Don & Sarah
Wedding Party
Kimberly Neperud
Matron of Honor
Kim is my my older sister/best friend. Kim and I grew up, like most sisters, fighting and getting on one another's nerves. We hit our all time low when Kim put a duct tape line down the middle of our room and told me I wasn't allowed to cross the line. Coincidentally, her side had the closet and the door. Over the years Kim and I have transitioned from sisters to friends. She is the first person I call in an emotional crisis and the person who will stick close by in every season of life. I couldn't love her more - or be more honored to have her as my Matron of Honor.
Paul Voge
Best Man
When Paul and I first met, I was striking him out in an Camp Brookwoods baseball game. Being a "second monther" at Camp and Paul being a "first monther," I had always heard stories about the funniest camper at Brookwoods, but never met him. But after completely dominating him on the mound, our new acquaintanceship was off to a rough start. 10 years later, we have come a long way since that day. Paul is truly a friend of the past and the future. He has played a critical role mentoring me in many ways throughout my relationship with Sarah, and I couldn't be more excited to continue life in Denver together.
Emily Gates
Bridesmaid
Emily Gates is the youngest Gates sibling. Emily and I got to know each other best during her Freshmen year at Wheaton, while I was a Senior. She is the definition of joy and spunk. Emily always greets me with the biggest smile and a huge hug. I have loved watching her build friendships at Wheaton and pursue others with energy and a heart-felt desire to make them feel included.
Tommy Gallagher
Honorary Maid of Honor
Tommy is the youngest Gallagher and definitely the most loved. His good looks and charm have made him a Wheaton commodity and adding him to the wedding has given our special day instant street cred. Developing a relationship with Tommy over the past two years has been an absolute joy. His fun-loving personality is contagious and I know I will continually be put to shame by him behind a ski boat. Beyond all of this he is growing into a dude that loves the Lord and desires to serve him above all else.
Abigail Gates
Bridesmaid
Abby is the middle Gates sibling. Before I even met Abby, I remember hearing that she could make friends with anyone. Abby is one of those extraordinary people who somehow manages to become friends with people from every area and walk of life. She is full of life and adventure, and it has been a joy to watch her thrive at Wheaton and most recently during her study-abroad in Chile!
Max Luccock
Groomsman
Max is the most brutally authentic person I have ever known. He lives life on the edge and relies on the Lord completely to guide his steps. He is the ultimate spiritual mentor and I have enjoyed a few near death experiences with him. He recently moved to Phoenix and is going to be an incredible lawyer down the road.
Lauren Wolf
Bridesmaid
Lauren Wolf (who I like to call 'Lolin') was someone I looked up to from our very first interaction. She has the ability to charm people from the first meeting and continue to amaze them over time. Lauren and I met the day I left Westmont College and we have been inseparable ever since! She has pushed me to become a more faithful follower of Jesus, and has encouraged me through every season. I hope to be more like Lauren Wolf each day.
Price Gunn
Groomsman
Outside of my family, I haven't lived with anyone longer than I have lived with Price Gunn. Living with someone this long starts to rub off on you as half of my sayings and catchphrases originated from this guy. If you have a outdoor related question go to Price - truly the ultimate fish whisperer. Sarah and I are excited for some Denver adventures with Price and his wife Abby in the years ahead!
Lydia Sohmer
Bridesmaid
Lydia is the epitome of grace and poise. She's the kind of friend who just happens to be good at everything she tries. From singing to academics to whistling in the shower. Over the years she has been a source of deep wisdom and compassionate friendship. Lydia is currently half way through her nursing program at Loyola University and she will make one amazing nurse.
Skyler Aspegren
Groomsman
A man that is affectionately called many names - mouf, skeeter, harambe - Skyler, along with Price, was my first friend at Wheaton. Driven and wise, Skyler was the ultimate leader on Wheaton's frisbee team where he and I enjoyed 2 years of national championship births together. His easy-going and caring nature has made him an incredible friend these past 5 years.
Cassidy Graham
Bridesmaid
Cassidy and I often joke that we are soulmates. We found out very quickly in our friendship that we have an identical sense of humor. My favorite memories with Cass often include Disney Movie quotes, dancing our hearts out to our favorite songs, and laughing till we cry. Cassidy brings out the goofiest and most care-free parts of myself, and she really is a true soulmate.
Mason Paas
Groomsman
Mason is the most loyal friend around. It took until Junior year of high school for Mason and I to become friends, but we've never looked back. During my time at Wheaton he visited so many times he became an honorary "Wheatie." It's impossible to spend time with Mason without being confronted with deep and meaningful conversation and ideas. He doesn't just shoot the breeze. He thinks and relies deeply on the Lord's vision for his life.
Julia Arthur
Bridesmaid
Jersey Jules is the most generous and loyal friend. We roomed together for two years at Wheaton and shared a room during our senior year. My favorite memories with Jules often included driving around in her yellow and black Volkswagen Beatle, laughing at each other's embarrassing moments and cuddling during movies. She is currently living in New Jersey, living her best life.
Drew Sauder
Groomsman
This man knows more Bible verses by heart than anyone I know. Drew has played a huge role in forming me into who I am today. We first met when my dad "broke" into their family's house and announced that our familes would become best friends. His prophecy was confirmed. Drew and I enjoyed years of crazy basketball shooting competitions and family kickball matches. It's an honor to have a friend like Drew.
Emily Oberto
Bridesmaid
Emily and I have known each other since the 8th grade, but we became close during our Junior year of high school. We were both Altos in our high school Concert Choir during our Junior and Senior years. We ended up sitting right next to each other and bonding over choir, Rock & Roll Revival, J.Crew, and so much more.Emily was the gem that I was missing during high school - we loved all the same things and we soon became inseparable. During the summers Emily and I would bring treats to each other during work and then have sleepovers afterward. She has remained a close and loyal friend even while facing the challenges of long-distance friendship.
Zach Erwin
Groomsman
Each of the guys in the bridal party are either friends from Camp, Wheaton, or childhood. Zach is all three. Zach has been a steady friend for the past 12 years of my life. From father/son bible study, camp conversations discussing my high school big headedness, and making ThunderDon the James Gates original feature, Zach is truly a lifelong friend.
Bella McKay
Bridesmaid
My first memory of Bella McKay was her running down a staircase, squealing at the top of her lungs and then proceeding to roll over a group of girls on a couch. This is exactly how Bella lives each day - full of spunk and uninhibited joy. Bella and I roomed together during our Sophomore year at Wheaton and we shared many nights of "breathing exercises" and bunk bed chats. She is currently living and working in Cambodia, and I couldn't be more proud of this passionate friend.
Chris Roper
Groomsman
If there was a cartoon network show called Justice Man, Chris Roper would be the star. He is the definition of a truth seeker who lives life in a raw and disciplined manner. Chris and I have enjoyed some incredible times over the years. Just don't tell the Bocce Bar in Sausolito California we were the ones who caused the scene.
Rex Humphries
Groomsman
Rex is the most critical thinker I've ever known. He doesn't make any decision lightly, takes pride in his work, and is driven for success in every area of his life. Everyone needs a friend like Rex. Loyal and trustworthy, Rex has been such a blessing to have as a friend over the years.