CK

Starting as friends at work, Justin would meander to CK’s desk when he was sick of finance-y stuff or whenever the numbers got too numbing. Justin knew early on that he could count on CK for a remedy of fun, laughter, and adventure. Their friendship continued to thrive after CK departed to a new company, that, as fate would have it, would relocate her to Virginia. Justin soon followed suit (or should we say "suitcase"?), relocating closeish by settling in Ohio, because, after all, distance couldn't separate these two. From chasing cherry blossoms at peak bloom in DC to epic shopping in New York, Justin and CK created wonderful memories during their time on the East Coast.

Through the years, Justin and CK have shared laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories with their friendship only growing stronger now that Shannon and Matt are in their lives!

Arden

Initially bonding during their UCSD days over their love of tennis, Arden and Justin quickly became friends and later roommates when they moved back to the Bay Area. With a passion for travel shared with the “South Bay crew”, Arden and Justin have visited numerous countries together, and even studied abroad in India when they were completing their master’s degrees. In terms of strengths and weaknesses, adventuring comes easy when you have a friend (Arden) who makes up for your lack of navigational skills (Justin). Two decades in, Arden and Justin may have a few more wrinkles but also great memories and a continued propensity to be nerdy goofballs when they’re together.

Carmen

It all began with a fateful encounter at Souvla where Justin was entangled in a heated debate at dinner with his cousins. The question at hand: Should they get the frozen yogurt? Enter Carmen who swooped in with her sage wisdom, declaring, "Yes, of course you need to get the yogurt!" But the adventure didn't stop at fro-yo - that very same night the group progressed to sharing a punchbowl at Anina’s where they all got to know each other better. Carmen and Justin found a surprising number of similarities including living less than a mile from each other, their love of workouts, travel, and food. Whether they're sampling exotic delicacies (their sashimi orders are LEGENDARY) or getting tangled in TRX straps, their friendship has only grown richer with time.

Jesse

What began as getting drinks with mutual friends at work, Justin and Jesse grew exceptionally close when Jesse recognized in Justin something familiar - the struggle of staying closeted. Through baby steps to coax Justin out of his comfort zone, Jesse helped Justin on his journey to coming out to friends and family, providing the encouragement necessary for him to live his authentic self. Though Jesse now lives in New York, distance means nothing to their close friendship. Whenever Jesse returns to SF for work, it's like no time has passed as they engage in laughter, silliness, and share the latest goss and pictures of their beloved fur babies.

Stan - Best Man

Our journey began at University of Pennsylvania, when he rushed (and eventually pledged) my fraternity. Our time together at Wharton sharpened our business acumen, and Stan became the guy I could always rely on for sage advice and unwavering support. Our paths continued to align when we both found ourselves living in the vibrant city of Chicago. The Windy City became our playground, but it wasn't just Chicago that we conquered together. Stan and I share a passion for “blitz-traveling” that knows no bounds: I have been to more countries with Stan than I have anyone else. Some highlights include seeing the northern-most gas station in the world and visiting 3 countries in 24 hours. Today, as Stan and I find ourselves living in different countries, the miles may separate us, but our bond remains as strong as ever. He is not just a friend; he's family. Stan has been there with me through the ups and downs of life, and I am profoundly grateful to have him as my best man.

Mike

Our story began in the chaotic realm of high school, where fate led Mike and I to achieve unfathomable levels of coolness in our "Introduction to Technical Drawing" class. Little did we know that this seemingly mundane class would lay the foundation for an enduring friendship. United by our dreams of becoming architects, we quickly discovered a shared passion that extended far beyond AutoCAD. Known for our knack for mischief, we became the dynamic duo that kept our classmates laughing, even when we probably shouldn't have. From the classic pranks to unforgettable inside jokes, our time together was defined by an unwavering commitment to hilarity. Beyond our shared love for humor, we also discovered another shared passion – a deep appreciation for food and the wanderlust to explore the world's flavors. But what truly sets Mike apart is his extraordinary ability to know me better than anyone else. It's almost eerie how he can predict my thoughts before I even know them. That has been both a blessing and a curse for him. We may not have become architects, but we’ve certainly built the most incredible friendship that any of us could ever hope for.

Jackie

Our journey together began back in the lecture hall of Accounting 101. We both decided to take our academic ambitions to the front row, and it's there that our friendship was forged. She graciously put up with my ritual of taking off my shoes during every class, and she never batted an eye at the pile of tissues that would accumulate on the floor beside me. My allergies were relentless, but Jackie's patience was even more so. Our bond deepened when I moved to San Francisco. She introduced me to the heartbeat of San Francisco by taking me to my very first social event here (a Fleet Week party) and introducing me to my favorite SF bakery. It's safe to say that without Jackie's kindness and camaraderie, my transition to this new chapter of life would have been far less sweet. But perhaps the most remarkable thing about Jackie is her infectious laughter and her ability to find humor in life's twists and turns. Our friendship is a testament to the bonds we share and the milestones we've celebrated together. So much so that I had the immense privilege of officiating Jackie's wedding, a moment that will forever hold a special place in my heart. It's a testament to the depth of our connection, the trust we've built, and the love we have for each other.

Kathryn

Fate brought us together in a bustling UPenn dining hall, thanks to one of our mutual friends, Cindy. Her first interaction with me involved catching me enjoying a full meal in the hall while also packing a take-out container to go (you were only entitled to one). We instantly connected over an unusual shared passion of maximizing the dining hall experience. Our college years were marked by countless hijinks like this, hours of laughter, intellectual conversations, and unforgettable experiences. Kathryn quickly became a guiding light in my life, and a "voice of reason" when I needed advice. Our bond grew stronger as we navigated the challenges and opportunities of New York City together. And when Kathryn and I set out on adventures together, I could always count on her to bring the spontaneity and enthusiasm that few can match. She has been a constant source of support and positivity in my life, and I can't imagine anyone better suited to stand with me as I embark on this new chapter.

Matt - Officiant

We first met Matt through CK and from there have forged a close, loving friendship. Bonding through shared senses of humor (Shannon and Matt tell the best dad jokes) and fun nights out, Matt has been there to witness Justin and Shannon’s relationship from the beginning. A loving husband, a terrific father, and an overall fun-loving human, Matt infuses joy into every corner of his life and ours.

We are incredibly fortunate and grateful to have Matt as our officiant and we look forward to sharing this special day with a dear friend who has brought so much light and warmth into our journey.