family has been a special part of mine. Since the time Ahnica came into this world as a tiny premie, I have gotten to be there, seeing how loved and treasured she is by all of her family and myself since the beginning. I am so grateful for the time spent with them! My congratulations to Ahnica and Mark!

Ginger Pace

Flower Grandma

I am Ahnica Shoemaker's maternal grandma, Ginger Pace. I have been married to my husband John for 50 years! Our 8 children and multiple grandchildren have brought many shared adventures and milestones. Ahnica has been a blessing to all who know her. Sometimes I think she is an angel here for all to learn from. I am glad she has shared some of her milestones and ideas through visits, phone calls and pictures. I am glad we have met the man she loves: Mark!

Patti Yarbrough

Flower Grandma

Hi, I'm Mark's paternal Grandma. It has been a blessing to see Mark and Ahnica begin their lives together. Ahnica has been the Bonus Granddaughter that has been a part of our family for 3 years. It has been a prayer of my heart since I had 3 different cancers at one time to see my grandkids grow and have families of their own. I love seeing how much Mark and Ahnica have grown together as a couple as well as grown in the Lord. They compliment each other in so many ways. My prayer is that they will live happy, healthy, loving, Christ based, and long lives together. I just wish my husband, Mark's Papa, was here to see them get married. Mark and Ahnica I love you more...

Becky Dunlap

Flower Grandma

Miss Becky is an Oregonian by choice, native Montanan by birth. She has a passion for working with people and her hands. If you don’t find her manning her 25-year-old business repairing furniture and reweaving chair seats; you’ll probably find her with yarn and a crochet hook in her hands, a good book or enjoying the out of doors. Since she came to Oregon, she’s had a wonderful man (Mark’s grandfather) by her side who keeps her grounded.

Ehzra-Mae Mendoza

Flower Girl

Solomon Shoemaker

Ring Bearer