Amaris & Mark
Wedding Party
Alexia Benardo
Maid of Honor
My beloved sister, who is the continual life of the party and my favorite sibling. She has been there for me always, and is such an encouraging, loving person who brightens up the world wherever she goes. I love her beautiful handwritten songs, too :) Thanks for always supporting me in family disputes, Lexi, and for giving me a reason to brush up on geology. I love you!
Dee Casper
Best Man
These days he’s a big-shot international speaker for Jesus, but I knew him before the fame back when he was convincing me to eat oatmeal every morning at Heritage Academy (it was actually helpful, to be honest). He’s been a faithful friend, and always gave a listening ear and heartfelt prayers. His sincerity and kindness have been a major blessing to me. That said, his one unforgivable trait is his hatred for all things Texas. I know, how can I have him in my wedding, right? (Feel free to gang up on him and tell him all the glories of Texas, okay y’all?)
Melissa Guthrie
Bridesmaid
It's hard to remember a time when Melissa and I were not friends. She's the rock sister-friend since sophomore year of high school who will always tell me like it is and put up with my craziness. Not to mention, she's the first friend I ask about style. I hope we live near each other someday <3
Cami Martin
Bridesmaid
We first became friends in the backseat of a car while giving two of our other friends some time to see if they were interested in each other. Well that didn't work out, but I'm so glad our friendship did. Cami is the kind of friend that keeps in touch (which is rare when we both lead busy lives) and I am so thankful for her constant support and encouragement. I can't wait for her wedding one day! <3
Mothusi Dlamini
Groomsman
My African brother from another mother! Spending a year working and living together in the same small ministry makes you get to know people quite well. Many long conversations were had, many pounds of food were eaten (sorry Dee, but we did appreciate your cooking!), many culturally enriching learning experiences, and many other fun times. And then there was that time I made him rip his pants as he dove off the armchair to catch the fake lens I tossed at him. Good times!
Luke Paden
Groomsman
So many memories happen with a house of three boys. Making and capturing each other’s forts, creating swords and guns out of sticks and wood, playing with stuffed animals... (we were really young, okay?). And I’m still mad at the time he succeeded in convincing me I was gonna be an uncle, only to tell me that it was an elaborate prank for a school project. Thanks bro! But seriously, he’s got the best social skills out of all of us! Respect for that.
Jayton Burba
Groomsman
Jayton is the fourth brother in our family, only from another mother. We’ve had good times! From shooting, to good long talks about life and God, to swimming, to him blinding people with his shirtlessness while tubing the Comal River, to... uh, rather intimate times in a tent with him, Matthew and myself, to that one time I accidentally called him sweetheart in an early morning text, we’ve had some fun (or maybe awkward?) times. Oh, and Dee better be careful what he says about Texas around him... Just sayin’! (Don’t say I didn’t warn you, bro!)
Matthew Paden
Groomsman
Pain and fun are probably the two best words to summarize our relationship. Fun was rock climbing, blowing up stuff with binary explosives, shooting, knives, and all things outdoor. Pain was getting shot by paintballs at completely random times, getting kicked in the nether regions, wrestling on the living room floor, and oh so many more times. But hey, without him, we never would have had as much fun!
Esther Nanasi
Bridesmaid
Starting school at Andrews meant leaving most of the friends I'd known for years, which meant it felt a little lonely. My trips to visit to Esther were such a highlight. She is the epitome of hospitality, complete with delicious home-cooked food and an extra set of slippers just for me. I'm so thankful for our friendship and for how much time we've gotten to spend together over the years <3
Katie Baquero
Bridesmaid
Katie is another friend of mine all the way back from high school, when we spent many good times hiking and camping together. She's always been a source of encouragement and helpfulness, and we even started out with same major in hopes of going to grad school together. Now she's happily married and has the cutest little baby, Maya. I am so thankful for how our friendship has blossomed through the years, Katie!
Christina Goosey
Bridesmaid
I first met Christina at GYC, after which she volunteered to be my mentor during PT school. Way more than giving me solid advice about everything PT-school related, however, she ensured I had a social life by inviting me to countless parties and vespers, was (& is!) always down to hang out at any time of day, and threw a bomb bridal shower for me! Christina, I'm so thankful to have you in my life <3
Chris Matts
Groomsman
From working together on videos exploring the wonders of fish poop, to discussing life, theology, politics, and ad campaigns, I always leave enriched and bettered by hanging out with Chris. His understanding and skill with online ad campaigns is superseded only by his dedication and love for God. So if you run a business or ministry you want to take to the next level online, he's your man. (And... giving him business gives me business, too, so... yeah... hit him up... It'll go to my honeymoon...)