Erick & Betty
Wedding Party
Anna Mulamba
Maid of Honor
Anna is my sister, but most of our childhood, we were referred to as twins. "Anna and Betty" was the name we collectively responded to. We've gone through so many seasons of life together. From creating our own language together, song writing when we were tweens, to growing up and developing into our own, I'm so grateful to call her my sister.
Derek Brown
Best Man
Derek is my twin, the original ace and one of the people I trust most in the world. I've had the fortune of meeting my best friend early in life. If it was anime, comics, video games, politics or any random thing, I knew one person had my back. We've literally lived together for over half our lives and know each other extremely well. He's basically the only person who gets all of the references that I make. Derek's Fox in Super Smash Brothers (SSB) is so good that in order to beat it, I tricked him into a 1 hour match. In other words, his Fox is a menace to society.
Simone Bak
Bridesmaid
Simone and I became friends when we started living together. I was so pleasantly surprised that a roommate listing turned into a meaningful friendship. I've learned so much about what it means to pursue passion, faith and connection from Simone.
Michael Carver
Groomsman
I met Carver in college in a public administration class. I can't say I remember anything I learned but I made a great friend who I've always been able to rely on. We've been bound by a love of politics, comics, and general nerd culture ever since. We were founders (with Bobby and the other Mike) of the "illustrious" Order of the Chips and Dip where we talked politics with friends across party lines. Whether it's writing a speech, planning a party or "helping" in an election, I can always expect a wise word and sincere care. Carver doesn't have a special SSB character, his unpredictability is his threat.
Maria McLean
Bridesman
Maria and I were hallmates during our first year of college! We became friends during our awkward college years, and that's saying a lot. I've been so grateful to know her as she's taken on being a homeowner, a wife, and a mother of two. I'm honored for her to stand by me for one of the most important days of my life.
Ashley Greeley
Groomswoman
I've meet Ashley multiple times through our church. At a prayer small group, a couple services and a welcome event for people starting the what is now Christ City Church. Eventually it stuck and I gained one of my best and most treasured friends. We lead a Small Group together now and help build our own community. Ashley is a person of a million talents and she's always willing to be there for her friends. A nerd extraordinaire, our shared interest in musicals, star wars, literature and more has bound us together. Don't underestimate Ashley's SSB game or Samus will blast you in the back with a charged plasma shot.
Nicole Mulamba
Bridesmaid
I've always seen Nicole as my wise older sister. I've always admired her tenacity, passion, and courage. Over the past several years, she's let me in on her vulnerability, too, and that has been such a gift. I've been able to see her as more of her whole self. I'm so grateful and lucky to have such a supportive, loving, and wise older sister. So glad she's able to stand by me on our special day!
Paul Hartge
Groomsman
Paul was my housemates for five years and my friend for at least a year longer. We've launched a church together and serve together as Elders for Christ City Church. Known colloquially as the Eagle Scout, Paul is the one that convinced me to go camping. Despite the concern of family and friends, I made it out alive. If Derek is the first ace, Paul is the second. When I moved to DC, I need someone I could depend on like Derek. I was lucky to meet Paul who is a reliable and true friend. I've been lucky to received his advice and guidance over the years. Paul likes to play Donkey Kong in SSB for reasons nobody quite understands.
Kelsey Murrell
Bridesmaid
Oh, Kelsey. What can I say about her! We met on a missions trip in college and we've been friends ever since. We lived with each other for 4 years post-college, went on vacations, and even worked together. She introduced me to 80s music, taught me how to clam, and taught me how to play and truly enjoy life.
David Hood
Groomsman
When I first met David, it was at an open house for people to learn more about our church. We had a brief conversation and I told him that I wanted to fight him. I think that describes what has been a wonderful friendship pretty well. We're always open and fully honest with one another. I've served with David on production, we've served in small group together and he's been a ready ear for wonderful and difficult moments. I've learned that he's smart, passionate and fully committed to all that he does. David is basically my rival in Smash Brother and to paraphrase him, his Marth is why we can't have nice things.
Emily Smith
Bridesmaid
We met in college, but became close post-college! Through clamming, living and traveling together, Emily and I have shared many heart-to-hearts and fun adventures! She is my most helpful and supportive friend. She has the biggest heart, and it means the world to me that she will stand by my side on our big day.
Joshua Kersey
Groomsman
I think I met Josh in small group but I'm not sure. That's very like Josh though, he dives into groups so quickly he feels like he was always a part of them. Josh is one of the people who really let me know it was okay to be myself. I once said something random to him followed by I don't say these things because then I feel like the weirdo. He responded, you're with a bunch of people who are weirdos too, that's what we're here for. I've never forgotten it. Josh is always ready to keep a party going and have your back in the craziest of circumstances. He's always had my back. His Up-B with Link is the last thing you'll see in SSB.