Michener Family Farm

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Rehearsal Dinner

Our Wedding

The beginning of our&nbsp;story&nbsp;is like many others: fortuitous,&nbsp;and&nbsp;socially&nbsp;awkward.&nbsp;


As&nbsp;young, near-freshmen at the&nbsp;University of&nbsp;Washington, Makenna and I chose to live in a close, Christian community called Vision 16.

Eli Blankers, one of the men's house presidents and my soon-to-be roommate, arranged for a weekend where he and I could meet and hangout. Since he and I had never met, it was a little weird, so Eli took me to one of the ladies' houses to hangout with some friends. 

The friends just happened to be Janessa, Makenna and Savanna Hoffard. Janessa lived in U District and Makenna and Savanna were visiting&nbsp;that weekend to see their newborn&nbsp;nephew Elliot Turner. Makenna, I learned, was also going to be a Freshman at UW, and living in the Vision 16. We immediately formed a connection through laughs, jokes, and common interests (aka, Gameboy, LOTR, Star Wars, etc.).


Once the school year&nbsp;began, we spent a lot of time together, as Makenna would come over to hang out with Eli Blankers &nbsp;in my room at the 17 Ave House. Through conversation,&nbsp;video games, homework, movies, and tv shows, we deepened our friendship, which&nbsp;grew into something more. 

How We Met

It wasn't long until&nbsp;Makenna and I realized we wanted to date one another, though&nbsp;we were still the last ones in the Vision 16 community to figure it out.&nbsp;Just basing that off of how many "Well finally" reactions we got.&nbsp;
Since the Hoffard siblings&nbsp;have a funny, accidental trend of "relationship traditions" I decided to ask Makenna to be my girlfriend on January 5th, the same day that Matt Turner asked Breanna Hoffard (now Turner) on their first&nbsp;date.&nbsp;
(It is here that I'll point out that, while I asked Makenna to be my girlfriend in January, we had already gone on a number of dates together at&nbsp;Vision 16 events, as well as gone on some long walks to talk. Makenna says these dates didn't count, and that I asked her to be my girlfriend before&nbsp;we dated. I disagree. Politely.)
I asked her at 12:05 AM&nbsp;near her house, and we were kind of both shocked that I asked it. She said yes, and I was really happy, and couldn't get to sleep for at least another two hours (much to my dismay the next morning). Worth it.

Making it Official

So, I'd like to point out that this was a&nbsp;meticulously planned proposal. Every detail accounted for, every contingency prepared. And yet, it all went to heck-of-a-lot-crazier-than-expected in a handbasket.&nbsp; I'd arranged for my family&nbsp;and Makenna's family&nbsp;to meet at my brother Caleb's house on October 7th,&nbsp;where he and his&nbsp;wife&nbsp;Olivia graciously offered to host an engagement&nbsp;party for us.&nbsp; Makenna and I were headed to her sister Breanna's house to babysit her nephew and nieces, Elliot, Jade, and Lucy Turner, and help them take photos with their dad/photographer&nbsp;Matt. This wouldn't have been the first time Makenna and I&nbsp;had babysat and been paid with&nbsp;a photo session, so Makenna wasn’t too suspicious. Because of this Makenna and I were able to be alone, in a nice area, with a professional photographer, with a nonchalant excuse to be there. Excellent. Both the engagement party at the Thompson's and the photoshoot with the Turner's was planned weeks in advance. The rain, however, was not.&nbsp;As we were driving out to take photos it started raining. Not heavy rain, mind&nbsp;you, but enough that I suspected all was not going to go as planned. We began to execute Plan B&nbsp;(wait in the parking lot until the rain stopped), but then parking lot at&nbsp;the park we had been planning on going to&nbsp;was full&nbsp;of&nbsp;people. We then&nbsp;switched to Plan C, which was finding *any* other pretty spot so that we could see. After driving around for awhile,&nbsp;Matt found a trailhead that led to a fantastic spot by a river. So for everyone wondering where we took the engagement photos... we literally have no idea.By this time the Turner kids were not the happiest bunch,&nbsp;but were sated&nbsp;via the calming power of&nbsp;fruit snacks. Once we snapped a few photos of the young trio, Makenna and I got some of our "regular couple photos", wherein the dropping-to-one-knee-ness ensued.

Popping the question

Makenna is deep into her studies at the&nbsp;University of&nbsp;Washington School of Law, and will graduate with her JD in 2020. I would say she is excited for where her current&nbsp;busy-ness will take her in her future business,&nbsp;but maybe that's two tense (pause for the double-pun).&nbsp;In all seriousness, Makenna is very excited for what God has in store for her career and I couldn't be more proud of her.

I myself am graduating in June of 2018, only weeks before the wedding. I will finish my undergraduate studies at UW&nbsp;with a bachelor's degree in Applied Physics, and a minor in Applied Mathematics. I am looking forward to potential position in data analysis or research, but ultimately would like to teach high school-level physics or math (I am&nbsp;hoping contribute to the *positive* math experiences a person&nbsp;has in their life, of which there are dreadfully too few).











We both will be in the Seattle area for a couple years yet and are excited to see where God's plan takes us!

Plans for the future

Our Story

The beginning of our&nbsp;story&nbsp;is like many others: fortuitous,&nbsp;and&nbsp;socially&nbsp;awkward.&nbsp;

As&nbsp;young, near-freshmen at the&nbsp;University of&nbsp;Washington, Makenna and I chose to live in a close, Christian community called Vision 16.





Eli Blankers, one of the men's house presidents and my soon-to-be roommate, arranged for a weekend where he and I could meet and hangout. Since he and I had never met, it was a little weird, so Eli took me to one of the ladies' houses to hangout with some friends.





The friends just happened to be Janessa, Makenna and Savanna Hoffard. Janessa lived in the University District at the time, and Makenna and Savanna were visiting&nbsp;that weekend to see their newborn&nbsp;nephew Elliott Turner. Makenna, I learned, was also going to be a Freshman at UW, and living in the Vision 16. We immediately formed a connection through laughs, jokes, and common interests (i.e.:&nbsp;Star Wars, Lord of the Rings,&nbsp;Nintendo,&nbsp;etc.).





Once the school year&nbsp;began, we spent a lot of time together, since&nbsp;Makenna would often come over to hang out with Eli Blankers in my room at the 17th Ave House (pictured above). Through conversation,&nbsp;video games, homework, movies, and tv shows, we deepened our friendship, which&nbsp;grew into something more.

It wasn't long until&nbsp;Makenna and I realized we wanted to date one another, though&nbsp;we were&nbsp;the last ones in the Vision 16 community to figure it out.&nbsp;This conjecture was based on how many&nbsp;"Well FINALLY" reactions we got. Since the Hoffard siblings&nbsp;have an interesting, accidental trend of "relationship traditions"&nbsp;I decided to ask Makenna to be my girlfriend on January 5th, the same day that Matt Turner asked Breanna Hoffard (now Turner) on their first&nbsp;date.&nbsp; (It is here that I'll point out that, while I asked Makenna to be my girlfriend in January, we had already gone on a number of dates together at&nbsp;Vision 16 events, as well as gone on some long walks to talk to one another. Makenna says these dates didn't count, and that I asked her to be my girlfriend before&nbsp;we "dated". I disagree. Politely.) I asked her at 12:05 AM&nbsp;near her house, and we were kind of both shocked that I asked it. She said yes, and I was really happy, and couldn't get to sleep for at least another two hours (much to my dismay the next morning). Worth it.

Popping the Question

So, I'd like to point out that this was a&nbsp;meticulously planned proposal. Every detail accounted for, every contingency prepared. And yet, it all went to heck-of-a-lot-crazier-than-expected in a handbasket.&nbsp;
I'd arranged for my family&nbsp;and Makenna's family&nbsp;to meet at my brother Caleb's house on October 7th,&nbsp;where he and his&nbsp;wife&nbsp;Olivia graciously offered to host an engagement&nbsp;party for us.&nbsp;
Makenna and I were headed to her sister Breanna's house to babysit her nephew and nieces, Elliott, Lucy, and Jade Turner, and help them take photos with their dad/photographer&nbsp;Matt. This wouldn't have been the first time Makenna and I&nbsp;had babysat and been paid with&nbsp;a photo session, so Makenna wasn’t too suspicious.&nbsp;Makenna and I were able to be alone, in a nice area, with a professional photographer, with a nonchalant excuse to be there. Excellent.
Both the engagement party at the Thompson's and the photoshoot with the Turner's was planned weeks in advance. The weather that occurred, however, was not.&nbsp;

As we were driving out to take photos it started to rain. This wasn't&nbsp;heavy rain, mind&nbsp;you, but enough that I suspected all was not going to go as planned. We began to execute Plan B&nbsp;(wait in the parking lot until the rain stopped), but then parking lot at&nbsp;the location we had been planning on going to&nbsp;was full. We then&nbsp;switched to Plan C, which was finding *any* other pretty spot so that we could find. After driving around for awhile,&nbsp;Matt found a trailhead that led to a fantastic spot by a river. So for everyone wondering where we took the engagement photos... we literally have no idea.





By this time the Turner kids were not the happiest bunch,&nbsp;but were sated&nbsp;via the calming power of&nbsp;fruit snacks. Once we snapped a few photos of the young trio, Makenna and I got some of our "regular couple photos", wherein the dropping-to-one-knee-ness ensued.

Plans for the Future

Makenna is deep into her studies at the&nbsp;University of&nbsp;Washington School of Law, and will graduate with her JD in 2020. I would say she is excited for where her current&nbsp;busy-ness will take her in her future business,&nbsp;but maybe that's two tense (pause for the double-pun).&nbsp;In all seriousness, Makenna is very excited for what God has in store for her career and I couldn't be more proud of her.

I myself am graduating in June of 2018, only weeks before the wedding. I will finish my undergraduate studies at UW&nbsp;with a bachelor's degree in Applied Physics, and a minor in Applied Mathematics. I am looking forward to potential position in data analysis or research, but ultimately would like to teach high school-level physics or math (I am&nbsp;hoping contribute to the *positive* math experiences a person&nbsp;has in their life, of which there are dreadfully too few).

We both will be in the Seattle area for a couple years yet and are excited to see where God's plan takes us!

Our Story 1

Photos

Friend of the GroomHunter and Eli have been best buds since early middle school. Engaging&nbsp;in&nbsp;small groups, playing music together, and all-around&nbsp;shenanigans only ever&nbsp;strengthened their&nbsp;bond. In addition to helping with all the planning and encouragement,&nbsp;Hunter is also going to&nbsp;be the wedding&nbsp;minister! Eli and Makenna both are so excited to have such a long lasting friend officiate the wedding.

Hunter Hadfield

Sister of the BrideSavanna and Makenna have been friends for all of Savanna's life, and have remained best friends despite adding Eli to the mix. We've been particularly thankful for all the hard work, thoughtful details, and constant support from her throughout our relationship and during wedding planning. Her hard work, fierce determination, and thoughtful planning are just a few of the things we love and value about who she is! 

Savanna Hoffard

Brother of the GroomCaleb has always been an amazing friend and role model to Eli growing up. His determination showed up in his schoolwork, sports, and now his workplace, working hard wherever he goes. Also, Eli is always appreciative of his first and closest video-gaming pal. Caleb's experience with his own wedding has helped immensely in the planning process!

Caleb Thompson

Friend of the BrideKathryn meet both of us shortly after we meet each other during freshman year at UW. She's been our #1 fan girl since before the beginning when Makenna told her "I think I like Eli." She's always the one to turn to for words of encouragement or someone to share life's joys with. We're thankful for her kind heart, quick wit, and uncontrollable joy and passion for life! 

Kathryn Anderson

Friend of the GroomZach was one of Eli's first college friends, and that friendship has only grown&nbsp;since then. Games and long talks are their activities of choice, and Zach is excellent at both. He is an amazing encourager and is great friends with both the bride and groom.

Zach Pankratz

Sister of the BrideJanessa is Makenna's older sister and lived in the Vision 16 housing the year that Makenna and Eli started dating. The three of us had many Sundays of driving to church followed by waffles at Janessa's house. We're thankful for her constant smile, cheerful outlook on life, and ability to put up with our puns and nerdy games!

Janessa Hoffard

Brother of the BrideMatt has been a strong brotherly figure to Makenna and Eli both, and is always willing to help in any way he can. He especially enjoys refurbishing projects, as well as the occasional round of Mario Kart. Matt has a strong affinity for acts of service and Eli is excited to officially have him as&nbsp;an in-law!

Matthew Turner

Sister of the BrideBreanna is Makenna's oldest sibling and lives in Snohomish with her three kids and wonderful Husband, Matt. In fact, her first child being born was the event that brought Makenna to Seattle the weekend she met Eli. Breanna is a steadfast friend, a welcoming host, and an amazing sister. We're incredibly thankful for her, and especially for all her help in wedding planning!

Breanna Turner

Brother of the BrideTaylor is the second-oldest sibling&nbsp;in the Hoffard clan, and was Makenna's Star Wars buddy long before Eli was (and likely is more knowledgable). He is a hard-worker and loves to include others, even when they're tall, loud, and goofy (I'm sure&nbsp;you know the type).

Taylor Hoffard

Sister of the Bride

Wendy is Makenna's sister-in-law and lives in Spokane with her husband, Taylor, and their two beautiful daughters. Wendy is a friend to talk through life's difficulties, joys, and challenges with. She's been a great friend throughout wedding planning with everything from helping with calligraphy to listening to Makenna rant about law school! We're thankful for her joy, kindness, understanding, and creativity! 

Wendy Hoffard

Friend of the BrideCharissa and Makenna met in high school and have remained friends throughout college despite the distance. Charissa is a friend who loves deeply and strives to know peoples hearts. We're thankful for her deep questions that always challenge us to look into what God is doing in and through our relationship, her kind encouragement, and her life-long friendship!

Charissa Jochen

Brother of the BrideTrevor is Makenna's younger brother, an excellent game strategist, and quite the comedian. Trevor shares the love of games, Star Wars, Marvel, and general nerd-dome that Makenna and Eli do, so he's always a welcome presence in their lives.

Trevor Hoffard

Friend of the BrideMakenna and Leslie met in the Vision 16 Housing during Makenna's senior year. Leslie was Makenna's little, and their friendship started off with Makenna leaving presents and pranks in Leslie's room before they ever officially met. (The official meeting involved Leslie charging across the UW quad to hug Makenna.) Leslie's an absolute joy, always down for a relaxed evening in, and a friend that is forever interested in examining God's work in our lives. We're thankful for her laid-back attitude, thoughtful nature, and her support during this busy year!

Leslie Bement

Brother of the BrideTravis is the youngest Hoffard sibling, and is smart, creative, and good-looking (sound like anyone you &nbsp;know?). Travis too loves games and nerdy things, and is likely to be a competitive player in the inevitable family Munchkin playoffs.

Travis Hoffard

Niece of the BridePaige is Taylor and Wendy's oldest daughter, and the proud older&nbsp;sister of Betsy Hoffard. Paige is a firecracker, a creative genius, and a proficient giggler! We're thankful for her joy, creativity, and sweet laugh! 

Paige Hoffard

Nephew of the BrideElliot will be four in September, and he already loves games and Disney (a man after our own hearts)

Elliott Turner

Niece of the BrideLucy is the older twin, and the current Turner middle child. She's got a reserved nature, always thinking before she makes a move, and we fully expect she'll be amazing at strategy games when she's older. Lucy is a sweetheart, a night owl, and a pro-cuddler! We're thankful for her relaxed nature, sweet smile, and plentiful hugs and kisses!

Lucy Turner

Niece of the BrideJade is the youngest Turner kiddo and is always ready to jump into an adventure. She's the bold explorer that Lucy keeps an eye on, and the most likely to hurt herself because she tried something during the .08 seconds that someone wasn't watching her. She's expressive, energetic, and always knows what she wants! We're thankful for the joy she brings, her can-do attitude, and her adventure-seeking nature!

Eli & Makenna

Eli & Makenna

E&M

Wedding Day

1:00 PM

Wedding

Reception