Wedding Party
Michelle Apperson
Bridesmaid
My sister Michelle has always been so much more than a sister. Even with six years between us, she’s been a steady presence and a pillar in my life—someone I can always turn to for honest advice (even when I don’t want to hear it). She’s an amazing mother and a true friend. I gave a terrible speech at her wedding… so here’s hoping she shows me a little grace.
Damario Marshall
Best Man
Damario “D-Money” Marshall and I have been friends for 40 years now. What started as a couple of 5 year old kids playing basketball at recess in Laurel, MT has become a lifelong friendship grounded in wild adventures, laughter, and Detroit Lions football. I have always admired D-Money’s magnetic personality. He draws in all sorts of people with his infectious laugh, sense of humor, and general good vibes. D is undoubtedly one of a kind, and I’m proud that he is my best man.
Audrey Bence
Bridesmaid
Audrey made me a mother, and from the very beginning, we’ve shared a bond that’s hard to put into words. She is truly one of a kind—beautiful inside and out, with a spirit that’s deeply connected to nature and animals. She has always been by my side, and now, watching her grow into such an incredible young woman fills me with so much pride.
Brett Woods
Groomsman
Much like D-Money, Woodsy has been a friend of mine for the last 40 years. We bonded over our time spent together through elementary school and beyond. Woodsy is a lover of all things sports and is an avid golfer. While he was busy winning tournaments and getting his name in the newspaper in High School; I was busy losing balls breaking clubs, and bricking 3-pointers. I appreciate his continual friendship and support through all the years and twists life has thrown at us.
Jessie Bensley
Bridesmaid
Jessie is a longtime friend and one of my constants through life’s ups and downs. No matter the distance or how busy life gets, we always find our way back to each other. She has been there for me during the times I’ve needed a friend the most, and that kind of loyalty is rare. Jessie is incredibly creative, deeply loyal, and always in my corner. She’s also the talent behind the beautiful florals for this wedding, which makes having her by my side even more special. An amazing mother and one of the hardest workers I know, she truly is a rare gem—and I love her to pieces.
Cole Guggenbickler
Groomsman
Heading off to The University of Montana after high school was a bit daunting. Fortunately, I found a lifelong friend in Cole in the dorm room next to mine. We shared numerous trials, tribulations and tons of laughter through our college years and beyond. I’ll never forget the Spring Break trip we took down the Baja in his old Jeep. Cole has always been a consistent presence and voice of reason in my life; and just a great guy in general.
Sabrina Franzen
Bridesmaid
Sabrina is the definition of a ride-or-die friend—strong, no-nonsense, and someone you can always count on. We’ve bonded through both our childhood experiences and the lives we’ve built as adults, and I’ve loved watching her grow into an incredible mother and wife. She’s also someone who embraces a little chaos—whether that’s a house full of animals or just the unpredictable energy of life—and I think that’s why we get each other so well. We both thrive in it. I have so much respect for her and the person she is, and I’m so grateful to have her by my side.
Mike Bolt
Groomsman
Much like Cole, “Bolt” was one of the first people I met at the University of Montana. He has always been the life of the party and just fun to be around. We bonded through late night shenanigans in Missoula, and getting stranded in the Mojave desert during yet another spring break fiasco (don’t ask). If you want to know anything about any beer that has ever been brewed, just ask Bolt. I value his consistent friendship, passion for life, and the energy he brings to any situation.
Rachel Atchison
Bridesmaid
Rachel and I met early in high school, and she’s been someone I’ve always been able to confide in without fear of judgment. She is one of the strongest people I know, and I’m so proud of the way she’s faced and grown through life’s challenges. We’ve shared so many conversations, laughs, and life moments over the years, and she has always had my back. She is a true friend—someone I trust deeply and know I always will.
Gordon Hill
Groomsman
Gordon has been a huge part of my college experience and beyond. He is truly a wild man; always down for an outsized adventure while also being one of the most loyal and honest people I’ve ever encountered. It was always fun to bring people to the “Animal House”. His pet alligator (Boudreaux!) was always quite welcoming to our guests. He is a true Louisiana man to the core, and one of my most treasured friends, he is truly one of a kind.
Kendra Brandenburg
Bridesmaid
I met Kendra during my post-college chapter in California, and life has a funny way of bringing people full circle—she ended up marrying a longtime family friend, and now we’re practically neighbors. Kendra is my go-to for those spur-of-the-moment hangouts and last-minute wine Wednesdays—the kind of friend who makes everyday moments feel special. She’s always been there when I’ve needed her, and over the years, she’s truly become family. I’m so lucky to have her by my side.
Josh Demel
Groomsman
I met Josh about 11 years ago during one of the lowest points in my life. At that point, I needed some optimism and encouragement and Josh brings that in spades. Josh has a gift of putting people at ease, yet he is also a great conversationalist. He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself and has been a great source of inspiration, adventure, and laughter over the last decade plus. Our adventures with Dave floating the Deschutes River here in Tumwater are stuff of legend. Josh’s consistent presence and friendship has definitely brought meaning to my life.
Kendall Apperson
Bridesmaid
From the moment Kendall was born—when I had the honor of cutting her umbilical cord—we’ve had a special bond. She’s a firecracker, just like her mom, and truly a force to be reckoned with. At the same time, she’s kind, driven, and incredibly athletic. Watching her grow into the amazing young woman she is today has been such a gift.
Dave Timmis
Groomsman
I also met Dave about 11 years ago. Dave has the wonderful habit of injecting a bit of controlled chaos into any situation he finds himself in. Whether he is doing a flip off a bridge into the river, tackling some crazy project, or sharing some hilarious story of something that happened to him, he is always fun to be around. You’d think a guy like this might be one-dimensional, but you’d be wrong. Dave possesses a degree of self awareness and introspection that isn’t common in today’s world. The long conversations Dave, Josh and I have had while on the river have brought color and meaning to my life.