Wedding Party
Isabelle Kaplan
Maid of Honor
Isabelle first met Danielle for a blind carpool set up. Danielle was older, more mature (aka had her drivers license), and heavily eyeliner-ed - which overall intimidated the absolute shit out of Isabelle. But miraculously, between the many curbs Danielle ran over in her old jeep, and too many Nicki Minaj / Jonas Brothers/ Kesha sing-alongs, a beautiful friendship was formed. Many years and Nicki Minaj dance parties later, Isabelle met Vaughn for the pre-requisite best-friend-new- boyfriend vetting session. She was a harsh critic, but safe to say, he passed with flying colors.
Reese Berberet
Best Man
Ever since Reese was born, he’s had the pleasure of knowing the large person that is Vaughn. As some may know, Reese is Vaughn’s little, but not so little, brother. They grew up together basically living at the baseball fields or the beach! Reese remembers his brother telling their mom and him about this girl he was talking to—Danielle. She was Italian and loved to sing. Not long after, Reese first met her during a family holiday dinner at their parents' house. This dinner quickly turned into an interrogation. She didn’t seem bothered and fit in with the family right away!
Chloe Zito
Maid of Honor
Danielle and Chloe met through high school friends, most of which are on this roster as well. A theatre kid and dancer, match made in heaven. Vaughn and Chloe's introduction was a classic San Diego meet- a night out on the 101 in Encinitas. Unfortunately, she can’t remember much more than I that!
Takashi Shaw
Groomsman
Vaughn and Takashi go way back—like all the way to fourth grade. Takashi doesn’t remember much from that time, except one thing: Vaughn was tall. Suspiciously tall for a fourth grader. Honestly, it doesn’t seem like he’s grown an inch since they met. Both of their moms were teacher’s helpers, which pretty much guaranteed Vaughn had a solid mom—just like Takashi’s. They stuck together through middle school, and Takashi briefly joined the baseball team. That ended quickly after he faced one of Vaughn’s pitches. The ball came in way too hot, and he immediately thought, “Yeah, I’m out.” Over the years, their friendship only grew. Same friend group, always pulling off some dumb plan that turned into a core memory. One favorite: parking Vaughn’s van near the golf course, hiding in the bushes like total idiots, then sprinting out to grab golf balls off the green and making a dramatic getaway. That van? Basically their Batmobile. After high school, surfing became their new thing. During COVID, they gamed like it was their job. Through everything, one thing stood out—Vaughn loves what he loves. He’s one of the most passionate people Takashi knows. When Vaughn’s into something—cars, skiing, Juicy J, or some new obsession—he goes all in and brings everyone along. He’s a great man, and Takashi’s proud to call him one of his best friends.
Alec Smith
Bridesman
Alec and Danielle first met at 14 years old when she played volleyball with his twin sister and he spiked his way into her heart. A decade and a half later, their friendship has only deepened as they’ve both (somewhat) matured and he is so grateful for her love, light, and laugh. Through bleached carpets, guzzled Strawberitas, and a tearful coming out, they’ve been by each other’s sides. Alec and Vaughn met in classic Encinitas fashion on the 101 and Vaughn quickly earned the seal of approval as a deeply fun and funny man who relished in seeing his now-fiancée shine brightly.
Zack Domingues
Groomsman
Zack first met Vaughn at the start of the 2014–2015 baseball season at Long Beach State, and he quickly became one of his favorite teammates. Though he was a pitcher, Vaughn was one of the hardest-working guys on the team and always brought great energy to the field. That same energy carried off the field too—Vaughn was the life of every party. And who didn’t love seeing the iconic Volkswagen Bus roll up? We always knew a good time was about to start. Zack first met Danielle at a friend’s gathering in 2022. He had heard great things about her beforehand, and from the moment we met, it was clear she was perfect for Vaughn. Danielle’s infectious energy and bright smile make her always a blast to be around.
McKenna Gaughan
Bridesmaid
McKenna met Danielle, 19 years ago, at St. James Academy. McKenna was recruited as the lookout while Danielle swiped bubblegum and Bath & Body Works lip gloss from her locker. Years of laughter and middle school crushes followed, until one day, McKenna finally heard about “the one.” Vaughn met McKenna during a walk with Summer down the 101. He didn’t know his title yet, but two years later, he proposed just a few blocks away.
Patrick Slane
Groomsman
Patrick felt lucky when he moved in next door to Vaughn in Leucadia, and they quickly became friends. Vaughn’s upbeat attitude is infectious, and their shared passions, surfing, baseball, and Papagayos turned into regular activities together. When Danielle moved in, she instantly clicked with the wider Leucadia group and Patrick couldn’t have been luckier to have her next door as well (+Summer of course!). It’s clear that she and Vaughn balance each other well and care so deeply for one another.
Cheyenne Utic
Bridesmaid
Cheyenne first met Danielle in the most iconic of all places - the bathroom on prom night. The details of this encounter will not be discussed here. Standing next to a bathroom stall, Danielle became the voice of reason Cheyenne didn’t ask for but most definitely needed. That night, she came to the rescue, and it was the first of many. She doesn’t just make friends easily-she keeps them, and more importantly, she shows up for them. Everyone lucky enough to know Dani is better for it, especially you Vaughn! In all seriousness, Danielle deserves all the love in the world and it’s beautiful to see her surrounded by exactly that. Cheyenne met Vaughn on a typical night out along the 101 in Encinitas. The night took a chaotic turn when Cheyenne impulsively told a tattooed stranger that he looked like Lil Peep (which, in her defense, he did), nearly getting Vaughn’s face rearranged in the process. Despite the chaos, that evening marked the beginning of Cheyenne’s appreciation for Vaughn, as she realized he is a hilarious, fun loving, and kind hearted person who is the perfect match for our girl D Pomps. (and he’s also willing to throw down if necessary).
Darin Shelstad
Groomsman
Good ol' Fallbrook High is to thank for the beginning of a most wondrous uniting between Darin and Vaughn. They ran in similar circles, and their paths crossed often—whether at a local kickback or cruising around town in the Westfalia. As long as Vaughn was around, Darin knew good times were guaranteed. It wasn’t until around 2019, however, that fate stepped in and placed them just down the road from each other in Encinitas, along with a few other hooligans featured on this very page. What followed over the next few years was a deepening friendship and a stockpile of unforgettable memories. They shared a love for high-fidelity music, good food, and a contagious sense of humor. Darin had met Danielle a handful of times during their usual outings in Encinitas, often catching her lighting up the stage at the Roxy. He always knew she was something special, and when she and Vaughn started dating, he was properly delighted. They all traveled to Japan together in 2022 (or was it 2023?), and on one particularly memorable night, after a few suspiciously orange and surprisingly strong shots, Danielle kindly helped Darin navigate the streets as his legs betrayed him more than once. Her kindness knows no bounds, and Darin is grateful to have gotten to know her even better during that incredible trip. He’s absolutely elated to see these two beautiful souls come together and can't wait for the festivities. Three cheers for Vaughn and Danielle!
Lauren Peterson
Bridesmaid
Danielle has been such a special part of Lauren's life, and seeing her so happy with Vaughn fills her heart ❤️ They’re perfect together, and she couldn’t be more excited for them !!
Graham Porges
Groomsman
In high school, Graham found himself sitting in the back of a Volkswagen van, and the person driving that van was Vaughn Berberet. He’d like to say this was the time they were going to a beach house party run by the Yakuza, but for the sake of modesty, it was the time Vaughn was taking people to see Christmas lights. By then, Graham had already had a few adventures with Vaughn, but the truth is, he couldn’t say which one was first. Vaughn had this ability to make an introduction feel more like a reunion, and it seemed that at some point Graham just hopped in his van and it felt like that seat had always been his. But it wasn't until after high school that Vaughn and Graham became close friends. It had been several years when Graham saw him at a friend’s gathering and immediately had to re-acquaint. Sure enough, the friendship was still effortless, and soon the whole friend group was hanging out more and more—surfing, skiing, playing video games, and engaging in an unhealthy amount of debauchery. Eventually, Vaughn moved closer to the group, and they were meeting up every weekend, his arrival often announced by the loud screech of tires as he attempted to E-brake drift into a parking spot on a narrow two-lane street. The friend group continued to expand and eventually a soon-to-be lawyer/singer came into the mix. This also occasionally included a dog. Danielle immediately hit it off with the friend group but seemed to hit it off with Vaughn even more—and the rest is history.
Sydney Dumler
Bridesmaid
Sydney met Danielle through a study abroad program in Spain during Danielle's last semester at Belmont. They bonded over being the only people on the trip who wanted to shop and get drunk. Sydney cannot remember meeting Vaughn but remembers there was a boat involved. She remembers he had the deepest voice ever and was way taller than expected.
Mitchell Wilkinson
Groomsman
Vaughn and Mitchell went to high school together, but because Vaughn was a baseball boy and Mitchell was more of a basketball/skater boy, their paths didn’t cross much. But in 2019, in a synchronicity that can only be attributed to the universe playing its hand, they both happened to move back to San Diego at the same time. They were at a mutual friend’s house having some drinks, and then hit a bar in Encinitas. A few drinks turned into a few too many drinks, which culminated in Vaughn attempting to order a drink from the DJ (after which he was kicked out of the bar). They started hanging out more and more, then one day before Mitchell knew it Vaughn had somehow convinced him to buy a longboard and join the dark side. Mitchell first met Danielle through their mutual friend Reagan, and then they went to one of her shows at the Roxy where she jammed out with the band…and now here we are and these two lovebirds are getting married!
Megan Pynes
Bridesmaid
Megan and Danielle met all the way back in 2005, [pls fact check me on the year] when Danielle transferred to St. James Academy. Though their one-year grade difference largely kept them apart at first, they took their first steps towards friendship in middle school when Danielle choreographed their group’s dance for P.E. class that was later deemed to be too inappropriate to be performed at school. Twenty years later, their friendship is so much sweeter — and they can still probably pull off that choreo (look our wedding dance floor). Megan met Vaughn when he and Danielle were visiting the Bay Area a few years ago. They picnicked in the park with friends and it was clear that Vaughn fit right in. Megan then got to see them (five adults and suitcases) head off to the airport in a mini cooper — it was less clear Vaughn fit here.
Cassidy McCombs
Bridesmaid
Cassidy and Danielle met the first day of the first semester of freshman year, in choir class. They took choir together every semester thereafter, and were in vocal conservatory together too. Danielle and Cassidy are now celebrating 16 years of friendship! Cassidy met Vaughn somewhere along the 101 in North County, San Diego, a little while before Danielle and Vaughn started dating. While the specifics are unknown, Cassidy’s first real memory of Vaughn was him visiting the restaurant she worked at in Carlsbad with mutual friends.