Jeanette & Dustin
Wedding Party
Lindsay Parker Chapman
Bridesmaid
Lindsay and I met in about 4th grade on the Home Run Honeys softball team but we didn't become friends until a few years later when she asked me not to beat her up. She got to be a water girl for the San Jose Clash soccer team and for some reason, thought I might beat her up. Instead, she spent the night and has been one of my most wonderful and true friends since then. Our families have spent holidays together, and her mother Julie has been my second mom. We have been through almost every major milestone together and I am so proud to have her with me during this one.
Molly Stetson
Bridesmaid
I used to be a show-off in elementary school so it is no wonder Molly didn't like me much when she joined Almond Elementary in 5th grade. But in 6th grade, we decided to have a sleep-over and I remember my mom and I standing at the door as Elizabeth opened it. I look around her mother, and all of the sudden, Molly popped out of a cardboard box and asked, "Do you like building forts?" How could I not want to be friends with this soul after that? Molly has been one of my most favorite friends for more than 20 years and a calming presence in my life whenever things went haywire - I appreciate her more than I can say.
Sarah Marquer Christiansen
Bridesmaid
Sarah and I first crossed paths at Twisters Gymnastics when we were 7/8/9 years old. We went to different elementary schools and didn't actually begin hanging out until 7th grade - and we have been inseparable ever since. We have traveled together to the far ends of this country (San Diego, Seattle, Tahoe, New York...) and the world (Ireland, Egypt, Norway...) and I am beyond honored to stand next her as she gets married in France this fall. That being said, I cannot imagine beginning this journey without the girl who has been on so many journeys with me. I am so glad we get to share an "anniversaryear" together.
Jordan Bond
Bridesman
Jordan and I became best friends my sophomore/his senior year of high school when we both realized we had a love affair with billiards. I grew up with a pool table and challenged him to beat me - he showed up with his own cue and beat me solid in more matches than I can count. He introduced me to punk rock and we were often found playing pool at my parent's house or watching scary movies until the wee hours of the morning, listening to the Ataris or the Rat Pack. He quickly became a part of the family and will always be my brother from another mother.
Chris Fajardo
Bridesman
I met Chris' sister Angela first, as we were on the same competitive soccer team (with Mrs. Chapman) during high school. When I went to UCSC, Chris' mom exchanged our phone numbers for us and said we should play soccer together. So we did - and instead of just being teammates we ended up becoming close friends throughout college. Chris was the first friend to visit me when I studied abroad in Ireland - and no matter how hard we try, we will never forget that trip to Disneyland together - only because we both still have our Build-A-Bears to prove it. He has always been a positive influence in my life and his energy will make the wedding weekend memorable for all!
Eddie Steadman
Best Man
Eddie has been my one of my best friends since high school. We met doing tech crap and used to screw around changing the backgrounds on all the school computers. We later both attended college together and got into all sorts of trouble. He's been there for some of the best times in my life and he's also been solid counsel and stood by me for some seriously rough times. We normally game ever-so-often on the weekends and venture out into Seattle to get into old man trouble as well. I consider him a great friend and I'm elated he's going to be my best man.
Jen Reidy
Groomswoman
Jen has been another one of my good friends since I lived in Minnesota. It was our shared love of the international network, international sports and international friends that brought us together. I've always been inspired by her desire to get the best out of life and I'm so glad she'll be able to come up and share this time with us.
Maggie Reidy
Groomswoman
Maggie has been another one of my wonderful friends over the years. I met her through her sister Jen and we've been friends since. Her wanderlusty soul has taken her to Costa Rica where she currently residing and kicking ass at surfing but she's coming up for this special occasion to share this time with us!
Nathan Green
Groomsman
Nate and I have been friends also since Minnesota. We met when he moved out and didn't know anyone in Minneapolis to take a job with Target and then had the absolute displeasure of meeting a guy who immediately told him he would get fired and later predicted that his wife was pregnant (which turned out to be ironically true). Overjoyed that he'll be making this trip up from NC to spend this time with us!
Neil McCarthy
Groomsman
Neil and I met randomly because of some mutual friends and our straight shooter attitudes and spice for life made us instant friends. He loved my over-the-top Americanisms and I loved his ridiculous Britishnessessesesesisms. Neil, after learning more about my field, ended up in the changing his major and moving into it as well. He now does work as a cyber incident response specialist for best buy in Minnesota. I'm lucky to have another loyal friend like him in my life.