Torrie & Mark
Wedding Party
Mark Shaffer
Groom
I was born and raised in El Paso, TX where I was active in scouts and school activities and later became an Eagle Scout. I preferred to read nonfictional educational books, usually pertaining to technology, and loved watching the Discovery Channel. I attended an engineering high school and have always had a passion for problem solving, which grew into a love of engineering and is what drew me to become an engineer. I enjoyed competing in speaking and problem solving events throughout my schooling. I attended NMT, where I met my best friends and future wife. I graduated with my B.S. in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering in May 2017 and am now working out of the the Permian Basin. I spend most of my free time flying to see my fiancé and our puppies, and enjoying our adventures.
Torrie Sewell
Bride
I was born in San Diego, CA, and moved to Lovington, NM when I was 2 where I was raised. Growing up my family always had multiple dogs that I loved like siblings, and when I was 12 my little brother was born. I always loved playing outside and was active in Girl Scouts, Softball, Science Olympiad, Science Fair, and my Church's youth group. I graduated Lovington High and went to New Mexico Tech where Mark and I met and had many adventures. I graduated from NMT in 2015 with a Bahcelor's in Chemical Engineering and interned at ExxonMobil for a summer before moving to Clemson, SC to pursue a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering (Go Tigers!). I love my family and friends fiercely and love going on spontaneous adventures with my puppies.
Natasha Sewell
Mother of the Bride
Natasha has always been the kindest and hardest working woman that I know. Being an only child when I was younger, my momma was (and still is) my best friend who I would make forts with and play with everyday, and she always made time to help me in school and volunteer in any (and every) way possible. My mom is the person I can act silly with and laugh with the most, who will always dance with me in the kitchen, and who has always and will always have my back. Whether I am going to school in New Mexico or South Carolina, she has always supported my dreams. There are very few people that are as truly caring and loving as my momma.
Preston Sewell
Father of the Bride
Preston is a hard working father that gives everything so that his family can have everything. My dad and I have always shared a special bond, people often say we think alike. Dad always inspired me to go to college and be an Engineer and work hard for what I want in life. My dad is also the person I get in trouble with, from setting off explosives in city limits to working on science projects in the back workshop and working on old cars. I am blessed to have a father I have always been able to have fun with, and who has stood by me no matter what.
Ann Shaffer
Mother of the Groom
Ann has always been the best mama. No, not mom; mama. I believe the southerners coined the term correct because there is a difference between a mom and a mama. She is a big reason and part of who I am today. She is always there to give advice, and would help us through whatever, whether or not we chose to follow the advice, even when it would have made all of our life's easier. She has always stood behind me and encouraged me to chase my dreams and aspiration while still managing to keep me grounded with a straight head on my shoulders. She has taught me a lot over the years and still does. Our temperaments are a lot alike and I believe she gave me her drive, and motivation to do what’s necessary. One things for sure when you are at a Shaffer house everyone ends up in the kitchen.
Tim Shaffer
Father of the Groom
Tim is really the best dad any one could have ever asked for. I hope to have as much patience with my children in the future as he did with my siblings and I. Growing up every kid wants to be the helper and I was fortunate enough to have a dad that was willing and up to the challenge of allowing a young eager child to help. Like my mother he supported me in chasing my dreams but helped my mom keep my feet firmly planted. I owe most of my success to my parents. Together they gave me a place to thrive, learn, and be successful. My father gave me his entrepreneurial spirit, eye for detail, and love of the outdoors. As my dad always says Cowboy up and get er done no matter what.
Matthew Shaffer
Best Man
Matt is the type of brother who always stood by me and tried to include me where he could, as he is 12 years older than me. We have always been close, but have grown closer as I’ve gotten older and been out of school. He’s the best brother anybody could ask for and is always there when I need him to be. He’s a excellent father to my beautiful niece and I hope one day to to be as good of a father as he is.
Arianna Espinoza
Maid of Honor
Ari was my first roommate, and my very first friend when I started college at New Mexico Tech. She moved in before I did, but left a birthday card on my bed as it was the day before classes started. Ari has done kind things like this that make every day better ever since we met. We shared lots of laughs and tears during our time in college, and have only become better friends since we have graduated!
Jesus Rodriguez
Groomsman
We met in high school when I was a junior and Jesus was a freshman. We became better acquainted when we both joined the FRC robotics team and ended up having to share a hotel room when we went to competition in Houston. Little did I know 4 years later he would be dating my sister Maura. He has become part of the family and someone I consider my friend and brother.
Maura Shaffer
Bridesmaid
Maura is Mark's younger sister I had the pleasure of meeting the fist time I went to El Paso with Mark to meet his family. I was very nervous to meet everyone, but Maura greeted me with open arms and made me feel like I was part of the family. We have had fun trips together to Houson and Pennsylvania. Maura is always happy and willing to lend a helping hand, I'm lucky to have such a sweet hearted woman to be able to call my sister soon!
Charlie Sewell
Groomsman
Charlie and I met when Torrie’s family came to visit her at NMT, where we talked about video games for almost 2 hours straight. To this day whenever we are together Charlie and I always set apart some time to talk about video games and the latest and greatest in technology. Charlie and I continue to grow our friendship as we spend more time together. I am proud to call him my little brother.
Kelsie Hendricks
Bridesmaid
Kelsie is my cousin, and has been my friend since I was born. We grew up playing together at our Gee Gee's house playing dress up in our woo-woo shoes, racing go-carts, and doing performances in our band called the Cuscoobuz. We were only a year apart in school and were involved in a lot of the same activities including band. I never had a sister, but Kelsie helped filled that space and I will always be grateful for the love and fun we have had over the years.
Steven Gonzales
Groomsman
Steven and I joined the ranks of petroleum engineering students together in 2012. We knew of each other previously, but became friends over beers we shared at a boxing tournament in Socorro that the Society of Petroleum Engineers (a club we were both part of) was volunteering at. We were like brothers from that point on, either I was at his place or he was at mine.
Vivian Hernandez
Bridesmaid
Vivian and I met at New Mexico Tech as we were both chemical engineering students. We worked on many projects together including Junior design and Senior design and were active in AIChE and SWE together. Vivian is the one that helped me study for classes, and calmed me down when I got too overwhelmed and stressed. She could always make me laugh, but also keep me focused on the task at hand - even though sometimes I really didn't want to study or work on a project. I could always tell Vivian anything and she was willing to listen and help me through any problem. We graduated together, and I can't think of another woman that better represents what it means to be a friend and successful engineer.
Jon Burwell
Groomsman
Jon and I met through mutual friends, but bonded on a road trip from Socorro, NM to Houston, TX for an academic conference. We immediately hit it off and have been friends/roommates ever since. He is good at graphic design and is always willing to help when I need him.
Lauren Wells
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met at the Sacramento Methodist Assembly the summer of 2013 as we had both been hired to work there. We shared a room and quickly became best friends as we learned how to work the challenge course and help run the camp grounds. We also tried to hatch a baby duck in our bathroom, where the incubator would turn off and on all night for a whole month! After that summer we always stayed close, and every time I came back home we would make a point to visit, if only for a few hours. Lauren is someone who I know will always be there for me, who I can text late at night with my worries and she will always talk through it with me. She is also always willing to be spontaneous and go on adventures with me, and always keeps me smiling.
Penny and Guinness
Puppies
Mark adopted Penny and Guinness at the Socorro animal shelter, and they have made a permanent place in our hearts since day one. These girls keep us laughing at their silly playing and are always up for cuddles and a good nap. They always look forward to seeing Mark and picking him up from the airport, and complete our little family!