Wedding Party
Lilly
Maid of Honor
Lilly and Melanie met in Veterinary school in Pullman, WA, graduating in the class of 2025. They became instant friends early in school whether studying, working in the lab together, sharing their own hunting stories or those of family, Lilly became Melanie's rock. Lilly's dog Sage filled Melanie's emptiness of not having a dog in school.
Cherise
Bridesmaid
Melanie met Cherise at the Pullman barn where they both boarded their horses. Cherise was instrumental in helping Melanie through her health struggles while attending WSU. Whether riding their horses Cruz and Dude together in the wheat fields, or having endless vent sessions about life, Cherise has been there for the good, bad and ugly.
Cyndi
Bridesmaid
Melanie met Cyndi and her horse Dazzle at the Pullman barn where they boarded their horses. Cyndi also worked at the WSU Veterinary hospital so these two always had animal stories to share. Cyndi started a monthly "wine night" where Cherise, Cyndi and Melanie would each make a new food dish and pair it with wine. This became a great therapy session for all three of them!
Maddie
Bridesmaid
Another horse crazy veterinary student, Maddie and her horse Dia were riding buddies for Melanie and Dude. Being in the graduating class of 2023, Maddie gave Melanie a glimpse of what the next year would look like and could relate to all that Melanie was juggling. A very accomplished equestrian, with a keen eye for movement, Maddie was able to help Melanie with Dude's training. Maddie is now a small animal Veterinarian in Virginia.
Rylee
Best Man
As Shawn's younger brother, Rylee is also a friend. These two share a bond that goes beyond being siblings. Rylee supports Shawn in every part of life and is a huge fan of Shawn's firework shows and his cooking!
Mason
Groomsman
Shawn met Mason in the 4th grade and they have remained close friends for decades. They share a love for sports, especially football. Knowing how much to push each other to become better players and teammates formed the foundation for their solid friendship. Not willing to stay away from the football field, they still play in the annual HP Memorial game.
Chase
Groomsman
Meeting in high school was just the beginning of these two becoming good friends. They share a passion for everything fishing and are quite successful! Chase and Shawn have spent countless hours on local banks, in rafts and boats. Chase met Melanie while he was working at Rietdyks Feed Store and during one of her many trips for horse supplies, she recognized him from Shawn's fishing pictures!
Walter
Groomsman
Shawn met Walter in middle school and their friendship grew stronger as they played football through high school and the annual HP Memorial game. Both are very competitive but know how to have a good time and joke with each other. Walter is a big fan of Shawn's fireworks show for New Years and 4th of July!
Nahiku
Groomsman
Better known as Beaks, he and Shawn became good friends in the 7th grade and played football from the 8th grade until seniors in high school. Whether Shawn is fixing a vacuum cleaner or grill for Beaks, these two are always there for each other. Beaks and his wife generously share their home for the annual 4th of July feed and fireworks show that can be seen for miles!