Bridal Party
The Bridesmaids:
Allison Belden - Maid of Honor
Hi! I'm Allison, Amy's little (and only) sister. I have known Amy since she was almost five years old and I was, well, just born. Luckily, that has allowed me to have all sorts of fun stories about Amy, but we will save those for a more proper forum. I'm thinking that the reception might be that appropriate time I'm envisioning.
I just moved back to California after living in Seattle for a year. This amount of time was, unfortunately, not long enough to spend exploring the beautiful Emerald City, but definitely long enough to gain a newfound respect and appreciation for rain. Now I'm living in Sacramento and I have returned to UC Davis to study English. While I am not quite sure what career this major will lead to, I love to dine with my boyfriend, Ben, at wonderful restaurants both locally and far away. We also like to experiment with dishes and cooking in our own kitchen. I certainly wouldn't mind if I made this hobby a living, perhaps in writing about food.
When I'm not at school, I work as a cocktail waitress at the Hyatt across from California's state capitol building, serving drinks to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. I suppose I serve the other patrons of the lobby bar as well.
I'm looking forward to seeing all of you at the wedding, and for those I haven't met, I can't wait to meet you! I'm quite honored and excited to be a part of Amy's wedding. She is, after all, my favorite sister.
Ritu Chitkara - Bridesmaid
Hi! I'm Ritu, Amy's long time friend from middle school. Yep, I've seen Amy through all of the awkward adolescent phases and watched her grow into the beautiful woman she is today. She's been a great friend to me and was a bridesmaid at my wedding, too!
I grew up in New York and moved to California in the 7th grade (enter Amy into my life). Since then, I went to Stanford for undergrad, down to UC San Diego for medical school, and now am back up at Stanford doing my pediatrics residency. What can i say? I love the lil' ones! Up next, I plan on doing a fellowship (basically sub-specializing) in neonatology--taking care of the really sick premie babies in the intensive care unit.
I got married to the love of my life about a year and a half ago... His name is Jordan (but he goes by Jory). Other than that, I love to snowboard, hike, go to concerts (especially Dave Matthews!) and dance... Can't wait to meet/see you all soon!
Christine Hitchcock - Bridesmaid
Hi, I'm Christine. I met Amy during our sophomore year in college at UC Santa Barbara. We were picked at random to be roommates and instantly became friends. We have countless goofy photos of us dressed up in silly costumes and having a good time in our old apartment, thankfully none of which are posted here!
I studied Marine Biology and am now teaching high school physiology in San Jose, CA. I am also working on getting my Master's Degree in School Administration.
Two and a half years ago, I married my high school sweetheart, Darrell, in San Diego (my hometown). Amy was one of my bridesmaids.
Rebecca Rogers - Bridesmaid
I'm Rebecca, one of Amy's cousins. I am currently finishing up my last year at the University of Washington. I am majoring in Communications with a focus in journalism. I have a strong interest specifically in sports journalism and have been writing for the school newspaper, The Daily.
While I take pride in my achievements at school, I also have a pretty good repute in the pool. I have been swimming competitively for most of my life and am a strong member of the UW swim team. I have participated in swim meets around the country, and even some in Europe.
I spent several years of my childhood living both in Holland and in Thailand, but my true home is Walnut Creek. I will return home this summer to coach a local swim team, and am looking forward to being in my first wedding!
The Groomsmen:
Matt Jeschke - Best Man and Officiant
I'm Mark's older brother and am honored to officiate at his wedding! I've known Mark for more than three decades, and can honestly say that he is one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have known, as well as having a terrific sense of humor. (I've got plenty of stories to share if you want to embarrass him) And it's been such a great pleasure to get to know Amy over the last few years - my wife Suzanne and I have really enjoyed spending time with her, and sometimes I think my kids like "Auntie Amy" more than us! The four of us (Suzanne; me; Ruby, age 3; and Sophia, age 2) recently moved from San Francisco to Salt Lake City and we miss spending time with Mark and Amy.
Suzanne and I met while we were both living at San Francisco Zen Center, and while I'm not a Buddhist priest, I've officiated at about a dozen weddings - but this one stands out, to be sure.
After seven years in San Francisco with a group called Business for Social Responsibility, working on issues of how companies interact with the people affected by their activities, I have taken a job with a company called Kennecott Exploration, in Salt Lake City, working on many of the same issues. We've been here since December, and while we miss the Bay Area, we're enjoying the city and the beautiful mountains here.
Jeremy D'Arcy - Groomsman
In a time not too long ago... but longer ago than it actually seems... I was a pizza delivery guy. This is where it all started. Who knew that delivering a pizza would foster a new friendship such as this. Mark was working as an intern for this recording studio and building their web site. In fact, he was doing what I wanted to be doing! I was immediately impressed by his many talents. As we started talking that day, we became friends, and have been friends ever since. In a way I have always considered myself his silent apprentice, and always interested in learning as much as I could from him. It's hard to believe that over ten years have gone by since that day.
I am a native from Southern California who's passions include painting oil and acrylic landscapes and portraits, web site interface design, traveling to exotic places and anything having to do with spiritual transformation and consciousness. I currently live with my sweetheart, Meghan, and our loveable dog, Jasper Jones, just outside Sacramento. When I'm not tending my garden, I spend my time working at a small and very busy design agency called Profile by Design in El Dorado Hills, and on any freelance projects that come my way.
I've seen Mark grow as a Creative and as a person, and his kindness and generosity never cease to amaze me. Amy is a wonderful match in talents, intelligence and sweetness. I'm honored to be a part of their life, and to especially be a part of this wonderful occasion. Congratulations Mark and Amy!
Josh Greenberg - Groomsman
I first saw Mark in 1988 as he played guitar during a performance at the hip Marin County nightclub known as Redwood High School. Mark was amazing, utterly owning the stage. I was a budding drummer at the time, so naturally I desperately wanted to play with him. That sounds wrong but you know what I mean. Anywho, a year later I'd get my chance as Mark and I started jamming together, eventually becoming players in the house band for Giant Turtle, a long-standing Redwood drama tradition. Mark and I would go on to play in another band, the ill-fated but memorably named "Jumbo Java."
After Redwood, Mark left to attend the very prestigious Berklee College of Music and I the other Berkeley, but of all my friends from high school, including the imaginary ones, Mark is the only one I've stayed consistently close with. Why, you ask? Well, if you know him, then you no doubt also know the answer. He is as great a friend as he is a musician. He's also incredibly funny, sensitive, fearless and he smells nice.
Since getting my master's degree in film from USC, I now live in L.A. cranking out attempts at humor for Hollywood. My hobbies include fencing, watching Judge Judy and sobbing quietly. Despite living at opposite ends of the state, I've had the opportunity to meet Amy several times and it's very clear she's as wonderful, kind and funny as Mark, and I'm delighted to see how happy they are together. I am honored to be a part of this ceremony.
Aaron Neimark - Groomsman and DJ (best known as DJ Goldmyne)
I met Mark in 1985 or 1986. We were a part of the same band in Marin County through a place called the Music School. Our band was called "Fusion." Mark played guitar, of course. I remember meeting Mark back then. He extended his hand out for me to shake and said something like, "Nice to meet you." Back then I thought, "What a weirdo, sounding all polite and nice and stuff. What's wrong with this guy?" I still can't find out what's wrong with this guy... He's one of the most caring and kind people I know, always thoughtful in his actions and in his decisions. I am grateful to have become so close to him during the past years.
And if you're really nice back to him, he may give you the URL on YouTube to view our band's gig at "Uncle Charlie's" nightclub. Vintage 1986. Be nice.
James Stewart - Groomsman
Sign: Capricorn
Turn-ons: vinyl records, cold beer and movie trivia
Turn-offs: bad drivers, Adam Sandler and mean people
"Dead or alive, you're coming with me." Those were the first words I
ever heard Mark say. He was doing his Robocop impression for a few of
us at Green Room his first day. This was followed by a barrage/montage
of bad 80s actors/movie quotes that I am SURE many of you are familiar
with. Not your typical first impression and what followed was years of
hilarious hijinks and pratfalls. I have known Mark for around 10 years
and consider him a close friend. What amazes me is that I still find
the Robocop impression funny... I'm a simple kinda guy.