Wedding Who's Who
We've got some extraordinary friends and family who are making the trek to Costa Rica to celebrate with us. You can get to know everyone here!
Brandon and Craig
We're the reason for this party. Thanks for showing up for us! We snapped this photo moments after we got engaged at Stonehenge a few days before the world shut down for a pandemic.
The Families
Brenda Williams-White
Brandon's mom. Angus's proud grandma. She loves football, good music, and hanging out with friends and family. Brenda was a bartender at the San Diego airport, which made her an expert in dealing with all sorts of people. In addition to making margaritas that put you on tilt, she gives great hugs.
Clyde and Fran McKinney
Craig's parents, who left Texas after retirement to enjoy an active life in the mountains of Estes Park, Colorado. Clyde leads hikes in the Rocky Mountains and, according to Brandon, makes the perfect martini. Fran enjoys cooking, entertaining, reading about your life on Facebook, and staying very, very busy.
Kevin and Cynthia McKinney
Craig's baby brother and beautiful sister-in-law. Kevin is a professional singer-songwriter and guitarist. Texas music fans know him as the front man of Soulhat. Cynthia, one of the nicest people you are likely to meet, is a professional floral designer at the mothership Central Market in Austin, where they share a house with their cats and whatever neighborhood animals are in need.
Sean and Hilary Mosley
Brandon’s kin and Craig’s future brother and sister in-law. These two soulmates have all the tea, but know not to spill it. Sean is a coach of volleyball teams and brings them to competition greatness within their leagues. He is also a talented artist and gardener. His rock, Hilary, is an artist of hair and beauty, helping others to look like better versions of themselves. Humble, witty, and intelligent, she was the first person to describe Brandon as “cheeky.” When he asked Sean what that meant, the response with a chuckle was “Ummm, that’s British for slick or a smart-ass.” Sean and Hilary are also proud parents of their daughter Ceri’on who is the youngest of Brandon’s nieces and nephews.
The Wedding Party (and some +1s)
Denise Lee
Denise, who is officiating the wedding ceremony, is Craig's long-time friend who has become our cherished family member. She is a multitalented and award-winning singer, actor, and activist who recently received the Dale Hansen Ally Award at the Human Rights Campaign's Black Tie Dinner in Dallas. Denise has two talented daughters, can't resist an invitation for chips and margaritas, and makes the world a better place every single day.
Laura Blankenship
Best Woman/Maid of Honor. Laura has been Craig's best friend since they started teaching together at Shepton High School 30 years ago (when they were 8). They've traveled on planes, boats, buses, and funiculars on multiple continents, have attended countless performances, and have hatched numerous diabolical plans. They also got in a little trouble in a palace in Madrid for falling on the floor because they were laughing so hard about something inappropriate. Laura is an Instagrammable vegan cook, a voracious reader, Craig's theatre companion, and a mom to several cats (who make Craig sneeze).
Elizio and Yannie Bodden
Elizio is Brandon's best man. The two have been like family since they were in high school in San Diego, where they were in the karate club. Elizio and his wife, Yannie, live in Vegas. Elizio has a true love for airplanes and is a highly skilled pilot. Yannie recently finished her master's degree to be a Family Nurse Practitioner. They have three awesome kids (Elysha, Jaiden, and Little Elizio) and two of Angus' cousins.
Anthony Brown and Joseph Dempsey
Joe and Anthony AKA "The Twins" are part of Brandon's crew from back in his LA days. They now live between Phoenix and Palm Springs with their adorable pup, Bleon. Joe (right), now retired from law enforcement, is one of Brandon's groomsmen and is forever young at heart. Anthony (left) occupies the role of Chief Party Planner with Michael Lindsey (see below) for the wedding party. Anthony owns his own business specializing in Senior Assisted Care/Living. If you haven't met The Twins, get ready because the party wont stop 'cause they don't stop!
Michelle Dixon and David Lee
Michelle, aka "The Cousin," is Brandon's groomswoman and voice of reason. She lives in Los Angeles where stars are made, loves gardening, and makes the best side dishes you could ever imagine. Her secret ingredient, love. A personality of bubbles and glitter, Michelle is a stealth-nerd Marvel junkie badass and fan of trivia games. You wont want to bet against her... David, her longtime partner, brings the chill to the party with his calm, easygoing demeanor. An avid fisherman, cook, and IT guru, David is walking Swiss-Army knife.
Michael and Natalie Lindsey
Michael and Natalie are the reason Craig is now an ordained minister (and Craig is the reason they are husband and wife). Michael, one of the groomsmen, was Craig's work husband. They've shared a room in a haunted hotel, found their soulmates at about the same time, got engaged one day apart, and have consumed way too much beer and whiskey together. Natalie can drink us both under the table, has seemingly limitless energy, and gets along with everyone. They share a Dallas duplex with the Newkirks but promise us they are moving to the 'burbs someday.
Kevin Moore and Joel Robbins
Kevin (left) is one of Craig's groomsmen and has stalked Craig since the early 1990s. He has recently become known as Dr. Moore, but he will probably let you call him Kevin. Kevin is an awesome educator, actor, and expert on all things pop culture, including the Housewives of everywhere. His husband, Joel, keeps Kevin young and has convinced him to become a carnivore. Joel is a West Texas boy who loves to travel, collects cool art, and has taken up gardening. Some famous football player is their next door neighbor.
The Party
Carol Armstrong
Carol is a loveable badass. A friend of Craig's since the late 90s, Carol has been a travel companion, drinking buddy, advice-giver, and plus one on many occasions. She is a designer for an all-woman event planning company and a cat mom who lives in a cool historic house in downtown Plano.
Ken and Michelle Camarillo
This dynamic duo should’ve been cast in every DC super-hero flick to date because they are the real deal. Initially friends with Brandon at a very small car company that also moved them to Texas, they quickly took to Craig. Whether welcoming you with open arms or crushing it in spin class, Ken and Michelle are beacons of strength and love for others. Proud parents of four kids (Alex, Gabby, Amanda, and Michael) along with two fur babies (Luna and Hero), they have built Casa de Amor. Sit back and relax poolside with your cocktail of choice. With Ken and Michelle day quickly turns to night because time flies when you’re having fun. While you may not remember the day, TikTok or FB streaming most likely will.
Omar Cordero and Jodie Bates
Forged like steel with a heart of melted gold, Jodie is the quiet one of the LA crew, now living in Dallas. Humble wisdom is one of his trademarks. Retired military and now navigating the waters in healthcare, Jodie makes it happen. Don’t be fooled by his reserved, poised, and dapper nature. He’s got a touch of country and knows how to turn up the fun dial. With Jodie around, you’re never on your own. Omar is his caring and vibrant husband who helps others be better versions of themselves. He adds spice to the overarching group and enjoys keeping us on our toes. Jodie and Omar’s daughter, Jade, is the most adorable little girl and gives them life.
Zoila Cordova
Zoila and Brandon worked together a very small car company that moved to Texas years ago. Together they braved the adventure leaving behind mountains, beaches, and traffic for weather, weather, and more weather. One of the kindest, most genuine, and most thoughtful people on earth, Zoila is always willing to help a friend in a pinch and brighten your day. She is the proud mother [Name] who recently earned her degree and is now working across the courtyard from Mom at the same teeny tiny car company. An accomplished multi-medal winner, Zoila recharges by participating each year in the LA Marathon.
Matt Fitch
Brandon and Matt met at work in the Management Trainee program. As was the case with many trainees living near the beach, Matt’s roommate got assigned to the field as did the one sharing an apartment with Brandon and JP. Matt moved in, and the three clicked. They routinely hit the Redondo and LA nightlife yet posted for work in the morning. Matt is 007 except drop the martini and hand him a beer. Guys like him are why REI and Airstream exist. A fearless cross-country adventurist and rock climber, Matt knows how to live every day in the moment.
Zane Huber and Ricky Banks
We met these guys through the Newkirks and Lindseys, and we immediately loved them. There is no other couple we'd rather be with when fighting for our lives attempting to drive up an icy road in a blizzard to a mountaintop ski cabin in a two-wheel drive rent car. They throw the fanciest parties. There's no one Zane (left) doesn't know, and he will be the last one to bed for fear of missing out of something at Casa 9. Ricky (right) will need a little quiet time.
Cassidy and LaGrande Markee
Cass, LaGrande, and Brandon met through a mutual friend that used to work with Brandon. They are the couple that tv shows are made of. A bit of Survivor. A touch of Pimp My Ride followed by This Old House painted with a shade of Golden Girls. They are two of the warmest and kindest human beings you’ll ever meet. Cass often takes genuine interest in others and has a quick wit to boot. He’s also the king of marshmallow s’mores. LaGrande is the gentle giant capable of out hugging any bear. A glamper, not a camper, when campfires and open wilderness call each year, he crosses his fingers in hopes that Brandon and Craig will join the party.
Sherry McCaskill and Roberta Robinson
An unrivaled burst of sunshine, Sherry worked with Brandon and is a fan of Craig’s baked cookies. She’s big on personality and genuinely enjoys connecting with others. Sherry is everybody’s sister and mother to her awesome daughter Kayla. If you Zumba, shop, or love fashion, call Sherry! In the meantime, kick up your feet with mimosas in hand and laugh the day away with this vibrant conversationist. Making the trek to Costa Rica is her road buddy partner in crime, Roberta. A native of San Diego, America’s Finest City, Roberta is passionate about music, loves to sing beyond karaoke, and is a fashionista.
Seth and Megan Newkirk
We met Seth and Megan through Michael Lindsey (see above), and they've become extended family. Brandon and Craig are proud "guncles" to their son, Reed. The Newkirk home--the Compound--is a social hub and hangout. There's nothing Seth can't barbecue. Megan is a hostess extraordinaire, an aspiring travel planner, and Michael's bestie. We mentioned above that Michelle makes the world's best baked beans, but Megan might give her a run for her money.
Mia Phillips and Gerald Frugé
First you had Bonnie and Clyde. Then came Martin and Gina. Now meet Mia and Gerald. These best friends married each other in Costa Rica years ago. Mia is a sports nut able to spout any player statistic. She brings the bubbly before champagne even arrives. Gerald is a living Swiss army knife that can do it all, a city boy with country charm and Jordan-like reflexes ready to jump into action and lend a helping hand. For a good laugh, tune in for tales as told by Gerald. He puts the “you can’t make this $&@! up” into any and every story.
Christine Rembert and Cara Chandler
Christine's friendship with Craig dates back to the first day of freshman orientation at Southwestern University, where they rescued one another from participation in a particularly cringeworthy mixer game. Over the years, they've survived a lot together: majoring in sociology, London semester abroad, the infamous Vienna walk, feeding Christmas dinner to elderly people in a London church, a whirlwind tour of Chicago with her husband and three sons, and pickup truck supply deliveries in rural Appalachia. If you need a good laugh, wise advice, or an unfiltered opinion, Christine is your go-to girl. Cara is Christine's sidekick, frequent travel companion and fellow Montessori educator. Cara's sharp wit and fun personality keep things lively. Not only can Cara make a great cocktail (we're told) but she can also keep Christine under control, so she earns a double gold star.
Robb Whittlef
A Minneapolis native living the dream of Los Angeles, he’s a bridge that connects people and things together. Whether it’s tight friendships such as the one with Brandon, Cass, and LaGrande, or creating synergy with strangers for supporting charity, Robb is often in the middle. He is a visionary, humanitarian, and jokester who relentlessly stirs the pot with friends and family for his amusement and theirs.
Alison and Jim Wild
Alison and Craig traumatized a generation of youth as "the fun counselors" at Christ UMC throughout the 1990s. They were "the young ones" on a glass-top train trip across Canada with a bunch of rowdy retirees. Alison is that friend you call when you have something in fun in mind and need someone who will say yes without reservation. Her husband, Jim, is equally adventurous and tons of fun. They met in the church choir but are also frequent fliers at whiskey and wine events. We are excited that Jim and Alison are returning to Plano after a multi-year stint in Houston.
Kerry Wilson
Kerry aka Kerr-Bear and Kerry-Baby is everything. He is also a member of the crew from LA. A voice of reason and genuine authenticity, Kerry is the devil’s advocate who helps paint 360-degrees of every situation. Charismatic and carefree, his glass is never half-empty, but always full. Like a human band-aide, Kerry always knows what to do and say to make your boo-boos and owies go away. He’s classy, but likes to cuss and is often stirred, but never shaken. A true ride or die. Known for exceptional fashion sense, he is a visionary able to imagine the impossible and speak through creativity without saying a word.
Deanna Kenard
An extended family member, Deanna is the first person to meet Craig after he and Brandon started dating. What looked like an evening of sushi and martinis was really an interview by design, LOL. Craig passed with flying colors and is now heading to the altar. Possessing an advanced degree in life, Deanna is known as the Vault of Trust and keeper of all conversations coded confidential. Above anything, she is proud Mama Bear of two loving sons, Chris and Orien.
Adrian Lue-Sang
Adrian is a DC and Marvel afficionado that has seemingly absorbed every comic book and movie plot directly into his brain as if a blue Martian named Powder. When too much time has passed, Adrian is that rare human who skips text messaging and picks up a phone to check on you. He is never too busy for family and is big on traditions such as cousin time with Michelle and Brandon when they are available to catch up over dinner libations in LA.
James and Dana Heyward
Brandon and Dana are like little a brother and big sister duo that would cause neighbors to roll down their shutters. Brandon worked for Dana in a field office. Ironically their friendship began on a flight, though Dana hates flying. Dana voluntold Brandon to swap seats with the stranger next to her in case of turbulence using the excuse “oh this is my husband, could you please swap seats?”. The passenger obliged to the swap, and the rest is history as tea spilled with hours of laughter! These two Pisces found many things in common that sealed the friendship such as shopping, shrimp, shenanigans, and Grey Goose.
The real husband, James is calm, cool, and collected. Something of Billy D without the Colt 45 or Marlborough lights! A pillar of perfect health and fitness, James crushes the competition. So think twice if you want to tout your workout program. But, if you want to do a better push up, swing a golf club, or be cool like a summer breeze, James will have you covered.