Wedding Party
Chloe Pennington
Maid of Honor
Hi im Chloe! Sam is the first friend I made in Spokane and is my best friend now. Although she’s become my favorite concert buddy, my favorite moments with sam are the ones spent hanging out at each others’ houses, talking about life well into the night. Sam always makes me feel supported and seen and I love that we don’t have to be anything other than ourselves around each other.
Luke Etherton
Best Man
CJ and met before I was in grade school due to our older siblings being in the same class and our parents becoming friends. CJ and I quickly became inseparable. From playing Pony baseball, having Rick as our coach, to playing video games and the card game Gulp into the wee hours of the night. CJ and I continuously stayed best friends all through elementary school, high school, and even hanging out at his apartment at U of I. After college, CJ moved to Seattle for a time, but I was lucky enough to get him back in Spokane after a few months. Now we both live within 10 minutes of each other and continue to grow our friendship.
Brittany Johnston
Bridesmaid
The first time I met Sam was out to dinner for CJ's 30th birthday. I was a little nervous to meet her. I was so use to being the only "girl" in our friend group I didn't know how having another female would change everything. To my surprise Sam has been nothing but a blessing to CJ and our the group. I could instantly see CJ beaming with joy, he had a glow to him I hadn't seen before. Sam brings out his silly, joyous side so well you just knew they were made for each other. I also knew she had my back, as she joked and added to the group. That night I learned we were practically the same. We both get our evening zoomies with our ADHD, we make loud weird noises that makes the boys look at us confused but together we understood what is happening. From then on I have got to see you bring out the good in CJ, you have helped him mature and grow making such amazing strives in life together. My ultimate favorite thing I love about Sam other than how she loves CJ unconditionally and also how she accepted me with arms wide open, is how loving and patient she is with my pet bunnies. Thank you for loving me and my family unconditionally, I am so excited to have a new sister 💗
Drey Davick
Groomsman
CJ asked for a brief blurb about our friendship which is a tall ask. How do you briefly describe a friendship that has lasted regardless of distance, disagreements, and time? How do I summarize over a decade of drinks, deep talks, and laughs so long that they left my ribs hurting? How can I possibly talk in a short form about a man that I am profoundly proud of, one that has given and grown so much, and one I know will always be there for everyone in his life? The best I can do is to say I am eternally grateful to not only say I know someone so incredible but to be able to call him a brother for life.
Tayler Lennier
Bridesmaid
“Hi, I’m Tayler! I met Sam in college, we were the same major and had too many fun times together. However my fav memory as of late because there’s many to list was having Sam and CJ visit me where I live in Nashville a few months ago. Anyway, can’t wait to celebrate their love and our girl Sam!! ❤️”
Jacob Anzivena
Groomsman
Hi Everyone, I am Jacob or Jay, I met CJ in college in the fraternity we both rushed, Theta Chi. This started more than 7 years of living together. It became a running joke that CJ and I were common-law married. I met Sam at a Halloween party CJ and I hosted. I do not remember much from that night because I was pretty drunk. I joked with her not to make me mad, or I might walk a blind person into a cement garbage can-because I did once with my blind dad. Congrats guys, I am so happy for you two!
Cori Bruess
Bridesmaid
Hi, I’m Cori! ☺️I first became friends with CJ when I moved to Washington, and we trauma bonded through countless shifts together at McDonald’s. Since then, he’s been one of my closest friends and the reason I met and fell in love with my husband, Shane 💖. CJ introduced us at the annual anime convention they all attended as friends, and I’ve been grateful ever since. My friendship with Sam is still new and growing, but every time we hang out, I’m amazed. I’ve never met someone who sparkles with as much Disney magic as I do until I met Sam. I’m so excited for all the years ahead as we grow our friendship and welcome her into our circle, as she builds her new life with CJ.
Cole Simmons
Groomsman
I met CJ at UofI Freshman year. After moving out of Theta Chi we were roommates at the Grove, where we participated in lots of schenagains. CJ was one of my groomsmen for my wedding and now I get the honor of being in his wedding. My favorite thing about my relationship with CJ is how we can just talk and laugh for hours. We can go a long time without seeing each other but when we get together it is like no time has passed.
Casey Turner
Bridesmaid
I’m Casey, and I am CJ’s siste … so that’s how I know Sam! The little guy in my photo is my son Max. My favorite memory with Sam would have to be the lantern festival where the two of them got engaged. I felt honored that I got to be there to witness it! I’m looking forward to more fun memories and having a new sis! 🥰
Bo Federico
Groomsman
C.J. and I met our freshman year of college. We instantly connected over our love of videogames and anime. Our friendship only got stronger throughout the years. We would refuse to go to bed because we were having too much fun talking about random stuff. We also got some stern talks from our other roomate about laughing to loudly at 3am playing pokemon. He has made such an impact in my life and I am so happy for him and Sam.
Lacey Politano
Bridesmaid
Hey I’m Lacey! Ive been friends with Cj for many years. I didn't think there could be anyone who could get him and his sense of humor like I could. And then I remember when he told me about this girl named Sam. The first night I actually got to spend time with Sam I knew I had made such a fast and easy friendship that I didn't have to think twice about it. We were sitting by the fire and I quickly found out we have VERY similar personalities and most importantly the same sense of humor. Sam and I could spend all night laughing and giggling together until our stomachs hurt and we can't breathe. Cj and Sam have also made a love for my son and given time and accepted him so that I've gotten to make lasting memories with him too by how much Sam and Cj love and adore my son and have quickly become Uncle Cj and Auntie Sam. They always want to include him and my son loves them just as much as I do ❤️
Keith Leitner
Groomsman
Met CJ back in 2013 when he first rushed Theta Chi, gravitating to the ragtag little group of nerds that consisted of him, Bo, Jay, and Dray. Late nights of Smash Bros, Pokemon, and anime at the fraternity and later CJ's apartment were some of my fondest memories and helped me survive my final years of college. We've been through a lot as we've bonded over and shared in excitement over new games and life's drudgery. Forcing my hand to get him and the others to start attending PAX may be one of my favorite traditions we've started - not to mention the hilarious and incredible memories at conventions as a result (the Kamehameha contest lives on). I've loved going out to visit when I've been able, and keeping up with CJ even when I've been the farthest member of the friend group has been a pleasure. It's been over 12 years now and I'm so grateful CJ remains one of my closest friends, and God help me will be one for life.
Eric Stoess
Bridesman
Hi I’m Eric and my favorite adventure with Sam was walking from her apartment to the Knitting Factory for Chappell Roan night while wearing a pink dress, cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat. Sam was wearing a super cute outfit and was the yee-awwww to my yeehaw. We had a blast and that night is not one I will soon forget!
Shane Bruess
Groomsman
CJ and I became friends in my senior year of college and hit it off almost instantly. From challenging each other and Smash Bros, to talking VGC competitive Pokemon because everyone else is tired of us talking about to them, and eating entire bags of sour patch kids from each other. CJ and I have held a fast friendship that has now lasted a decade and continues to go strong.
Katrina Brown
Bridesmaid
I’m Katrina, Sam’s current favorite (and only) sister hahah ❤️ My fav memory with Sam is probably all the cool places we have been able to travel together, try new food, and see art museums! Going thrifting in Paris was super fun, and probably my latest favorite memory together was experiencing the music exhibit in the San Francisco MOMA, where we sat for an hour and listened to the whole show 😍
John Turner
Groomsman
I first met CJ when I was new to the Harkin’s clan and he was extremely quick to welcome me in. Since that day many years ago, I’ve gotten to see more of his character as a thoughtful and caring gentleman. What I appreciate about him is his ability to make and maintain friends- a skill not many have. I am extremely excited for this next chapter of CJ’s life and I’m honored to be part of his and Sam’s special day.
Michael Johnston
Officiant
Hi I'm Mike. CJ and I met through Jay, a mutual friend, when they were in college together. CJ and I became closer once he graduated college and moved into Spokane. My favorite memory of CJ is asking him to be a groomsman in my own wedding, and he said "yes" without hesitation. He also offered to be a bridesmaid for my wife. Sam and I haven't been friends for very long, but the moment CJ introduced her to our social circle it felt like I'd known her for years. She is kind, gentle and loyal, and she will always include people in her joy. She brings out the best in the people she surrounds herself with, and she always finds a way to make us laugh. My favorite memory of Sam is witnessing her delayed scream after a twig tipped into a firepit.