Amanda & Riley
Wedding Party
Tabitha Block
Maid of Honor
Tabitha and I met, at a party, after I graduated high school, but since we were both intimidated of each other we did not become friends until a year later when we were co-counselors at VBS. From there we slowly grew closer as friends through similar cultural backgrounds #wasians, and mutual niche interests. Our friendship was solidified through carpool karaoke (please check out the Instagram if you don’t know what I am talking about). We are now currently living together, and I do not know how she tolerates me leaving every cabinet in our kitchen open. There isn’t anyone who knows me better than her (except maybe Riley, maybe.) She is an answer to prayer and the friend I needed. I am blessed to have someone as kind, generous, and fashionable as Tabitha Block as one of my best friends.
Desiree Goldsberry
Matron of Honor
Desiree has been by my side since I was 16 years old. When we first met she was scared of me because of all my heavy eye-liner. However, as soon as she learned I wasn’t a scary goth-chick we became best friends. She has been with me through everything, from late night chocolate milk runs to early high school heartbreaks. She is a forever friend that I pray will always be a part of my life. I am so blessed that I get to have her by my side on my wedding day.
Karlie Tactaquin
Bridesmaid
I knew Karlie when she was a small youth student and I was a brand new youth leader, who had no idea what she was doing. However, Karlie was one of the first students that I felt a true connection with and gave me a chance. Several years later she married Riley’s best friend, Hunter, and I get to watch her become this amazingly confident and beautiful woman that I am so proud of. Once I started dating Riley, her and I reconnected, however this time, not as youth student and youth leader but as genuine friends. (featuring her cutie pup Indy)
Sammie Miller
Bridesmaid
Samantha Jane Miller (she does not like going by Samantha) has been my very best friend for as long as I can remember. She is my forever adventure buddy, through the make-believe adventures we had as children to road-tripping across the country and hiking anything that resembles a trail. I do not know who I would be today without this incredible woman in my life. I am always laughing with her. She is my goofiest, sweetest friend, and always someone I can truly be myself with.
Alyssa McClave
Bridesmaid
Alyssa and I met at Liberty University when we were little baby nursing students who were absolutely petrified to go into the hospital, let-alone talk to a patient for the first time. Not only did she and I learn how to become nurses together, but she was the friend I needed in college. She was by far the funniest person in our nursing program, and made every miserable study session, bad test grade, a little more tolerable. However, that's not the only thing that made Alyssa great, she had (&has) one of the biggest hearts and was always there for me no matter what I was going through. She is someone I can always rely on.
Ragen Barkenhagen-Smith
Bridesmaid
Ragen is a new addition to my life but one that I cannot imagine my life without. I never grew up with sisters, so I was really nervous meeting Ragen and getting to know her the first time. However, we clicked really quickly (especially when we can make fun of Riley together). She is one of the boldest and most confident women I know. I have always wanted a sister, and I couldn't ask for a better one than Ragen.
Titus Barkenhagen
Best Man
Titus, my brother, who has known me longer than anyone else. He is one of my best friends, and one of the greatest guys I know. For longer than I can even remember, he has been hearing about my frustrations and my wins; and I’m really happy that he can celebrate this "dub" with me.
Austin Wickham
Groomsman
Austin is one of my best friends, who I’ve known for 10+ years. Ever since I met him, he as always been ready to throw hands on my behalf no questions asked. I think we originally met at church, and then got closer at a church camp, where my dad nicknamed him “danger” rather fittingly. We’ve grown up together and done a lot of stupid things together, and I love him like my own brother.
Hunter Tactaquin
Groomsman
Hunter is basically my adopted Filipino brother. We originally met at church but didn’t get to know each other until we became neighbors by chance. It was then, that we spent pretty much all our time hanging out as a group, and got into a lot of BS that I will definitely not be talking about here. However, out of all my friends, he is the one that is the most like 'Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender'. I’ve always been able to go to him for any kind of advice. I can always rely on him whether I’m in a crisis, or I just need some stability in my life. (Indy is back to say hello, again)
Gabe Martinez
Groomsman
I've always thought Gabe was the coolest guy. My first impression of him was “the cool and edgy guy” in the youth worship band, and also someone who is very talented in anything he puts his mind to. As we grew up I saw this man show nothing but excellence in a variety of instruments; from bmx, to skateboarding, knife flipping, martial arts, you name it, he's got it. The man is gifted and it is something that I really admire him. Also, when you finally get to know him he’s actually kind of a dork. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever had a boring moment when I hang out with him.
Micah Barkenhagen
Groomsman
Micah, my baby brother, who I used to not really get along with when we were children. However, we’ve gotten older he’s made it into the group of homies. I can truly say that he’s grown into a man who I’m really proud of.
Andreas Vu
Groomsman
I think Andreas is so cool. Ever since he was my small group leader in youth group, 12 years ago, I have looked up to him. From the day I met him through now, this man blows my mind with his understanding and knowledge of very specific and interesting things. I always love making time for that because I could be learning about guns, or about politics, or even fish tanks. Honestly, I’m really excited to be able to call him my brother. (Milos stopped by to say hello as well)