Wedding Party
Alexandra Angel
Maid of Honor
Alexandra is Samantha's younger sister. Growing up, Samantha was the cooler, older sister whom Alex admired, but now that they are adults, Alexandra is the cooler one who Samantha looks up to. Samantha loves hopping onto Alex's plans whenever she is invited. They love going to Seahawks and Husky games together, wine tasting in woodinville, making craft cocktails at family events (Alexandra is quite the bartender), and watching TV together at home on the couch. Samantha and Alex live together in Seattle and Alex is going on year 27 of stealing all Samantha's clothes. Despite that, Samantha is lucky to have Alex as her sister and cannot wait to have her as her Maid of Honor.
Emily Weinberg
Matron of Honor
Samantha and Emily have been inseparable since 2012. They have traveled all over the world together, from Israel to Europe to Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica. They actually left their jobs and backpacked Europe together after college, travelling to 12 countries in 12 weeks. They also share a deep love of music and sports. Samantha and Emily have been to more concerts together than they can count on 2 hands and also attended Superbowl XLVIII together in NYC when the Seahawks won. A memory that will live with them for a lifetime. Emily and Samantha also played co-ed basketball together after colllege and Emily even re-taught Samantha how to snowboard (something she hadn't done since 5th grade)! Samantha cannot imagine her life without Emily!
Ashley Brown
Bridesmaid
Samantha and Ashley have been friends for 30 years! They grew up living walking distance to each other and had playdates 24/7. Ashley and Samantha have gone to Elementary, Middle School, High School, and College together. Ashley played soccer in HS and Samantha basketball, and they always went to the other person's games to support each other. In college, they were in different sororities, but hung out close to 5 nights a week. They took all of their business school classes together and studied together into the wee hours of the night, often grabbing late night sushi together. After college, they lived together for almost 4 years. Samantha would not be who she is today without Ashley and feels so lucky to have her in her life!
Jordan Lupoi
Bridesmaid
Samantha and Jordan have been friends for about 20 years. They share a deep love of sports, both playing and watching. Samantha and Jordan played on the same basketball & softball teams as kids and went on to play basketball in high school together as well as intramurals in college. They have been going to parties together since they were 15, whether it was Tolo, Homecoming or Prom, they were always together. In college, same thing. Their sororities were down the street from each other, and they made it a point to attend many grab-a-dates and frat parties together. Despite living in different states, they still make time to visit each other every year and have phone dates to catch up. Jordan has played a big role in Samantha's life and Samantha is so thankful for their lifelong friendship!
Alexa Huchingson
Bridesmaid
Samantha and Alexa technically met in High School where they played basketball against each other and were enemies. Fast forward to college and they ended up in the same sorority and quickly became the best of friends, and even played intramural basketball together at UW. Samantha loves Alexa's carefree, risk-taking spirit and her ability to make everyone feel special. Alexa never fails to make Samantha laugh, and she is the most generous, supportive, and loyal friend. Till this day, Alexa is the only friend that still sends a handwritten birthday card in the mail every year for Sam's birthday. Samantha loves Alexa's positive outlook on life and enjoys their catch up commute calls! Samantha is so thankful that college brought them together and feels lucky to have Alexa as a forever friend.
Kendall Hemphill
Bridesmaid
Kendall & Samantha met in college over 10 years ago. Although Kendall went to Samantha's rival college, they initially met at Samantha's sorority at University of Washington and became fast friends. After college, they lived together for a couple years in Ballard. Samantha and Kendall love going to concerts together! Some of the most memorable are Bruno Mars, John Legend, and Kenny Chesney! Samantha loves Kendall's sweet and caring personality, her ability to perfect DIY projects, and her superb hosting & decor skills. Samantha even had Kendall come over and design her living room while John was out of the country! Samantha feels so lucky to have her in her life.
Kristan "KB" Afshar
Bridesmaid
Kristan and Samantha have been friends for over 10 years. They met in college and have been inseparable ever since. KB has been there for Samantha since the day they met, giving advice, support, generosity, and friendship. KB was even with Samantha the night her and John met! Kristan has saved Samantha from getting sick on multiple occasions, always whipping up a concoction whenever Sam is under the weather and driving it over to make her feel better. Some of their favorite things to do together are go to concerts, go to the husky tailgates, have a good mid-day wine tasting session, or a fun night out together! Samantha is so excited to have KB by her side on the big day and for years to come!
Marissa "Riss" Schreiber
Bridesmaid
Samantha and Riss met in college and became very close post college when Samantha would go visit her in Oregon. Once Marissa moved back home to Seattle, they did everything together! Seafair, Husky Games, Mariner Games, Seahawks Games, Coachella, Harry Potter Pop-Up events, you name it. They share a love of listening to music and, more importantly, dancing on a dance floor whenever the opportunity presents itself (although Marissa is MUCH better)! Marissa is Samantha's hype girl. She is full of endless compliments and support. Marissa is the life of the party and one of the best friends any girl could ask for. She lifts everyone up around her and inspires us all to be dreamers. Samantha loves Riss's infectious personality & is so thankful they will be friends forever.
Katie McGough
Bridesmaid
Katie is John's older sister and Samantha's future sister-in-law. Samantha loves Katie's kindness, sense of humor, and sweet nature. Samantha is also in awe of Katie's architectural abilities and knack for design (and wants Katie to design her future home with John, even though she doesn't know it yet). They love hanging out in Camano Island together, carving pumpkins near Halloween, watching Hallmark Christmas movies, and ganging up on John! Katie welcomed Samantha into the family with open arms, and Samantha is so grateful to have her as a new sister.
Ashkaan Jaberi
Officiant/Groomsman
Ashkaan is in the unique position of knowing both John and Samantha separately and then together. John and Ashkaan grew up together in Bellevue. When John moved back home from San Diego, Ashkaan opened up his home and John and him lived together for a couple years in Wallingford, during which John and Samantha began their relationship. Ashkaan and Samantha met each other in college at the University of Washington where they lived across the street from each other and became close while socializing at many of the greek events. Samantha and John are so excited to have Ashkaan officiate their wedding!
Loka Kanongata'a
Best Man
John and Loka both went to high school and college together, where they played football at USD. They lived together for 4 years, including in a room where they slept only a couple feet apart for most of those years. They have been close since the day they met and continue to do so today!
Jeff Chavez
Best Man
John and Jeff met at the University of San Diego where they both played football. After college, Jeff and John lived together down in San Diego for a couple years, before they both found themselves up in the Pacific Northwest. John like to think Jeff moved because of him, but it was probably his wife and daughter that got him to Seattle!
Austin Zier
Groomsman
John has known Austin since the 6th grade and they have been close ever since. Even though they didn't got to college together, they always stayed in touch until John moved back to Seattle. The jury is out on whether Austin is better friends with John or Samantha as he is the one that introduced them!
Kasra Saber
Groomsman
John has known Kasra since he moved to Seattle in elementary school. Basketball has always been something that brought them close together, from shooting in John's driveway, to rolling their own ankles at the IMA. They both realize they need to give up the game, and now hope to improve their golf swings.
Jimmy DeWater
Groomsman
John and Jimmy have been cousins for as long as we can remember. Ever since they were kids, they've had a natural bond that makes them more like brothers. Even though they live in different states, they remain very close and schedule plans to see each other as often as possible.
Derron "DJ" Juarez
Groomsman
Derron was John's first friend that he made when he went down to San Diego for college. They instantly connected and ended up living together for the majority of their college career. DJ and John always came up with fun things to do together when they had down time from school or football.
Tommy Sheriff
Groomsman
John and Tommy met in the 6th grade and have remained close to this day. Originally basketball brought them together, but now gold is a big part of their lives. They are both know for setting course records together at the renowned Jackson Park golf course.
Mikey Furgason
Groomsman
Mikey and John go all the way back to elementary school when they would bike together to school every day. They currently live in different states, but always find a way to get together. Whether it's golf trips in Seattle or going by themselves to Las Vegas and eating White Castle.
David O'Rear
Groomsman
David and John have known each other since they were in elementary school. Through school, church, and definitely football, David and John were always close. John likes to think he is the reason David ended up coming to public schools and is extremely glad that he did.