Marissa & Connor
Wedding Party
Liz & Joe Angeja
Mother & Father of the Bride
Joe and Liz have been together since high school, so their chapter book is manifold. My favorite story is one of two sneaky teenagers, beginning with Joe's neighbor's bike. He couldn't risk his dad noticing a missing car, so he made his way to Liz's house in the late night hour on a two-wheeler. Once there, Liz's parents were still awake. Improvising, he propelled a rope through her window on the 2nd floor. She tied it to her bedpost and Joe scaled the wall with a rose in his mouth. Since then, they have been married for 27 years and raised 3 kids together. These 800 characters are not enough to say how thankful I am to call them Mom and Dad. I cannot begin to describe their sacrifices, endless support, and unconditional love. It means everything to me to have them by my side on this day.
Julie & Bill Mengert
Mother & Father of the Groom
I must say my parents are pretty freaking awesome! These two are the most friendly, open, happy and funny people I know. Anytime I am home with them and my family I truly am having the time of my life. I am so proud and honored to call them my parents. They have been the best parents anyone could truly ask for. They managed to put five of us through college. I would not be where I am today without their love, support, guidance, and wisdom. They always taught us to work our hardest and that anything we we want can be ours with hard work, grit and determination. These two are the most loving and forgiving people you would ever meet and their love for each other is truly astounding. I strive to love Marissa the way my dad and mom love each other.
Katrina Angeja
Maid of Honor
Katrina is my older sister, best friend, and one of the strongest persons I know. She constantly amazes and inspires me throughout life. She finished undergrad at UCSB, received her MA in counseling from San Jose State University, and now as a mom to twins, Elijah and Theodore, she’s looking into law school. You can never be sure what Katrina will be up to next, but it’s guaranteed to be great. As a younger sister does, I’ve always tried to be like her. She is an amazing writer and because of that I found my own love for literature. I could never quite keep up with her adventure though; she is so daring and bold, maybe sometimes even reckless. Though one thing's certain, she's ALWAYS been there in times of need. But the best thing she has done for me is make me an Aunty on June 24, 2020.
Claudia (Soon to be Angeja!)
Bridesmaid
Claudia is my soon to be sister-in-law as my brother, Joey, recently proposed to her in Hawaii! I couldn't be any happier! We get along so well, sometimes too well for my brother's liking. (The two of us on a night out can be a little dangerous.) We immediately bonded over yoga, Jesus sandals, and just about anything that other's may deem a little hippie. Claudia is kind, silly, and a great dancer if you give her enough beer! I truly have fun anytime I am around her. She graduated from UCSC and is currently in an MBA program, all while she works from home, but her home is a fully renovated box truck on wheels. She and my brother took advantage of the SIP and have been traveling the country while working. If you want to know more about their adventures, just ask!
Kara Dome
Bridesmaid
Kara is not only my sister-in-law, but also a dear friend of mine. Because of her deep love for Connor, she definitely had to size me up upon our first meeting. But it was clear right away we were going to get along. We’ve since shared many laughs, late night dancing (ask us about the L’s), and even birthdays! She is ambitious, loving, quick-witted and always fun! She is a highlight of my trips down to Southern California. Somehow she has found the secret to work hard play hard as she preservers through school, work, and still makes time for fun with family and friends. Make sure you congratulate her on finishing her first semester of law school! Oh and did I mention she’s also currently a nurse, having graduated from UCLA? Like I said, she’s ambitious.
Haley Pedersen
Bridesmaid
Haley and I have been best friends since kindergarten, playing on all the same sports teams since then too. She's more of a sister if anything and we definitely fought like it growing up! That's just how close we are. We were inseparable in high school and did almost everything together, from sports to volunteering with special needs and even participating in every blood drive! Haley is a very hard worker, intelligent and not afraid to speak her mind. I'm always laughing when we are together. She graduated from UCSB and moved to D.C. where she pursued teaching, with a heart to work in the low income neighborhoods. She is passionate about education and equal opportunity for all. She has taught me so much and it is inspiring to watch her chase after her dream of helping.
Taylor Patneaud
Bridesmaid
Taylor is my oldest friend, going all the way back to the womb. Our parents were and still are best friends; to me, her dad is “Uncle Dave.” Because we’ve known each other for so long, there are so many great memories to recall. Growing up, Taylor and I have always been polar opposites. She is a tiny little thing, soft and sweet, with a fun edge in her often all black attire. Thanks to her, I experienced my first metal concert. As children, Uncle Dave would pick us up from school, take us to the grocery store, and let us each get a candy; Taylor always chose skittles or starburst, and I grabbed chocolate. But with all these differences, there are three important things we will always have in common, our love for Neil Young, pickles, and our families.
Natara Bjaranson
Bridesmaid
Natara and I first met at freshman orientation at SSU. We ended up in the same FLC (First-Year Learning Course). Ours was a year long shakespeare course. So don’t mind us when we crack jokes about 16th century kings and shrews. Natara and I quickly became close friends, bonding over a love for coffee, hiking, and jamming out to the best of the 90’s and 2000’s with the windows down. There are a lot of things that make Natara so cool, but one of my favorites is that she is an artist. She currently teaches at Prison Arts Collective in San Diego, where they focus on expanding the transformative power of art to CA prisons. Natara is outgoing and boisterous, unapologetically honest, and full of so much joy.
Lupita Figueroa
Bridesmaid
Lupita and I met a few years back leading a youth group called Young Life. After our first hangout (which was forced) we quickly realized we were soul sisters. Lupita is so funny, dependable, and a truly caring friend. At one point in my life, she pulled me out of a rut and had me move into her one bedroom apartment. This is only one example of how willing and ready to help she is. It's also why she would make a great police officer! She currently works for Sonoma County, but is pursuing her dream of serving as a police officer. From spontaneous road trips to SoCal, boat days on the lake, to building houses in Mexico, Lupita and I have shared amazing memories. She is so fun to be around and I promise you’ll get to meet her on the dance floor!
Blaine Mengert
Best Man
Blaine is my oldest brother and also my Best Man. He has been an amazing brother and my best friend growing up. As most brothers do we have had our fair share of fist fights, but I wouldn’t want to grow up punching anyone else (; I believe it’s always brought us closer. I grew up playing tennis with Blaine and was fortunate enough to get to play together at Sonoma State University. Since then, Blaine has picked up his Real Estate Brokers License and is working as Mortage guru at Mr. Cooper. Always manage to have a fun time together and I am proud to have him by my side on this special day.
Ryan Dome
Groomsman
Ryan, also known as R-Dog, is one of my younger brothers and a best bud all throughout growing up. He is currently studying business at Cal State Fullerton and I can't wait to watch him cross the stage soon enough. Ryan and I trekked across Europe summer of 17' crashing any pub in sight while also being sure to soak up the beauty of land. One of my fondest memories is of us posted up across one of the many canals and rivers throughout Europe sipping on regional beverages. When I recall these moments we are laughing with a local beer in hand and one of the best views before us. Ryan is adventurous and daring, ensuring we always have a fun time together. Love you dude!
Michael Dome
Groomsman
Michael is my youngest brother. He is currently a sophomore at Cal Baptist University in Riverside, CA where he hopes to become a pilot. In fact, in December, Michael received his private pilots license. We're all dying for him to fly us around the world one day. Michael is kind and often quiet, but don't let that deceive you from how silly and fun he can be. He is also a coffee aficionado and can probably tell you the best coffee spots in town, just ask! Stoked to have him as one of my groomsman.
Joey Angeja
Groomsman
Joey is Marissa’s older brother and I’m pretty lucky to get to call him my own as well now! He graduated from Cal Poly SLO for both his undergrad and his masters program, receiving a degree in computer engineering. He’s such a great guy, super smart, hard working, and genuinely cares for his friends and family. Not too long ago he bought himself a moving truck and renovated the entire thing to be his home on wheels, traveling the country while working remotely. Like I said, he’s a cool guy and I’m excited to have him standing by Marissa and me on the big day.
Christian Barrett
Groomsman
Christian and I go back to college. We first met at my brothers house sophomore year at SSU. We quickly became close like brothers navigating the ins and outs of college. Eventually we became roommates, making some great memories. We used to hustle the old folks at the Santa Rosa pickleball courts after a long day of classes. If we both had a free weekend we were typically heading into San Francisco to find the the coolest bars. Christian likes the spotlight, and he does well in it being that he's so amiable. He is a great conversationalist with anyone and always sneaking jokes in wherever he can. After graduation, Christian went back to NYC to work as a Client Associate at Meryll Lynch, where he is currently excelling. The big wedding day will also be a long over due reunion!
Huascar (Dave)
Groomsman
Huascar and I met our second year of college and we quickly hit things off! Don't ask us how we came up with the nickname Dave, because we aren't sure either! Christian, Dave and I were known around the dorms as the Dead Kooks, maybe that's a good story you could ask us about. Every night of sophomore year you could find us around campus on our skateboards and Christian's onewheel, definitely wreaking some kind of havoc! Whenever Dave and I are together we always manage to have a good time. He recently graduated from SSU with a business degree and now lives in the East Bay, working at better.com. Dave is a brother from another mother and so stoked for him to be one of my groomsmen.
Kim Ha Lumm
Flower Grandma
Here’s a photo of my grandma doing a dance because my grandpa was winning some money in the LRC dollar game we play at our annual Christmas party. This was a few years back. Kim can be silly and goofy like this, sometimes casually uttering jokes out of nowhere that cause the whole family to burst into laughter. She is courageous, strong, and a tad more than a bit stubborn. She had to be such a concoction of characteristics to escape Vietnam during the war with my grandpa. They came to America where they raised their 5 kids. Kim can be sweet and loving, but don’t let it fool you, she’ll give you a run for your money should you make a deck of cards appear. But even greater than her love for a good game of rummy, is her love for her family. I’m thrilled to have her be a part of my big day.
Elijah and Theodore
Ring Bearer
Theodore is an inquisitive goofball. He is currently working on his acrobatic skills where he swings from hair that is still attached to people's heads. Being the eldest of the two brothers, he is a natural-born pioneer, attempting to do everything before his younger brother. To make up for this, Elijah does things with the most intensity. If Theo was the first to jump in his jumper, Elijah was the first to turn it into a jack hammer. Theo may have been the first to start babbling, but now Elijah is well on his way to becoming a professional, heavy metal vocalist. They love cuddles, beards, and kisses. Theo's favorite food is his foot and Elijah's favorite food is Theo. Their favorite people in the world are Auntie Marissa and Uncle Connor.
Karl Tucker
Officiant
Karl and I lead a high school Young Life group in Healdsburg. He had been running the group for a long time, but I had joined him in my Sophomore year. We became great friends right away. Shortly after Connor and I began dating, I forced him to join the YL team. You see, I needed Karl to meet him, needless to say he approved. Karl and I are constantly fighting for the spotlight, though he tends to win being that he is over 6 feet tall. On top of that, he is loud and witty. He is quite the jokester and isn't afraid to be vulnerable. But above all else, Karl has a deep love for God that is truly inspiring. It is passionate and rooted in truth. Karl has helped guide the two of us through so much, including the decision to get married. We are so excited we get to share this big day with Karl.
Stephanie Schlink
Wedding Planner
This wedding day just might not be happening without my dear friend, Stephanie. She is amazing! From bridesmaid gifts to booking hotels and everything in between, Stephanie has been there for me. She and my mom are definitely soul sisters. Before she moved to Idaho, she and my mom were always running errands or grabbing lunch together and so in high school, I found myself tagging along on their dates. Stephanie is so much fun to be around, she is goofy, exciting, and full of confidence. On top of that, she is so creative and crafty, I am so lucky to have her by my side through all this planning. Even as a wife to Grant and mother to 16 year old Cosmo and almost 4 year old Anderson, Stephanie manages to promptly respond to my bombardment of panic questions. I can't wait to see her again!