wedding party
Leanna Jo Mullen
Maid of Honor
Leanna met Amy when they both started dancing with North Pointe Ballet last year, and between their mutual love for Jesus and their shared heart for dance, their friendship grew at a rate that can only be explained by the Lord!! She insists Amy was GLOWING the first time they saw each other after she met Mat, and after meeting him herself (at Barrio, where else??) Leanna could clearly see they complemented each other Divinely. Leanna still dances with North Pointe, and she also teaches dance and works for a local foundation. An Iowa native, she loves feeling like she can count the future Mr. and Mrs. Young as family.
Paul Jones
Best Man
I can’t remember my life before I met Mat. My earliest childhood memories are with him, and we have been best friends ever since. From long boarding to free climbing questionable structures to driving a little too fast.. I can say for sure that I have had the most near-death experiences with him. We also did safe stuff sometimes like, ya know, play guitar together. Mat has always had my back and I’ve never doubted that a day in my life. He is also so dedicated to his family and friends, it’s extremely admirable. It’s been a pleasure getting to know Amy over time and seeing them grow together. Here’s to a new chapter, bro.
Nathan Young
Brother of the Groom
I have known Matthew since before he officially had a name, and it's been such a blessing for him. Being as stubborn as a narcissistic mule, Matthew has a tendency to learn things the hard way. But he does learn. And as I've watched him charge head first with no helmet through the phases of his life, I'm starting to like what I see. A brave young man, with unshakable conviction in his beliefs, and a heart for everyone he knows. But more impressively, a heart for everyone he doesn't know.
Kayla Marie Ott
Sister of the Bride
I'm Kayla, Amy and Oksana’s big sister! I work as an accountant in Cleveland, and love interior design, being outside, and hanging out with my dog! Most of my favorite memories with Amy involve Florida and the beach. It has been the most fun getting to hang out with Mat and Amy together, playing board games, Lord of the Rings marathons, and most of all getting to see their sweet relationship develop into what will be a beautiful marriage.
Oksana Nicole Ott
Sister of the Bride
Oksana is 25 years old and currently lives in Spokane, Washington. Oksana is from The Ukraine, and was adopted into the Ott family in February of 2004. Upon arriving home, Oxi and Amy ran into each others arms and hugged like they had known they were sisters their whole lives! They went on many, many adventures together and always dreamed about their wedding days! Then, Amy started dating Mat and when Oksana came to visit home, all three of them went on a hike! Since that hike, Oksana knew Mat has stolen Amy's heart! It is an honor and a joy to witness these two become one to further God’s kingdom! It’s a match truly made in heaven!
Zachary Young
Brother of the Groom
I’ve known Matthew for his entire life, as his big brother I’ve always done my best to protect him... except for the handful of times I landed him in the hospital. Moose is a bright spot in a sometimes very dark world; when he puts his mind to something you’ll find it’s very difficult to dissuade him from his chosen path, something that runs in our family. He’s a skilled craftsman and a better friend, it will be an honor to stand beside him as he marries the love of his life. I’m confident they will raise their children in a Godly and loving home, and it’s a joy to share in the beginning of that journey with them.
Luke Jones
Groomsman
Mat has always been my little cousin but in our recent, barely, adult years we’ve grown into friends. I love this guy. I love the heart he has and the tenderness he has from the Lord for the people in his life. The picture is from the 3 weeks he lived with me in Puerto Rico in 2015 where we solidified our bro-hood and had the best of adventures. Mat I frequently relive all the fun, laughter, joy and adventure I have in my life because of you and I know that’s one of the many reasons Amy loves you so much. Cheers Brother
Elizabeth Cush
Bridesmaid
My name is Elizabeth, I am 25 years old and I’m currently living in Shreveport, Louisiana! I love working out, going for walks and shopping! Amy and I developed our beautiful friendship in college! She is such a dear friend!
Emily Rae Evans
Bridesmaid
Hi my name is Emily and I’m 24 years old. I am currently working at Emerge Counseling Ministries while doing online school through Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas. I love anything coffee, nature, and animals! Amy and I have been friends since high school at CVCA. Amy is one of the most genuine and kind people I know and I treasure our friendship so much! I’m so excited to celebrate her and Mat and the life they are creating to glorify God <3.
Evan Chmura
Groomsman
I have known Mat for some years now, and I have come to see that he is a truly great man. He has a heart like Jesus. I have seen Mat extend himself to serve time and time again, and he is always extremely intentional about helping build up and encourage the people that are in his life. I feel super privileged and blessed to have him as a friend. The way Mat and Amy love each other is something unlike I have seen before. These two ooze love for each other and I am SOO happy for them. Two people who are so great coming together as one is a wonderful thing. I am excited to see their life unfold, and all of the ways that God works through them.
Grant Currier
Bridesman
Sarah Griffith
Groomswoman
Hello friends! My name is Sarah Griffith! I am a home body who has a tendency to move a lot. Attempting to capture the beauty of God’s creation through painting and engaging with all his beautiful ideas keeps me grounded and makes every place feel like home. I’m a artist and a philosophy major who currently lives in California. I’m so blessed to know these wonderful people - their love is a true home to all who they engage.
Mackenzie Rae Downing
Bridesmaid
My name is Mackenzie Downing and I am 24 years old. I’m a choir director for grades 6-12 and teach voice & piano lessons as well! 🎶 Amy and I have been friends for as long as I can remember since the days of Sunday school and youth group at St. Luke’s. Amy has always been one of my kindest and sweetest friends who has always had such a strong relationship with the Lord. After seeing her & Mat together, I knew immediately he was the one!! I cannot wait to see your relationship flourish & see all that God has planned for your lives together as one. ❤️
Ross Downing
Groomsman
I am a happily married musician living in Fairlawn. I work as a choir director at Streetsboro City Schools, and I spend my free time playing instruments and basketball. My wife, Mackenzie, is one of Amy’s bridesmaids. She has long been a close friend of Amy’s, and we both knew upon meeting Mat, that the two of them would be a great match. Mat’s and my friendship began very recently, but I felt immediately connected to him as a close friend when we met. I am excited to represent a dude who is intelligent, talented, and good looking as all get-out as he pursues his eternal bond with his true love.
Zee Elia
Groomsman
I am always glad to see Matthew because I know he is always glad to see me. We see the world in profoundly similar ways but interpret certain parts of it in profoundly different ways and this fuels the conversation in our relationship. We learn a lot from each other. We mostly discuss theology as it relates to the ones we love and we are excited because we know the other is truly there to understand first and then to be understood. I deeply cherish the time spent with Moose teaching and learning how to love our people and each other better.
Nakita Jade Duminy
Bridesmaid
Hi! My name is Nakita and I’m 22 years old! Fun fact about me: I am from South Africa (and I’m pretty sure I’m the only South African friend Amy has). I love to play soccer, pet dogs & be as close to the ocean as possible at all times. I met Amy at Belhaven University in MS. She is utterly precious to me. It’s an absolute honour to call her a friend ♡
Meredith Galehouse
Bridesmaid
Hi Y’all, I’m Meredith, I am 23 years old and love anything to do with a pool and being outside in the sun. I have known Amy practically our entire lives. Our friendship really started when we were about 13 in the JustLove Cafe at our church and continued all throughout our years in youth group. Some of my favorite memories with Amy are on mission trips or at youth group events. Amy is one of the most genuinely sweet people I have ever met. I am so excited to be standing up there with her on her wedding day!
Philip Amedanu
Groomsman
My impression of Matthew when we first met upon that faithful long drive to Hinckley was his genuineness and love for his family. His understanding was impressive. What you saw was what was; he didn’t hide his feelings and told it as it was without spite. I felt very comfortable around the guy and knew we’d be life long friends... and here we are 4 years later he’s reached the shorelines of his greatest earthly decision ever. I’m honored to back him and watch him confidently walk on those waters. I’ve heard wonderful things about Amy. Matthew's passion never wanes cold so I’m confident in her lifelong happiness! Greater times ahead for both of you. My blessings indeed. Oh! and I’m Philip, Matthew’s sub-Saharan friend... and bro from Ghana?! Remember?
Rebka Lile
Bridesmaid
My name is Rebka Lile and I am 17 years old. I live in Akron, Ohio and I go to St. Vincent St. Mary school. I’m a runner and I love to workout. I’ve known Amy for almost 8 years. We went to the same church and she babysat me and my siblings a lot. Amy coming over was ALWAYS a very exciting time for the Liles. I love her and her laugh sooo much♥️♥️ So excited to be a part of a beautiful time in her life!
Noah Young
Groomsman
Maeva Jane Lile
Bridesmaid
Hello! My name is Maeva, I’m 13 years old and I live in Akron, Ohio! I go to Litchfield Middle School where I am in 8th grade. Reading is one of my favorite things to do and I love any type of Fantasy or Mystery. My favorite book series is Harry Potter, I even started a club at school with my friends! I met Amy when I was very young, we went to the same church and her older sister, Kayla, babysat us! Soon Amy was our new babysitter and best friend! Amy would come on vacation with us to Charleston, South Carolina where we would swim in the ocean and eat snacks while we watched TV! I met Mat for the first time over FaceTime! I could tell right away that he was super nice and good with kids, he was the perfect match for Amy! I am so excited to celebrate with them at their beautiful wedding!
Lidiya Lile
Flower Maiden
Hello, my name is Lidiya Lile, I’m 11 years old and I live in Akron, Ohio! I go to the middle school St. Vincent De Paul, I am in 6th grade! I really like to do art and I really like to dance. I love when Amy comes over and teaches me ballet positions! I like to play outside with my neighbors and write stories as well! I was always really excited when Amy came over to babysit us and when she got to come on vacation with us. My favorite games to play with Amy when she babysat us were The Ghost Game and Wax Museum! We also loved playing Plants Versus Zombies with her! I also loved reading to her before bed. I met Mat on FaceTime and he was really fun to talk to! I knew he was very nice because he came over and helped us with our new house! I’m really excited to be their flower girl!