Wedding Party
Natasha Anand
Bride
It's hard to believe, looking back, that I first met Tasha in a bar. She is the most incredibly high quality person, with the best heart I could ever imagine finding in anyone. She never ceases to impress me, as her natural beauty continues to shine a light on endless good qualities. I recall one year, on New Years Eve, we were up in Mammoth Lakes, and had intended to drive down to our friend's place in Bishop. Well, it got too late for that to happen, and we basically ended up sleeping in the back of my SUV. Tasha had no qualms about it, and even remarked how much she loved it. When I eventually sold that SUV, she told me how sad it made her, because of her good memory of spending the night on NYE crammed into the back of it to sleep. Um, hello, Miss Perfect!! She truly can go anywhere, and bring her trademark joy and smile along, no matter what or where. She embodies the heart of Christ's love, and while I may have played a part in her faith journey, her lived out life is the true inspiration to watch and learn from. She has touched and invested in the lives of so many-not just me! I've never felt so loved in my life, and feel incredibly lucky that she has been patient enough to share her love with me. I've truly found the one who can be my better half.
Dan Stensland
Groom
Every time I would spend time with Dan when we first began dating, I thought he was the coolest and most fun man I had ever met. I would get so excited and try to look my very best every single time we would go out in an attempt to impress him. I loved watching him surf from the beach, going out and meeting new friends, watching him cook in the kitchen, and trying new adventures. Our adventures have been endless, and I have enjoyed every single moment of our journey of friendship and love. I wouldn't change a thing about Dan. Dan, you make me feel beautiful and confident. You allowed God to use you to bring me to the feet of Jesus and I am forever grateful for the new creation you have developed and nurtured in me. I cannot be more excited to spend a lifetime of adventure with my babe and love him the rest of my life! I look forward to discovering what we can accomplish together as one. Genesis 2:18 - Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Dan you are my perfect fit and just right for me! I am so ready to start a life time of helping one another.
Tina Renn
Maid of Honor
Tina has been my best friend P.I.C (partner in crime) since 2nd grade. She has been there through almost every phase of my life that I can remember. Our inside jokes are uncountable! We met in elementary school and have supported one another in our academics and life dreams since we began dreaming of what we wanted to be when we grew up!!! This has continued on into our adult age! We both became teachers and continue to support one another. She has known my every thought and way since I can remember! So much to the point, now Dan will comment on a behavior of mine and I’ll respond, “oh ya… Teenz has always told me that too about me!” Tina has a poise and grace that I admire. She has a wisdom and security about her character that I have always been fascinated by, even as we were growing up! I am so lucky to have a friend that I have known for so long! A friend whose council I have always respected!! The good times with my girl have been endless and I cannot wait to begin this new phase with her right by my side as my maid of honor!!
Don Bowie
Best Man
My family moved to Canada just before I hit first grade, and we became close friends with the Bowie family from church there. Don and I grew our friendship as mischievous kids on family trips, campouts and church retreats. We used to dream of mining for gold with a pick axe, and would compete with strength challenges. Back then, I had extremely toned biceps, but Don would tell me it meant they were in poor shape. Always a great storyteller! Don left home to work on a ranch at a young age. I moved to California at age 19, and a few years later, mom informed me that Don had ended up in California too. We soon reconnected, and the friendship hasn't missed a beat. Don is an accomplished professional non-oxygen alpine athlete, which means he definitely won the bicep strength challenge over me. His high altitude climbing skills are eclipsed only by his creative writing genius and 'Donisms.' If things get ugly, I know Don will be a voice of reason and wisdom to trust, yet never lose the kid inside. We've been there through significant life changes, failures, successes and adventures throughout the years. Don has helped inspire many of my travel adventures, as I've gone along with him to photograph parts of his alpine summit challenges in countries like Pakistan and Nepal. Don was also my roomie for a year or so. Don is like a brother, and has likely endured the most of my bad practical jokes years running, and for that I'm honored to have him as best man.
Tammy Van Moer
Matron of Honor
The first time I met Tammy was when she came to California to visit Dan. I was instantly mesmerized by her sense of humor and sarcasm. It was because of her silly ways I was able to fall in love with Dan's mom's memorable laugh! Every time I have visited Minnesota to see Dan's family she and her husband, Greg, have been so available and present in every moment I spend with them. Tammy is a remarkably special type of strong woman that I look up to and I’m so ecstatic to be able to call my sister. She is so fun loving and thoughtful! She makes you feel cared for because you know she has been preparing for you ahead of time! I get to share with Tammy our love for picture books and I seriously cannot wait to create a new lifetime of memories with her in them… come on I know they are just going to be so much more memorable with her around!!!!
Mike Stensland
Groomsman
My brother Mike was born just 11 months after I was adopted, so we grew up doing everything together. Mom even seemed to coordinate our outfits to match. I spent more of my youth with Mike than with anyone else. Family dinners, church, waiting for the school bus on snowy mornings, video games, camping, biking, sharing the old Honda XL 75 on country trails, fighting mosquitos and chores, chores and more chores on the family acreage. When that was all done, poor Mike had to put up with rounds of his older brother's incessant teasing. The story is that as toddlers, I wouId be hiding around the corner to trip poor Mike as he was learning to walk. Me?! Really?! I definitely overdid it in the teasing department, but even with that Mike thrived, and turned into an amazing, accomplished man that I'm deeply proud of. Mike got a good dose of our late father in his wisdom and introspect, and with that he and his wife Kristine have built analytic survey tools and a marriage counseling practice. So now, instead of getting big brother back for all those walking fumbles, Mike is helping Tasha and I learn about our first steps in marriage, as we are honored to be under the guidance of his counseling practice.
Kriste Pollard
Bridesmaid
I met Kriste in middle school. When we met, she was so much fun and had such a great confidence that I admired. As we got older, she became a friend that I was able to try new things with due to her curiosity and wonder, which is something we have both share. Growing into a woman has been so much fun with a best friend like Kriste by my side to be able to dream and share ideas with. I would not be the woman I am today without Kriste in my life. She has a special courage and confidence that allows her to feel comfortable and shine in any new situation or any experience she tries! If I want to try something new, I can count on Kriste to be a friend who will join me and is up for any new adventure! Thanks for being by my side in this new adventure! I know I can count on you to be there for me.
Cecile Vu
Bridesmaid
Cece was there the night I met Dan! Her super strong and fun personality is the reason I was able to be so bold and become a new mature woman in my relationship with Dan. She has never once not taken my side and has always convicted me to be more bold in making decisions that benefit myself. Cece, you helped me find my inner strength and my unique voice. I met Cece when were both in the same cohort in BTSA, a teaching mentorship program designed to clear a teaching credential. Since the day I met her we have shared educational views and big desires to make an impact in the world around us! I know our relationship will never change. I plan to continue to enjoy fun times and make new memories with you! If you have not met Cece, you may want to...she is unforgettable and a thrill to be around.
Shana Myers
Bridesmaid
Shana is an image of love. I have known Shana since middle school and when I met her she was always welcoming and understanding. She has always been a cool girl! We always shared our love for athletics and physical activity whether it was going on runs or going to the beach! Today in our friendship she still will always love so deeply and hard. It is not uncommon to have Shanz cry at everyone of my birthdays as she shares loving comments of our lifelong friendship. If I am upset or worried about anything I know that Shana will feel my burden in her own heart and sit with me in any discomfort. She is unafraid of the difficulties in life and challenges. She truthfully acknowledges life and is unapologetically herself always. Together in our years of friendship we have built a community of trust and love. If she needs anything from me I have pledged to always be there. Her family is my family. She is more than a friend she is my sister! I promise you will see this beautiful woman crying on the day of our marriage!
Alex Zamora
Bridesmaid
I met Alex when God placed us together to lead a women’s bible study for the Virtue Ministry at Harvest Church. We had never met or known one another, but Alex quickly became a woman I confided in and saw dutifully every week! Even though Alex is a new friendship, over the last few years, she is a model of the work God can create in a woman who walks with Jesus their entire life and she is a key positive influence and role model for me in my faith and maturity as a Christian. Our journeys of faith have been different, yet as a pair we are perfectly placed. Alex captures a discernment and a wisdom in God that I recognize because I admire this same gift in Dan, wisdom and confidence that comes from walking with Christ your whole life! She carries herself with the same poise and grace that I have always admired in Tina, discretion and self control that is rooted in truly knowing who you are. Alex is my girlfriend who is a sister in Christ and I respect and admire her deeply! She truly is one of my new best friends and it feels so special to have her as a bridesmaid to model this deep commitment I have to Jesus in my life.
Greg Velasquez
Groomsman
Greg was one of my earliest friends when I moved to California. We had an easy connection with faith, sense of humor, surfing, snowboarding and music. I could go anywhere for a solid week with Greg and he’d fit right in. Greg is one of those all-around good humans that can do no wrong, and everyone loves him. He grew up in the classic California surf-punk culture, in a family of 8 talented kids dancing professionally, and ended up as one of my best ride or die homies. On top of that, he’s a talented artist and musician who has toured parts of the world and performed music live on top late night TV shows. We've shared many travels, and one of those included part of his band tour in Paris and London. Greg is the definition of a friend who will always be there, and it would be hard to think of a year in California where Greg wasn't part of it. Although we’ve all gotten older, Greg is a surf guru who will still make time for waves any day of the week. He’s been there for me through multiple highs and lows. Everyone needs a Greg in their life, and I'm honored to have him with me on this special occasion.
Craig Dualba
Groomsman
Craig and I became good friends back in the old Orange County days. My group of friends would always bump into his group of friends in our old night club/bar hopping days, and the rest is history. Craig drips with the most style of anyone I know, but he was never too cool to accept an underling like me haha! Craig is the silent and thoughtful type who is at the same time successfully motivated in business and yet always humble. Guys, if you need to take personal grooming to the next level, Craig’s company has it for you! Craig will make serious time for thoughtful or even difficult conversation as a friend, yet be equally at home rolling on the floor in sheer juvenile laughter. Craig wants everyone to have a good time, and has hosted so many of those times for all of us. Thanks to Craig, I’ve enjoyed jet-setting to multiple fancy locations worldwide. He gives so much, and has such a huge heart that quietly backs all that giving. Also…we both have a thing for Land Rovers and yes we have gone on team shopping events a few times. He just likes to keep his ride a bit cleaner than mine. Grateful for many quality years and life memories with this dude.
Brian Crain
Groomsman
Brian is one of the most unique dudes I know, and if ever there's a dull day, it's because Brian isn't there yet. Brian rocks classic 70's California surf style, and can't be missed. We've shared plenty of adventures on multiple continents, from surfing bomber waves in Bali, cliff jumps and snorkeling on the flat days-to hunting for the cheapest sandwich in town when in Greece. Brian can get a conversation out of a pile of sand if he wants, and has always been the best connector of friends I know. So much so, that many of us noticed group get-togethers faltering when Brian wasn't around. He's got one of the biggest hearts to go with his big sense of adventure and big sense of fun. I've been fortunate to spend quality time in friendship with Brian, and he's really helped me see life in a different way. He can also do a headspin in short shorts, but that story is for another time.
Luke Agajanian
Groomsman
I came into friendship with Luke from that never-ending pool of Orange County musicians. We share faith, music, surf, mountain biking, shooting, and I know I'm missing a few, but whatever it is, Luke has gone on to excel in it, like he does with everything else. Luke was one of my first big cheerleaders, and I was always shocked yet grateful that a friend would take so much effort to present me or my photography in such a good light to others. Luke has a special way of making friends feel good about themselves. Luke was even one of my roomies here in Laguna for a year or so. I had the pleasure and honor of being a groomsman for Luke's wedding to Tonissa, and now I'm honored to have him as one of mine.
Christopher Stensland
Groomsman
Chris is my youngest brother, and we’ve always been super close. Chris has a big heart for people, especially for supporting success in those he loves. During one of the most difficult years of my life, Chris took it upon himself to drive out to California and be here to offer support. A true rock in a time of need. Chris was also instrumental in kickstarting a new direction in my photography. He’d always pushed for me to do more with my art, and when the time came up for me to show fine art at the Laguna Beach Sawdust Art Festival, he was more than eager to be there for help. The festival requires artists to be responsible for their own gallery booth construction, and Chris flew out with tools and his amazing construction skill set to get my booth built in a flash. Chris even lived with me here for well over a year. These days, he’s married with his own amazing family, but still makes time to fly out here to visit big brother for Eastern Sierra snow boarding adventures or time in the waves. Chris is always available with a healthy dose of wisdom that I never would have expected from a younger brother who’s sole purpose as a kid was bugging the heck out of big brother. Remember this when he describes the deserved torture he received at the hands of his older, wiser brother. I couldn’t imagine the world without my little brother.
Corey Jespersen
Groomsman
Corey is one of my best lifetime friends from my days living in Canada. Before anyone met Corey Jespersen, they first had to meet his grandpa Ivan, bellowing the heartiest welcome to everyone who came through the door at our community church. Corey’s family owned a dairy farm, and my family used to get milk straight from the holding tank there. Even though Corey was born with the hard-working genetics of farming in his blood, he also came with a big dose of adventure sports. He and his younger brother were always first to show up in church after travels, with the new hot thing. One year it was skateboards, which soon translated into a huge pro-quality half pipe built on the farm. Then it was snowboards when that craze hit. Soon, I was living back in the US, in California, and Corey was coming down for visits, getting in the water to surf, cross the border into Mexico, lighting off dangerous fireworks there, catching Sierra powder dumps on snowboards, and then traveling the world. I’ve been to several countries with Corey, and he is as capable at travel as he is at farming, as he is at snowboarding, as he is at being a close friend. Corey is also another that helped with my space at Sawdust festival, coming down on multiple occasions to help with dismantling the project. If Corey hadn’t have gotten married at such a young age, (to the wonderful Karen) I figure he would’ve been one of my roomies at some point in Laguna as well.
Lavanya Anand
Bridesmaid
Lavanya is my cousin! I love her so much! She is smart and adventurous! She fearlessly explores the world around her and I have had so much fun playing around with her since we were young and still do now! We have always shared our love for dance and fashion! We used to make up dances and perform them for our families and put on shows! Now as an adult she has a special gift to always hold a child like wonder of the world around her which I am game on to fully indulge and employ with her! Our most recent trip together to Mexico City confirmed my deep admiration for Lavanya and the joy I feel in her company! She is currently working and residing in Africa and I truly look forward to anytime we can physically spend together! She really is such a unique delight, she maintains humility and is genuine! Along with Mrs. Sandy Stensland this is one laugh the I keep locked away in my heart, when you get the chance to hear it, it’s memorable! It’s an honor to have her as a bridesmaid as my sister.
Nissa Menke
Bridesmaid
I met Nissa when I came to teach at Santiago. When we began working together, we could tell there was something special about our collaboration. We couldn’t be more different, yet so passionate and dedicated. Actually that first day we met we later both shared how we went to our mothers and said, “Oh my new partner… I don’t know how this will work!” Our differences produced a beautiful team that helped to build a school curriculum that is my most successful accomplishment. I got to work by Nissa’s side daily and sometimes deep in the the midnight hours to create our school curriculum! We are no longer a grade level team, however, our years spent working side by side created one of the most meaningful friendships in my life! Nissa is someone I admire and respect! The way my brain works around her is one of the best relationships I have! She motivates me in my execution and draws me to be better. She makes me a better teacher and woman. She is a wife and mother of two and it is a privilege to have her in my life to go into this next stage. The beautiful thing about Nissa, is she is able to help build up the strengths in others by increasing their capacity to take on more and expand skills, tailoring her relationship with each person in a different way based on their unique qualities. She sees each individual for who they are and is one of the best listeners I know. She is a master crafts women and I love her for everything she is, everything she sees in me, and in others!
Derek Hearty
Groomsman
Derek is loyal and kind! He has been like a brother to me and our girl group since we have met! He truly is my best friend and I could not celebrate this special day in my life without Derek standing up by my side! Derek will stand with Dan’s groomsmen, but is standing up a brother for me! Even though we are not blood related he has always been protective and honest as I could only imagine a brother would be! I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like without knowing Der! He brought me my first bible in high school as a birthday present! I didn’t know it then, but I know today he gave me one of my most favorite bday gifts ever! He’s a friend I can share my faith with and count on to be loyal and dedicated always! Derek is another example of what friendship looks like for life! He’s strong and funny! Stoic and a total goofball! If you catch Der out on the dance floor and then pan over to Dan you may see some similar shoulder shakes and a sweet secretive smirk on their faces as they get groovy! I can’t wait to be your neighbor Der in Laguna! Derek was even the first one to setup an appointment to go try on wedding dresses!
Ashley Gunderson
Bridesmaid
Ashley is such a beautiful person! I have gotten to know her from all of our visits to Washington for Christmas and Thanksgiving! I still long to visit the family in the Spring or Summer months out in Washington, but the place Ashley has in my new life with Dan is just perfect! I feel so lucky to have her as my new sister-in-law!!! She is a wonderful mother and wife! She is down to earth and easy going and has always welcomed me with love and excitement! Her kids are bundles of fun who spread joy and love. Their whole family has always extended their love to me when I would visit with their uncle Dan!! It’s truly a privilege to be able to be their future auntie! I have already shared so much love in seeing them grow up and challenge themselves in life! Ashley’s husband Mark is a man who has always made me feel accepted into the family as well! I am so excited Dan and I will have you both close in our lives in this new journey as husband and wife!! It’s fun to watch you both do it so well as Team Gunderson!!!
Karissa Alwert
Bridesmaid
Karissa and Ashley are Dan’s sisters from his birth mom Kay DeVries! They are a real blessing to have had in my life as I have gotten to know Dan and his values! Dan couldn’t be more thrilled to have his two sisters in his life and Karissa is special type of woman! I guarantee it, on a day when my energy may be feeling low or overwhelmed, I could just hear the excitement in her voice and it is automatically contagious! It could be about the simplest traditions or smallest joys, but the way Karissa magnifies her own energy on whatever it may be you're automatically amped up!!!! I have some incredible memories from our visits out to Washington and it’s from the smallest must dos! Like having a cup of coffee and watching the sunrise over Mount Rainier! I know that this sweet gift could have been missed but with Karissa at the wheel and in charge of the radio no one is going to miss a beat!! The best part is you’ll catch yourself singing along!! I’m pretty sure I heard Dan signing some Disney’s Frozen lyrics one Christmas… let it go… Dan!! I get to share my love for education with Karissa too! She’s also a teacher! It’s a real honor to have her stand up at my wedding as my sister and an important part of Dan’s story.
Al Roberson
Groomsman
Many people like to call him “Big Al” and while you’d think it’s all about stature, I’ve come to know that it’s all about his heart. I’m constantly amazed by how much Al gives of himself to others. Putting others first is his nature, and he works tirelessly at it. Al inspires me to do more. I’ve had the pleasure of having Al as a friend, coworker at Disney, and roommate as well for a couple years. I’ve been able to travel a few places around the world with Al. I’m honored to have Al’s friendship and count him as one of my groomsmen.