[March 20, 2016 - My Mrs. of Honor toast at TJ and Katrina (Jensen) Ellis' wedding]
Good morning! My name is Chelsea Galusky, and I have known Katrina for the past 11yrs. I am honored to have been her roommate, Wing Woman, and friend ever since.
A special thanks to The Vintage Rose for hosting this beautiful wedding. Even before Katrina and TJ were engaged, I sent Katrina this venue lead because it matches Katrina’s “vintage and fabulous” style perfectly. Thankfully, sampling their delicious food helped win TJ over in the wedding planning process. Who doesn’t love brunch? It’s absolutely delicious!
We are also grateful to Karen, Timothy, and Janelle -- the parents of this beautiful couple -- for creating and raising brilliant children. Katrina and TJ, you both look stunning.
Welcome to all you wedding guests who traveled to be in Orange County this weekend too! I hope you’re able to see the sites from Arrested Development, Laguna Beach, and The OC while you’re here.
Katrina and I met through my Uncle George, Auntie Donna, and cousins Jessica and Sarah, who live in Hawaii. My family moved from Hawaii to South Carolina, so I remember feeling like we got replaced when I saw 3 white blond girls in their family photos.
Fast-forward a few years: Katrina and I were able to get to know each other more when she transferred to Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. Even after we both graduated, we still like to go to Theater shows, Music concerts, and volunteer at our alma mater.
Roommate Days: As Katrina’s roommate, I realized that Katrina could sing about ANYthing. She made up songs about whatever she was doing and practiced her various accents to narrate her daily adventures. We’ve chested MANY parties together, especially if there is a Murder Mystery, Clothes Swap, or Luau theme. We even spent weekends watching whole seasons of LOST, and this was before binge-watching was a thing! In our single days, we were each other’s +1 to friend’s weddings. Katrina is a great Wing Woman. I learned quickly that if you give her a Coke, she’ll stay awake past 9pm.
Travel: Our shared love of music came in handy on the many road trips we made together. I prefer to keep my driving limit to anything within 4hrs of Orange County, while Katrina has done several cross-country trips through her job that sent her to so many Small Town, USA cities. I’m still amazed by the Winter Wardrobe she accumulated and Snow Days that she survived. My favorite place she lived was Charlotte, NC because she made memories with my family and friends – like Julie & Brandon – there. When my husband Robert and I conspired to plan our surprise wedding in Charlotte (after a 6 week engagement), Katrina was my Maid of Honor.
About TJ: – When Katrina moved back to California and started dating again, our crew (Ryan & Caitlin – Katherine - Chelbert - Scottianne) had a blast hearing stories of her suitors. Robert finally gave Katrina a challenge: Date someone who is Athletic, sarcastic, and has regular dude interests. She took a chance on TJ, and we are witnessing that success. Robert and I love sitting together in church, being in the same Life Group, and sharing LOTS of inside jokes with you.
KatriJ, you complement each other well. TJ, thank you for treating Katrina well. To paraphrase Beyoncé:
“I don’t know much about Algebra, but I know one plus one equals two.
And it’s Katrina and TJ, that’s all you have when the world is through.”
Let’s raise a glass to toast the newest members of the Newlywed Club - Mr. & Mrs. Ellis!
