Tara & Kam
Wedding Party
Amy Otis
Maid of Honor
Amy took Tara to lunch her first day at work, and we're pretty sure their boss regretted forcing that introduction. The two became inseparable, and probably intolerable to other co-workers. The dynamic duo was a force to be reckoned with, in and out of the office. Due to college shenanigans, Amy spoke fluent Kam Brant and translated for Tara in the early stages of their relationship. She is an invaluable friend to both Tara and Kam and they both wanted her standing beside them on the big day!
Jarrett Brant
Best Man
Jarrett, Kam’s older brother, has always been a great role model and friend to Kam. Although they lived apart for almost a decade, they’re still closer than ever. Thankfully, living in DC has brought them together for their much needed bro-times via golf or Cowboys games. Kam is extremely happy to have his best man, and the best big brother ever, next to him on his big day.
Carli Wilson
Maid of Honor
Tara has known Carli for roughly 17 years! They played several sports together and developed serious video gaming skills throughout the years. Even when their paths took them to different states for school, the two remained dear friends. Carli has witnessed Tara in all stages of life and supported her through it all! There are few others that know Tara as well as Carli does, so she clearly had to join Tara down the aisle!
Tyler Sonnemaker
Groomsman
The bearded giant, and brother in-law to be, first met Kam on a kayaking trip in California. The two instantly connected due to their political intellect and passion for economics and philosophy. Though they debate often, they have grown to admire and support each other unconditionally. Kam is excited to gain another brother and continue developing their lifelong friendship.
Jessie Van Dyke
Bridesmaid
Jessie is Tara’s soon to be sister-in-law! As Tara got to know the Brant family more and more, it became clear that she had Jessie to thank for coaching her brother through the early parts of their relationship. Tara always felt at-ease around Jessie and loved listening to stories of younger Kam. She is so thrilled to officially gain a sister and could not have asked for a better one!
Travis Van Dyke
Groomsman
Kam’s brother in-law Travis easily melded into the family and has been a great friend and relationship role model to Kam. Kam has always admired how Travis treats Kam’s sister and looks up to him as a great example of how to be a better man and husband. They have many shared values such as environmental conservation and family, making them much more than just in-laws.
Kaitlin Ramsey
Bridesmaid
Kaitlin and Tara met on their study abroad program, Semester at Sea, and instantly became great travel buddies. They share a love of good food, good music, and great times. Kaitlin is Tara’s go-to girl for laughter and absolutely never disappoints! The two have spent 6 years traveling all across the U.S. to see each other, proving that distance really does mean so little when someone means so much.
Mason Proudfit
Groomsman
Mason and Kam played sports together in high school and have been there for each other through many highs and lows. Friendships made through blood, sweat and tears are built to last a lifetime, and this holds true for theirs. Whether in Vancouver, WA or in Thailand, they always make an effort to see each other.
Colby Sameshima
Bridesmaid
Colby came into Tara’s life by way of Tara’s brother Tyler. They share a life together in Hawaii, but have been able to make many trips to see Tara and Kam over the past few years. Colby is such a bright and bubbly addition to the family. These ladies share a love of board games, movie quotes, dancing episodes, and embarrassing Tyler stories. Tara has so much respect for Colby and loves witnessing her brother find happiness.
Niko Magistrale
Groomsman
Kam and Niko met in 6th grade and whenever the young boys came up with a mischievous prank, the two only had one question for each other: “What time?” Niko has always been a bit of a daredevil, pushing his friends out of their comfort zone, even stalling his airplane over PDX with Kam and Charlie on board. Niko’s humor and energy is a must have for the wedding weekend!
Julie Marcks
Bridesmaid
Cousins by name, friends by choice! Julie and Tara, only 2.5 weeks apart, grew up visiting each other. They had a built-in best friend every time a family trip came around. As they got older, the two still found time to celebrate, like spending their 21st birthdays in Vegas together! Julie shares Tara’s affinity for movie quotes, water tubing, and the occasional hard seltzer. She has gone out of her way to welcome Kam into the family by educating him on all things Arkansas!
David Byrne
Groomsman
David and Kam met in 6th grade and founded the group “Team RAMROD”. The boys’ infamous Facebook group sparked many shenanigans and lasting memories. Kam and David are a force to be reckoned with, especially when it comes to getting Dubs online. Although they haven’t lived in the same town for over a decade, they maintain an excellent friendship.
Alexa Presto
Bridesmaid
Tara gained Alexa as a dear friend all due to a random roommate assignment on their Semester at Sea study abroad program! The two met in their tiny room, unpacking their overweight and overpacked bags. Though eerie of how a New Yorker and a wrongly labeled Texan could become friends, the two jumped straight into making plans to travel across Italy together. The rest was history. They have never stopped making plans to see each other and are truly kindred spirits.
Eric McNiel
Groomsman
Eric and Kam met at OSU their freshman year and share a strong friendship built on a bond of trust and brotherhood. Eric and Kam have gone on great trips to Whistler and lake Shasta together. They have bonded over beers on the chairlift and water skiing at the lake. It will mean a great deal to Kam to have Eric there on his wedding day!
Allie Altman
Bridesmaid
Allie and Tara met freshman year in college and quickly became friends with the same group of goofy guys. Flash forward 8 years and Allie ended up marrying one of them! These girls have shared too many memories to count but have always been there for one another with a great laugh or a good cry. Tara got to witness Allie and Tim get married and is so excited to have Allie standing there for her big day!
Charlie Robbins
Groomsman
Charlie helped Kam move into his new desk in 4th grade when Kam first moved to Washington, and they’ve been friends ever since. Charlie often joined Kam on his summer excursions to Lake Merwin and never missed out on a “Shop party” at the Brant’s 6th street house. Through all phases of life they’ve maintained a strong friendship, no matter the distance.
Rachel Marcks
Bridesmaid
Rachel, or Two-Rays as Kam calls her, is another cousin of Tara’s and sister to Julie. Rachel had the privilege (or curse) of spending the first summer of the pandemic living with Tara’s parents, Tara, Kam, and their new dog Millie! Forced to spend more than enough quality time with them, Rachel had an up close and personal view into Tara and Kam’s relationship. Rachel holds a special place in both Tara and Kam’s hearts and we're honored she said yes to being part of their day.
Chase Sayre
Groomsman
Between spear fishing, hiking, and any adventure along the way, Kam and Chase have been exploring the PNW and beyond for over 10 years. Chase’s mom and grandma often took Kam under their wings to keep him out of trouble if Kam’s parents left town. Whether it was hunting for alligators or looking for Sasquatch in the foothills of Mount St. Helens, they always managed to keep each other busy.
Lauren Brant
Bridesmaid
Lauren just recently married Kam’s brother Jarrett, making her another Mrs. Brant! Tara and Lauren have spent a lot of time together since they both live in D.C. and have put their planning skills to good use over the past two years to make things happen, even in the midst of a pandemic! It has been so wonderful for the two to share the experience of joining an incredible family. Tara can’t wait to continue their friendship into sisterhood!