Wedding Party
Bryce Kelley
Groomsman
Bryce was one of my very first friends when he moved to California. We've been co-workers on the student ministries team at Saddleback for over seven years and have shared so much life together. Also, I've never shared a bed with anyone more than Bryce, so there's that.
Marian Hopper
Bridesmaid
I met Mare when we both auditioned for chapel band at Azusa Pacific University. We were in the same band in college, and are in a real life band together now #Laureline. Mare and I became fast friends over our love for makeup, Alberto's bean and cheese burrito's, and early 2000's pop punk emo bands. She's also the only friend I know who stays up even later than me, so I like to call her at all hours. Mare bear is funny, present, loyal, and supportive. I always feel so loved by her intentional friendship and kindness, and my life is richer with her in it.
Cory Tomlinson
Groomsman
To know Cory is to love Cory. He's kind of like the most interesting man in the world. He's always doing a million different things, and everything he touches is better because of him. But we're mainly inviting him because he'll singlehandedly hold down the dance floor.
Katie Crofford
Bridesmaid
Katie is one of my oldest friends, est. at Serrano Intermediate (Go seagulls? Seahawks?) and I'm just grateful for how we've really seen each other through the years. Katie is the friend you call to be your plus one to an event where you know no one, or ask to be your road trip buddy on a spontaneous trip - and she will always say yes. She makes me cry- laugh at nothing and and I always feel so uplifted and encouraged by her friendship. I love Katie's joyful spirit and excitement for life, and how she always points people to Jesus. Move back to Lake Forest though.
Colton Harker
Groomsman
Colton holds the prestigious title of being my very first California friend. We were roommates for two years and have worked alongside each other in student ministries at Saddleback for over seven years. My favorite thing about Colton is that he's a fellow enneagram 8, which means we have a very direct friendship with very few hurt feelings :) Fun fact: I was a groomsman and Ciera was a bridesmaid in Colton and Kayla's wedding over five years ago, but we don't really remember meeting each other then. Oops.
Kayla Harker
Bridesmaid
So somehow Kayla and I grew up in basically the same neighborhood but didn't know each other until college- but when we found each other it was fate. K and I were roommates for 3 years, and it mostly worked because of our equal love for sleep and Taco Bell. Kayla is a consistent and loyal friend who always listens with intentionality, and I'm so blessed by her friendship! Grateful to only live a mile away from her, because Sonic cherry limeade runs are that much easier. Also, her children are like the only children I like. Love you, K.
Shay Bogear
Groomsman
I met Shay the summer before we both attended Indiana Wesleyan University, and quickly became best friends. We are kindred in so many ways and have remained close even through our questionable style phases (i.e. Shay's spiky hair and my stud earrings) and never living in the same state since we graduated. Shay's friendship has been such an anchor over the years and I'm so grateful to have him standing with me on this day that we've prayed about for many years.
Izzi Ezra
Bridesmaid
Izzi and I met in choir at Azusa Pacific University, and then worked at Mount Hermon together the following summer as bandmates. We bonded over countless dining shifts and band rehearsals and midnight West Cliff hangs, and then got to hang all year at school together :) I always say Izzi is the sister I never had, aka the girl version of Austin Bardowell (aka me). Izzi is inclusive, intentional, thoughtful and one of the best texters in the game. I will never forget the summer we killed 29 spiders in our cabin. Like unfortunately will never forget it.
Chad Heer
Groomsman
Chad is my little brother and the lucky middle child in the Heer family. He's also probably the smartest person I know and is currently completing a doctoral research program in neurobiology at the University of Chicago. Feel free to ask him about his mice :)
Christie Lipscomb
Bridesmaid
Christie and I met at Mount Hermon as campers, and decided to make the 8 hour trek together our first summer working there (we barely knew each other, but talked the entire time). Christie is the girl that runs even farther than me with a controversial bit, and it’s one of her best qualities. She is also encouraging and supportive, and her heart for people and Jesus is evident through how she seeks others out and prays for you intentionally. So grateful for these many years of friendship! And I also take credit for introducing her to her husband (I’m like 3/3 on match making so HMU)
Mason DePeal
Groomsman
Mason is my brother-in-law and has been a part of our family for five years. When he first started dating my little sister, I was super annoyed that I couldn't be the intimidating older brother because this dude was like four inches taller than me and could have benched me like a hundred times. I've (mostly) gotten over that though, and have come to really love this guy, even though he's a Patriots fan...
Alexis Nelson
Bridesmaid
Lex and I met at Mount Hermon while working on the same summer staff in 2015. I introduced Lex to her now husband and I think it was my best work. I remember meeting her and thinking she was much older than she actually was, and although 4 years younger, she’s still more mature than me. Lex is so intentional with communicating even miles away, and I always feel so loved and supported by her! She is funny, thoughtful, and forever my little sis.
Austin Bardowell
Groomsman
It's no secret that Austin is the coolest Bardowell. From his flow, to his steez, to his sick Jeep, to his ability to play 900 instruments, he just gives the rest of us little hope. But most of us, like me, are just content being his friend. Excited to marry into this brother and hoping that I somehow get some twin powers out of this.
Sydney Petersen
Bridesmaid
So when I’m texting Syd it’s usually something like “who else is going/ what are you going to wear/ can we drive together and leave at the same time,” to give you an idea of us. Another one of the best texters in the game, Syd and I met at APU our senior year of college. She is so funny, thoughtful, and a real pursuer of people. She is also the friend who will drive MILES to see you, and I always feel loved by her intentionality. If you know Syd, you feel loved by Syd. And you can trust that she would rather text you for two hours straight than call you- my kind of gal.
Daniel Bardowell
Groomsman
Daniel rounds out my set of brothers and I couldn't be happier about it. He's hilarious and loud and passionate in the best way, and his mustache could win awards. I'm stoked to have him as a brother and a golf partner for many years to come. (Also, he's single...)
Amy Davidson
Bridesmaid
Ames was one of my first friends at APU, and we ended up rooming together most of college. She’s the friend you call the morning of to drive with you to San Francisco, the one who makes anything and everything fun, and truly just a girl you can rely on. I’m only a little bitter she ended up living on a tour bus before I got to, but if you know Ames, she just walks in the light. I don’t think I could have made it through college without her (I would have followed her if she ever transferred probably). Another friend I can cry - laugh with and actually cry with at any hour, and one who’s empathy and ability to listen will make you feel so heard and loved. So grateful for the years of friendship I have with sweet Ames.
Kelsie Roche
Bridesmaid
Kels and I met freshman year on our hall at APU, and ended up being roommates our junior / senior year. Kels is an insanely gifted dancer and artist, but even more impressive is her inability to understand memes (but thankfully I’m an excellent meme describer). Kels truly makes me laugh until I pee and I can always count on her to come to every thing I sing at, even the Laureline shows that start at midnight (terrible). I don’t think anyone has been to more concerts than she has. She is so supportive and present and will always show up for you, near and far. Grateful for this friendship I have with Kels!
Mandy Mayfield
Bridesmaid
The most famous journalist in DC is my bridesmaid. Mandy was my first best friend in college, where we bonded over terrible GYRAD dates and decided to hang with just each other instead. Mandy is my elite squad, my fellow John Mayer fanatic, and Bridesmaid quoting pal. Mandy is witty, intentional, thoughtful, and the first one I call for a McFlurry run. I’m grateful for her intentionality, and she rarely actually feels states apart. A true friend until the end.