Wedding Party
Lindsey Petersen
Maid of Honor
Lindsey has been my best friend for the last 25 years. We've stood by each other through all of life's ups and downs including the incident where she drew all over my Barbie's face with a Sharpie and the trying times after I decided to get a bob haircut.
Isaac Wilkerson
Best Man
Isaac "Ike" Wilkerson won the prestigious title of best man for a variety of reasons. Genetics are important and Wilkerson's run from a strong bloodline. However, it could have been the training he and Sam went through to become professional wrestlers, the constant beatings on athletic courts he handed down to Sam (prior to Sam's growth spurt), or the fact he taught him a major life lesson: smell food before you eat it. Ike's been a true champion of big brothers and his loyalty has never wavered.
Haley Stanton
Bridesmaid
Haley was my first friend in high school, and is undeniably the better half of the Haley² duo. She ate lunch with me on my first day of public school when I was very concerned that I might have to eat in the bathroom Mean Girls style. Haley has survived being my Driver's Ed partner and The Great Jet Ski Crash of 2007. She even took a 13 hour train ride to California for me not once but twice. She is one of my most easy going and resilient friends .
Danny Fox
Groomsman
Danny "Foxy D" Fox and Sam enjoyed an instant connection over music and sports. In fact, it was while on the football team they discovered their shared interest in music. Their first hangout was after a football practice in which they chose to practice singing Howie Day's "Collide". That opened Pandora's box for musical stardom for the two. They went on to record 9 duo tracks along with a solo track each as "Essential" in 2008. It was a rigorous journey that led to Sam 'essential'ly living with Danny for a large portion of that time. Their friendship has continued long after the farewell tour of their Christian rap-pop group.
Justina Rothenburg
Bridesmaid
We met in remedial math in grad school and have been bad influences on each other ever since. Justina has run multiple marathons. In a feat of even greater mental strength, she lived directly above a cookie bakery that was open 24/7 for over a year and didn’t gain 300 pounds. Her self-discipline knows no bounds.
Trevor Suttor
Groomsman
Trevor "The Great One" Sutter has known Sam since middle school. However, they didn't begin hanging out until Sam's Freshman year. To this day they still hold a record for consecutive nights spent together on a first hangout of 17 straight days/nights. Trevor happens to also hold the record in nearly everything else sporting related. He's easily beat Sam the most out of anyone at anything (ping pong, basketball, pool, golf, running, etc.) of all time - you don't earn the nickname "The Great One" by just being average. He's also been an even better friend over the years.
Jess Bello
Bridesmaid
When I met Jess we both still had flip phones without GPS - not because we met in the 90's, but because we are both perpetually behind the times. We once tried to find a Barnes and Noble using a map and got so lost that we ended up in the wrong state, turned around and went home. Our friendship was solidified when she needed a document, and instead of a filing system, she pulled out a shoe box labeled "Important Things" which did, in fact, house all of her important things.
Chad Wright
Groomsman
Chad "Chewy" Wright deserves praise for more than just introducing Sam to the best yard game of all time - sling ball. Chad and Sam have been friends since high school. They spent many nights in their past staying up late. Whether it be from video games or binge watching a whole season of Bad Girls Club, these guys knew how to have a good time. They've shared many stories and life experiences while having a nice Oregon burrito. They've spent many hours watching NFL RedZone and enjoying sports together, as well. Chad's always willing to listen and is there when you need him, and it's only right he's there on Sam's big day.
Kallie Terrana
Bridesmaid
I capsized a kayak with Kallie in it. I also almost spilled a whole glass of orange juice on her wedding dress . She still agrees to go kayaking with me, and she still let me stand by her at her wedding. If that's not a true friend, I don't know what is.
John Inskeep
Groomsman
John "Johnny" Inskeep is a true gem of a man. He's just always been there. Literally, one day he just showed up and never left. He's loyal to the core and also has one of the larger bottoms when it comes to groomsmen. Although John can have his impulsive moments of just wanting to jump up and accidentally smash something playing around; he still ends up smashing the role of being a great friend. It is only right to have Johnny up there. He's truly one of a kind and Sam is grateful for him.
Leah Petersen
Bridesmaid
While I still had a flip phone, Leah was learning about bitcoin. She turned $20 into a Disney Land vacation. Our whole family really bat out of our league when my brother married Leah.
Lucas Armenta
Groomsman
Lucas "Swan" Armenta has quite an impressive resumé. He was part of the cast of Claggett Creek's show-stopping production of "Guys & Dolls" in 2002. He had a tremendous knack for the stage. He also was a model for Scottie Pippen Skins basketball shoes at the same time. Furthermore, Lucas took home the "Best Biceps" award on the bus ride to McNary High School for a theater field trip. This makes Lucas' accomplishment of graduating law school seem expected despite the impressiveness of it all. Lucas is genuine and kind. Sam will enjoy having him by his side, despite the fact Lucas still has his water bottle.
Ashley Fryer
Bridesmaid
Ashley was the first person I met in Charlotte, NC when I joined TFA. Our first conversation went as follows: *Introductions followed by semi-awkward silence* Ashley: "Are you normally very social?" Me: "Oh yes, sorry! I have been on a plane all day, and I had to get up early. I'm just kind of tired." Ashley: "No! I didn't mean it like that. I just asked, because I'm usually not." We have enjoyed participating in (anti)social activities together ever since.
Tommy Weeks
Groomsman
Thomas "Tommy" "Bjørn" "Kinkade" Weeks was a founding member of the "Wolfpack" in the early 2010's in Keizer, Oregon. This is where Tommy's passion and motivational speaking began to flourish. His famous quote of "No man left behind" still inspires us all to this day. Although Tommy and Sam knew each other in middle school, it wasn't until later in life when they really connected. Sam was part of the recruiting process to get Tommy to play football in high school, but the pressure of being dubbed a "future D-1 tight end" at such a young age was a lot to handle. Tommy already had mounting pressure as being dubbed "The Natural" for his fluid golf swing. Tommy has been a reliable and consistent friend despite all of the expectations placed on him.
Britta Berg Johansen
Bridesmaid
Britta and I once took a relationship compatibility test on a dating website. We were a 99% match. Though it took me moving to California to meet her, Britta is Salem born and bred. I think it's coincidental that my two true soulmates are originally from Salem-Keizer.
Ryan Miller
Groomsman
Ryan "MiLLaHh" Miller actually knew Sam's older brother Isaac, prior to Sam. However, Ryan growing up near Trevor, which led to a natural merger of friendships. Ryan tends to frequently show up and show out. He's been a very consistent friend to Sam over the years. Nobody knows how to focus during competition like Ryan, but at the same time can cut lose and have fun when it's over. From back in the day of Sam riding with Ryan to hoop league games singing Miley Cyrus, to talking sports, and more recently careers, Sam is happy to have Ryan by his side. He also truly has the best beard around.
Natalie Parmenter
Bridesmaid
Natalie was my roommate in Charlotte. In our first conversation, she said she wasn't sure if we could live together, because she doesn't like dogs. She later taught my dog how to go down the slide in Freedom Park and often chose him to go get fries and a milkshake with instead of me.
Ben Petersen
Groomsman
Benjamin "Benj" "Ben" Petersen is Sam's FITspiration and Haley's brother. In addition to his body building and financial skills, he's also a great father and brother. He was Haley's first best friend, and he didn't ditch his brotherly roles even when Haley was living up to the most embarrassing little sister title - like the time she made one of Ben's friends cry by lecturing him for playing too rough with swords and hitting her big brother or the time that, at the ripe old age of 4, Haley tried to kiss his friend in the sandbox. Both Ben and Haley have grown and matured since then, but their sibling bond is just as strong.
Kayley Broyles
Bridesmaid
Kayley is my cousin, but she's more like an extra sister. We once joined a running club together, got lost, took an Uber back, and asked our driver to drop us off a few blocks away so we could save face and jog it in. Kayley is known for many things, among them, her Southern accents and Irish dancing skills.
Jacob Wilkerson
Groomsman
Jacob "Jake" Wilkerson is one of the most meaningful people in Sam's life. Despite being his nephew Sam still tends to think that Jake would win the "cool" title out of all the guys. Jake is growing up rapidly and is a joy to be around. He makes his family proud and is well-deserving of being up there on his Uncle's wedding day. Jake enjoys sports, video games, and of course, any form of processed sugar. He likes fast cars and freedom.