Loren Salter
Our Officiant

We have asked Loren Salter, Russ' longtime friend and mentor to officiate the ceremony for us.  Russ met Loren back in 1975, when Loren was Russ' 7th-grade chorus teacher.  Over the years, their friendship has deepened, and as a performer, Russ has adopted the stage name of "Lorenson" as a tribute to his friend, and a testament to their special relationship.

Steve Vaught
Russ' Best Man

Russ:  I met Steve in January 2009 when we were both cast in a staged reading of a new musical called "Shadows of Pompeii."  I played a Roman general, and Steve played my hapless lieutenant, Marcus the Centurion.  During the eventual full production of the show later that year, Steve developed a penchant for  momentarily going blank at a critical plot point, while staring into my eyes looking for some clue about what he was supposed to be saying.  Prior to going on one evening, I threatened Steve that if he went blank on me that evening, I would improvise the line, "Spit it out, Marcus!"  As the moment approached, he indeed got his "deer in the headlights" look, this time tinged with the terror that I was going to slay him with my line.  He did indeed "spit it out" in the nick of time, but each performance we enjoyed this little game of "chicken" out in front of the audience.

Steve and I also bonded over a mutual obsession with the movie, "What's Up Doc?" starring Barbra Streisand, Ryan O'Neal and Madeline Kahn.  We are available at a moment's notice to do the entire movie for you, playing all of the characters.  When you see Steve at the wedding, be sure to ask him whatever became of Hans...

Richard Croft
Daniel's Best Man

Daniel:  It began long ago, almost another lifetime some would say. Our first encounter, nearly 20 years ago, was over cosmopolitans (which were very popular in the 90’s) and giggling over a very loud, very colorful Versace shirt being worn by another young man across the “classy” bar that was known as Alta Plaza. We do not laugh at another's expense, but we were young men, a bit immature and certainly without much money. I must say it was probably envy as I wish I had that shirt for myself, but back then we found a reason to laugh, bond and begin a friendship that I treasure to this day. Our years together have taken us to Paris, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Sacramento. We have dragged it up for Halloween, rung in the New Year and celebrated our Pride year after year. One’s life can be filled with many wonderful adventures as well as events that tear out your heart, but having family and friends there to support you make it all better. Richard is one of those people. He is warm, witty, kind and caring and I am so happy to have him as my friend. Cheers to my best man!