Our Wedding Party

Best Man

Sean Hutchison: Basketball Bumm

Random talents: Can fill this place with whistles so fast

‘Fun’ fact: lived in 6 different states before moving to Campbell

Noah and I met probably exactly how you might guess. Doing what we love to do together… Playing basketball!

Ok, maybe not so much. The location of where we met may not have been a precursor to what our friendship would eventually become. It was, however, a memorable interaction. Mostly for him, it turns out! In the summer between 6th and 7th grade, for Southwest YMCA, my and Noah’s paths would cross for the first time. There we were, on a Saturday (or Sunday, okay) with our respective teams at what was then known as Castro Middle School. Me in my short, stocky frame with my ankle braces and transition lenses. Noah with his curly hair and child bearing hips.

The game was a bit lopsided. Noah got a lot of good playing time as his growth spurt had hit a bit earlier than his peers. I was having a good game, pinballing around, flop-sweating on children and taking my success far too serious. As time ticked down in the first half, I dribbled the ball up to mid-court in between two defenders and just before time expired, hoisted up a prayer.

Well as luck will have it, my prayer was answered, it went in (off the backboard) Now, I remember the game, heck the shot even. I do not however remember crossing paths with my eventual best friend. It would be a few years later until Noah relays that memory of our first meeting.

Now, would we have become friends if that hadn’t happened? Maybe. Probably. But it certainly makes for a more fun story. As we are so skilled at doing things together, we laughed about it then and still do today. And the more I look back on it, I have the immense realization that I had a few prayers hit that day.

Love you so much, man.

Groomsman

Kevin Guillen: Eyebrows on Fleek, Friendship on Peak

My name is Kevin Guillen and I’ve been one of Noah’s closest friends since the 6th grade. I don’t have some vivid memory of Noah and I hitting it off in the lunch line or locking eyes in the halls. I don’t truly remember the exact moment we met. What I do know is that most of the meaningful memories I have from my childhood and beyond, Noah was there. The middle school restlessness, the high school adrenaline, the college ambivalence. Even today - miles apart, we still pick up right where we left off when we get together.

It’s hard to choose just one story when I think of Noah and I’s friendship, so many come to mind. There are, after all, almost 26 years of “boys becoming men” to choose from. But if I’m to choose only one, it is certainly one Noah won’t find as amusing as I do…

The year was 2007. We had just graduated high school and set off for Hawaii to celebrate with a group of friends and classmates. Noah, in an era of self expression and rastafarian identity, decided he wanted dreads for his time in paradise. What Noah had not accounted for, what his rastafarian ancestors never shared with him apparently, was the immense amount of sand and sweat that entangles dreads while visiting a tropical island. To boot, his fair-skinned body wore a viscous sun burn nearly the entire time. With the exception of a few meltdowns, Noah didn’t let the shackles of a miserable caucasian rastafarian drag him down. We partied like it was 1999, tried to get tattoos underage, shoulder tapped old people, broke our hotel air conditioner twice, ate many Cup Noodles, and left our mark on the Hawaiian islands. But for me, it’s the dreads I remember the most.

Groomsman

Quinton Sall: West Valley Legend, No Brakes No Regrets

My name is Quinton Clair Sall, also referred to as Q, Quintapy XK III, The Wet Bandit,

and Clair Bear. I am currently the old age of 37 and living in Sparks Nevada. I am

putting my lack of knowledge to good use while working for Panasonic, making batteries

for Tesla. A not so hidden talent, I do make a pretty handsome lady if I do say so

Myself.

I met Noah in Ms. Brenner’s 7th grade home room. He was the older kid in the South

Park shirt reading “Fuck Off” in Italian, the ideal role model. We blew right by the usual

“getting to know you” basics and got REAL friendly playing bloody knuckles and trying

to hit each other till the other gave up. That year was full of laughs as were the ones to

follow; I would like to officially thank his 3rd grade teacher for truly understanding his

potential and holding that big dummy back. If not, we could have missed out on the whole lot.

Throughout the years we have been very fortunate to be able to travel together, first

going to Peru where we got to camp on the beach and farm guinea pigs. Later traveling

to Europe with his parents and cousin Ben, where we hit Norway, France, and London.

When we were in Norway, we got an opportunity to sneak away in the rental car to putt

around while the parents checked out caves. The car was manual so I was the only

one who could drive but Noah was determined to learn. We tried and tried and Noah

still drives an automatic, but Alpha Ben picked it up right quick. Many nights around

campfires and friends would not have been the same without our friendship, being

called brothers since day one was just a sign of what was to come. The memories are

countless and continue to grow whenever we are together, if curious of the many ways

we have barely escaped with our hides, just ask.

Groomsman

Ben Hinkle: Cousin by Blood, Brother by Choice

My name is Ben. I’m Noah’s cousin, some would say I’m his favorite cousin… favorite male cousin at least, which has nothing to do with me being his only male cousin. I once pooped in a bathtub… with Noah in it and somehow I still made it here to be a groomsman. If that doesn’t scream “favorite (male) cousin” I don’t know what does.

I’m 33 years old, which makes me roughly 4 years younger than Noah.

Hidden talents… I try to keep all my talents hidden. Can’t have people knowing how talented I am. I do like woodworking. I’m working on a rustic armoire with a shou sugi ban finish at the moment. Shou sugi ban is a Japanese wood burning technique. Basically, I’m building an armoire that I’m then going to set on fire, which will make it look nicer. Just trust me.

Growing up, Noah was more like a big brother to me than a cousin. It seemed like every week he was either at my house, I was at his house, or we’d split the difference and meet at Granma’s house. Whatever Noah was doing was what I wanted to do. Whether it was playing the video games he played, watching the movies he watched (even if they gave me nightmares… I checked for Chuckie under my bed for years after watching that one at the Oftedahl house), or just anything he was doing that I thought was cool, which was basically anything he was doing at the time, that’s what I wanted to do. When we were younger we used to go on ski trips together every year. When Noah started snowboarding at 10 years old, I protested my whole ski season at six years old because I was stuck on skis. Needless to say, the next year I was on a snowboard trying to keep up with my big cousin. I wanted to be like Noah and I wasn’t gonna have it any other way! All these years later and really not much has changed, still look up to my big cousin and, of course, still love him like he was my brother.

Noah’s been in my life since literally day one. If I’m not mistaken he was at the hospital when I was born. And if I am mistaken, please don’t correct me. It’s a nice memory to have whether it’s entirely accurate or not.

Groomsman

Nick Pennucci: Freshman Friends, Never Ends

My name is Nick Pennucci. Fitness and Athlete based business owner in Campbell, California. Outside the gym, you can find me hiking (preferably with no cell service), getting drawn somewhere along the coast, spending time with family, or just staying active.

I still answer to Nickypoo - a nickname I've tried to retire with zero success. It's been almost 20 years. I've accepted it.

When I am not convincing people I have hidden talents, I am proving I am a better cook than I have any right to be... as it turns out YouTube and extra butter goes a long way.

What started as a friendship with a fro-ey 8th grade kid I went to middle school with, after nearly 2 decades, I'm still stuck with him.

Noah was the oldest in our group, which meant first license, first car, and unofficial chauffeur for all of our questionable decisions with the "fab 5". One drizzly high school night, we hit up Wienerschnitzel and, in true teenage-boy fashion, decided to “test the limits” of the car on the way out. Peeled out of the parking lot, started drifting, and ended up in a full 180° spin staring directly into oncoming traffic.

I can still picture his wide eyes and scared-shitless face as we sat there frozen, staring down those headlights for what felt like an eternity. Makes me laugh every time I think about it.

By some miracle, nothing happened. But that moment pretty much sums up our friendship... a little reckless, a lot of laughs, and somehow we always come out the other side together. From high school shenanigans to standing next to him on his wedding day, it’s been one hell of a ride.

Man of Honor

Jason Thomas: Day One, Under the Sun

I was born with a million dollar smile and charm in January 1986 and raised by an incredible single mom of three. Growing up the youngest sibling, and proudly “Mommy's baby”, I somehow balanced being both the family favorite and the family spokesperson at the same time. My mom raised us with strength, love, and the kind of life lessons only a hardworking mother can teach. I would not be who I am without her.

I met AJ when I was 17 through a mutual friend named Eva. We had gone to the DMV so I could take my driver's permit test, and afterward Eva casually mentioned she was calling a friend to pick us up so we could all hang out. Now, knowing Eva's free-spirited personality and very eclectic circle of friends, I was naturally curious and slightly concerned about who exactly was coming to get us.

About fifteen minutes later a black Chevy Lumina came pulling up blasting Twista (Bay Rap Slaps), and Eva casually said, "Amanda is here." AJ waved us over, introduced herself immediately, and from the moment I got into the back seat the connection was instant. What started as a random DMV pickup turned into a lifelong friendship and gaining the big sister I never knew I needed.

Our friendship was solidified shortly after during one unforgettable moment. After failing my driver's test, a furious seventeen year old me dramatically threw my phone out the car window near the corner of Lawrence and El Camino. While most people would have panicked, AJ calmly looked at me and said, "Now go get it. I can't have you mad at failure AND without a phone." That pretty much sums up the dynamic from the very beginning.

Like a lot of real friendships, ours has not always been constant. Life took us in different directions more than once. There were seasons of closeness and seasons of distance. The thing about us is - we always found our way back. Especially when it mattered most, when life got hard and the stakes were real, we showed up for each other. That is the kind of friendship that does not need to be explained or performed. It just exists, quietly and reliably, underneath everything else.

We both have this hidden superpower of reading a room, reading a person, and reading a situation before most people have finished forming a thought. I think this is why we recognized each other so quickly from that very first day. Game recognize game. Two people who see things clearly, who tell the truth even when it is inconvenient, and who would rather have an honest uncomfortable moment than a comfortable dishonest one.

Standing with AJ as her Bridesman of Honor is not a role I take lightly. It is what you do for the people who have been part of your real life, the whole messy beautiful complicated real life, for over twenty years. I show up with loyalty, laughter, honesty, unmatched energy, and just enough chaos to keep things memorable. Every bridal party needs someone who can organize the fun, protect the bride, keep the group together, and still make everyone laugh until they cry. I understand the assignment and I am so grateful to be here for it all.

Bridesmaid

Aenoy Bouttavong: 12 Years Strong, Been Here All Along

Aenoy, AKA gthang or Oliver and Poe’s mom, valley grown in Fresno, CA.

A dog mom of two who spends my free time cooking, exercising, hanging with family and friends, and reading questionable literature with unwavering confidence.

Met AJ (Amanda) almost 12 years ago at work, and we instantly became ride-or-die work boos.

Over the years, we’ve created enough memories to fill a sitcom, but one I’ll never forget is our trip home from the Philippines — when she seriously considered turning our flight into an international rescue mission by bringing home every stray dog she saw. There are Pictures to prove it

Honestly, TSA should just be grateful we only boarded with luggage.

Bridesmaid

Allison Washington: Dumpster Fires & All, She Always Answers My Call

Hi, I’m Allison! Morgan Hill local, proud couch potato, and somehow one of AJ’s bridesmaids despite her witnessing me treat a simple dog walk like a survival event.

We met almost six years ago at work. She was on my interview panel, which is honestly a little unhinged in retrospect. Then HR matched us as work buddies, and what started as her showing me the ropes turned into one of the best friendships I didn’t see coming. We clicked fast over a mutual low tolerance for nonsense and a very high tolerance for baked goods. The rest is history.

Hidden talent: Similar to AJ, I have a knack for catching problems early and making them disappear before anyone has to stress about them. Pretty sure we were firefighters in our past lives.

Favorite Story: AJ once convinced me ~ a committed homebody ~ to go on a dog walk around her mom’s neighborhood. What I thought was a casual stroll turned into a full journey. The only thing that got me through it was AJ’s jokes and her storytelling, which is so vivid you forget your legs exist. We made it back, fed the dogs watermelon, and I called it a win.

I love you AJ, and I couldn’t be happier to be here for this chapter. 🤍

Bridesmaid

Bethany Shin: Little and Loud, Makes Me Proud

I’m a psych nurse, which means I can handle chaos, keep people alive, and spot questionable behavior from a mile away. It’s a lifestyle, really.

Also proudly known as Moose’s girlfriend (Noah & Aj’s dog), he’s cuter than me and I’ve accepted that.

Hidden Talent:

I’m weirdly athletic. Like, I don’t train for things but somehow still do okay… it doesn’t make sense to me either.

Fun Fact

I don’t like chicken… unless it’s in the form of a McDonald’s nugget. Then it’s gourmet.

My Story with AJ

AJ and I met in AA, where I first heard her speak at a meeting and immediately thought, “Damn, she’s a powerful woman.” Not long after, I casually started calling her every single day for advice (totally normal behavior, right?).

Eventually, I got over my denial and admitted what everyone already knew… she was basically my sponsor. I finally made it official and asked her, and that was over two years ago. Since then, she’s been one of the most important people in my life and I’m so lucky to stand by her side for this next chapter.

Bridesmaid

Sydney Tai: Zesty Bestie

I’m Syd! Originally from Detroit Michigan! Moved out to the Bay Area during my teenage years. I love the bay area and I am grateful to raise my kiddos here. I'm Mama to four amazing kiddos ages 20, 17, 13, and 4! I'm a community mental health therapist that supports families healing from trauma. I love what I do, and my children are the highlight of my life. I have a wonderful partner and a very colorful chaotic life!

I could live off of chicken street tacos, I love horror and superhero movies, and I enjoy glitter and rainbows as much as I love the artistry of spiders and skulls. My hidden talents are wrapping babies and turning every room in my house into a scavenger hunt for anyone who is looking for anything they need.

My beautiful chaotic life definitely got more sparkly and enjoyable when the Universe placed AJ in my path. In a crowded room, I saw her and heard her and knew that I wanted to be friends with her. Much like a preschooler goes up to a new person and says “hi can we be friends?” That's how our lives are interlocked. I am absolutely in love with her, and adore Noah so very much. I’m so excited and honored

be in this magical chapter in the beginning of their story together.