Natalie & Clayton

Wedding Party

The Wedding Website of Natalie Averell and Clayton Congdon

Meet the incredible family and friends walking down the aisle with us! We love you all deeply and are so grateful for the lifelong relationships we've built together. Here’s to many more celebrations and cherished memories ahead!

Taitum

Matron of Honor

Taitum and Natalie first crossed paths during their freshman year at CSUN, both waiting for their water polo preseason physicals at the student health center. We instantly bonded over my Betsy Johnson purse, and the rest, as they say, is history! From that moment on, we became inseparable—whether it was on the pool deck, hitting the dance floor, or attending family functions. Our bond has only grown stronger over the years. No matter where life takes us, we're always finding ways to meet up, whether it's on the Vegas Strip or in downtown Fresno, and you can bet we'll be the first ones on the dance floor wherever we go!

Michael

Best Man

Michael and Clayton have been best pals since 6th grade and love chasing fun. They’ve done it all—high school sports, posing on Norway’s Trolltunga hike, biking in Telluride, and roaming Europe with backpacks and smiles. Every year, these two goofballs pick a new adventure to keep the party going!

Joanna

Matron of Honor

Joanna (Jojo, Sis) and Natalie have been childhood friends since their middle school days, when they spent endless hours riding horses at Poway Stockfarm and fueling up with Taco Shop flautas and Circle K candy bars. Joanna even made a few unforgettable trips to Lake of the Ozarks with the entire Morin clan (Stop staring, Tommy!), and she's remained part of the family ever since. These days, we often bump into each other during lunch breaks at Scripps Hospital, and one thing’s for sure—not much has changed. We still know how to turn any moment into a good time!

Brother

Best Man

Michael, better known in the family as just “Brother,” is Clayton’s oldest sibling and only brother. Brother has always been someone Clayton looked up to—both figuratively and literally. From the time they both bleached their hair to channel Slim Shady, to Clayton willingly becoming the test dummy for Michael’s new paintball guns, and even those late-night calls for professional advice, Michael has been a constant source of inspiration and influence in his life.

Randa

Bridesmaid

Natalie and Randa first crossed paths through their mutual friend Taitum in college. It’s rumored that the two took over the "DJ booth" at a party, swapping out Disney songs for something a bit more explicit—definitely a memorable moment! Weekend trips to UCSB and CSUN helped solidify their genuine, exciting, and lasting friendship. They both share a passion for travel, health, and fitness, and Randa is always offering the best advice, whether it’s over dinner or during a scenic walk around San Diego.

James

Groomsman

James and Clayton met as college freshman, playing rugby at CSULB. They played on a successful rugby team, making it to multiple national tournaments and travel trips to play in rugby tours across Europe. Their relationship has grown after college, both living in San Diego. The two enjoy playing golf, watching professional rugby, and proudly representing their team in the ongoing Giants/Dodgers rivalry.

Celena

Bridesmaid

Celena and Natalia met playing water polo in college—Natalie a wee little freshman and wee little Celena as a seasoned junior. From the start, they had a talent for turning any situation into a joke, making those early morning practices a little more enjoyable. Whether it’s 4th of July parties or Catalina camping trips, they always make time to see each other, and can always count on their easygoing and genuine friendship.

Jacob

Groomsman

Jacob and Clayton forged a tight bond as RAs in the university dorms, a friendship so legendary they snagged the 'Best Bromance' title at the staff awards ceremony—just check out the photo! When they reunite, you’ll find them soaking up the outdoors, pitching tents, and making memories. One highlight? Their epic 2022 camping adventure to the Grand Canyon with Lexi and Natalie—an unforgettable trip that’s still a favorite story!

Rachel

Bridesmaid

Natalie and Rachel are soon-to-be "Seeeesters!" Ironically, the two unknowingly crossed paths at college water polo tournaments—Rachel played for SDSU and Natalie for CSUN. Years later, Max introduced Natalie to Rachel as his girlfriend at the time, and since then, the two have become close friends and future sisters. Rachel is the pretty princess to Natalie’s tomboy, and both are excited to become family and create countless memories together for years to come.

Max

Groomsman

Clayton and Max have become great friends over the past five years and are pumped to officially become best bros! Both are huge sports fanatics, always enjoying any and all games together—despite the fierce 49ers/Chiefs rivalry. On top of that, they’ve both developed a serious golf addiction and can often be found working on their PGA swing all over San Diego.

Kendall

Bridesmaid

Thanks to Taitum, Kendall (Keni) and Natalie first met on the pool deck at Concordia University. What began as college hangouts quickly turned into weekend trips to Northern and Southern California, where they bonded over their shared love for craft beer, Kacey Musgraves, and just having a silly good time wherever they went! Later, both became RNs, adding even more to their shared “trauma” bond.

Eli

Groomsman

Eli and Clayton became fast friends playing rugby at CSULB, their connection growing as tight as their scrums—where Clayton’s head often ended up near Eli’s backside, powering those massive pushes! Off the field, they’re outdoor junkies, tackling epic hikes like Half Dome and Mount Whitney. Both laid-back and down-to-earth, these two share a love for nature and adventure that keeps their bond rock-solid!

Erin

Bridesmaid

Erin and Natalie first met playing water polo at Poway High, bonding over a shared love for Souplantation, anything water-related, and a no-shame attitude that guarantees good times wherever we go! What started as late-night Dance Dance Revolution sleepovers has since transformed into dance parties with baby Camden and Houston at home, or local watering holes. We’ve had so many full-circle moments together, and there’s no doubt we’ll share many more!

Gippy

Groomsman

Gippy, Clayton’s bro-in-law, burst onto the scene when he started wooing Clayton’s sister, Natalie, and their friendship clicked right away. We’re so used to calling him Gippy that his real name, Christian, barely gets a mention! Together, Clayton and Gippy enjoy playing with the family’s newest star, Gippy Jr., while also kicking back with board games, sipping cocktails, and trading playful banter that keeps the good vibes flowing