St. Matthew's Anglican Church

Ceremony

McMenamins Edgefield

Reception

Summer

Please note… The couple will be traveling out of state for their wedding and will be flying back with everything acquired over the wedding weekend.Please consider sending gifts to the couple via delivery if at all possible!

Our Wedding

How it all began

Josh and Maria met while working at Mcmenamins on the Columbia in Vancouver WA. A year and a half of slinging beers and tots led to little jokes and cute whispers on sidebar.&nbsp;Early in July 2021 Maria and Josh finally spent time together outside of work. They quickly bonded over their shared sense of humor and hobbies. From that point on, Maria and Josh were pretty much inseparable. They spent the summer flirting at work, hiking, hammock-ing and taking impromptu day trips to Cannon beach. It was pretty obvious how smitten they were to everyone except them.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Shoutout to Kathryn, a mcmens co-worker who helped both of them realize what was right in front of them&lt;3)The thing is, Maria had plans to move to Colorado Springs in September. When Maria moved, they decided to chalk this epic summer up as just a legendary friendship.&nbsp;But boy does distance make the heart grow fonder! Both of them could not stop thinking about each other and wondering what would happen if we weren’t states apart. After a mere 3 weeks, Josh came to visit and it took all of 48 hours before Maria went on a 15 minute ramble that went a little something like “Hey sooo uhhhh, I’m quite really in love with you” to which Josh replied a sweet and simple “I love you too.” They started officially dating that weekend. During this visit, Josh stayed with Maria’s roommate, Emilys boyfriend, Amos. Josh and Amos hit it off so well they made plans to live together the upcoming January. Daily FaceTime calls and a couple impromptu visits made the 3ish months of long distance fly by. After a treacherous move from Washington to Colorado 2 days after Christmas, Josh was finally in Colorado with Maria. Josh and Amos moved into the apartment directly across from Maria and Emily. It was epic. The two couples shared lots of meals, played lots of jack box, and got to watch each other fall deeper in love. In March of 2022, Josh and Maria had the honor and privilege of helping Amos propose to Emily! This got Josh and Maria thinking about love and marriage and the long term.&nbsp;

The Proposal

On Saturday January 21st, Josh told Maria to get ready to hangout with some work friends.&nbsp;&nbsp;As they were heading out for a night on the town Josh pulled into their old apartments telling Maria that he had accidentally sent a package there by mistake. He had Maria open her old mail box to find a small box sitting there, inside was the ring. After a sappy speech and Maria BAWLING, friends jumped out from behind and surprised her in this happy moment. Josh and Maria then went to dinner and back to her house where all of their people were waiting to surprise her. They partied the night away.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The present

Josh is currently an electrical apprentice in Woodland park, about 20 mins east of Colorado Springs. He is also going to school to earn his electrical Journeyman license. Maria is currently in her second year at a middle school in the Springs teaching 8th grade math. They both love their jobs. When they aren’t working, the couple is often hanging with buddies, and exploring Colorado.&nbsp;

Our Story

sweet pics!

Ali and Maria have been best friends for about 11 years, and sisters for 24. Ali is the fabulous Maid of Honor and Maria's big sister. Ali's superpower? Bringing balance to Maria's whirlwind of craziness and being her eternal cheerleader. They're not just sisters; they're partners in crime and built-in besties. Remember those days of binge-watching Barbie movies? Yep, that's where their journey to Maid of Honor-dom began. From fairy tales on screen to crafting their own real-life happily-ever-after, these sisters are here to add a dash of humor, a pinch of sassy, and a whole lot of love. Ali has a huge heart for missions and ministry, and is currently working for her alma matter, Moody Bible Institute.

Ali Bates 

Maria and Mikayla's friendship blossomed during a their gap year. They met during their Discipleship training school with YWAM  in Townsville Australia, where they immediately formed a bond that felt like a dream come true. Mikayla became the best friend Maria had always hoped and prayed for, and their long-distance best-friendship spanned the miles between Colorado Springs and Portland. They visited each other frequently, and eventually  Maria made the leap and moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to her sweet, kind, funny, loving, and fiercely loyal friend, Mikayla. Beyond her dedication to their friendship, Mikayla has a heart that shines in her ministry work with high schoolers through Young Life. She's not just a bridesmaid; she's a cherished friend with a heart as vast as their shared adventures. And they’ve shared a lot! From international travels to Australia and Mexico  to roadtrips to the Grand Canyon and a number of National Parks, there’s nothing these besties can’t do. 

Mikayla Stwertnik

Maria always hoped and prayed for a baby sister. When she was 13, she got the life changing news her dreams were coming true! Sasha is vivacious, silly and a great snuggle bug. Maria and Sasha enjoy doing just about everything together, from running errands to going on sissy dates. Maria’s life would have a fraction of the joy it has without her sweet baby sister. Sasha is a pro- Ariel silk-er, a great set of hands in the Kitchen, and has a stink eye that you can’t help but adore. Not only that, but she’s got hair to die for! Maria could not imagine her big day without Sasha’s big beautiful personality.

Sasha Brooks

Jessica is basically the coolest sister in law you could ever ask for. From the moment Spenser introduced her to the family Maria and Jess have hit it off.  Jess is a witty, silly, driven, compassionate and a PHENOMENAL artist.  She works in the Evergreen Public school system as well as slings burgers and whiskey at Stack on the Vancouver waterfront. Together, Maria and Jess enjoy thrifting, sipping beer and discussing the great mysteries of the universe.

Jessica Brooks

Introducing Mac, the remarkable bridesmaid who practically became family after one memorable summer when Maria's big sister Ali brought her home from summer camp. From that moment on, Mac was embraced as the newest member of the Brooks Family and spent countless Christmases celebrating with them, becoming Maria's cherished extra big sister. Mac embodies the qualities of fierce loyalty, unwavering dedication, and an incredible team spirit. For Maria, envisioning her wedding day without Mac by her side simply wasn't an option. She's not just a bridesmaid; she's an integral part of the Brooks family and Maria's heartwarming journey.

Mac Torres

Lyndsay and Maria met at New Heights church in 2019. Lyndsay quickly embraced all of Maria’s crazy and not long after they became besties. Together they enjoy shenanigans, late night runs to Muchas Gracias and juicy theological discussions. Josh coordinated with Lyndsay and her boyfriend Evan to surprise Maria when he proposed.  Since then, Lyndsay has  gotten engaged and Maria will be her bridesmaid in March! 

Lyndsay Ewert (soon to be Bancroft!!)

Emily and Maria were roommates for the first year Maria was in Colorado. Emily quickly became home for Maria. Emily is vivacious, zany, honest and loving. She lights up any and every room she walks into. Former EMT and current Delta Flight attendant, she loves deep and is fiercely loyal to her people. When they lived together, they became co-mothers to a sweet little leopard gecko named Milk (RIP). 

Emily Wittmer

Elise moved from Alabama to Colorado about a month before Maria moved. While looking for community in a new place, they met at a Bible study. As they began growing together in bible study, Maria couldn't help but notice Elise's infectious laughter and zest for life. Her adventurous spirit matched Maria’s, and they quickly bonded over shared interests and a mutual love for exploring the world. Beyond her adventurous nature, Elise possesses an exceptional quality – she is an attentive and empathetic listener. From that moment on, their friendship flourished, and she became a confidante, always there to offer a listening ear and support. Maria couldn't imagine her big day without Elise  adding joy and laughter to the celebrations as she has done since the day they met.

Elise Party Sappington

Meet Becca, the wonderful bridesmaid who's been Maria's partner in crime since their kindergarten days. These two besties have shared dreams of their own happily ever afters since they were little, and now Maria has the honor of having Becca by her side as she begins the rest of her life. Becca is a beautiful blend of silliness and dedication, always there with a laugh when it's needed most, and a pillar of unwavering support through thick and thin. Her hardworking spirit is a testament to the strength of her friendship, and she's ready to make Maria's big day as magical as the dreams they've shared since childhood.

Rebekah Hume (Becca)

More than a brother, Sam is and forever will be Josh's closest friend. Through life's unpredictable ups and downs, Legos, videogames , and late night snack runs to the local Safeway Sam and Josh have formed an unmatched brotherhood to stand the test of time. He will always be there to listen, provide humble advice, and supply top tier memes. Sam is currently serving in the USMC creating a proud family and an even more proud brother. There is no one that better fits this role of Best Man.

Sam Wright

Lt was the first friend Josh made transitioning from a private catholic middle school to a public high school. This was monumental to a shell shocked Josh getting used to a very new environment. They quickly became best friends and Lt introduced Josh to many more to come. Since then Lt and Josh have shared many laughs, cries, and adventures to last a lifetime. Lt and Josh now live together in Colorado Springs continuing to do more of the same. A closing note, if all their friends jumped off a bridge Josh and Lt would jump holding hands.

Michael  Larsen-Teeters (a.k.a. LT) 

The first person Lt introduced Josh to was his best friend, Ryan. He proceeded pull off his big toe nail in an amazing feat winning the heart and friendship of Josh. From then on they were known as the Tres Amigos. Ryan is your guy if you're fond of advanced intellectual/political debates, backpacking the unmarked trails of Washington/Oregon, or if your simply  curious how climbable a tree is. He is the first to challenge Josh in his beliefs and values in the best ways. Ryan will forever be a role model to Josh and a brother for life. Another closing note, Ryan would be holding Josh's other hand as the three of them jumped.

Ryan Hemphill ( a.k.a. Ryguy )

Gird is another one of Josh's best friends made in high school thanks to Lt. He is the textbook definition of "Work Hard Play Hard". This man will go to great lengths and sacrifice to always show up no matter what. He truly is a one of a kind friend. Through out Josh and Gird's relationship they shared only the most insane adventures entailing anywhere from getting hopelessly lost in the mountains to fighting off hordes of savage racoons. One thing commonly discussed amongst friends is how if you were going to be dropped off in the middle of nowhere to try to survive for a length of time you'd pray to God Algird was there with you. 

Algird Zalpys ( a.k.a. Gird)

One of the first adventures Josh and the three previously mentioned groomsman went on was a camping trip to Silver Star. There Josh was introduced to Leo and over the course a long and unforgettable night, they became best buds. He's the life of the party and the go to person for a good time. Just like Gird, Leo will show up for his people anytime; day or night, rain or snow! 

Leo Lamb 

Spencer, Marias older brother and Josh's soon to be brother in law has solidified his place as one of Josh's groomsman, not because of any kind of formality or tradition, but because he's a cherished friend whos seamlessly woven himself into the fabric of Josh's life. Spencer is more than a friend but rather a mutual confidant and source of support. He is someone Josh knows he can turn to in any moment of need, offering guidance and empathy. Between random, but cherished, phone calls on the drive home from work and bro-dates when Josh makes it back around to Vancouver, Spencer has made it far beyond any typical family relationship and created a connection that Josh will value forever.

Spencer Brooks 

Josh Ramirez (a.k.a. Jram)

Amos Wittmer

Sawyer Bain

Wedding Party

Please note… The couple will be traveling out of state for their wedding and will be flying back with everything acquired over the wedding weekend.Please consider sending gifts to the couple via delivery if at all possible!

Attire is semi-formal.

Questions? 

Text Maria at (360) 464 -0245 or Ali Bates at (360) 619 - 8443

Joshua & Maria

Joshua & Maria

J&M

Ceremony

Reception