Cordell & Allison
Wedding Party
Jake Lomax
Best Man
Jake and Cordell worked together for a year at Sky Ranch where they met each other for the first time. Upon meeting the gentle giant Jake, Cordell instantly felt a connection with him and his spirit and sought to befriend him. After almost a year of sharing the same house and room, Jake and Cordell shared many of their life experiences and stories together, going hiking, getting coffee together regularly, reading and discussing the Bible and God’s Providence, and being there for each other through thick and thin. Cordell couldn’t imagine life without Jake, and loves him with all his heart.
Isaac Porte
Groomsman
Isaac and Cordell met for the first time when Cordell made the hard decision of moving to Colorado. Cordell didn’t have anyone he knew in Colorado to start off with and had searched on housing boards for more… affordable housing options when he happened upon a listing for a room in a house with four other guys. Isaac was one of those guys, and being the introvert that he is, Cordell had to at least make friends with the guys he lived with if he wanted any form of social life. Isaac was a happy blessing, relating with Cordell with their love for being outdoors, whiskey, and their love for the Lord. Cordell would happily say Isaac became his best friend, and his life would not be the same without him.
Lucas Baldwin
Groomsman
What can Cordell say about Lucas other than he is the life of the party? Lucas and Cordell worked at Sky Ranch together for a year, and during that year Cordell learned a few things about Lucas: One, Lucas is never one to be “in pocket”; Two, Lucas is the kind of guy you want around when you are feeling low, he’s empathetic and seeks to make you feel seen and heard; Three, Lucas has a deep passion for the Lord and seeks to know more about every aspect of Him, watching theological debate videos for fun; Four, Spam. Lucas and Cordell talked a LOT about the Bible, and Lucas led Cordell to having a greater appreciation for different viewpoints in Christianity. Cordell doesn’t know where he’d be without Lucas, and would like to keep it that way.
Gabe Oonk
Groomsman
Gabe loves to cook; Cordell loves to cook; What more needs to be said? For real though, Gabe and Cordell worked at Sky Ranch for a year together, and when Cordell first met Gabe, if we’re being honest, he didn’t think they’d get along. Gabe was, in Cordell’s eyes, the hot shot of the Fellowship, having previous experience at Sky Ranch and acting unapproachable to anyone who wasn’t apart of Sky before, like Cordell. Thankfully, the Fellowship doesn’t allow for disassociation with fellow Fellows, and after a few months of working together, Cordell and Gabe found a few common grounds to share excitement with, one of which was cooking; When having guests on camp, Cordell and Gabe would be the first to volunteer to cook, and the meals would be talked about for time to come. This new found fellowship led to Cordell discovering Gabe’s soft side, his kind and loving heart that sought to be a strong leader in Christ, and made Cordell respect Gabe as a friend and Brother in Christ.
Reno Johnson
Groomsman
Reno may have showed up late to the Fellowship, but that didn’t stop him from being one of the first Fellows Cordell had a real connection with. When Reno showed up, there was this big plan to “initiate” Reno into the Fellowship, and long story short, Cordell was put in charge of distracting Reno while the plan was put into action. So Cordell drove Reno into town to get a laundry hamper and during this drive, Cordell and Reno had probably one of the most memorable conversations Cordell had during the fellowship. Reno was wise and strong in spirit, calling Cordell out for his downfalls and unafraid to cut the crud to get to the root of the issue; and this wasn’t the only occasion. In fact, Cordell would willingly say Reno was probably the sharpest iron Cordell has ever met, having such an impact on Cordell’s spiritual life and driving him to be more blunt when driving others to be godlier people.
Nicolas (Nic) Robbins
Groomsman
After the Fellowship ended, Cordell moved to Van, Texas to pursue further employment with Sky Ranch as an Outdoor Education Instructor. The only issue was, Cordell once again didn’t know many people in the area and needed to find affordable housing. When Cordell was introduced to the “512 House”, he was just happy to have found a cheap place to live somewhat near his work. What he didn’t know was he’d be rooming with probably one of the kindest, funniest, coolest bachelors of Sky Ranch; Nicolas Robbins. Nic was hard to talk to at first, his and Cordell’s schedules not exactly cooperative with each other, but the few times they did get to talk, Cordell realized that they had quite a bit in common. A love of food, anime, service, and intentionality, Nic and Cordell were great roommates. Then Nic started dating Olivia, and Cordell found solace in discussing their relationships together, joyfully sharing life and big moments together, from hard discussions about boundaries to celebrations about engagement. Overtime Cordell and Nic would get to share more time together as their lives evolved, and Cordell would lovingly say it has been a treat and a pleasure to have Nic as a roommate and friend in life.
Caleb Scott
Groomsman
Caleb and Cordell officially met the same week Cordell and Allison met. Caleb, being a Legacy Master for Sky Ranch, was asked to serve the Sky Ranch Horn Creek Spring Break Family Camp Retreat (that’s a long event title) as a counselor. While at Horn Creek, Caleb and Cordell’s paths crossed for the first time, as Cordell was a Fellow and helping serve the Family Camp Retreat. The first thing Cordell recognized in Caleb was his spirit of competitiveness, watching Caleb play games with the family he was counseling for, seeking to win no matter what. Cordell and Caleb didn’t get to talk much during this trip though, and wouldn’t really have another chance until Cordell started working at Van as an Outdoor Education Instructor alongside Caleb. It was here Cordell realized their similarities when it came to work, both being commanding presences in their positions. Caleb however was more experienced in his work, and though Cordell may be too prideful to admit it, posed as a role model for Cordell, who would use things he noticed in Caleb as pointers for how to be a better teacher and coworker. Shortly after Cordell and Allison’s engagement, Caleb proposed to Stacey, and this has led to the couples walking life together, navigating through more difficult situations together, and growing as friends.
Parish McKinney
Matron of Honor
Parish and Allison met during Transfer Camp for Sam Houston. Parish and Allison rode the same bus, where, Parish being the outgoing woman she is known to be, invited Allison to sit with her at the back of the bus because Allison was being shy and staying in the front away from all the people. From there, the rest was history, Parish going from roommate to best friend to sister for life. The pair has gone on many adventures and will continue to go on many more, even though Parish has moved to Colorado to live with her husband, Matt Lyon. Parish is creative, goofy, and will protect Allison until the end of time. Parish has a big heart and is a loyal friend. The two are the perfect pair when it comes to passing the time with a movie, some art supplies, and all the sweets two girls could ask for.
Megan Cook
Matron of Honor
Megan and Allison met at Sam Houston in one of their shared teaching classes, not knowing their friendship would grow as much as it has. Megan is strong in her faith and not afraid to speak her mind. Megan and Allison go on all kinds of spontaneous adventures, making it hard to pack accordingly, but has also led to many memorable adventures. The two love the outdoors and have had some of their best conversations on car rides or walks. Where Allison is quiet and reserved, Megan is goofy and unafraid to speak her mind, making the two a mismatch made in heaven.
Genesis Rivera Casillos
Bridesmaid
Genesis and Allison met at Sky Ranch, where both of them signed up for the Masters Legacy Program. Genesis was the first person Allison got to truly know, the two sharing a "long" car ride to Academy where they would prep their wardrobes for the new 'camp life' they were starting. It was during this car ride that the two shared their stories and testimonies, the beginning of a very colorful friendship full of long nights and deep conversations about life. Genesis is funny, loves to dance, wise, unafraid to speak her mind, and loves the Lord above all.
Janelle Smith
Bridesmaid
Allison and Janelle met back in the summer of 2022, where the two would share employment for the first time at a camp called Forest Home in California. Janelle, being a Californian, would become a good friend of Allison during this time, and the two would share many fun adventures. After that summer, the two switched it up, Allison moving back to Texas and Janelle following suit, with Janelle going to work for Sky Ranch in their Fellowship Legacy Program. The two would stay in touch, with Janelle advising Allison to pursue her Master's Degree through Sky Ranch, a decision both would eventually make, even if unbeknownst to them. Janelle and Allison would then go on to become housemates for another two years, where they would grow in their love for the Lord together. Janelle loves the Lord, is kindhearted, and is always someone Allison can depend on for wise counsel or a fresh perspective.
Kate Adams
Bridesmaid
Meeting through Sky Ranch's Master's Program, Kate and Allison became housemates for a year. During this year, Allison learned a few things about Kate; She can crochet like nobody's business, she is a great listener, she has such a creative mind, and loves to eat when Allison cooks. The pair bonded over their love for the Lord, teaching and education, and Just Dance Skrazies (Sky Ranch Crazies). Kate loves the Lord above all and seeks to share the Gospel and biblical knowledge with everyone, including Allison.
Stacey Kloosterman
Bridesmaid
Allison has had her fair share of roommates in life, but especially during Sky Ranch's Master's Program. That being said, Stacey stands out, the pair having shared a room for the whole two years. Sharing a room, the girls got to see each other at their highest and their lowest, being there to celebrate and mourn with each other when the time called for it. Stacey is a wizard in the kitchen, both with baking and cooking, and loves to share her culinary creations with her friends, an invitation Allison would never turn down. Stacey loves the Lord and shows it through her serving others selflessly.
Kristin Clary
Bridesmaid
Not much needs to be said about Kristin's inclusion in the bridal party, being the woman Allison knows second-best, only to their mother. Kristin can be sarcastic as all get out, which helps her keep the room laughing, one of Kristin's passions in life. Kristin is also witty, smart, hardworking, and willing to go above and beyond to help those whom she loves. Allison is proud to have an amazing sister like Kristin, and loves her beyond all measure.
