Mara (Maddy) Ballard - MATRON OF HONOR

My sweetest gift of a daughter, who has now gifted me with the best son in law and grandbaby. My Maddy-girl is my best friend and the first human to ever teach me that some people are supposed to just be in our lives, no matter what. She chose me to be her mama, and I've been thanking my lucky stars every day since. From family nap time to girls day getting Dutch Bros and going thrifting, she is my everything and I could not imagine this day without her. 

Cali McShane- MATRON OF HONOR

I always dreamed of having a sister, and got one in Cali, when my brother married her 10 years ago. She not only is the mama of two of my most favorite girls, but she is a steady source of wisdom, calm, and insight for our family. I am so grateful for who she is for my brother and nieces, but also for the friend and sister she has become to me. 

Chelsea Stazenski-Ludwig- Bridesmaid

My Chelsea. My forever sushi date. My ride or die. My anarchy vest best friend. My Powell person. The one I can go to about literally anything, I could not imagine this day without her.  Friends since early sophomore year, we like to remind ourselves how old we are when we talk about how long we've been friends. Forever. 

Tamara Larson- Bridesmaid

I never did have a sister growing up, but I looked up to Tamara like she was one. Always the coolest older cousin and person I looked up to for guidance and hoped to be half as cool as she was. She was the best babysitter, the best role model for makeup and fashion for me and all my friends, and she even helped me write a letter to the tooth fairy when my grandma threw my tooth away. I loved visiting her in Portland and San Francisco, and now am so lucky she lives so nearby again- though we definitely don't see each other enough! 

Rajmohan D. Waghela, PhD - CO-BEST MAN

Raj has been along for every adventure.  From getting my job offer from Northern Arizona University while sitting on a beach in the US Virgin Islands (and later singing Island In the Sun at the top of our lungs in a small bar) to freezing ourselves at Niagara Falls in the dead of winter.  Raj and his partner Daria are the most loving and caring individuals I've ever known. I met Raj at the table in Chartwells my freshman year at Embry-Riddle. Along with many other friends we were frequently in the wind tunnel making bad puns and watching even worse movies. 

Ross Blackburn, First Officer- CO-BEST MAN

Ross and I apparently sat a seat away from each other in Weather 201.  I have no memory of this.  My memory of our first meeting consisted of a strong drink and a visit to China Buffet. Since then we have been on plenty of shenanigans including road trips at odd hours, hanging out at grocery stores, and an overall love for the biggest of brass, the Tuba.  Ross and his lovely wife Johana have always been the best friends anyone could want.

Brett Watts, PhD.

After college Brett and I would run into each other at random airshows in random places.  It wasn't until 2016 when Brett and Blair moved back from New Zealand that we had the chance to start hanging out. Trivia nights with various people brought us together, Ray Bedard was working on a little company called True Course Simulations, and I talked us all into going to Oshkosh in 2018.  Now with lots of harmonies and choruses in the many road trips around the US, New Zealand, and building True Course into a multi-national company, we spend many a day making a company we are proud of.  

Rory McGivern

Rory has been a friend since middle school, standing the test of time.  Back then we battled each other for spare change on the playground.  Rory manages to travel to some of the most beautiful places in the American West and every once and awhile drags me along to run a river.  Rory fixes me up when I fall and I run us into walls rowing while we raft. 

Connor

Connor is Emmy's brother, but also has known AJ since high school, so it just made sense that he officiate our ceremony. Let's be honest. Emmy sobbed big sobs when she asked him, she couldn't even get the words out. Connor and Emmy were best of friends growing up, and she was his best lady in his wedding. It is an honor to be married by you, Connor. Thank you for being such a strong and calm presence in our lives.

Flower Girls

Lily, Maisie, Freiya, and Beni are the lights of our lives.  Connor and Cali's daughters, Lily and Maisie, bring a joy to our lives every time we see them, chat on the phone with them, or catch them in passing.  Freiya makes us the youngest grandparents ever, and yet her little smiles melts our hearts every time. We love having Fifi over to test physics and gravity with all of her toys every day. Beni, Ross and Johana's daughter, is twins with Beau and is always the life of the party. 

Beau Blackburn and Bear Hartwell

Beau Blackburn is AJ's godson, Ross and Johana's son and twins with Beni.  Beau is more reserved than his sister, but will make his godfather proud with whatever he does. 

Bear Hartwell has been in AJ's life since 2009, joining from the same table as Raj Waghela, Emilio Botero, Drew Chochran, and Steve St. Saviour.  Bear would be who you would call if you were broken down on the side of the road. Bear is the kind of friend who will do anything for you and I'd do anything for him.  Also, what's a wedding with out a great pun, our very own ring Bear! And Beau ties!