Soon to be Forever and Always - Don and Mandi
Wedding Party
Jennifer (Jenni)
Maid of Honor
Some relationships in this life you choose, and some you're born into. I'm lucky enough that with this woman, it will forever be both. My sister, my best friend. She's the one I looked up to growing up, the one I wanted to be like, dress like. She doesn't let it show that often, but she has the most gentle and caring heart. She is so generous and thoughtful. She is one of my favorite people to joke around with, laugh with, bake with. We survived living together as adults for 3 years and we were both still perfectly happy. She'll forever be my wifey. Life is constantly changing, and while we no longer live together, and don't get to spend even a fraction of the time together that we wish we did, nothing can break the bond we share. I'm so honored to have her walking me down the aisle.
Elizabeth (Libby)
Maid of Honor
There aren't enough words that exist in the world to accurately express how much this woman means to me. As kids she was my sister's friend, and I was usually just the little sister that would tag along. But as adults we had the opportunity to form our own friendship, and as the years went on she became family. She was there when I was 18, just discovering my faith. She was there when I graduated college. She was there as I walked through pregnancy and then became a new mom. And she has been there every year after. She is a constant well of grace and unconditional love. She has accepted not only me, but my daughters, and now Don, as her family. I have been so blessed by her friendship over the years, and I'm so thankful to have her standing by my side on our big day.
Barbara (Barbie)
Bridesmaid
Another relationship that began because of my sister! As teenagers she was friends with my sister, and often spent time next door at her aunt's. I, again, was often the little sister that would tag along, even into adulthood. She was the first of us to start having babies, and Damyen was the little one that started it all. In the years I have known this woman, I have seen her walk through fire and always come out stronger for it. I can tell her just about anything without fear of judgement. Our friendship hasn't always been perfect, but one thing I know for sure if that it will always be worth it. There are just some people you encounter in life that help to bring out the real you, and she is definitely one of them. Ermergerd, yer mer brerdsmerd!
Kassandra (Kassie)
Bridesmaid
This.Girl. She is one of a kind. We met through work, as she was the receptionist at the office where I had begun working. Her vast knowledge blew me away from day one. Eventually we started chatting more, and then those chats turned into spending our lunch breaks together (even if some of those days she had to force me to take a break). She was easy to talk to, and eventually we found ourselves talking about anything and everything. She was there since before Don and I were a thing, and it was actually her who taught the dance lessons we took the night of our first date. She offered advice or a reality check whenever needed, and she even helped Don orchestrate his proposal. I miss our regular chats, but I love her now more than ever and am so thankful to have her as part of our big day.
Matt
Best Man
I met Matt four-wheeling, and I knew him from his sister and volunteering at the humane society. He has always been there for me when I needed a friend or help with something, and vice versa for him.
Ivan
Groomsman
I met Ivan while working at Appleway. We were both lot guys and in that job you work pretty close with each other. Through many late nights we became good friends, and have remained that way for a lot of years and will continue to be for years to come.
Phil
Groomsman
What can I say, he was and is a big part of my car life, and my life in general. He has taught me so much in my life and has always been one of my biggest supporters in just about anything I do.
Justin
Groomsman
Finally, but not least, Justin. I met Justin working at Berg and through helping his twin brother Russell work on the Corolla. We've spent a great deal of time just talking about cars and games. I remember most of the random drives we would take, and the track days running one another in our cars. Justin is a great guy and I'm glad he accepted to be one of my groomsman.