Wedding Party
Jen Chan
Matron of Honor
The Big Sister/Best Friend/Honorary Mom to the Bride- The best big sister a girl could ask for. Jen provides a masterful balance of encouragement, tough love, corny jokes and the most steadfast love. As a little girl, Amanda always wanted to be just like her big sister, and then after turning five, the roles reversed. Ten years her senior, Jen was often mistaken as Amanda’s mom. While she has since aged in reverse, she also stepped into our mom’s shoes as the relentless encourager and ultimate prayer warrior.
Nicole Sypherd
Bridesmaid
Sister-in-Law to the Bride- Nicole has the purest heart and devotion to family and has a knack for extending her family to those who need one. She’s been in the Sypherd family for longer than she wasn’t, and she’s become the family connector. She’s the hostess with the mostest and planner extraordinaire, and you know she means business when she gets her sticky notes out.
Mia Sypherd
Bridesmaid
The Big Sister Niece to Bride- Although Mia is almost 20 years younger than Amanda, she is grossly more wise, poised and mature. She can and will do anything she puts her mind to, and she does it with class. Mia defies age and feels just like your best gal pal, provided you’re not watching Elf. She’s my best friend.
Lina Sypherd
Bridesmaid
The Sensitive, Sweet with a Touch of Sass Niece to the Bride-Lina is the one who can heal your heart in an instant by just being in the room. She’s got subtle jabs that you’d never see coming and a sweet empathetic heart that cares for everyone she’s around. She is the most likely of all the girls to be found wearing quirky socks. She’s my best friend.
Lexa Sypherd
Bridesmaid
The Silliest Niece to the Bride- Lexa has always been quick to fill a room with laughter and break any silence with silliness. She comes armed to any family gathering with compliments to make everyone feel loved and encouraged. She’s got style for days, even if it’s 12 straight days in sweatpants. She’s my best friend.
Katie White
Bridesmaid
Sister to the Groom - Katie is Doug’s big sister. As a kid, she loved to sing and Doug loved to listen. It is the reason why Amanda is not allowed to sing around him currently. Katie followed in her mother’s footsteps to pursue education, and as a Middle School Science teacher, she is well-loved through the way she deeply invests and cares for her students. She is the creative in the family, regularly engaged in theater and musicals- talents that Doug only wishes he could have.
Amanda Backenstose
Bridesmaid
The Cheerleader- “The Amanda’s” met at a Bible study nearly 10 years ago, but the depth of connection feels like a lifetime. Amanda is the ultimate source of warmth, empathy, and encouragement, and to be on her team is to be propelled towards the best version of yourself. Amanda’s heart for people, celebration and zeal for life is infectious and inspiring.
Sarah Riker
Bridesmaid
The Sarcastic Servant- Dating back to youth group, Sarah and Amanda bonded over a shared love of sarcasm and an ability to, not only tolerate, but celebrate crushing sarcasm. Sarah has grown into one of the most impressive women of God. She silently serves with all humility, expecting nothing in return. She has a relentless heart to see God’s fullness in everyone she loves and prays and serves them towards it.
Morgan Onopa
Bridesmaid
The Lifer- Dating back to 5th grade, Morgan has always been the consistent, reliable and celebrated staple in Amanda’s life. Morgan is truly limitless- in what she can accomplish, in how much love she can give and how much perspective she can share. Like her mother, she is a gatherer and connector of people, drawing them into warm community. She also rocks a killer side pony tail.
Jackie Warn
Bridesmaid
The Silly Sister - If laughter is like medicine, since high school Jackie has been Amanda’s greatest source of medicine. There were countless sleepovers where Jackie and Amanda watched the same dumb movies on repeat and laughed hysterically over things that only they thought were funny while likely just annoying everyone around them. Jackie is the safest space and the best reprieve and antidote to life’s painful moments.
Leighann Ebenezer
Bridesmaid
From college study abroad in England to travel to India Leighann’s friendship taught Amanda the delicate dance between fun, depth, and growing in the understanding of how wide, how long, how high and how deep God’s love and grace truly are. Leighann is the friend who always shows up, and her home and family are always open to her loved ones. Her marriage has been one of the greatest gifts for Amanda to observe and learn from.
Molly Hannah
Bridesmaid
The Cool Mom- Although not yet a mom, she still has the coolest mom vibes of anyone Amanda knows. Amanda started bullying Molly into wearing dresses and heels back in college and bonded over a shared desire to adventure and laugh their way despite and through loss. It’s hard to be as versatile as Molly- full of depth, full of vibrant laughter and fun and full of such strength and resiliency. Will also likely have the coolest moves on the dance floor.
Kelly Conway
Bridesmaid
The Building Sis - Kelly and Amanda met downstairs in their condo building and instantly became family. They initially bonded over their shared loved of people, family, all things Philly and the Birds, and eventually developed a little community filled with light, love, and laughter. Kelly is synonymous with joy- when it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year, she’ll be there for you (please note Friends reference) and fill your home with joy.
Dan Mauer
Best Man
Doug and Dan became fast friends after meeting at church 7 years ago. They iniatlly bonded over similar tastes in movies, music, and a love of Philly sports, but they quickly discovered how likeminded they were in how they perceive life and the world around them. Dan is a great listener, a prayer warrior, and he never shows an ounce of judgment. He shows Christ-like humility and kindness to everyone he interacts with, and without trying, he encourages his friends closer to Jesus.
Steve Sypherd
Groomsman
Loser Brother of the Bride- While Steve is the least successful of all the Sypherd siblings, we love him anyway. The best big bro a girl could have, always armed with wise counsel and ample teasing and ridicule that may or may not make you cry after you leave. Conversely, as one of the most generous individuals you’ll ever meet, Steve inherited our dad’s hard work ethic, discipline and charisma, and he’s truly impressive.
David Chan
Groomsman
Brother-in-Law to Bride- Possibly one of the kindest and most patient men you’ll ever meet, and Amanda has tested this time and again as their third child. After spending several months in Austin last winter, David could have grown weary of Amanda’s constant visits (and likely did), but instead made it feel like she was, not only always welcomed, but cared for. David reflects Jesus in every word and action.
Michael Warren
Groomsman
Michael is the brother-in-law to the groom. Always armed with a captivating story, there is never a dull moment when he is around. His brain is a walking encyclopedia, and he adds energy to the White family. Michael is an active duty Combat Medic, currently living life to the fullest in the West Virginia countryside.
Micah Chan
Groomsman
The Cool Nephew of the Bride- Someday we aspire to be as cool as Micah. He’s got style, swag and mad rizz on the bball court (did we say that right?) Micah is bound for greatness through his poise and influence.
Matthew Chan
Groomsman
The One-Liner Nephew to the Bride- Straight outta single digits and already throwing out great one-liner burns, often directed at Amanda. Full of fun, service and Birds 🦅 fandom, this kid is free to be cool (and is).
Scott Beatty
Groomsman
Doug and Scott both grew up in the same church in south Jersey. Their friendship began with an invitation to play paintball, but Scott quickly became an older brother figure to Doug. Doug grew up spending countless hours hanging out with Scott and the gang, where Scott cultivated a sense of community and brotherhood. Scott and his wife Heidi adopted three of the coolest kids, and it has been an honor to witness them thrive as parents.
Jamie Wert
Groomsman
Jamie and Doug met at Eastern University and quickly became close friends and roommates. Jamie has always been one of those people who would drop anything for his friends if they ever needed anything. He is a coordinator of people, and it is because of his efforts that the college friend group gets together regularly. Jamie moved up the ranks to become a High School Asst. Principal, and he’s a devoted husband and father.