The Preserve McMinnville

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Blame It on Coaching (and Our Grandfathers)

Geriane and Brandt both found their way back to Oregon after a few years of life lessons, growing pains, and adventures—Geriane returning from California and Brandt from Nevada. Though their paths were different, they arrived at the same realization: home was where family was. In the summer of 2023, fate started connecting the dots. Geriane was finding her coaching rhythm again at her alma mater, Century High School, while Brandt was doing the same at Tigard High School. Bonding over their shared love for coaching, familiar upbringings, and big hearts for the people they mentor, they connected instantly—and fell in love hard and fast. That fall, during football season, Geriane met Brandt’s grandmother, Constance. Along with Brandt’s mom, Michelle, she shared stories of living in the Philippines—where Geriane was born—and of her late husband, Steve, and his service there. The timing of those stories lined up perfectly with the years Geriane’s grandfather, Gener, and other family members were serving in law enforcement and the military. Then came November 10, 2023—the 17th anniversary of Gener’s passing. Geriane showed Constance a photo of her and her grandfather, and in an emotional moment neither expected, Constance recognized him immediately. Tears flowed as she confirmed that Gener had been a dear friend of Steve’s. From that night on, Geriane and Brandt were convinced their grandfathers had something to do with bringing them together. A little love, a little destiny, and two grandfathers clearly pulling strings from above—and they nailed it. Sometimes the universe is subtle… and sometimes it’s very obvious.

Our Story

Alexis and Geriane's friendship is one that you don't see often, they have been bestfriends for over 17 years after meeting in 5th grade. Since then they have been by each other's side for every single milestone you could think of. From using their landline to ask each other who their teacher is for the next school year, to every soccer team, to every school dance, to being in each other's weddings. Regardless of distance or time apart they will continue to be by each other's side for as long as time allows.

Alexis Hakkila

Aubrey is what Geriane calls her, "first child." With their ten year age gap, Geriane's role blended between the role of older sister, bestfriend, and mother. Moving away for college was easily the hardest thing Geriane has ever had to do, knowing her little sister was back home in Oregon. She ultimately moved back refusing to miss any more milestones of her sister's life. Everything Geriane does is motivated by being a good role model for Aubrey. Geriane jokes that Aubrey is a "copy and paste" version of herself, but much kinder and smarter!

Aubrey Mangune

If anybody understands Geriane, it is Brittany. Geriane and Brittany met in high school through volleyball, and truly are the same person, just in a different font. They often say the same thing at the same exact time, have the same mannerisms, and could honestly finish each other's sentences if they tried. They have not only bonded through playing volleyball, but they have also bonded through coaching together. Their club coach always joked that they were, "attached at the hip," and Geriane knows they always will be.

Brittany Sanders

There is no person more loyal than Maddy. Geriane and Maddy have been friends since high school, and never let any time apart change their friendship. Every time they saw each other, they picked back up like no time had passed. Maddy decided to join Geriane in California, and it was some of the most memorable years of their lives. They both learned so much about themselves and each other being far away from home, but stayed true to each other's friendship throughout every growing pain you can experience in your early 20's.

Madeline Jump

Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang, but at a law firm and not an operating room. Geriane met Kaitlyn at work at a law firm in California. Being the only employees in their 20's at the firm, they quickly bonded and not seeing each other almost every day felt wrong. Geriane always had Kaitlyn to help ground her when she was going crazy, and Geriane would remind Kaitlyn that life is short and nothing is ever that serious (in your early 20's). Even though they no longer work together, they are still bonded in a way that will stay with Geriane forever.

Kaitlyn Monck

Brittney and Geriane met through mutual friends in California, and came out closer than you'd ever imagine! They witnessed a tumultuous friend group fall apart and true colors show. Within that time, they realized that their friendship and understanding of each other is something that needs to be cherished. Brittney and Geriane would spend hours venting to each other when it felt like no one in the world understood them, and they truly kept each other sane when everyone else tried to tell them they weren't. 

Brittney Baisden

Bridesmaids

Joe Murche - Best ManJoe and Brandt’s friendship is one built on loyalty, time, and brotherhood. They met in 2009 playing on the same Tigard Double-A Little League baseball team, but their bond truly grew when they reunited on the same team again their freshman year of high school. From that point on, they have been inseparable. Brandt has two brothers, so choosing a best man was no easy decision, but choosing Joe felt no different than choosing family. Throughout college, distance, time, and even their universities’ bitter rivalry never stood a chance against their friendship. Joe has always been someone Brandt could count on seeing whenever he came home from college or back from a coaching opportunity, always showing up with the same loyalty and support he’s given since day one. To Brandt, Joe isn’t just a best friend, he’s home.

Bryce Goetz - GroomsmanBryce and Brandt’s friendship is one that was written into their story from the very beginning, because Bryce is Brandt’s younger brother. Since Bryce was born in 2002, Brandt has had a front-row seat to watching someone with one of the biggest hearts he knows grow into the man he is today, a trait he proudly says Bryce gets from their mom. Growing up, the two definitely had their fair share of bickering and fights, but as the years went on, those moments turned into mutual respect and admiration for one another. Bryce has become one of Brandt’s biggest supporters, both in his coaching journey and in his walk with Christ, inspiring him daily through his own faith and selflessness. Bryce was someone for Brandt to look to through the hard times and was a constant reminder to be a man of Good News and hope. Bryce isn’t just Brandt’s brother; he’s one of his best friends. Brandt is endlessly grateful to be his older brother.

Austin Goetz - GroomsmanAustin and Brandt’s bond began the day Austin was born in 2004, when Brandt’s parents decided to add another teammate to the family. At first, Austin was the little brother that Brandt and Bryce could recruit to their side during their childhood bickering, but as time passed, that playful rivalry turned into something much deeper. Growing up, Austin didn’t just grow alongside his brothers, he grew up quickly, and Brandt found himself stepping into a role that was more than just big brother when their parents separated. Being there for Austin during those years built a strong and loving connection that only grew stronger with time. Brandt has always been proud to play a part in helping raise him, and today he doesn’t just see Austin as his little brother, he sees him as a young man he deeply respects and will always stand beside, especially now being on the same Portland State football team #GoViks!

Kilian McNichol - GroomsmanKilian and Brandt’s friendship is one that has always been rooted in family, because Kilian is Brandt’s cousin on his dad’s side. Since Kilian was born in 2001, their bond has grown through the years despite living states apart, with most of their childhood memories being made during holidays that were always more fun whenever Kilian was around. Outside of family gatherings, some of their best memories were made at the NASCAR Phoenix Raceway, listening to the Beastie Boys with Brandt’s brothers, and making the kind of moments you never forget growing up. As they’ve gotten older, Brandt has come to appreciate the man Kilian has become, and he jokingly says Kilian must be the luckiest guy alive because every time they go to the casino, Kilian always seems to win. Whether Kilian is Brandt’s good luck charm or the other way around, one thing is certain: Brandt loves him dearly and is grateful to have him not just as family, but as a lifelong friend.

John Keller - GroomsmanJohn and Brandt’s friendship started in the summer of 2018 at the University of Oregon, when John was a wide receiver on the team and happened to share the same workspace as Brandt before fall camp began. At first, they both secretly thought they couldn’t stand each other, mostly because neither of them knew why the other was in their shared office. That all changed one day when their mutual friend Terrell struck up a conversation and discovered they were both die hard Patriots fans, which instantly made them inseparable. Once they realized they also shared a love for Star Wars, it felt like meeting a long lost brother from another time, or maybe another galaxy. The following season they both worked as student coaches and even shared an apartment, creating some of their favorite memories together. Brandt had the honor of being John’s best man at his wedding four years ago, and he couldn’t imagine his own wedding day without John standing beside him. To Brandt, John isn’t just a friend, he’s family.

Conner Feeney - GroosmanConner and Brandt’s friendship is one that feels like it has always been there. Growing up, they were always around each other through Tigard youth sports, sharing football practices in the same program, despite being on different teams. What started as familiar faces on the field turned into a true brotherhood in high school when they grew closer through their shared fandom of Star Wars and participating in YoungLife events and leadership, building both their friendship and their faith side by side. Even with Conner being a year younger and heading off to college in a different state, distance and time never weakened their bond; if anything, it made it stronger. Conner is one of the smartest and hardest-working people Brandt knows, and he feels incredibly lucky to call him family and to have him standing beside him on such an important day.

Groomsmen

Lodging

If you are looking to stay in McMinnville, you can find the best local lodging below: <a href="https://visitmcminnville.com/stay/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://visitmcminnville.com/stay/</a> This link lists local AirBnBs as well as major hotel chains.

Air Travel

For those flying in from out of state to attend this event, we cannot even begin to express how thankful we are for your efforts to be present on this day. The closest international airport to McMinnville, is the Portland International Airport (PDX). <a href="https://www.flypdx.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.flypdx.com/</a>

Travel

Things to Do

Photos

Registry

Leave us a voicemail

We are creating an audio keepsake that has recorded messages from friends and family as a celebration of our wedding. We'd love to hear your voice talking about a special time you shared with us, or share your favorite toast, tribute, or let us know your best marriage advice! You can simply dial 1-800-437-3009 and when prompted enter invitation number 102292. <a href="https://lifeonrecord.com/new-invitation/?eid=72da2f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click this link to read a special welcome message and for some caller tips.</a>

Brandt & Geriane

Brandt & Geriane

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