Wedding Party
Madi Dirks
Bride
Madi is the most amazing person in the world. She makes you feel like the perfect day: sunshine, perfect temperature, with a light refreshing breeze. She is, in the simplest explanation, the best. Sorry gents, she is off the market.
Brendan Rucinski
Groom
Brendan embodies the word "joy". He lights up a room when he walks into it, and he brings life wherever he goes. These traits are complimented by his depth, wisdom, and authenticity. He will be your friend, confidant, and adventure buddy. Oh, he's also the coolest person you will ever meet.
Liz Flatau
Maid of Honor
Liz and I first met at Columbia Basin College over 10 years ago. After a 7 AM Bible study, we discovered we were in the same Spanish class, and Liz quickly made sure that we were friends. She called me over from across the classroom, and from that moment on, we sat next to each other in as many classes as we could for the next two years of college. Now, we live hours apart, but we find time to sit beside one another in coffee shops, stand/dance next to each other at concerts, and hike side by side along mountain trails. Liz points me to Jesus, calls me out when I need it, and encourages me in the big things and the small ones. She is a joy to be around, and I cherish every moment and memory I have with her.
Philip Henry
Best Man
Philip has been one of my best friends since we started cross country together at Laramie Junior High School. We have put in the miles on the runs, hours on the calls, pages in the books we've exchanged, and just about everything else you need to wish that this guy was one of your brothers (sorry brothers, he's pretty cool). Through years in youth group, college ministry, and monthly catch up calls, he has encouraged me in my walk with God immensely, and is truly the best man to have my back in this life changing moment.
B Harrison
Bridesmaid
B, AKA Brianna, Harrison and I started as friends, but grew into more--roommates. After she joined our women's life group at church several years ago, I immediately wanted to be friends with her. She is inviting, warm, and cultivates a richness in her life, which is inspiring. Watch out or you will develop a friend crush on her too! Now we play pickleball, take long walks around our neighborhood, and run our own young adult life group together.
Conner Whitman
Groomsman
Conner has been my friend since junior high through thick and thin. He is a great man and is always one to make you laugh. He is the life of the party and the gentle wise soul all in one. Our adventures have taken us across the globe (such as across the county line from time to time), and they have left us changed for the better (except that 3am drive back from Saratoga. I want my sleep back on that one). Another guy that God placed in my life who has walked alongside me through all of life's ups and downs and pointed me to a God who loves and knows me.
Christy De Vos
Bridesmaid
Christy first showed up at our young adult life group about a year and a half ago, but it feels like I have known her my whole life. If you want to have a deep, encouraging conversation with someone who will point you to Jesus, Christy's your girl. We have had these conversations over froyo, in the mountains, laying in sleeping bags, during long runs, and sitting in the car. My soul feels peaceful and refreshed whenever Christy is around.
Colin Rucinski
Groomsman
I met Colin probably within a few hours of entering the world. We promptly kicked off the historic struggle of first child vs. second child rivalry. Our battles were epic, and our parents home has the scars to prove it. We somehow grew out of it, and I'm honored to have a brother to call for any advice relating to construction, a Godly marriage, stock trades, and somehow managing 4 (soon to be 5) rug-rats all along the way.
Rudi Johnston
Bridesmaid
Rudi found our young adult life group a year ago, and she is one of the key people who has helped shape the culture of what it is today. She is wise, patient, and a delight to be around. We have sat for hours on the landing at group sharing our deepest hopes and fears and praying together. Sadly Rudi and I are cursed. We can hardly ever seem to win pickleball games together even when we sing Amazing Grace. If anyone knows how to help us, please let us know. Yes, we have prayed about it.
Kevin Millsap
Groomsman
Kevin showed up in my life by asking if I wanted to go for a run freshman year of college at 6am on a Saturday. He has never stopped asking to run, and I don't think I've ever managed to say no. Everyone can blame Kevin for my endurance running, and I wouldn't change a thing.
Madi Hancock-Varughese
Bridesmaid
Madi and I were born two days apart and share the same name. She is probably the closest thing I have to a sister, and we have been friends since well before either of us can remember. During childhood we spent countless hours playing Playmobil and exploring the neighborhood we ended up sharing. Our families have been vacationing together since we were small and continue to do so to this day. We share a love of beautiful places and good music, and I usually can convince her to grab ice cream with me.
Ryan Ruiz
Groomsman
I met Ryan in college in the Wyoming Army ROTC Program. We were roommates our senior year and made some great memories (to include painting up for our other roommates jiu jitsu competition). We still find time to catch up in person and climb the tallest mountain we can find.
Whitney Holland
Bridesmaid
Whitney and I have been friends since before we could walk, talk, or do much of anything. She is the type of person where you can pick up exactly where you left off the last time. Kindness, beauty, and deep love oozes out of this woman, and she has made me feel more seen and cared for than most. Some of the most intentional and thoughtful gifts and experiences I have received have been because of Whitney, and the wedding party would not be complete without her.
Ranger Mouw
Groomsman
I met Ranger when I moved to Idaho and immediately adopted him as my new Idaho ski buddy and hiking aficionado. He has had my back on many an adventure, and he's here to round out the wedding party for the groom. He may be in an orange suit, so keep your eye out.