Matt and Zach have known each other since elementary school. They either met in Sunday School (loool) or though a mutual friend, who’s to say, it was, like, 1999. Regardless, they became even closer when Matt finally braved public school and joined Zach at Crescent Valley High School.

Though they went to college in separate states, they stayed close through many holiday and summer breaks, and many a Sasquatch! After they both graduated in 2013, Matt returned to the Pacific Northwest and he and Zach moved into an apartment in Portland together.

In the years since, Matt met his wonderful partner Sara, Zach met Chris, and though they no longer live together, they honestly probably see each other just as much, if not more (but Zach does miss Matt’s profound love for folding laundry and doing dishes).

Matt was an early Chris supporter, maybe convinced that Chris was the real deal after Chris gamely joined them for the annual Sasquatch! outing only a few months into dating Zach. Whatever it was, Matt and Sara have both been such incredible friends to Zach and Chris for the entirety of their relationship. From trips to festivals, camping near Mt. Hood, a bazillion movies at Laurelhurst Theater, mountains of bean dip, and dozens of days at Tabor Tails for Keiko, these four will undoubtedly keep making more irreplaceable memories together.

We feel so honored that Zach’s best friend (at 25+ years, more of a brother really), who has also become so important to Chris, is officiating our wedding. We couldn’t imagine it any other way!

Chris met Lea their freshman year of college in Dr. Gaudino's World Religion class. After a long public transit trip to a Buddhist temple for a project, they knew they were going to be best friends. Their sophmore year, they studied abroad in Salzburg, Austria, traveling to several countries, visiting every church and museum, and just developing into grown ups together. Coming back from study abroad, they lived together in St. John's Portland, often showing up late to all our classes after getting passion lemonade tea from their local Starbucks.

After graduating, Lea went onto grad school, but their friendship only deepened from a distance. Today, they are each other's biggest supporters, shoulders to cry on, and true family. Lea jumped on the Zach train almost immediately, knowing he was the right match for Chris. Even during the tough times, Lea helped Chris and Zach's relationship bloom even more, mostly acting as Chris' unofficial therapist. Now, Lea and Zach can banter about their favorite things to bake while Chris waits to eat it.

Megan is one of Chris' sisters and one of his closest friends. Only 3 years younger than Chris, they immediately developed a sibling bond that cannot be broken. During both the hard and fun times, they had each others' backs through it all. Oftentimes, they took pride in picking on their younger sister, Allyshia, but it was only to make her stronger.

Chris loved to do Megan's makeup and hair, she put up with it and pretended it was always pretty. Even the time Chris did her eye shadow with gorgeous gold glitter nail polish... It only burned for a little. They made up dance routines in the garage and loved to binge-watch the latest rom-coms and sitcoms.

Now, every time Megan calls, she always asks about Zach first. He might be her favorite brother. They share in their love of cooking, making fun of Chris, and caring for their puppies unconditionally. Zach cannot wait to have Megan officially a part of his family.

As Chris' baby sister, Allyshia and he developed their true friendship through some ups and downs (maybe some minor bullying), but always a ton of support. No matter the time or day, Chris can always rely on Allyshia to pick up her phone and listen.

Allyshia was always known as the kid who wasn't afraid to do exactly what she wanted, often pushing Megan and Chris outside of their comfort zone (not always for good lol). As we covered our eyes and screamed at horror movies, she was laughing at them. As we hid around the corner, too shy to ask for help, she ran up to people to make friends and pull us in.

Allyshia has always been one of Zach's biggest fans, even if it is because they revel in the fact that they always beat Chris in Mario Kart.

Zach’s sister, Erin, arrived when he was 3 1/2. These two could not have had a more typical older/younger sibling dynamic. Zach would trick Erin into eating spicy food hidden in sandwiches and smoothies. Erin would start crying at the drop of a hat and could scream “MOOOOOOM,” to get Zach in trouble, louder than should be humanly possible!

Nevertheless, they endured and made lots of, at the very least funny, memories throughout their childhood. By the time they were through college and had both done some growing up, Erin and Zach got much closer and now can say they enjoy being around each other! It helps that Chris and Erin get along SO well, it already feels like they’ve been official siblings-in-law for years!

Zach and Chris are both excited to have Erin back in the PNW. There’ll be even more camping trips and visits out to Hood River to come!