Lorelei Draper
Bridesmaid
My brain-meld buddy. Lorelei has so much heart, and is one of the most sincerely caring individuals I know. I’m hoping that heart will be big enough to finally let me win a cyclocross race later this year, but we’ll see. She is reliable and also fun loving, both a planner and a “live in the moment” sort of person. Her friendship has meant a lot to me. It’s been refreshing to have someone in my life I know I could count on for just about anything.
Lorelei and her partner, Jesse, live in SE Portland, OR racing bikes and cooking things from scratch with their free time. Lorelei works as a legal secretary two buildings down from my office, and waiting to shave her head until after my wedding.
Amanda Janney
Bridesmaid
When Amanda and I met, we were wearing the same hoodie. Since then, we’ve owned the same bikes, boots and more. Now, we even work for the same company. Amanda is a great person to go adventuring with. When hanging with Amanda, you’re bound to laugh so hard you cry. Her passion and will is admirable, and I’m lucky to have her as my pal.
Amanda shares an office with me at Google, working as a field marketing team lead. She recently ran a marathon on the same day I ran 3 miles.
Miriam Collada
Bridesmaid
Mimi is one of the most empathetic individuals I’ve ever known. She’s been there with me through it all. That don’t make her no softy though, as she’s recently started kicking bugt with kickboxing. Watching her grow from a whiny little sister into an adult has been a trip, and she manages to get wiser with each year.
Mimi lives in San Diego, CA doing in home behavioral therapy with children living with autism.
Will Hallet
Bridesmen
We started passing notes back and forth with each other in high school literature. We managed to keep ourselves entertained through the rest of high school. He is king of shenanigans, and someone with whom I share enough inside jokes to last a lifetime.
Willy currently lives in Portland, OR working as a massage therapist.
Matt Rahn
Groomsman
Matt is one of my oldest friends. We met each other in highschool and I remember realizing pretty early that while Matt rarely broke character from his irreverently ridiculous self he was one of the most “real” people I had ever met. Matt says what he thinks, but he rarely thinks poorly of good things. He doesn’t weigh you down with his needs or requirements. He’s the kind of friend who will always answer when you call after 6 months, and start talking like you see him every day.
Matt and his wife, Michelle, welcomed a new baby girl named Danielle into their family this last year.
Samir Belani
Groomsman
The first man I ever knew who regularly wore an ascot. Meeting Samir was like meeting myself from a WAY cooler dimension. I stole almost everything I know about fashion from Samir, and some of the more questionable things I know about romance. I feel like Jon Favreau to Samir’s Vince Vaughn when we have a chance to spend a night out on the town (see Swingers). Samir has shown me great moments, both to celebrate the mannered and unmannered parts of my personality.
Samir and his fiance Laura are getting married 2 weeks after us! Samir is studying at Law School in Southern California.
Krista Scruggs
Groomsmaid
No one has ever laughed more at my stupid jokes than Krista Scruggs. We originally met when we both worked for this small tech company in Southern California. Krista is probably the most accepting person I’ve ever met, but above that she is always ready to learn and grow. She brings incredible value to my life, showing me that one can have attitude and humility at the same time – bringing passion to life, yet openness to the unexpected.
Krista is doing crazy, awesome stuff all the time, everywhere.
Blake Hendsch
Groomsman
I’ve met a lot of great people in Portland. Some have come and gone, but Blake and I have only become better friends. Quickly I came to find out that while he can sometimes say things people don’t want to hear, in kind, he has a stomach to hear the hard thoughts about himself. Additionally, he is not one to turn his back on friends. He’s “cool headed” about things, and I don’t think I’ve seen him get actually upset over anything short of epic disaster. Our friendship is invaluable, and Blake has inspired in me a pursuit towards his conscientious calmness in life.
Blake and his partner, Emily, live in Portland OR with their two dogs Cody and Charlie. Blake is currently finishing his degree in Anthropology and is an expert in towel origami.