Wedding Party
Katie Hobbs
Maid of Honor
Katie and I met over 20 years ago and we were both Social Workers and connected though our passion for making a difference and impact in the state of Arizona. I interviewed Katie for the first class for Emerge, a training program to walk women though everything they needed to know to run for office. It should not surprise anyone that Katies was and still is the Poster Child for Emerge. Katie went though the first class for Emerge and then was a board member and then the Executive Director. Katie always impressed me and everyone else with how much one person could multi-task. She could edit a document, attend a board meeting while directing her kids to do their homework and sew their clothes and make sure they ate their dinner. When life delt my family some hard times, Katie was always the one person I could depend on. When I ran for City Council, Katie was there every weekend. When she ran for office I was her driver. Not only were we there for each other for political races, we were also there for each other for other races, like 1/2 marathons, and triathlons. Whatever that big goal in life was, we could count on each other. We have celebrated the wins and also supported each other through challenges. Katie is the one person I could always reach out to when I needed someone to lean on. I couldn't imagine walking down the isle without Katie by my side. I am so blessed to have such an amazing person as my friend through all of lives ups and downs.
Geena DiFatta
Bridesmaid
Dana’s Little Sister. My little sister that I used to call me sissy Dana. If I would have had kids, Geena would have been the perfect daughter, let's face it, she certainly could have been my own daughter having been born when I was 21. I am so glad that my mom had an extra daughter later in life. Although Geena and I didn't grow up in the same home, she has certainly followed in my footsteps and accomplishes something I only dreamed of, to become a physical therapist. I was an age group swimmer, and Geena was an age group swimmer and then added water polo. We both raced in triathlon but I took it to a whole other level with being a 3 time Ironman finisher. One of my favorite races was a triathlon in Goleta and I really wanted to beat her, but she chased me down on the run. She beat me and I love that she did! She got married first and I finally decided I should settle down with a lifelong partner. Geena has two beautiful boys Kai and Gio who I adore along with her husband Garrett. I am so proud of my little sister and certainly wanted her to be right beside me on my wedding day.
Alden Mattingly-Dawson
Bridesmaid
Alden is Greg's youngest daughter and his joy and pride. I knew I was a special person in Greg's life when I got to meet Alden when she was finishing up 11th grade and going to be a senior in High School. There is a beautiful bond with Greg and Alden and it warms my heart to witness their special father daughter bond. Alden is smart, funny, hard working and loves life and excels in everything she does. I wanted Alden to be part of our wedding party as I know how important Greg's kids are in his life. They are his top priority but they are at an age where they have their own life but they know if they need anything we will be there to support them. It is a great time to watch Alden grow and mature and learn what she wants to do for a career as she enjoys life as a college student.
Scott Gohus
Best Man
Scott and I met while both training for different marathons in August of 2015. I was out for a run with a couple of friends and we happened to bump into Scott at a water break. Scott, who was running solo, asked if he could run with us and now, 9 years later, is my closest friend and my best man. Scott and I have done tons of adventures together including hiking Kilimanjaro (in 2022), various Grand Canyon trips, hundreds of spontaneous hikes, lots of training runs and gallons of post-workout coffee (black for me and some crazy sugary concoction for him). We refer to each other as "Lo Bros", which stands for "Local Brothers" and we could not be closer even if we were biological brothers. I think the world of him and I know he feels the same. From the very beginning, Scott has adored Dana and has been supportive of our relationship. I am honored to have him as my best man.
Brad Dawson
Groomsman
What can I say about my brother, Brad, who has always been there, always been supportive and genuinely wants the very best thing for me? Unlike most siblings, I never recall a moment when Brad and I were not close. Our entire life has been spent talking about important things and everyday mundane things. Yes, we have done our share of stupid things and grand adventures (sometimes, like riding the C&O canal were both) but our bond has always been there. I am honored to have him as one of my groomsmen.
Landon Mattingly-Dawson
Groomsman
I am extraordinarily proud of the man that Landon has become. From a very early age, it was clear that, if Landon was going to do something, he was "all in". He has an amazing drive and focus to determine what he wants and the wisdom to figure out how to get it. I am in awe of the person that he is becoming and know that great things await him. I am honored to have him as one of my groomsmen.