Matthew & Brian
Wedding Party
Robert Johnson
Best Man
Robert is Brian's OLDER brother! Robert lives in Salem, OR with this wife Nancy Minniti-Johnson. During childhood Robert regularly tortured his younger brother, but as adults they have grown into best friends! I am thrilled to have my brother stand up with me on this very important day. Robert is the kind of man I have always aspired to be. He is kind, thoughtful and is a wonderful father to his children and grandchildren and he has always supported me in life. When you see Robert on the wedding day feel free to call him CHEE-BOB! This was our Mom's favorite nickname for Robert and he hates it.
Noritaka Maeda
Groomsman
Noritaka "Nori" or "Tenko" is like a brother to me. Nori and his partner David Amos live in Vancouver, BC and Portland, OR. Nori is the consummate host and can throw together a gourmet meal out of scraps in the cupboard! If you happen to be on a United Airlines flight from San Francisco, CA to Osaka, Japan you may just get lucky enough to have Nori serve you. His smile lights up any room and his kind, generous attitude will warm your heart. Nori, David his mother Miyoko and father Makoto are like a 2nd family. 'Arigato' Nori for always being that light in my life.
Greg Inzunza
Groomsman
Greg Inzunza or otherwise known as "Lemon Boy" is my 'bestie' from my days in Long Beach, CA where Greg and his partner Rob Franks live with their dog Levi. Greg is that friend that is almost always up to something whether it be cooking up a potion that claims to help you loose 50lbs in 2 weeks, or playing beach volleyball on the sand courts of Belmont Shore. Greg is my brother from another Mother and is that friend that will make you laugh until you cannot breath. Greg has managed to embarrass me more than any other human alive. One day I will get my revenge.
Theresa Durkin-Tuffli
Officiant
Theresa and her husband Jay are our dear friends. Theresa is a Life-Cycle Celebrant & Wedding Officiant at Heart Rock Ceremonies and is also best known for her amazing Clackamas River float parties that culminate at their beautiful home on the Clackamas River. We are thrilled to have Theresa as our Officiant.
Kerri Blackburn
Soloist
Kerri Blackburn is Brian's younger sister who lives in Salem, OR, and is Mom to Erin and Max my niece and nephew. She is also a Soccer & Basketball Coach and Entrepreneur. Just like Brian's brother Robert, he tortured his little sister throughout childhood whenever he could get away with it. As adults, Kerri has become not only a beloved sister but an excellent friend. Music & Athletics runs rampant in the family and Kerri excels at both. She has performed at many public and family events and even a few fashion shows thanks to our Mom. Kerri today coaches high school soccer, basketball, and track and has devoted her life to enriching children's lives through sport. Kerri is a total Rock Star. I am honored to have Kerri walk me down the aisle representing my parents, sisters & brothers.
Brad Dunshee
Best Man
Brad Dunshee, is my brother from another mother. Brad has been a steadfast friend through several lifetimes' worth of adventures (and the occasional misadventure). He lives with his husband, Tom, in San Francisco with their wonder-pup, Linus. For years, I have had the honor and pleasure of calling Brad’s family, family: especially now with the addition of MrMellott. Over the years, Brad and I have shared our love for art/photography (he is an amazing photographer) travel, and unique swimming pools found throughout the world. That being said, he is an avid swimmer and often gives me the inspiration to get back in the pool myself. One day. Soon.
Michelle Smith
Groomslady
Michelle Smith is the “youngest” in the trio of Smith kids and lives with her amazing wife, Stephanie, just a hop and a skip away from Brian and I. It has been a treat to have them part of our "protected bubble” over the last year (with their baby girl, Dolly). Growing up, Michelle often got caught up in the melee of the constant roughhousing of our big brother Scott and I – BUT she held her own. Although our childhood dreams to be the next Donny & Marie were never realized, being and staying so close is more valuable than a residency at the Flamingo.
Jill Mitchell
Groomslady
Jill Mitchell. The Lady Mitchell. Sister! When I met Ron’s sister, on one of her visits to Portland, I knew instantly that we were going to be fast and forever friends. Jill has been there for me 1000 different ways over the years. In the “Monkeyshines & Mischief” chapter of my autobiography, Jill will have several entries, but more importantly, she will always hold a very special place in my heart. Of the “Jill pours”, my favorite is her outpouring of love and generosity that flows to loved ones and community. It is an honor to have her stand up with me on this most wonderful of days.
Debi Walery
Honor Attendant
Debi Walery is Brian's special friend who if you believe in past lives was probably my companion on a long and meaningful journey from another era. Think Lewis and Clark only with better fashion and lots of cocktails! Debi and her husband Steve Walery are the poster kids for everything that is right in this world. Debi and I share long close family connections and a love for travel, kindness, honesty, elegance, and a can-do attitude! I have learned more from Debi than any other human I know. Smart, kind, generous and compassionate are just a few of Debi's qualities. Not to mention she gets mistaken for being a celebrity more than Barbra Streisand! I am honored to have Debi as a part of our presentation. Both she and Steve ARE my family and for that, I am so grateful.
Elizabeth "Biddy" Wolf
Honor Attendant
Biddy Wolf and Brian's friendship goes back to the early '90s at the Oregonian. Biddy, husband Rob, daughters Ashley and Bradyn are our second family. Simply put, Biddy's influence has probably kept Brian out of jail and Rob is your best bet to get you bailed out! If Biddy were a magazine she would definitely be a Town & Country cover mixed with a Cosmopolitan intro, Vanity Fair content, and a few pages of Rolling Stone. She has been a guiding light of grace, compassion, and balance in my life for years. Biddy does not know a stranger so be careful as she might want to take you home after the wedding. Also, If you hear the light jingle of 35 bracelets dancing in the background...Biddy isn't far away. Warning! She wants your entire family story.