Wedding Party
Alyssa Terry
Matron of Honor
Alyssa is Darlene's younger sister but acts like the older one--she keeps Darlene focused, grounded, and organized, and is such a steady encourager in her life! Half of what Alyssa and Darlene's conversations are quotes from Galaxy Quest, Shrek, Julian Smith, How to Train Your Dragon, and George of the Jungle. Having Alyssa as a younger sister is the reason red-headed children are the epitome of adorable. (Also, Alyssa, sorry for that time I threw your chapstick across the room.)
Brianna Anderson
Bridesmaid
Bri and Darlene grew up sharing the month of July as their birthday month, and then they decided to share an apartment for several years right next door to the wedding venue, actually! During that time, they adopted the fluffiest, handsomest, and most dramatic cat ever, Ollivander. They watched so many Gossip Girl episodes and ran away screaming from so many cockroaches (cons of a corner unit) at that apartment.
Jennie Blandenburg (Dodd)
Bridesmaid
Getting married just ONE week (eeps!) before Josh and Darlene, Jennie is an incredible friend to both. She and Darlene went to the same church growing up but reconnected a few years ago and realized they were in the same stage of life. They have walked in close community since to the point that they bear one another's burdens and understand each other so well. Darlene doctors Jennie's blisters and Jennie patiently hears Darlene out through every change in season.
Jenna Harte
Bridesmaid
Jenna and Darlene have known each other since Ruby Slippers when they were 7. They were inseparable--and to some people, indistinguishable--during middle school and high school, and often shared a brain. They have celebrated so much together, and the celebrations just keep going! They will have to take at least one "tough girl" picture for old-time's sake.
Rebecca Horsley
Bridesmaid
So Rebecca (Josh's sister) and Darlene were friends before Darlene and Josh became friends, and she is also responsible for pointing us out to each other. Rebecca and Darlene have bonded over good books, better tea, cutthroat Catan games, long car rides, and our love of Asian food. Also, Rebecca is the ultimate master of eye makeup, so make sure you bask in her glory at the wedding!
Katie McClung
Bridesmaid
Katie and Darlene almost didn't become friends because of Katie's intimidating and fabulous hair (it's a story, lemme tell you). But once they got to talking, they became fast friends. Darlene is so glad Katie accepted her and (grudgingly accepted) Ollivander as roommates for the past year. They have been each other's anchor through so much, and Darlene is so glad to have Katie's brilliant and logical ideas to help the day go smoothly. Also, Katie is the greatest wing woman in history.
Alexis Sheriff
Bridesmaid
Alexis and Darlene met at Koinonia in 2009 during a production of "Hamlet" where they spent all the rehearsals learning fancy footwork. From there, they played many a Rook game at many a sleepover through high school, then both went back to teach at Koinonia after college (Alexis with math, Darlene safely with English) and even went as dates to prom to help "chaperone" (showed those homeschoolers how to dance). Whenever Darlene gets a wild hair about building something, Alexis makes it happen. Also, they both vie to be the Just Dance champion. (Alexis, be glad I didn't use the afro picture.)
Hope Smith
Bridesmaid
Hope and Darlene met in college after Hope thought Darlene was too cool because she sat in the back of the classroom and Darlene thought Hope was too cool because she sat on the front row. They got over their shyness at Jandy's Froyo and have had Red Lobster picnics in front of Van Hoose, have traveled to Texas and Tennessee and Charleston, have gotten tattoos and piercings together, have watched a ton of movies and discussed even more books.
Emily Moyer
Flower Girl
Emmy is a child after Darlene's heart. Darlene was supposed to be helping in a Wee Praise dance class with Emmy but just wanted to play with Emmy the whole time. Emmy dances, plays, loves, eats pizza, and sings every Disney song ever with her whole being. She wears flip-flops and a skirt while bike riding. She has the best imagination and now is old enough to ask such thoughtful questions (I'm not crying; you're crying). You can't help but smile when around her. Darlene is very excited that Emmy is still young enough to be her beautiful flower girl! And watch out, that girl has some rocking dance moves.
Jonathan Horsley
Best Man
Jonathan is Josh's oldest sibling and only brother. He runs through life at top speed, always running back and forth to some event, new scheme, or just literally running. (He's got to get 6 more miles this week, and you can't stop him!) He will, however, always be there when he is needed. All you have to do is ask. He'll be there to help, and will most definitely be wearing Chockos and Socks.
David Anderson
Groomsman
Josh and David became good friends after Josh began attending Christ the King Church in Carrollton. In the time following he has been a great friend and mentor, and has infected Josh with his music tastes. David always has the door of his home open, and is ready to invite people into his life, with all the chaos included
Duncan Montgomery
Groomsman
Duncan and Josh met through mutual friends and church, but they didn't really connect until they became discipleship partners. It was a pivotal time, as Duncan was beginning his marriage, and Josh was graduating college and preparing to start his career. In the time that followed, Duncan has been a source of wise counsel and stability, and you would be hard pressed to find someone who cares more about his friends.
Jacob Slattery
Groomsman
Jacob is Josh's current discipleship partner, and the 3rd to have to buy suit pants as a part of the bargain. Jacob loves to learn everything he can about a given subject, leading to Jacob and Josh having long conversations about a variety of subjects. PC builds, the real estate market, and Gamestop stock prices to name a few. They then proceed to talk about these subjects to an extent that no one else could possibly care about.
Trevor Newton
Groomsman
Josh and Trevor met in college, where they were both avoiding paying attention in an accounting class. Josh by reading on his laptop, and Trevor by playing Runescape. They then proceeded to work through the hardest classes of their degree together with a combination of frantic group study and a lot of office hours. Outside of class, this shows up as Trevor always being there when you need him, and being down to give anything a try if you can pitch it right.
Simon Moses
Groomsman
Simon and Josh met in college where they became fast friends over Super Smash Brothers Melee and a shared desire to not fail Intermediate Microeconomics. Simon is an eternal hype man, never failing to be anything other than over the top excited about whatever is going on around and in your lives. He was also a fantastic roomate when they finished college, even if they never managed to hang more than a single painting in the entire house.
Mac Smith
Groomsman
Josh and Mac became friends after Josh began attending Christ the King Church. Eventually they discovered they both enjoyed playing video games and looking down on anyone who puts creamer in their coffee. Mac is frustratingly good at just about anything he picks up, but it's because he holds himself to a high standard that shows up in his work with the church and his friendships. ( It still doesn't feel good to lose 21-0 in ping pong though.)
Joshua Terry
Groomsman
Joshua is the future brother in law, but don't worry, he goes by Joshua instead of Josh, so it's never once been confusing.... Joshua loves a good framework, and using that to understand and connect with the people around him. He's also quick to attempt a pun, and sometimes they are even funny. (Just don't get your hopes up).