Amanda & Derek
Wedding Party
Amanda & Derek
The Couple
Amanda and Derek met over three years ago in a Jiu-Jitsu gym in Southeast Missouri, first they were friends and trained together and Amanda braided Derek’s hair for MMA fights. Eventually they shared their love of other things like hikes and gardening, when Derek moved back home to STL they eventually visited each other and started dating Nov. 2019 and the rest is history.
Becca Carpenter
Maid of Honor
Becca and Amanda are cousins and best friends. When Amanda moved to Missouri in middle school they’ve been friends on and off, now that they are adults they share everything with each other and talk almost daily.
Dawson Albright
Best Man
Dawson is Derek’s younger brother, they grew up together doing typical brother things and still call each other to talk about the current UFC fights and pick on each other like they are kids.
Megan Speith
Bridesmaid
Megan and Amanda met through Jiu-Jitsu, they spent countless hours getting to know each other on the mats training together and well, beating each other up and eventually they started hanging out off the mats! They are two peas in a pod on and off the mats, you would have thought they were related the way they get along. They even started a non profit together.
Aaron Schlosser
Groomsman
Aaron (cool dude in the middle) is partially responsible for Amanda and Derek. While he’s been a great friend and training partner to both he helped them realize they were a perfect match. Derek and Aaron still talk and train daily together.
Jordan Albright
Bridesmaid
Jordan is the sister of the groom. The bride doesn’t have any sisters but couldn’t imagine a better one for a sister-in-law! She loves any time she gets to visit with Jordan and can’t wait to experience the wedding adventures and other family events with Jordan around! Being only one year apart and having similar views in life it’s fun to have Jordan around if you ask Amanda!
Jeremy Peters
Groomsman
Derek and Jeremy have been friends for a long time. They still hang out often and are like two peas in a pod when they hang out. Truly you’d think it was like they were teenagers still if you hung out with them, but there’s never a dull moment.
Morgan Dawson
Bridesmaid
Amanda and Morgan have been friends for several years now, they have helped each other when their men get ready for MMA fights. They have always connected over being spouses of fighters and talk real talk when life gets tough. They both have the same down to earth vibes. And it always feels like family when Morgan is around.
Keyth Dawson
Groomsman
Derek and Keyth have been training partners, weight cut buddies, they have cornered each other also. If they weren’t two hours away they would be inseparable. Amanda and Keyth also used to train together as well. It feels like fam when everyone is together.
Lauren Hawkins
Bridesmaid
Lauren belongs to Coty Kellison, Amanda knows her because of Coty. She is nothing short of amazing. Amanda and Lauren often chat about wedding things and have the same taste in style. Lauren was Amanda’s go to person when she was dreaming of the plans of the wedding and waiting for Derek to pop the question. Amanda couldn’t imagine the wedding without having an awesome hype lady like Lauren there!
Coty Kellison
Groomsman
Coty is a good friend of many, including Derek, Amanda, the bridesmaid Bobbie Jo, the groomsman Aaron, the piano guy Tyler the officiant Brian and he belongs to the bridesmaid Lauren. Derek and Amanda trained with Coty while in Cape Girardeau as well as Coty cornered Derek in many MMA fights. Derek and Coty were great friends while Derek resided in Cape.
Everlene Flemon
Bridesmaid
Amanda and Everlene have known each other for a while now. It all started because of an art project and then their friendship bloomed from there getting to know each other virtually they enjoyed each other’s vibes and support. They both love adventures and a great time and always look for the positives. They can’t wait to celebrate Amanda and Derek’s big day together.
Cannon Ballwin
Groomsman
Cannon and Derek grew up together and graduated high school with each other, while they did separate things for a while after high school, as adults they’ve been reconnected and can’t wait to be in each other’s Weddings.
Bobbie Jo Ridenhour
Bridesmaid
Bobbie and Amanda have known each other for several years, started out as training partners and now Amanda works for Bobbie at the Eureka gym and they are great supports for each other in life and close friends.
Travis McGuire
Groomsman
Travis is Amanda’s brother, he’s a chill dude with a great sense of humor. He makes a great addition to any party and it wouldn’t be the same without him.
JC Reeves
Groomsman
JC and Amanda knew each other in high school but didn’t become great friends until their late 20’s when they became roommates. JC and Derek also ended up making great friends early in Amanda and Derek’s relationship, it wouldn’t be a party without JC around for old time sake. He’s one of the best hype dudes you’ll meet.
LeiLani McGuire
Bridesmaid
Lani is Amanda’s 13 year old daughter; Derek asked Lani for permission to marry her mom before he proposed. Derek and Lani bond over scaring each other and nerf gun wars and driving Amanda bonkers at times. But it wouldn’t be a wedding without Lani’s approval!
Tom Bradley
Special Reading at Ceremony
Tom is a great dude and Amanda and Derek know him from training down in Cape Girardeau. He puts thought and inspiration into his work no matter the task and is one of the nicest people you’ll meet. We couldn’t ask for a more appropriate dude to say a special speech at the ceremony.
Rob Turner
Officiant
Rob Turner is a great family man and his whole family trains martial arts. Their family does everything together. Rob and his family are from the Eureka gym and that’s how Amanda and Derek met them. Rob has done several other weddings as well so he is well experienced. Rob is one of the most trustworthy people you’ll meet.
Chaz Johnson
Bouncer
Need a job done Chaz will take care of it. Chaz is a nice guy but he will also tell you what needs to be told. One of the biggest reasons Amanda and Derek like this dude. Chaz along with his best friend Dennis will be in charge of greeting guests and letting you know if you you’ve accidentally brought too many people 😉
Dennis Williams
Bouncer
Dennis and Amanda work along side each other at the Eureka gym. Amanda enjoys Dennis’s friendly attitude but also likes that he will be honest and upfront when needed.. Dennis is protective of his friends and family. Dennis along with his best friend Chaz will be in charge of greeting guests and letting you know if you you’ve accidentally brought too many people 😉
Karrie Rinehart
Ring Lady
Karrie and Amanda have been friends for a long time now. Since Lani was in a carry car seat. They have been business partners and each other’s biggest supporters many of times when life got tough. Amanda misses Karrie ever since she moved to stl and will always cherish all of the memories they created together. If Amanda ever had a sister she would want them to be just like Karrie. Karrie will be in charge of the rings, she will pass them around to special people such as parents and the wedding party to ensure there is plenty of good luck and well wishes rubbed onto them before the ceremony is complete.
Brian Imholz
Gi Wedding Officiant
Brian will be performing a quick ceremony at the gym on for Derek and Amanda. The two met in his gym after-all. Brian is a big role model for Amanda and unfortunately due to scheduling conflict Brian wouldn’t make it to the fancy wedding. So Brian will officiate a private ceremony at the gym for the two with teammates gathered ready to roll.