Matron of Honor
Janice and I met in high school, one year we had all our classes together. We knew by the end of the year we would either hate each other or have become best friends. I'm so lucky it was the latter! Janice is gracious, timeless, tasteful and makes the impossible possible for everyone she knows. In our decade or more of friendship I have always been able to count on her to be truthful and kind and want the very best for me. I couldn't imagine walking down the aisle without her.
Best Man
Growing up as identical twins there was nothing my brother and I found more frustrating than being treated as if we were the same person; so we tried to define our identities as differently as we possibly could. As adults, we've learned how to embrace our similarities and we share a closeness that comes from knowing that no one else has shared as much lived experience as the two of us.
Bridesmaid
Ann and I are cousins, so she is truly my longest-standing friend. When I was 9 I wrote a tearful letter to my grandparents, begging them not to sell their home on Bainbridge Island because in my mind it meant that I would never see Ann again. Ann works harder than anyone I know, always makes me laugh even in stressful family situations, snapchats prolifically, and gives incredible support to everyone she knows and loves. I'm lucky to be related to her.
Groomsman
Alex and I met in a Freshman class called From Page to Stage. It was the first dramatic setting of the theatrical story of our friendship. Together we went on to be roommates, take more theatre classes together, co-star in several plays, and emcee a wedding at an Australian Winery. Alex is an irreplaceable friend. He is fiercely loyal, tender-hearted, and wise beyond his years.
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and I met while working at Bellingham Technical College. We were front desk counterparts and I like to think that we mastered that art. My years of friendship with Alyssa have been filled with laughing until we can't breathe, becoming very competitive over a rapidly declining game of bar trivia, bread-based appetizers (somewhat related, trying and failing several workout regimens together) and a mutual desire to make the world a better place through where we work.
Groomsman
While Dre and I were born in the same city our relationship began at Seattle Pacific University when he and I were touring the campus ahead of attending in the fall. We were both excited to find another person from Tacoma who shared our interests in music and raising hands to offer insightful comments to a class full of strangers. Dre and I have stayed close friends because of a mutual admiration we have for human interaction. Dre's naturally-outgoing attitude and charming smile make him someone who inspires joy in the lives of everyone he encounters. If you don't know him yet, you'll think him as a friend by the time the reception ends.
Bridesmaid
Rachael and I met living in the same dorm our freshman year at Western Washington University. We lived either in the same building or in the same apartment all four years at WWU. In addition to having the same name, Rachael and I both grew up in Vancouver, and even dated the same boy in high school (not at the same time!) Boy in question is long, long gone but I have gained an amazing friendship. Rachael always knows when to be silly and when to be sage, and I am incredibly grateful for all of the jokes and late night conversations as well as the wisdom she is always willing to share with me.
Groomsman
When I first started meeting Rachel’s friends I knew that it was vitally important to make a good impression with Janice and her husband Tim. Before long Tim and I were trading text messages regularly; he’s become an incredibly supportive friend; always willing to offer uplifting words of wisdom and encouragement when I need someone in my corner. Tim and I share a love of silly karaoke, nerdy board games, and exploring the best breweries and taquerias either of our cities have to offer.