Just Married! Eva Violet Van Prooyen & Kenneth Paul Kahn

Eva Violet Van Prooyen and Kenneth Paul Kahn were married on Saturday, September 24, 2022, on the Santa Ynez Chumash Reservation. A double quartet serenade of strings surrounded the ceremony under the oaks on a historic Ortega property where the groom’s great “Tio Charlie” Ortega once lived.

Officiated by the groom’s brother, Thomas Gomez, and witnessed by the groom’s son, Austin Kahn, the wedding party – affectionately referred to as ‘the parade of love and joy’ and consisting of 14 children carrying flags, ceremonial abalone and sage, white rose petals, and the rings – were the bride and groom’s nieces, nephews, and ‘tiny cousins.’ 

Kenny’s godmother, Elise Tripp, walked him down the aisle in honor of his late mother, Rachel Pace, and the bride, by her brother and proud Marine, Elliot Macdonald. 

The bride’s mother, Sandra Macdonald, sat front row alongside Kenny’s family tribal matriarch, Bea Marco (90). 

Close family, Native American dignitaries, a local Congressional Representative, and dear friends were in attendance, and enjoyed a family style dinner created by Chumash Resort & Casino executive director of food and beverage, Chef Peter Sherlock, followed by a six-tiered gold leaf cake and dessert bar created by executive pastry chef Levi Richard. 

After dinner, guests partied and danced to a DJ smash-up band featuring saxophonist George Shelby, whose fame includes touring with Phil Collins.

In lieu of gifts, guests were invited to consider a donation to People Helping People or the Native American Rights Fund. Kenneth Kahn is the Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and Eva Van Prooyen is a licensed psychotherapist consulting worldwide as a relationship specialist.