Wedding Party
Steve Dirks
Best Man
Steve and I met while we were both working in church production in South Carolina. What started as a shared passion for creative ministry quickly turned into something more as we began building a community of church creatives and production people, all focused on sharing resources, ideas, and support. Through that process, our friendship grew. Between late nights, problem solving, and more than a few funny stories along the way, we built a strong connection that went beyond just work. Even after both of us moved away, that friendship stuck. What started in a specific season and place turned into something lasting, and we’ve stayed close ever since
Sarah Duffy
Matron of Honor
Sarah and Sarah were randomly assigned to be roommates their freshman year of college. Despite the initial annoyance at being given a roommate with the same name and major, they quickly became friends, bonding over nutella, animal crackers, and boy troubles. They were roommates by choice for 3 1/2 more years, and spent most of that time going by their last names because they were usually seen together, or just collectively known as "the Sarahs." Despite the geographical distance between them, the two have stayed close. It was Sarah Duffy's house that Sarah (Brutlag) and Arron drove to in Chicago on their Hallmark adventure to Kenya, and she was the first one Sarah told that she might just like this stranger she got stuck traveling with.
Joel Brutlag
Groomsman
Joel is Sarah’s brother and somehow signed up to stand next to me today. I’m not sure if this means he likes me, supports me, or just lost a bet, but either way I’m glad he’s here.
Katie Pennington
Bridesmaid
Katie is Arron's sister, and they first met when Arron brought Sarah to her and Corey's wedding. Evidently, she approved because Arron kept Sarah around. The two bonded over their shared profession, a love of thrifting, and annoyance at Arron's shenanigans.
Corey Pennington
Groomsman
Corey is my brother in law and over time became one of those guys who feels less like family by marriage and more like an actual friend. Which made asking him to be a groomsman easy. Keeping him from roasting me today might be harder.
Rebecca Schelen
Bridesmaid
Rebecca and Sarah started teaching at Redeemer in the same year, and were teaching partners in 5th grade for 3 years. Sarah has often described Rebecca as "the extroverted friend this introvert needed" and can honestly credit Rebecca with most of her social life since moving to Austin. She's the kind of friend you can always count on, and always down for an adventure.
Oliver Hartt
Groomsman
This is Oliver. We’ve spent years being silly, going on adventures, and probably worrying a few people in public together. Being his Da Da has given me more purpose and joy than I ever thought possible. I couldn’t imagine him not standing beside me today.
Toria Richardson
Bridesmaid
Toria and Sarah became friends in college. Neither of them quite remembers exactly how or when, but somehow they stumbled into each other's lives and haven't left yet. They've always been able to count on each other for honest opinions, a pint of ice cream after a hard day, and laughter until one or both of them was crying. This may very well be the only serious photo the two of them have ever taken, and Sarah still isn't 100% sure it's real.