This page has the full blurbs for all the people in our party:
Reena Chokshi:
Reena is likely dealing with patients or sleeping right now, so please excuse the bullet points:
BASICS: met Mandy freshman year in college and quickly became best friends and roommates, now finishing up residency at Penn and getting ready to start GI fellowship at WashU, engaged to a fabulous guy she calls Bobby Brown (even though he goes by Rob)
LIKES: food and wine, dancing in her living room, relaxing on the beach, People magazine, her nieces and nephews, singing along to the music in the car/her head, the smell of lilies
DISLIKES: tomatoes, cold weather, waking up to the sounds of either her alarm or lawnmowers, working 30-hour shifts, people who kick her chair on an airplane
ABOUT MANDY AND KOREY: Reena is extremely happy that Mandy was able to find a guy who is just as nutty as she is, with just as big a heart. She can't wait to share their special day with them.
Steve Nelson:
I have known Korey for 10 years now. He and I started at Amazon around the same time - I don't think either of us knew what we were getting into, but we almost immediately hit it off...despite the fact that he was a Jarhead and I was a Squid. Through a baptism of fire, both in our personal and professional lives, we became very close. He was there with the birth of both of my boys, and I was there when Caroline had her surgery and Peyton was born. Possibly the hardest time for me was to watch him go through the rough spots - there was nothing I could do to help. But then he met Mandy....actually I should say started to date Mandy. I remember him telling me that there was this really cute girl at work that he was friends with and was working up the nerve to ask her out. I did not hear anything for a couple of weeks, but the next time I talked to him, I could tell that things went well. Over the months, I could see him start to enjoy stuff and be really happy for the first time since I had known him. After I met Mandy, I could understand why. She complimented him perfectly, gave him confidence when he needed it, and kicked him in the butt too. She put him to work on this house she just *happened* to find that was less than a mile from where he was living in Sumner. The bathroom was the first project...and from all accounts it was there that a) they had their first real fight, and b) figured out that they loved each other and how to make up.
I think the best vision of the two of them that I will carry with me was when the three of us rode the annual "Three Pass Blast" - me on my Magna, and Korey and Mandy on his Harley. Korey and I had done it the year before and although we froze our butt off, it was at least clear. This year, however, the sun was not to be. To make matters worse, Mandy had not gotten a proper set of chaps yet and was wearing Korey's old ones that had been trimmed down to *kind of * fit her. The weather started out ok in Monroe, but as we progressed up Steven's Pass, it started to rain. I remember riding up next to them - we were traveling about 50 mph down the road, in the rain, and I could see that although she was completely soaked and freezing, the two of them were having a great time just being together. That is the picture I still carry in my head when I think of them and how much they fit together. So, although your lives will be filled with ups and downs, always remember that day, and all the other rides you have taken together, and how much you obviously love being together - for it is obvious to the rest of us that you belong together.
Brandi Shields:
Brandi & Mandy (I'm fairly certain friendships built on names that rhyme are scientifically proven to stand the test of time) met a little over two years ago when Brandi accepted the position of babysitter..I mean Executive Assistant...for Mandy's team at Amazon. They have since spent many a glorious day wandering the PacMed corridors, partaking in the utmost eloquent meals from the cafeteria on the second floor, and occasionally even hopping the shuttle for a delicious bowl of Pho in the International District. Not too long after, Mandy decided it was acceptable to bring Brandi out in public and she was then introduced to Korey and has even been invited to their house. After Brandi knocked her drink over, stepped on the glass, and proceeded to bleed on their deck, she's not quite sure she'll be allowed back though.
On the bright side, I can honestly say (as cliché as it may be) these two are meant for each other. When you still light up at the sight of their face, after all this time, there's something special there. I wish you two nothing short of a lifetime together filled with anything and everything you wish for.(back to the party page)
Chuck Ferguson:
Mike Tremoulet:
I've never had to write a biographical blurb. I made some notes here to type up for the wedding website:
"Mike and Mandy have known each other for a long time, since their time on Exxor where Mike learned to take on the various forms of water while Mandy could transform into the shape of any animal"-- oh, wait, that was the Wonder Twins from the Super Friends. Sorry, wrong piece of paper.
"Mike and Mandy have been friends since Mike's arrival in an egg-shaped ship from Ork"-- no, that's Mork and Mindy, not Mike and Mandy. How crazy is it that the show is a spinoff from Happy Days? Hm, I know it's around here somewhere...
"Born in 1929 to a Jewish family living in Poland, Mike's family fled to France where he grew up and studied mathematics, eventually becoming the father of modern fractals"-- Ack. That's for Ernst Mandlebrot, not Mandy and me. I give up. Let's start from scratch.
Mike and Mandy have known each other since college. It's not often you remember the first time you talked with somebody, but then again, you don't often forget learning that cow brain sandwiches are a local speciality in St. Louis. (September, 2000, on the benches outside the Lovett commons at Rice U., a sunny afternoon.) They've managed to keep in touch since then, an impressive feat since Mike isn't the best about calling or writing anybody, a fact his parents will happily remind him of if he lets it go too long. Mike finally got to meet Korey when he and Mandy came to Houston for Mike's birthday a couple of years ago. Himself married, Mike is employed in the abysmally hot south of Texas doing IT work, trying to keep up with a family, is an Aries and loves cooking, jazz music, and coffee.
Cathy Mettler:
How did you meet me (& Mandy)? How long have you known me (& Mandy)?
I met Korey at work around 1997 at Boeing. We brought him into our group as a System Administrator until he bailed on us to work at Amazon. We would occasionally go to the driving range during lunch to hit a bucket of balls, we called that an “Impact Meeting”, made it sound like we had a working lunch. Korey, Mandy and I keep in touch thru Mariner’s games, Wine Pairing Dinner parties, Wine walks, Wine tastings ….wait, is there a theme here? I met Mandy after hearing about her from Korey, he was so cute talking about the girl at work he really liked and wanted to ask out. Geez, finally!!
What are you looking forward to or dreading in the wedding?
I am really looking forward to all the wedding festivities. When Korey asked me to stand up for him, I immediately said yes. I then excused myself to step outside, smoke a cigarette, have a little cry (I am a marshmallow with a crust) and think about what all that entailed. I came rushing back in and asked… “Does this mean I am invited to the Bachelor Party?” On hearing Korey’s affirmative answer, I said, “Oh you bet, I’m in.”
Do you like long walks on the beach at sunset?
I like cooking for friends, trying new recipes, vacations to sunny places. I am an Aquarian and all that the sign entails. I have two Cocker Spaniel dogs; Maximo Giovanni (black male) and Tessa Luna (black & white female). I am single, no kids, never lonely as I have many great friends, some of whom I have known since the 4th grade. I like going to concerts, NW football - college & pro, love going to the Mariner’s games. I find pulling my fingernails out with pliers preferable to watching golf on TV. Although I have golf clubs, I don’t play…I am very competitive and I WILL take my ball and go home if I am losing.
Is there a particularly revealing or embarrassing story about me that you'd like to share?
I owned a Black Chevrolet non 4WD Blazer, I think it was a 1985. I had purchased a new car and hung onto the Blazer to haul stuff. Korey had an extremely beat up car that mostly sat rotting in the parking lot at work. He REALLY needed a car, so I sold him the Blazer also known as ”The car that wouldn’t die™”. The roof leaked at the windshield so it would get a little soggy on the inside, probably smelled really bad. The headliner came loose and hung over Korey’s head until he ripped it out. I can remember a frantic phone call one night from Korey as he had a flat tire and was looking for the lug lock. Duh! Look in the glove box!! I believe Korey finally donated the car to a charity although I am surprised he didn’t have to pay someone to haul it away. Lasted 24 years, I think.
Any of those sappy wedding-ish romantic thoughts on our relationship?
I am just so happy for the both of you. I am looking forward to meeting your families, I have heard a lot about them. Just one question….Are we gonna have to do the Chicken Dance at the wedding??
Annette Saubon:
Mandy & I met when I worked at CSC (first job out of college) & have been friends since. I live in Houston & am not a big fan of spiders or knives. I'm a professional sleeper and don't expect to find me awake before noon. I love to surf, and started to take swim lessons three weeks ago. And noooo, you don't need to know how to swim if you're surfing in water that goes up to your chest. You just stand when you fall off your board. :D And yeeees, I do know how to swim -- if you consider doggy paddling swimming. I have a fierce doggy paddle.
Other likes... I love to dance (salsa, merengue, lindy hop, west coast swing, tango, and the good ole booty shaking bump & grind). I love movies and the theater. My drink of choice is usually bourbon on the rocks or martinis. My perfect guy would know how to salsa and do magic tricks. Yes. I'm still single. I'm an Aries with a Taurus moon and a Libra rising. I don't really "believe" in astrology, but I do find it fun to read palms and tarot cards. Oh, and I do like astronomy. I know just about every constellation in the summer sky.
How did you meet me (& Korey)? How long have you known me (& Korey)?
Mandy and I met at our associate training program back in August of 2000. Soon after, I became a frequent guest on her couch since I was still living at home in the suburbs. I loved those Micky Mouse sheets and the take home dinners from Eatzi's. I knew we were becoming good friends when I had stepped away at lunch and our coworker asked Mandy what drink they should order for me. She didn't know what I liked to drink, but she knew what I liked to _drink_. "Uhh... a long island ice tea?"
What are you looking forward to or dreading in the wedding?
I'm looking forward to the drinks and the Guitar Hero show down. I wish I had a Wii so I could practice and be a contender. I'm also looking forward to that morning when we're helping you prep and get dressed. I am going to FREAK OUT seeing you in a wedding dress. I'm dreading being out on the floor to catch the bouquet. I know I'm a bridesmaid so I know I won't be able to skip out and hide. Although I've been known to take strategic smoke breaks to avoid such events... Don't worry. I won't. :P Just find a hot dude to catch the garter belt, and I'll fight for that bouquet so he can slip it onto my leg. Wohoo!!!
Do you like long walks on the beach at sunset? ;-)
Who doesn't? :D I'd like them even better if I had someone to walk it with me. :P
Is there a particularly revealing or embarrassing story about me that you'd like to share?
Hmmmm. If people don't already know, Mandy is a crier. Whew. Her emotions may run close to the surface, but don't that that for her being soft. I think Mandy was categorized as a Driver-Amiable. So she might run you over in her car trying to get to her destination, but she'll check the rear view mirror to see if you're okay. One wierd thing about Mandy is that she's very empathetic. If you start telling her a story about someone breaking their arm, her arm will start hurting.
Any of those sappy wedding-ish romantic thoughts on our relationship?
I'm just so happy for you. Really really happy for you. :)
Vince Hirayama:
I met Korey at work. He joined our System Administration group at Boeing around 1997. I knew at that time he was a perfect match for our team – funny, friendly, outgoing, hard worker, diligent, reliable, trustworthy, and laidback. I think one of our first conversations was beer. Beer was always our number one priority, whether we are drinking or making it.
As I got to know Korey at work, he would always tell stories about being in the Marines or funny situations from his hometown in North Dakota. Korey is a good story teller and he seems to have a way of keeping you interested in his stories. I still remember his stories of the crazy times he had while in the Marines (the A to B story) and the parties he’d be at when he went back home in North Dakota. One of his serious stories was of his daughter’s heart surgery which touched everyone in the office. Everyone was relieved when Caroline pulled through successfully.
Korey and I traveled to San Jose for a training class since we started supporting new SUN servers. We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Milpitas California and for those who don’t know about these hotels, there is breakfast (buffet) in the mornings and cocktail hours in the afternoons that is included with our stay. Every morning Korey and I would meet for breakfast, go to class, and then come back for the cocktail hours. There was one time we were going to go to an A’s game, but we drank too much that we just ended up staying at the hotel bar watching the game on TV. Korey also tried sushi for the first time there too. He wasn’t too sure if raw food was his thing, but since he tried it, he total loves sushi.
Korey would join in the after work get together’s at Phrumps in Eastgate, come to the Mariners games with Skylar (I still remember the photo shot with Skylar on your shoulders in the Seattle Times), bring the kids to the motor cross event at Qwest field, make beer at my house, and come to the Italian festival wine tasting events.
Another somewhat funny event was when we were in the office - Korey, me and another co-worker (Kevin) were contemplating getting ourselves ‘fixed’. Most of us kept delaying this procedure because of fear (of that type of surgery), but also we already had two children and did not want more. And it did not help when another co-worker (Brian) had this procedure done and told us his horror stories and sent pictures of a guy who had it done and was swollen for weeks. When Korey walked in the office and told us his wife (at the time) was pregnant, Kevin and I made appointments for the urologist that day. Korey did too, although it was too late. However, he did receive another beautiful daughter (Peyton).
Around 1999, Korey decided to leave Boeing and accepted a new position at Amazon. It was a sad day when he left the group, but our friendship continued on. Even when we were going through the worst of times (our divorces) - we both were there for support and to realize that life still goes on.
There was another funny episode that has to be mentioned. I had a house warming party for a house that I recently bought and invited co-workers and Korey to come. He had also bought a Harley that he had to show his former co-workers. Korey was on-call that night and I told him to connect to the high speed internet that I had at my house. Later that night, Korey was tired from working the previous night and quasi-supporting during the party. After a couple hours, most of the party guest left except for a few. Korey was on the floor face down resting. Ben, a practical joker, decided to roust up Korey since he was lying on the floor. Ben took a little toothpaste and put it on the back of Korey’s head. Korey woke up and felt the toothpaste, grabbed a laughing Ben and pinned him on the floor. While they were wrestling, Korey then took the full toothpaste tube and put it all on Ben’s face and hair. I wish I had taken a picture of that because Ben looked like one of those alien Star Wars characters - with a minty glossy look! I sometimes still find some of the toothpaste globs on the walls or carpet.
Korey and I would get our kids together for picnics and Mariners games for a few years until he met Mandy.
The first time I met Mandy was at an Amazon ‘after the holiday’ party at the Westin hotel in downtown Seattle. I was invited by my brother who also works for Amazon. I found Korey at the party and I remember talking about this gal he really liked and she was going to come to that party. Korey seemed to be a little nervous and he didn’t know if she felt the same about him. For me, I just kept thinking about Barry Manilow singing ‘Mandy’ so I wouldn’t forget her name. Mandy finally came to the party with Korey introducing us. Then they took off to see other co-worker friends. I was thinking this might be the one for Korey.
Over the next few years, Korey, Mandy, and the kids would come over for Mariners games, barbeques and even a New Years party (they all had to spend the night). One can see that they are a compatible couple and it was just a matter of time when Korey was going to pop the question to Mandy. Even that story of Korey proposing was great, but I will save that for him to tell.
Congratulations Korey and Mandy! I’m honored that I am included in your wedding party. I wish you both the best of everything in your marriage together.
Kelsey Aten:
Well basically I am Kelsey Mandy's 14 year old sister, I love to play sports, and thats mainly what i do when i have free time. I met my sister Mandy when i was a baby/born. I have known Korey for a couple years i think. I first saw him in a picture Mandy sent on an email to my mom. I am looking forward to the wedding! I think it will be fun and I have never had this kind of experience before. When I was little I would ask a million questions I wanted to know everything about her wedding, until she finally told me that I could be in it. Thats all I needed to hear and I am very happy I am getting the opportunity to be in it. I love you, Mandy!!
Skylar Knote:
