Griffith Woods

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Our Wedding

Faye and Gil met in September 2022 at Pacific Union College in Angwin, California. Gil was wrapping up his classes for his degree in emergency management, and Faye was just starting her first year of college as a pre-nursing student. The two happened to meet while attending a potluck hosted by the nursing department before the first vespers of the school year, and they instantly clicked.&nbsp; In the weeks following, the two gradually spent more and more time together. Vespers on Friday night was always a highlight of the week because it was a common place for the two to connect. Gil and Faye’s first date was in the charming town of St. Helena, where they enjoyed some pizza and gelato. The pair became an official couple on November 11, 2022 at Linda Falls in Angwin. As a dating couple, Faye and Gil fell deeper in love as they shared common values, goals, and a pursuit of loving God. Once Gil completed his college degree and paramedic education, he moved to Santa Rosa so he could remain close to Faye. A typical weekend for the couple included time spent at a local coffee shop, rock climbing at the gym, shopping at Trader Joe’s, and cooking delicious dinners together. The couple has also enjoyed an array of epic weekend adventures together, like backpacking 25 miles down the “Lost Coast Trail,” camping in Yosemite, and road tripping through Oregon. Faye has been remarkably supportive of Gil throughout his work as a medic, and Gil has been unwavering in his encouragement of Faye throughout nursing school.&nbsp; Gil and Faye got engaged on January 4, 2025 at Table Rock, Calistoga, the location of their first hike together. The trail was challenging, and the weather was cold, but the colorful sunset and majestic mountains made for a special scene. Faye and Gil are excited to begin a new chapter together and walk through life, side by side.

Our Story

Photos

Groom's Party

Gil and Enoch first became friends in high school while attending Sacramento Adventist Academy where they got involved in student leadership together. In college, they lived in the same dorm and became roommates their senior year. The two spent many nights laughing, discussing subjects of spirituality and philosophy, and playing games like “Dungeons and Dragons.” Enoch is remarkably creative, passionate, and wise. As a lifelong student, he enjoys learning about God, Biblical history, and the art of healing. Enoch currently lives in central California with his wife, Ana, where he works as an ICU nurse. 

Enoch Heckman

Samuel is Faye’s older brother. He grew up in Clearlake with Faye and Hadia. Samuel is a man of integrity, honor, and kindness. He is passionate about education and is just starting his new job as a high school science teacher. Before his life as a teacher & father, Samuel spent his summers to work on a farm in Oregon and as a fish packer in Alaska! Samuel can often be found working on projects around the house, tending to his multiple fish tanks, and enjoying family time with his wife, Gabby, and his baby daughter, Maizy.

Samuel Rippe

Billy has known the Rippe family for years, growing up with them throughout childhood. Throughout middle and high school, Billy would often annoy and joke with Faye, Samuel, and Hadia, but it was always with love. After graduating from high school, Billy enlisted in the Marine Corps and moved to the East Coast. He has since returned to California and works as a communication specialist and martial arts instructor in San Diego. When not on duty, Billy enjoys camping, riding his motorcycle, and exercising. Billy is known for his sense of humor, mischievous nature, and his unwavering grit. 

Billy Melvin

Robert and Gil have been friends since childhood, attending elementary, high school, and college together. While students at Pacific Union College, Gil and Robert were roommates for three years and took multiple classes together. From rock climbing the Southwest face of Yosemite’s Half Dome to backpacking across Europe, the two have experienced many adventures together. Many would describe Robert as inquisitive and intelligent yet witty and easygoing. Robert is currently working in the field of biotechnology at a cell-therapy lab in the Sacramento area. When not at work, Robert enjoys snowboarding, playing disc golf, and attending concerts. 

Robert Gouveia

Alex and Gil became friends while attending PUC together. The two have worked together on many 911 calls while volunteering with the Angwin Fire Department. They’ve also responded to major incidents like the Beirut port explosion and Napa County’s Glass Fire of 2020. During their summers in college, Alex and Gil worked together as white water raft guides in Moab, Utah. Alex is a man of science and nature. One day you may find him studying advanced pharmacology as a medical student, and the next day you may find him climbing desert towers or rugged mountains. Alex currently lives in Orlando with his wife, Amber, where they travel the country to complete medical school clinical rotations together.

Alex Nelson

Charlie and Gil first met and became friends in 2008 as 3rd graders at Sacramento Adventist Academy. In high school, Charlie was a well versed man, known for his legendary saxophone music, deadly Kung Fu moves, and his nimble hacky sack skills. Charlie majored in business at Walla Walla University and is currently studying dentistry at Loma Linda University. From SCUBA diving in the Monterey Bay to snowboarding through the mountains of Tahoe, Charlie and Gil have shared many adventures. For nearly 2 decades, Charlie has been an enthusiastic hype-man of Gil, responsible for the iconic catch phrase, "GO GILLLL!"

Charlie Miller

As childhood friends, Bryan and Gil grew up going to school and church events together. Bryan was known for his athleticism, his musical abilities as a pianist & percussionist, and his intelligence & work ethic as a student. Bryan earned his B.S. degree from UC Davis and is currently studying medicine as Loma Linda University. In 2023, Bryan, Gil, and Robert traveled across Europe for several weeks by train and foot as broke college students. An unusual memory from that trip was when they slept in a public park in Northern Italy after missing a train to their destination. Bryan is an expert in Fantasy Football and a fierce supporter of the NYC Jets, the NYC Mets, and the Golden State Warriors. Many would describe Bryan as calm, thoughtful, and hardworking.

Bryan Wong

Bride's Party

Hadia is Faye’s only sister. They met when Hadia was born and have been friends ever since. Unlike most siblings they never really fought each other. Other people would describe Faye and Hadia as each other’s shadows because they would go everywhere together especially when Faye got a car. Hadia is a great artist and has an understated sense of humor that points out the irony of life. She currently works at a school as a para educator and plans to continue college classes at the local community college. (Helpful tip: ask her to show you her artwork or you will never see it)

Hadia Rippe

Natalie is Gil’s younger sister and has been around for as long as he can remember. Natalie is creative, caring, thoughtful, and an expert in all things Disney and Snoopy. As kids, Nat and Gil would often be found secretly drawing and coloring together before bed. She is currently living in the LA area and is wrapping up her degree in early childhood education and working as a preschool teacher. When not at work, she enjoys watching movies with her friends, eating at exquisite cuisines of various cultures, and catching her favorite rides at Disneyland. 

Natalie Fayard

Gil met Gwen for the first time in 2003 when she was born. As kids, Gil and Gwen enjoyed practicing the Jedi arts, gaming on the Wii, and making each other late for school. Many would describe Gwen as vibrant and joyful yet hardworking and ambitious. Her hobbies include playing basketball, meowing like a cat, and traveling the world! Gwen is currently in nursing school at Loma Linda University and can often be found studying with her friends, exercising in the gym, or working in the hospital. 

Gwen Fayard

Molly and Faye met in high school as cross country and track teammates but they really became friends in Covid as they would call each other for hours at a time and go on runs together. Eventually they stopped talking on the phone for hours and instead started talking at each other’s houses for hours. Molly is currently pursuing a nursing degree at Grand Canyon University and working at a school in the summer. She will remember things about you that you even forgot your self and food at Molly’s house is hands down the best. She is down for anything, even things that are not her favorite. You can always count on her to show up or invite you over if she finds out that you need a friend. (Helpful tip: DO NOT ask her to do the dishes and DEFINITELY try the shrimp tacos.)

Molly Collins

Bethanee and Faye met during the first week at PUC but if you ask Bethanee how they met she will tell you about the first time they made banana bread together. Bethanee met Faye around the same time that Faye met Gil and has been a strong Faye and Gil supporter ever since. Bethanee is currently studying Allied Health and Fine Art at PUC. This past year she worked as the Social Vice President at PUC and a ceramics TA. Next year she will work as the Student Association President. She tries her best to be a friend to everyone, and likes to ponder how cultural, family and personality influence the people she meets. (Helpful tip: buy her strange kombuchas and trust her fashion advice.)

Bethanee Tabura

Lelia and Faye met in college through Bethanee but wouldn’t say they were friends until they worked together as RA partners in the dorm. Many nights Leila and Faye would stay up late in the dorms yapping about everything they could think of and then getting surprised when their work wasn’t done. Leila is currently perusing a degree in Education with a minor in Music. This past year she worked as the Religious Vice President for students at PUC. Leila is an excellent musician and speaker going as far as to direct PUC’s performance of Shrek. She makes an excellent teacher as she gets so much joy from seeing others feel accomplished. She is your fiercest supporter making sure that everyone recognizes your achievements and celebrates your wins no matter how small or large. (Helpful tip: get to know her, she goes deeper than people realize and bring her popcorn.)

Leila Beltran

Munesah is one of Faye’s oldest friends. They met while in a homeschool group together and were instantly close friends. Growing up together included attempting to have tea parties, crashing bikes and skateboards, and being alarmed at our brothers. She is currently working at a library and running the town knit club. Even as a kid Munesah was able to crochet even the most complicated patterns. She is constantly calm, firm and unwavering, but always planning her next crochet project. Never expect fear or anxiety to hold her back. Standing next to her covers you in a feeling of peace and acceptance knowing that you can be yourself with her around. (Helpful tip: don’t be her brothers but do buy her an iced mocha.)

Munesah Hammad

Wedding Party

Q + A

Air Travel

The Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) is the closest airport to venue. For guests seeking larger airports with more services, we recommend the San Fransisco International Airport (SFO) or the Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Both options are about a 2 hour drive to Santa Rosa.

Ground Travel

The airports listed have several options for car rentals. Uber and Lyft services are also available in Santa Rosa.

Lodging

From luxury hotels to simple airbnbs and everything in between, Santa Rosa and the surrounding areas have a variety of accommodations available. We encourage our guests to book whatever best fits your needs.

Travel

From the historic vineyard towns to the vast Pacific Ocean, Sonoma county has an array of activities to do and places to explore. Below are some of our favorites!

Faye & Gil

Faye & Gil

Things to Do

Sonoma Coast State Park

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Santa Rosa Plaza

Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center

Healdsburg Plaza

Session Climbing