Karen & James
Wedding Party
Nancy Martinez
Maid of Honor
Mimicking the lift from dirty dancing, Laughing till they are crying and drinking micheladas, these two were born Cousins and Best Friends (except when they were kids when she and Jan would ignore her and watch wrestling -_- ) 37 years later, these two act just like they did as children when you get them together.
Ashley Rhamy
Bridesmaid
Friends since freshman year of high school in 94', these two have been asked if they were twins more then once (weird since Ashley is almost 6 feet tall & blonde). Ashley is a sister from another mother, who brought the magic of country music into her life!! Karen couldn't be more grateful for this crazy momma.
Kate Franklin
Officiant & Bridesmaid
Met while in 2005, in a news writing class at CSULB. They discovered they had the same late night hobbies, they both loved to dance their faces off at club LAX. From that point on, they were two parts of a fierce sisterhood-foursome. Kate (katie, to karen) is the ride or die friend who is always down for any adventure....Even becoming an Officiant and marrying Karen & James. <3
Cecilia Gorog
Bridesmaid
Neither can remember the exact moment they met at CSULB, sometime in 2005, however, they have multiple memories over the years that have shaped their lives and friendship. Karen was the constant third-wheel (before James) at Cecilia's and her husband Bryan's downtown loft. Their couch was her second bed!
Natalie Eckhardt
Bridesmaid
Bonding over Media Law, 49'er muffins & energy drinks at CSULB is how they became close over 13 years ago. From then till now, these two have shared in memories of weddings, babies, graduations and all kinds of amazing celebrations. She rounds out the 4th person in the long beach crew <3
Sarah Anderson
Bridesmaid
The two C's...Country Music & Cats - these two were destined to be great friends and they have Cecilia to help for that. Since Cecilia has been friends with Sarah since high school, she was kind enough to share her feline-loving friend. You can likely find these two at a country concert near you!
James Owens
Best Man
My cousin and my brother from another mother — James (aka "Jimmy O.") is Brittany's and my big brother! Sadly, he and I don't live as close as we used to (sorry, Jimmy O., no more late-night pints at the Four Courts!), but he and his family are always very close to my heart and always in my thoughts. Jimmy O. is also the funniest and smartest guy I've ever met. He's always been a role model for me, and I've grown so much thanks to Jimmy O! Super stoked you're my best man, bro!
Geoff Anderson
Groomsman
Geofferson and I have been friends sine I joined SHIFT as his colleague in late 2013. A genuine polymath — I thought I knew a lot about a lot of things... until I met Geoff! He and I bonded over many spirited conversations spanning history, economics, technology, business, booze, etc., etc., ad infinitum. I count Geoff as one of my closest friends (not to mention his lovely fiancé, Jenn!)
John McPherson
Groomsman
John is one of my dearest friends. Our friendship began after we met as colleagues at Virgin Mobile USA back in 2009 (time flies!) He is one of the wittiest and most cultured guys I know, and has an insight and a perspective that I find refreshing and of which I'm very envious (i.e., every time I talk to him I'm reminded of how smart this dude is). I'm super proud to call John and his lovely wife Tina my friends!
John Kapral
Groomsman
John and I became fast friends after he joined Brand Networks as my colleague. Instantly like finding a brother, John and his lovely wife Kelly are good friends of ours, and we've enjoyed a ton of great times together, including overseas travel. John is the life of the party, witty as hell, and extremely animated (in a good way!) Super stoked that Kappy Van Winkle is part of my wedding party!
Chris Lorenz
Groomsman
Chris is one of my closest friends! I first met Chris after he hired me at SHIFT, and I'm very grateful for his doing so as he and I became fast friends thanks to that company (along with Geoff and Kapral from my wedding party). Chris is one of the most insightful guys I know. A guy of many diverse hobbies and interests, I've grown a lot thanks to Chris. Although it's a bummer that he and his lovely wife Jess don't live just down the street from me anymore, I'm incredibly glad that I still get to see him almost every day at work, and I'm very stoked he's part of my wedding party.
Brittany Biggs
Groomswoman
Brittany (aka Brittles or Ittles) is my little sister, my best friend, and a truly amazing person! She's the gifted Biggs! An excellent entrepreneur, an amazing artist and animator, and the best sister anyone could have, I'm so incredibly grateful for Brittany, and when I grow up, I want to be just like her! :) Brittany and I have been close since day one, despite my being a huge pain in the ass sometimes. She and my awesome brother in law, Jeff, are two of my most favorite people, and I'm so happy she's an integral part of our special day!
James Galvan
Greeter
James is one of my closest friends. I first met Galvan at SHIFT, and we got to be buddies early on, and we've been close ever since. Galvan is one of the best engineers with whom I've had the pleasure to work. He is also one of the most thoughtful and caring people I know. James will always be there when you need him, and he really defines the word "loyalty." He and I have shared a lot of laughs (often over a beer) throughout the years, and I look forward to many more. I'm incredibly proud that James is playing a special part in our special day!