Meredith & Paul
Wedding Party
Noel Fischer
Best Man
Paul's amazing and talented brother who went to Reno High, is a licensed lawyer in both NV & CA and husband to the equally spectacular April Barnett my new sister-in-law. Noel also happens to be one of the most gifted photographer and video makers. I’ll be forever grateful to because I randomly called him as a complete stranger to ask for his help editing obnoxiously long, poorly shot raw video I took for Paul's 50th birthday. In less than 24 hours he turned it into video gold. What he means to Paul and why he is best man will have to wait until Paul gets around to putting pen to pixel but in the meantime you'll see him up there with us if you make it to the ceremony!
Rita Marie Shahi
Best Woman
When my sister died unexpectedly in 2013 I had two recurring thoughts. One; I don't know how I'll ever be able to explain who I am to anyone who has not had the opportunity to meet my sister and understand our relationship and two; if I ever do get married, Rita is going to have to stand-in for my sister as my best woman. Stasi and Rita were inseparable and she embodies the best of who my sister was. In 2006 Rita and I traveled to Peru to participate in what arguably was the most challenging thing I've ever done in my life; a series of Ayahuasca ceremonies where she was my roommate, guiding light and safe place to land. It was during one of those ceremonies Rita was told she would have a baby girl after years of trying, who she would name Samira. Stasi is now Samira's spirit godmother.
Cheryl Spence
Maid of Honor
Cheryl has been my mentor, guide, confidant and one of my best friends since 1994. When I didn't want to get off the couch she would drag my butt outside for a walk. She helped me write my online dating profiles, taught me how to be one of the most thorough professional real estate agents and to this day I still love to listen in as she navigates her deals. Her elegance, grace and creativity in problem solving always gives me new insight into how I can improve my own practice. She's taken me to my first and only Prince concert, introduced me to countless artists and bands, taught me how cook and been one of my biggest cheerleaders. She's not one for the spotlight so I am especially grateful she agreed to stand up with me and make sure I don't black out from fright during the ceremony.
Linda Chungchootairong
Maid of Honor
Simply put Linda changed my life. When Paul and I first reconnected he invited me to a powerlifting competition. I really didn't know what powerlifting was, I was just happy to spend time with Paul who rarely took time off work. Linda was the strongest female competitor of the day and when I heard them announce "Linda C. a female-friendly SF Powerlifting Gym Owner” I made note to find that gym and it wasn't easy. Linda helped me discover an inner strength I never would have dreamed possible if I hadn't witnessed the girls she coached doing it. She helped me get to a 237 lb deadlift, do my first ever pull up at 48 years old and in the process transform both my mind and body. She also happens to be an amazing cook and mom to baby Olivia and wife to Wyatt.
Manisha Patel
Why you're here reading this
We worked together at the Hard Rock Cafe SF when I transferred from the Sydney chapter. She was my roommate for one of my first SF apartments at 1530 Larkin street and has been through almost all of my relationships dramas - there have been many. Manisha scanned the Reddit pages where she works to find the best wedding sites for me to choose from so I just wanted to send a shout out thanking her for that and all the amazing guidance pointing me in the right direction she’s done for me over the years. She is wife to an amazing man Tom Connelly, who is a meditation teacher, web designer, furniture/ custom axe-maker and rockstar musician. If our band falls through you may be hearing his brand of SoCal ska instead of hanging out, while he enjoys the party with us!
Elizabeth Dunlavy
Officiant
Elizabeth is a newly retired Novato elementary school teacher, but that was just her secret identity. Her real superpower is being one of the most talented clairvoyant teachers, readers and healers I know - with a side hustle of being a great improv actor. She co-taught my very first meditation class at Berkeley Psychic Institute when I was 16 years old and over the years has helped me navigate most of my life's biggest challenges. She has an uncanny knack for reaching out of the blue when I'm at my lowest and saying the exact right thing at the right time. Paul really doesn't know much about her but being a great fiancé is just going with the flow and letting me choose the venue (he too didn't know he was Episcopalian - he's actually not and neither am I) and our celebrant.
Stasi Martin
Organizer in Spirit
Look Paul wouldn't have called if it wasn't for Stasi's crossing and then she wouldn't have the opportunity to laugh hysterically at me eating every critical word I ever said about her and how she managed her successful 17 year marriage.....I both credit and blame her for this wedding!
Simon Brown
Best Man
One day, maybe even before the wedding Paul will have a chance to sit down and really let you know who Simon is to him. I can tell you what I have witnessed in the meantime. I've met a smart, loyal, funny and wise person who accepted me into Paul's life readily and also happens to be a great cook and fisherman. When the lockdowns happened it was Simon Paul went to for guidance and in their weekly walks it was Simon who helped keep Paul sane with the mask on masks off political powder keg that all businesses faced.
Peter Campbell
Best Man
Rounding out the trio of men that are tasked with keeping Paul in good humor and in even better company is Peter. He has been a part of Paul's life since long before he moved to the mountains from California which is well over 25 years now. He's a fellow Aussie so he already had a bonus next to his name in my book, a world class surfer, father to a teenage daughter which is arguably the most challenging job of all and he's easily one of the kindest people I know. One day...someday soon you'll get Paul's version but in the meantime let me say I'm excited they are all going to be up there with us. I don't love the spotlight much myself, so I hope they help keep us grounded and not tripping up the stairs.
Wally Reyn
Matron of Honor
Wally took me under her wing as a fresh faced too stupid to be terrified 18 year old who moved to Sydney Australia and thought, someone has to look out for that girl or this city is going to eat her alive. 37 years later she's still looking out for me. Covid and all the drama aside it's a long haul from New Zealand so we're unlikely to have a Wally citing but she's as close to my heart as it gets and I'm grateful to have her in my life, ocean's aside!
Stephen Martin
Father of the Bride
My dad is in large part the benefactor of this whole shindig with us having gone the traditional, father of the bride pays for the wedding route. To say I'm a daddy's girl may be the understatement of the century. He'll be walking me down the aisle - god willing - and absolutely loves people so if you see him at the party make sure to say hello and thank him for the libations! He's the one on the left and taught me everything I know about the stock market, being a maverick and speaking my mind! Dad number 2 is on my right, David Burns the husband to my mom Paula and someone who I not only respect but am incredibly grateful to have in my life. David is one of the most well-read fascinating conversationalist you may ever meet, also an army vet and overall good to be around person.