
These are the people that are making our wedding happen. More than just the immediate wedding party, they are a few of the pieces in the mosaic of our lives as friends, family, love, and support. We are so grateful for each and every one of them!
RYAN SAYS: Very few people are fortunate enough to have a brother half as cool as mine. One of the last true Renaissance men, Jordan is a licensed pilot, a brilliant and diverse classical musician, a composer, a fanatical European sports car enthusiast, a world traveler and undisputed champion of the Witherspoon family swimsuit competition. Jordan and I have always gotten along and have watched with amusement as our personalities exchanged facets back and forth over the years. I am both completely proud of him and almost intimidated by his maturity and integrity.
STEPH SAYS: Ann was there when we met, and has been our dearest friend every step of the way, from vacations in Mammoth to late night Denny's runs, from Graduation to drunken revelery at Renaissance Faire, and so many more memories I couldn't possibly fit them all here. She's my best friend, confidante, partner in crime, and many times the voice of reason in my crazy life. I would truly be lost without her. It's her job to keep me from going bridezilla, but she won't help me pick flowers or taste cake.......well, maybe taste cake. She has a degree in art history, loves nature and cooking, and occasionally cross-country skiis.
RYAN SAYS: Schno likes to look scary to help hide the fact that he’s actually an amazingly kind, affectionate and warm-hearted guy. Schno and Marriah were some of the first friends we made when we moved up to Los Angeles and immediately I found myself drawn to him. Schno continually redefines “cool” and is my favorite person to live vicariously through. Equally willing to show you a good time or listen as you vent about life’s frustrations, he is a truly independent and adventurous spirit, a complete nerd, a terrible influence and a loyal friend. Just don’t ask him to help you move.
STEPH SAYS: Marriah has been an inspiration to me since we met several years ago. An accomplished singer and dancer, a truly free spirit, an unparalleled hostess, and party planner extraordinaire, she has taught me so much about being true to myself and seeking my own path. In so many ways she's been like a big sister to me as I've discovered my adult self.
STEPH SAYS: My baby brother is all grown up, and I couldn't be more proud of him! He is honorable and loyal, always quick to jump to the rescue of a friend in need. He aspires to serve as an officer in the army, and has been working hard toward that end. He is an accomplished drummer, and considers himself a cowboy. He enjoys civil war reenactment and offroading, and his personal motto is "Death before dishonor!"
STEPH SAYS: We've only known Lynda for a brief time, but she has quickly become one of the dearest people in our life. An adventurous spirit, Lynda has traveled extensively for her young age, and is full of stories and insights beyond her years. She is amazingly creative, and will be helping me with many projects for the wedding.
RYAN SAYS: With a name like Ivan Barron Van Norman, you know this man is not here to mess around. Every guy needs a friend like Ivan; someone who will give you tough-love advice, make you laugh at your own misfortunes, show you a great night out on the town and teach you the intricacies of surviving a zombie invasion. From the day I met him at college I knew he was going to be a huge influence on my life. We've lived together, worked on countless films together, lit things on fire together and every step of the way Ivan has put up with me the way only a truly loyal and caring friend could. He's funny, delightfully quirky, multi-talented and the manliest man I know. I'm honored to have him standing beside me on this special day.
STEPH SAYS: Bijou and I met in the design lab at Chapman University. I was immediately drawn to her huge smile and bubbly personality. She fills a room with joy, and is always there with a hug and kind words when you're feeling down. Her positive attitude and constant support got me through design school, and continue to bring joy into my life. She is intelligent and always curious, and I think we actually do talk ourselves to death.
RYAN SAYS: Scott is like an idealized version of what a man should be; He is honorable and kind, easygoing and honest, fun and adventurous and he can build or fix ANYTHING. A champion skier, geek extraordinaire and funny and charming guy, Scott’s coolness is matched only by his encyclopedic knowledge about, well, EVERYTHING. We are honored to be able to consider him one of our closest friends and he is the ideal person to carry our standard down the isle.
STEPH SAYS: Who needs a flower girl when you've got a flower goddess? Dara is an accomplished belly dancer, and truly a beautiful soul. A highly spiritual being, she studies yoga and dance, and aspires to be a healer. She is also very creative, and holds a degree in fashion design, which she is using to create my bridesmaids dresses. One of my dearest friends, we're prone to giggle fits and acting like teenage schoolgirls when we're together. She's my soul sister, and I just adore her!
STEPH SAYS: Regan has been a dear friend of ours for several years now, and is a constant source of inspiration with her music and magick. She is High Priestess, the musician known throughout Los Angeles for her magickal tunes and evocative performances. I am constantly indebted to her for the opportunities she brings into my life, a constant enabler and unparalleled networker. In many ways my spiritual mentor, it is my honor to have her weaving magick with her harp as we walk down the aisle, and I couldn't think of a person I'd rather have marry us! Except, of course her mischievous partner in crime...
STEPH SAYS: Alex, known often as the Reverend, has married a number of couples in our circle of friends, and is known for his dramatic presence, eloquent words, and amazing talent for capturing the emotions of his audience. A talented and accomplished actor, a truly inspired artist, and a weaver of spiritual beauty, we are so happy to have him officiating! He and Regan met when she was playing harp for a wedding ceremony he was leading, and now their love creates the perfect team to guide us into this next phase of our lives.
STEPH SAYS: Mia has known Ryan since high school, and from the moment I met her I knew she was awesome. An accomplished classical musician, a talented artist, and an encyclopedia of knowledge for all things crafty, she has stepped up to the plate as my creative Second-in-Command. She recently completed university at Humboldt State, and we are so happy to have her back in SoCal! A dear friend, a beautiful spirit, and an invaluable source of ideas and inspiration, I'm so fortunate to have her as part of my wedding!
STEPH SAYS: Tamara is widely considered the "mommy" in our group of friends, and is always there for us younger, unmarried girls with advice and support. When she offered to coordinate our wedding, I couldn't think of anybody more perfect for the job! Generous and classy, daring and kind, quick with a hug or encouraging word, she's a valued friend and I don't know how I'd do this wedding thing without her!