Bethany & Keith
Wedding Party
Kelsey Kaiser
Matron of Honor
Kelsey and I have been friends for years and were even roomies for a while, too! She is always is up for fun whether it's heading outside on a beautiful day or enjoying a glass of wine at a new restaurant in town. I love her ability to keep me level headed, her thoughtfulness and how we can enjoy each other's company no matter what we're doing. Fun fact about all my bridesmaids... I'll have had the honor of being bridesmaids for all them by the time our big day is here!
Dustin Byington
Best Man
Dustin has always been like my little brother: our families have been friends since the 1950s. We spent many summers at Big Whitefish Lake growing up together, and he remains one of my best friends hanging out in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Austin, Arizona, and Michigan together throughout the years.
Justine Gonzalez Bratt
Matron of Honor
Justine and I have known each other since 2004... I had the fun of setting Justine and Chris (my older brother) up, and it's been fun having her as a friend and sister-in-law! Justine is an amazing momma to Cora and Eli, our flower girl and ring bearer. We've had fun seeing each other through many different life phases over the last sixteen years and had a few adventures too! I love Justine's sense of humor and how caring she is towards everyone.
Will Bransdorfer
Groomsman
Will and I have been friends since middle school, went to the University of Michigan together, lived a few miles away from each other in San Diego, and continue to crack each other up to this day in Grand Rapids.
Laura Helderop
Bridesmaid
Laura is my sister-in-law who I met a few years ago through Paul (my younger brother)! She is a talented attorney, world traveler and has great taste in everything. I love hearing her point of view and appreciate her perspective because often times it challenges me to dig deeper, too. She and Paul also live in Grand Rapids and I enjoy seeing what foodie or cocktail ventures they're embarking on. I admire Laura's wit (and love her laugh!), her intelligence and how she's grown into being a cat mom!
Kenny Weinberger
Groomsman
Kenny is basically awesome at everything and we’re happy to have him as part of our big day!
Amanda "AJ" Dykstra
Bridesmaid
AJ and I met through mutual friends back in 2011 and we later bonded when we both participated in a fundraiser for a local charity. With many things in common like being crazy cat ladies, love of patios in the summer and diving into a good true crime book, AJ is also family! She married my second cousin, Jeff, and now they have three amazing kiddos who I also love spending time with along with their momma. I always appreciate AJ's way of reaching out with thoughtful and funny cards, her willingness to help me out with anything at a moment's notice, and her creativity.
Matt Fulk
Groomsman
The Incredible Fulk is a great, easy-going guy who we love having as a friend!
Heather Hellman
Bridesmaid
Heather and Bethany met about six years ago through her cousin, Ben, and his wife, Valerie. They've been friends ever since. Bethany also loves Heather's fur child, Calvin. Heather has a huge heart, tells it like it is and is an Honorary Member of the Dutch Mafia (what the Walstra side of the family calls themselves).
Chris Bratt
Groomsman
Chris is my older brother and I've always looked up to him... not just because he's 6'6! He's been mostly fun to grow up, and now it's great to have him as a brother and friend to both Keith and I. It's been really great seeing him excel at being a dad over the past three years, too. He's got an awesome sense of humor, will remember the most obscure sports facts, and is just an all-around good person who's there for ya.
Keegan Elzinga
Jr. Groomsman
Keegan is Bethany's cousin and special buddy! He is such a cool kid who is not only an excellent tree climber, swimmer and reader, but he also always gives the best hugs. We are so honored to have him as part of our day!
Elijah Bratt
Ring Bearer
Sweet Eli is Bethany's (and soon to be Keith's) nephew. Although he'll just be over a year at the wedding, we already love so much about him and can't wait to see how he'll grow in the years to come. He's a pretty chill dude and never gives us much trouble when we babysit. We love seeing him smile and laugh, too!
Kaylee Post
Jr. Bridal Assistant
Kaylee is Bethany's first cousin once removed, but also our friend... even if she's a Buckeye fan :) Already in her young age, Kaylee is a rockstar on the basketball court! She's also a great big sister and always does a great job helping out with all the little cousins when the family gets together. She's a sweet, smart and fun girl who we think the world of and are so blessed for her to help us on the big day!
Cora Bratt
Flower Girl
Cora is Bethany's (and soon to be Keith's) niece who, along with her brother Eli, are the lights of our lives! We think she is just the cutest and silliest ray of sunshine. If you ever need help naming a type of dinosaur, Cora is your go-to girl. We love playing outside with her and discovering the world through her eyes, hearing her sing, and love it when we're graced with a piece of her beautiful art! She's going to be the most precious flower girl ever in our very biased opinions!
Paul Bratt
Usher
Paul is my younger brother, but he's already accomplished so much! He's traveled to Europe, Africa and around the US, is an attorney and adjunct professor, and marathon runner. Along with Laura, he's got a knack for finding unique new things throughout West Michigan to discover. He's also a master at making a mean cocktail, is a sweet cat dad to Mia, has a caring heart, a very genuine spirit and is wicked smart.