Wedding Party

BRIDE

SARAH

I’m originally from Los Angeles and when I was 9 my family moved to rural North Carolina.

I moved back to California for Stanford, where I spent four years unknowingly laying the groundwork for my future close relationships. I am part of the somewhat unlucky cohort of millennials who were ejected into the workforce at the worst possible time, so after college I went home to North Carolina to attempt to find a job and/or apply to grad school (I had studied Urban Planning but no one will actually let you design their urban centers without an advanced degree). Thankfully, I finally got a job offer in San Francisco, so I moved back to California and enjoyed my early twenties in the city before eventually moving to Oakland, which I have truly come to love.

I’m so thankful for my time in the Bay – it led to some incredible experiences, treasured friendships, and it led me to Michael 🙂

GROOM

MICHAEL

I grew up in a small town 45 minutes north of Seattle and spent a lot of time at my grandmother’s rural house in farm country that was outside one of the smallest towns in Washington state. I did well in school but never thought about going too far from home until it became apparent to me that going out of state for college gave me the best chance at the consulting career that I wanted. I had a full scholarship to the University of Washington, however, and I was happy to graduate from there, so I only applied to one out of state school: if I got accepted, I couldn’t say no, but if I didn’t, I would feel just fine about that.

I did get accepted, I did really enjoy living in California, and if I had never applied out of state, I don’t think I ever would’ve met Sarah. So I guess I have at least two lucky stars out there! The first let me meet Sarah. The second kept me from the consulting career I wanted, where I’d be away from home 4 days a week. Instead, I get to see Sarah every day!

the most fabulous of entourages!

TEAM BRIDE

CAROLE

Sarah and I overlapped briefly in college, but have since deepened our friendship over many years of Bay Area living, shared interests in food, culture, and travel, and Stanford and sorority alumni gatherings and events. I didn’t know I would be witnessing history when Sarah and I ventured to that swanky SF happy hour where we met Michael, but I have been so honored to see their relationship grow and blossom over the years and am looking forward to celebrating with them in April!

TEAM GROOM

NATHALIE

Hello! I grew up in Miami, number five of ten siblings. I enjoy running marathons and racing in triathlons and because it’s the first rule of Crossfit, I have to mention that as well!

 I have been lucky enough to have Michael in my life for over 20 years, and I love to describe him as my Paris friend 😊

Michael and I met while we were studying abroad in Paris and we became instant friends!  We stayed in contact over the years, and I was very excited when he moved to the Bay Area from Seattle where our friendship only grew. I am very excited to welcome Sarah into the extended family.

And P.S…  I love Taco Bell as well!!

TEAM BRIDE

ROSIO

Sarah and I met at a Sorority retreat, we had one conversation and I knew Sarah was going places and I needed to go with her. So I made sure to keep in contact with her and the first invite I got to Dubai was a 100% yes! Even tho I was like 5th choice. We went to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and if you follow us on Instagram you know that in 17 years of friendship we’ve gone completely around the world, literally! I’ll be happy to help anyone with Spanish translations (all things Mexico), gift recommendations, travel plans, outfits and selfies or pictures the day of the event.

TEAM BRIDE

CHERRIE

Sarah and I became friends our freshman year in the esteemed halls of Ujamaa. Instantly smitten by my radiant humility and remarkable ability to bulldoze through her personal boundaries, little did Sarah know that once she realized what she had signed up for in our friendship, the return window had long slammed shut. Over the years we’ve shared countless successes and shenanigans and today I’m honored to be her bridesmaid, forever reminding her of the fine print she overlooked and how I will always take credit that my lack of  boundaries left the door open for love to come in…literally with Michael. I’m so proud!

OFFICIANT

INDIA

Sarah and I met during her Freshman year at Stanford where I was on staff in Ujamaa as a Junior. Initially bonding over having very similar mothers with the same name, we later became line sisters, crossing STP in 2006! I swear I didn’t think she was going to make the cut lol yet she became the most consistent and loyal sister you could imagine. Over the years, never thinking my very random lifestyle would ever mesh with such a meticulous planner, Sarah has been apart of many pivotal moments. Whether a financial advisor, a travel concierge or simply light in a dark place, her calm sensibility and fancy budget spreadsheets have made me a better person! I am so grateful for this opportunity to give back in a small way by officiating this very special union with Michael!

TEAM BRIDE

RACHAEL

Sarah and I met at Stanford University and became sorority sisters and close friends, bonding over late night spicy soup, chicken wings, and potstickers from our dorm’s cafeteria. Over the course of our decade and a half of friendship we’ve been on countless adventures and celebrated so many milestones together. (Who else would brave their fears and take me ziplining in Costa Rica for my 30th birthday?!) It’s been so much fun watching the love between Sarah and Michael flourish and I’m thrilled to get to be a part of celebrating their next chapter together!

TEAM BRIDE

RISHA

Sarah was my pledge educator for Sigma Theta Psi Sorority at Stanford. During the process, I was impressed by her honesty and integrity. After graduating and settling in San Francisco, Sarah and I went out on the town like there was no tomorrow. 12 years later, I have leaned on her and have celebrated every major life event with her. I look forward to celebrating Sarah and Michael in 2024!

TEAM GROOM

JOSH

Josh and Michael have been close friends since high school! They would meet up in empty classrooms and do their advanced math homework together. Usually Michael would listen to music on his CD player and Josh often was solving engineering problems. The have remained friend for over 25 years and Josh is very excited to celebrate this next chapter in Michael’s life.

TEAM BRIDE

LEXI

While Sarah and I met at Stanford University, we did not start our sisterhood until after college.  Our gchats about work turned into trip planning which evolved into traveling around the world and building a strong friendship based on authenticity and realness. I am so honored to be in her circle and her light.

TEAM BRIDE

WHITNEY

Sarah and I attended Stanford together but lost touch for a while until she randomly started talking to me one day and I was like you guys what is even happening? She even wanted to meet, and get this, in person! But eventually I caved and started chatting back and now she is stuck helping me book my travel until the end of time. As a compromise, I have agreed to stop adding children to the number of people in the travel itinerary. You’re welcome Sarah.

We are thrilled to have so many of our loved ones and favorite people gathered together celebrate the love we’ve found together! We deeply appreciate all the kind words, and well wishes, and gifts that our amazing community has sent our way from near and far.

TEAM BRIDE

KAREN

I first met Sarah as the effortlessly cool upperclassman who lived across the hall from me at Ujamaa dorm at Stanford University. It was her unapologetically loud blasting of an NSYNC song that lured me in; it was her incredibly kind and warm demeanor that made me admire her and later, consider pledging Sigma Theta Psi sorority. Though I was extremely petrified of Sarah during my sorority pledge process, I am proud to report that 16 years later, I can laugh at the idea of ever being afraid of such a gentle person! I am grateful for 16 years of memories–domestic and international trips, passing my driver’s test (on the third try), many sorority sleepless nights, candid convos about standards and life…all over some bougie cheese and wine. I am thrilled to be a close part of such a special day for her and Michael and I, too, can help with Spanish translations and cute insta-worthy photo opps.

family

BRIDE’S MOM

LEISA

GROOM’S MOM

LENA

BRIDE’S DAD

ALFRED

BRIDE’S BROTHER

AVERY

GROOM’S SISTER

LAURIE