Wedding Party
Lori Neal
Maid of Honor
Lori approached me one day after art class at Walla Walla University. She noticed my sweatshirt said Bogenhofen and we bonded over having both been to the Adventist school in Austria. She hasn't been able to get rid of me since. Besides running into each other playing flute in Wind Symphony and Orchestra, we motivated each other to go for morning runs and we had coffee dates and Great British Baking Show marathons. She convinced me to hike the Grand Canyon in 2022 and somehow thought it would be fun to then do 30 miles of hiking the year we turned 30. (She claims that was my idea...) Despite living in different states (sometimes on opposite sides of the country), Lori has always been there to listen to my joys, frustrations, and crazy ideas.
Raymond Bramblett
Best Man
Uncle Ray, where to start. From the earliest memories of him visiting on holidays to the then regular visits to his house on Thanksgiving or New Year’s, we’ve had many fond memories. Whether it be going to a shooting range, indoor sky diving, card games, great food, or just enjoying the conversation and company, I’ve always enjoyed the time spent. Part of becoming the electrical engineer (engineer = professional problem solver) that I am, is in part due to my uncle being an electrical engineer. Having moved to California for work, Uncle has played a big role in staying connected with family while being so far away. In some ways, he has been like an older brother. We have often had lengthy talks on just about every kind of topic. In 2020, he decided to come visit me for Thanksgiving and ultimately ended up helping me buy a house.
Katrina Holm
Bridesmaid
I met Katrina at the beginning of my first year (junior year) in high school at Upper Columbia Academy. Despite having overlapping friend groups and sharing a music stand in flute ensemble and band, we were both too shy to strike up much conversation. Neither one of us remembers when exactly we started talking and hanging out, but suddenly at the start of our senior year, we were close friends. We both attended Walla Walla University and I had the privilege of sharing her music stand again in Wind Symphony and Orchestra. (Remember counting measures of rest in German to keep from getting bored in orchestra? lol). For the 15 years I've known Katrina, we've been long-distance more time than nearby, but we always pick up right where we left off.
Jonathan Comeau
Bridesman
Jonathan had the wonderful privilege of growing up with me as his little shadow. Whether it was playing with toy lizards, snakes, or cars, I always wanted to play too. (I'm sure that was never annoying.) The shadowing continued when I followed my brother to Walla Walla and again to Austria for a year abroad. From travel and ski adventures to board games, late-night talks, and watching The Grand Tour, Jonathan has always been there to laugh (or roll his eyes at) my jokes, answer my questions, and talk about anything. He's the best brother. (Even my cats think he's the best.)
Julie Warden
Groomswoman
I’ve been working with Julie since I came out to California. I was unceremoniously introduced to most of her family during the Camp Fire event in Paradise. We spent most of that day and the following weeks coordinating and organizing what was abruptly our new setting for work. Over time we have built out what is now our office location. From little tiny drama squabbles on the crew, to big safety issues, we have worked together to improve and problem-solve the construction issues at work. Outside of work we have also talked about Julie’s often crazy adventures across the globe, investment ideas, fiduciary trust paperwork, and house buying! Julie’s helped watch the two fur babies Dutchess (Dutchy) and Royce when I’ve gone back to see family. We’ve talked about communication, work, and personal relationships. Over the past 7 years, we have definitely become great friends and colleagues.
Joanna Stephan
Bridesmaid
Jo and I may have met during the Student Missionary retreat at the beginning of the 2015-16 school year at WWU. I at least remember seeing her there, and since we were both graphic design majors, we ended up having many shared classes. Throughout those three years at WWU, we spent more and more time together. If that time wasn't during class, it probably involved food or coffee. From making brunch, going to the Patisserie, trips to Portland or the Oregon Coast, or late-night calls (late for me cause of the 3-hour time difference), we've become close friends.
Sara Segura
Bridesmaid
I met Sara at the same time as I met Jo. She and I also had several shared classes and we both worked in the Technology Department office at WWU. Hanging out with Sara also involved food, coffee, and trips to Oregon (all of which was usually with Jo too). The three of us had 8:00 am Business Law together and I remember the two of them walking into class together with their bowls of oatmeal for breakfast to eat during class. Also, whenever our road trips ended up late at night, Sara and I would keep each other awake by talking–conversations ranging far and wide.
Bryan Chesnut
Groomsman
Being the youngest, I was always striving to be like my brother in many ways. We spent many hours doing various activities from playing in the woods, fishing, gardening, and paddling around in a canoe in the creek. One time after a storm we went canoeing and found a stranded baby racoon that was squealing. We picked it up and took it home. Dad figured out that putting it on his arm made it snuggle down and quit crying. We have helped our neighbor bale hay, gone biking, hiking, and rollerblading (involving a trip or two to the hospital). While we have gotten older and not been around each other nearly as much as his military career in the Navy, and my engineering career have traveled us around, He is still very much my older brother and near and dear family. We grew up with family values being really important and we strive to support each other as best we can. May blessings continue to fall on your growing family of Olivia, Oliver, and AJ. Thanks for being an awesome brother.
