Wedding Party
Bridget Gee
Offi-she-ant
Bridget and Megan were destined to be friends. They met early on in college through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Equally sociable and ambitious, the two never felt like they got enough time together! Surely they would be the best of friends if only they could spend more time together. Fast forward to a couple years out of college, and Bridget became one of Megan’s many roommates in Flagstaff. Their dream came true- they lived across the hall from one another! Finally, they had access to all the laughter, deep chats, friendship and adventure that they knew they were meant for! For Bridget, Megan was the greatest gift in friendship for those two years she lived in Flagstaff. To this day, their friendship continues to grow, they still connect with people in the community created in those early days in Flagstaff, and the adventure and laughter continues. Bridget is so deeply honored to have watched Megan and Richard’s relationship blossom and is excited to make it official again in front of the beautiful community they’ve fostered over the years!
Kirk Hovenkotter
Offic-he-ant
Richard and Kirk's friendship was forged in the strongest depths imaginable, early 2000's junior-high Halo-LAN parties. Richard's kindness and humor were obvious from those early days, even while he was decapitating his future officiant. The friendship was strengthed by thousands of ounces of Slurpees drank out of Megagulp mugs the size of their heads at the lakeside Sammamish 7-11. In high school as the Love Doctors ™, they dished valuable life advice to their friends from the back of Richard's champagne-colored Ford Taurus that he could start with a switchblade. Their friendship carried through to UW, where it survived the crucible of being dorm roommates in a room smaller than a compact parking space. It thrived through late-night Super Smash Brothers tournaments, duets to Flight of the Conchords, quad frisbee throwing, and music festivals at the Gorge. When Kirk and Richard both went to the East Coast for Grad School, they found themselves a short bus ride away, which made the long distance from family easier. When Richard's sense of adventure and purpose took him to Tuba City, Kirk was excited to go visit. On his second visit, he met Megan. After being trapped in a blizzard and with the two of them at Andrew's wedding, it was obvious that Richard had met the person he wanted to share his future adventures with, and didn't need any more romantic advice. Mazel to Megan and Richard!
Christy Clutter
Maid of Honor
Megan and I met as random roommates at the U of A. She was full of fun and laughter and I was full of angst and big questions, but we hit it off nonetheless! We became friends over 1am dorm room dance parties, midnight breakfast burritos, Pride and Prejudice, and froyo (RIP U-Swirl). Throughout college we lived together off and on, navigating the standard college fare of fruitless crushes, changes in major, family dynamics, and ups and downs of finding our people. Life with Megan was hilarious and fun, even as we were both exhausted and busy. Life evolved away from college and living in the same city, and Megan ushered me into the love she developed for the outdoors. We went backpacking in the San Juan’s to the Ice Lakes, and did bizarre / hilarious things like swimming across a freezing lake on an inflatable sleeping pad. It was with her that I saw remote corners of the Grand Canyon, crewed for hot air balloons over the desert, summited my first 14-ers, kayaked Lake Powell, or navigated the narrows of Buckskin Gulch. Her friendship grew me into a bolder and more adventurous person and opened me up to seeing the world in more curious ways! Megan has never talked about anyone the way she talks about Rich. It was clear from the beginning she found someone to match her in silliness and sincerity, someone who understood her and loved her well. I’m so happy that after all this time exploring the most amazing places, Rich and Megan now get to do all the adventures together!
Andrew Mitchell
Best Man
In case it isn't obvious, I am Richard's cooler younger brother, Andrew. I definitely procrastinate more than my brother since I'm finally writing this blurb. My brother and I grew up in a small village in Alaska and were best friends. When we moved to Washington, we started playing all kinds of sports together as there weren't many organized sports where we lived in Alaska. We also taught ourselves how to play tennis, which we ended up dominating in junior high and high school. I have many happy memories playing with Richard even though he won a majority of the time. As we all know, Richard moved to AZ to pursue his career in optometry, which may have pulled us apart a little, but we have always had each other's backs. We are both similar and different in many ways. My brother loves hiking and I enjoy hiking when needed (which is not often since I enjoy anything motorized). I have always looked up to my brother in many ways and am honored to be his best man. See you all at the wedding - let's party!
Amanda Allen
Bridesma'am
Megan and Amanda met at the bottom of Havasupai Falls but didn't bond until they realized they both enjoy country two-stepping. There was a good stretch when Megan and Amanda would two-step on a Friday night at Lumberyard (R.I.P!) and hike in Sedona on Saturday. They made a pact together to become two-step regulars and tore up the dance floor every chance they got! Since then, they continue to dance, hike with their pups, have game nights, go on camping adventures, cook delicious dinners, and did an epic roadtrip Banff, Canada to incredible national parks! - Amanda and Megan went to dinner the week that Megan and Richard started talking, and Megan couldn’t stop talking about this guy from Tuba that seemed so amazing. Megan coerced Richard to go two-stepping and he kept up with moves in his tennis shoes. In the time they’ve been friends, Amanda has never seen Megan as happy as when she’s around Richard. Since those early days, Amanda has joined the happy couple on many hikes, camping trips, and dinner parties. Amanda ran the Imogene Pass Race with Megan and Richard, spent lots of time on training runs with them and even carpooled to Telluride with them during which Richard convinced Amanda to buy a Niro :) Amanda is so incredibly happy that Megan found her Richard. Megan is one of the kindest, genuine, compassionate souls and Richard is equally selfless, kind, and generous. So excited to celebrate this incredible couple!!!
Charmi Ajmera
Groomsma'am
Charmi and Richard met nearly 20 years ago at Eastlake High School. The early years of their friendship spanned school dances, chatting on AIM ‘til the early hours of the morning as Richard procrastinated on his AP U.S. History papers, trying not to burn the bacon popcorn, and car chats with their friends in the 7-11 parking lot. They both went to UW for their undergrad and even as they explored separate interests and made new friends, they remained close. Since then, their friendship has stayed strong through world travels, cross-country moves, new career paths, and new relationships. It’s been such a joy to see Richard and Megan’s relationship blossom and grow over the past few years. There are few things more joyful than seeing the people you love find their person. Charmi is thrilled to be a part of their special day and can’t wait to celebrate them in September!
Heidi Salatin
Bridesma'am
For me, meeting Megan was an answer to two prayers. I moved to Flagstaff, AZ straight from college graduation in the dead of winter 2016. I went from a vibrant community and constant activity to being thousands of miles away from everyone and everything I knew. My new church family welcomed me and I loved my job as a teacher. My specific prayer for year two of teaching was more community and an outlet to enjoy physical activity. This led me to Megan's Zumba class. I was a total newb to dance fitness, but I remember immediately thinking, "I wanna be her. She's so strong and beautiful." Fast forward a few months and as I got to know Megan more I was delighted to learn she is a follower of Jesus. We began going hiking occasionally, but really got to know each other one winter road trip to CO (a tradition we've continued every year since)! On one of these pilgrimages, Megan asked, "If I bought a house, would you live with me?". I didn't have to think for a second. Years later, here we are, sharing Megan's beautiful home. But now, there's a dude who is around a lot. At first, that was a rough transition for me. Change isn't my favorite and there was a lot to get used to. However, as time went on and with a lot of intentionality, especially on Richard's part, we've melded into the weird little family we are today. I'm so thankful to call them my friends. Their love and commitment to one another is a beautiful thing, and I'm honored to be part of their celebration.
Kevin Sorya
Groomsman
Richard and Kevin met in Worcester, MA in optometry school. They were never roommates, but pretty much lived together at a study hall known as the 6th floor, where they pulled all nighters, power napped, ate Cheese puffs, pho, and Chinese food from King Chef together. Throughout social and extracurricular activities, common values and goals, tumultuous road trips from FL to the Northeast and from NY to LA to CA; they’ve built a solid foundation for what is today an everlasting long-distance friendship. They enjoy carrying never ending conversations over multiple messaging platforms, mutually ignoring each other for days, catching up with 2+ hour long phone conversations, and sharing everything and nothing. Thankfully, professional conventions, weddings, and random/family trips have allowed the pair to see each other at least once a year to exchange a hug with a silent head nod that says everything. Looking forward to building more memories at the MegChard wedding celebrations and in the years to come with the beautiful couple!
Will Lemon
Bridesman
Megan and Will met 9 years ago at the Lumberyard in Flagstaff. Megan there with no shoes on because she’s a dirty hippie, but Will was okay with that because besides having poor hygiene, Megan is an awesome dancer. Through dancing they became good friends, and went on lots of adventures together. From hiking to the top of Mount Humphreys or skiing in Purgatory, from jumping off of waterfalls at Fossil Creek to chasing waterfalls in Iceland, they both loved going on adventures. They were even able to combine adventures and dancing, they danced on the highway in a traffic jam in Yosemite Valley and danced in front of Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Megan, Will, and their partners even bought a bus all together to turn into an RV and go on even more adventures together. Megan was a groomsmaid at Will’s wedding and now Will gets to return the favor! To Will, Megan is one of his best friends and Will is very excited to experience this new chapter in Megan’s life with the equally as adventurous Richard.
David Marzano
Groomsman
Richard and David met at Eastlake High School in 10th grade, and have been the best of friends ever since. Through working together at Richard’s first ever optometrist office, hundreds of trips to 7/11 for slurpees, and hanging out together when both had left Washington, their friendship has continued to thrive and grow. David has been so appreciative for Richard’s kindness and generosity over the years, and is extremely happy that he met Megan, the love of his life. Congratulations to the beautiful couple, and can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!
Kim Didra
Bridesma'am
Kim and Megan initially met early in college through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. From the jump, Megan was such a cool, fun-loving, free gal and welcomed Kim into that community. She was such a key player in creating and setting the standard for what it looked like to work hard, play hard, pursue passions, and be confidently silly along the way. When Megan graduated and moved back to Flagstaff, Kim wasn’t ready to let this magnetic person out of her world without putting up a fight. Kim pursued a role as a friend who would be DFA (down-for-anything). If Megan was headed out for an adventure, Kim was ready to show up and tag along - because these things are always better together! Megan and Kim have kept that adventurous spirit alive with regular trips to the Colorado wilderness, trekking around Iceland, biking through Peru, hot air ballooning over monument valley, and exploring canyons and peaks throughout the Southwest. Every trip together has allowed them to see each other in their weaknesses and strengths. Hours spent on road trips talking through life’s joys and challenges, lifting each other up, and pushing towards new mountain tops together mean that Kim knows what an EXCELLENT partner Megan is. Kim is so excited that Megan found such a perfect match in Richard, and gets to stand with them to celebrate the kick-off of this partnership. Cheers to Megan & Richard!
Jen Pierce
Groomsma'am
Richard and Jen met in high school where they bonded over giant Slurpees, chats in the 7-11 parking lot and games of flashlight tag at the local parks in Sammamish. Despite attending different colleges, their friendship endured through frequent visits, waffles at the Mitchell home and mutual support of each other’s goals. Jen is so excited to see the happiness Richard has found with Megan and can’t wait to celebrate their love in September!
Dore Davidson
Bridesma'am
I first encountered Megan when the Sorting Hat bellowed, "Hufflepuff!" Just kidding... I was introduced by my now-husband, Joe-Bro. Our connection deepened as we shared a mutual friend and a home during the foundational days of my own courtship and marriage. Over time our friendship became a comfort through shared experiences and companionship. Bound by our common alma mater and mutual love for the enchanting world of Harry Potter, Megan and I reveled in the simple pleasures of hot yoga, enduring snow shoveling like diligent Hogwarts students, enjoying coffee at our own "Three Broomsticks," and embarking on adventures akin to the mischief managed by Padfoot and Prongs. Megan became a cherished confidante, providing unwavering support in various chapters of my life, like a reliable owl delivering messages of reassurance. Our escapades ventured beyond the ordinary, from backpacking Canada like intrepid Quidditch players seeking the Golden Snitch, to a pilgrimage to West Covina like first-year students exploring Diagon Alley. Camping under starlit skies felt like our version of a magical tent at the Quidditch World Cup. Each experience created memories worthy of the pensieve in Dumbledore's office. As Megan steps into her own magical tale with Richard, my heart brims with happiness. I eagerly anticipate next chapters unfolding in their enchanting love story, confident it will be filled with the magic and warmth Megan brings to every journey.
David Hultengren
Groomsman
David and Rich met at University of Washington playing on the ultimate frisbee team. While their core competencies on the field were just about opposite, they found they had much in common off it, including a love for food and yelling excitedly when a normal indoor voice might be considered slightly more reasonable to most. Although it's been years since they lived together, Rich and David still stay in touch to share baking experiences and so Rich can help David choose the coolest glasses frames.
Melody Stiles
Bridesma'am
I was at NAU when I first met Megan through my roommate. We didn't become friends until my senior year when we backpacked the north rim of the Grand Canyon! This was my first of many backpacking trips with Megalegs, and I learned quickly she was the glue of the group. She made sure everyone was prepared, included, comfortable, and aware of the plan. That became an annual "Easters in the Canyon" backpacking trip for years, even once in December when Megan almost froze in her sleeping bag at night. We’ve mobbed around everywhere in the southwest, and she didn’t skip a beat agreeing to travel to Greece with my husband and me. We’ve always lived in separate cities, so adventure and adrenaline and wool socks forged our friendship. Our friendship looks different now that Marty and I have 2 young kids, but Meg and Rich are flexible and our kids' number one fans. Once while climbing in Moab, our daughter Vienna wasn't mobile yet so Megan held and entertained her with climbing gear, allowing us to enjoy climbing that day. With Megan, you have an encourager, supporter, cheerleader, deep conversationalist, incredible listener, and positive force. She’s always thinking of others, starting the party, organizing events for people to enjoy (hello, 3 day wedding weekend), improving medicine at Gore, and doing all the things. I don't know how she does everything. I am beyond happy that she found her person who is equally as impressive, goofy and caring. Love you guys!
Jamil Samara
Groomsman
I'm honored to be a part of this special day and to be able to celebrate with them and all of you! Growing up on opposite sides of the country, Richard and I would only see one another during his family's annual trips back "home" from Alaska to Worcester each Summer. We remained "distant" cousins for many years, and it wasn't until many years later as adults that we would reconnect. In 2008, cousin Greg and I got to repay the favor and finally visit Richard and his family in Seattle. Fast forward a few more years, and Richard moves to our family's home town of Worcester for grad school. That became the turning point in a reforging of our relationship and bonds within our family. We've grown closer over the years. I'm glad to have built a lasting friendship with both him and Megan over many more return visits. Most especially, I've truly enjoyed exploring our many shared interests, including our love of baking sourdough bread, skiing/snowboarding, indulging in delicious Spanish hams, bowling marathons, and our journeys of faith.
Martin Stiles
Bridesman
The first memory I have of hanging out with Megan was a challenging backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. Stephanie Kitson had introduced us, and Melody and I finagled our way into that Grand adventure. In a group of new friends, Megan went out of her way to make us feel welcomed and valued. That's the greatest quality I could ever ask for in a friend. Megan immediately invited us into her community and I knew I had an adventure-ready friend for life. In 2017, after planning a big backpacking trip in Utah, Melody and I invited Megan to do even MORE trip planning with us and she joined us on a trip to Greece. We spent 10 memorable days in Greece, doing Greek things. Megan chose the music as we drove to Mt. Olympus in a thunderstorm (Achilles and his gold/Hercules and his gifts), exposing me to new music and the revelation that, actually, Taylor Swift is the best and I'm a swiftie now. Megan is one of my best friends, and there's not a single event, occasion, or trip that I would do without making sure she could be there. I deeply appreciate Megan's ability to build community wherever she goes. Her make-every-day-count attitude has had a tremendous impact on my life. I'm enormously grateful for Rich, and incredibly happy for the two of them to join lives together! P.s. Some of my favorite memories with Megan are playing True American at Joe's cabin.
Greg Hyder
Groomsman
Richard was always Greg’s “exotic cousin” from the faraway land of Alaska. While their fathers, Ed and Jim were close, Greg and Richard didn’t spend much time together growing up, outside of the occasional funeral or family vacation. When Greg heard that Richard chose MCPHS in Worcester for optometry school, he knew this would be their shot at picking up the baton from their fathers and building their own bond. Greg has lived in Worcester his whole life and was used to having people recognize him about town. But suddenly, people were coming up to him saying, “Hey, are you Greg Hyder? Richard Mitchell’s cousin?” In these interactions, Greg always insisted that they were mistaken: Richard was his cousin. After being in Worcester for ten minutes, Richard was already cooler than Greg and teaching him about what hip new things were happening in town. From going to Brew Woo and live music events to having family dinners with the Hyders, Greg and Richard grew close during Richard’s tenure in Worcester. Years after leaving, Richard still makes it a point to visit, where he’ll stay with Greg—and not because his couch is the most comfortable, but because they found their bond. On one trip, Richard and Megan traveled to Worcester together, where Greg got to meet Megan for the first time. Greg could tell how happy Richard is with Megan, and he’s thrilled to be a part of marking this new chapter in his cousin’s life.
Joe Davidson
Bridesman
Megan and I have been friends for a long time. We grew up down the street from each other and went to the same high school but didn’t become close friends until after college at our local church. We both liked hiking and adventuring, and we had a similar friend group. We became housemates a few years later, living in the same small house, weaving our stories together even more. Our house had a lot of laughter-filled adventures and memories—everything from having a foster kid in the house to sharing one bathroom between all 5 of us. The memories we made and will continue to make have been amazing. I haven’t known Richard for a long time, but from our time together we have become good friends and have already had a lot of good adventures together. I look forward to watching Megan and Richard's relationship grow even more over time.