Elaine & Gideon
Wedding Party
Yolivette Ndaiga
Matron of Honor
One cup of tea and we they goners. Yoli and Elaine met in Kijabe, Kenya and bonded over teaching in Kenyan schools and German Shepherd puppies. They didn't bond over hot sauce or yoga, but that's ok! Their immediate bond has led to a deep friendship that is better described as sisterhood.
Timothy Ndaiga
Best Man
I would plainly say that my fate was in the hands of this man in my relationship with Elaine. He was the person Elaine consulted to check if I was genuinely interested in her. Timothy's response laid the foundation of our relationship. He has however been a big part of our relationship ever since. He and his wife Yoli have been very supportive and encouraging in every situation that we have gone through. I respect him as I follow in his footsteps.
Charlene Beall
Bridesmaid
The chance that God arranged for Charlene and Elaine to meet is 100%. Their friendship started as accountability partners and evolved into travel buddies and even housemates for a time! In this friendship, opposites attracted and the partnership makes them both better.
Denis Mutai
Groomsman
The term "we are in this together" makes sense when I am talking about Mr. Kiptoo. When I ask him, "how has it been?" He understands exactly what I mean. When I met Elaine, I wanna credit myself for encouraging him. I might be wrong, but Denis started talking to Elaine's friend. We have since bonded and have both been navigating similar challenges that have built our friendship. I am watching your every step, my friend. All the best. We are in this together.
Daisy Jelimo Rotich
Bridesmaid
Elaine is so excited for Daisy to join then wedding party. As Gideon's niece, she is not just a bridesmaid, she's family!
Gilbert Rono
Groomsman
After university, you gotta get a job. This means that you leave home to do active job seeking in the city. Having no income means that you have to be hosted someplace. Gilbert having been a former student in this city of Nairobi offered to host me in his little apartment. Later, the tables turned and I got to host him after he graduated and was doing his own job-seeking. During this time, we learned a lot about life and the need to be out there for each other.
Emily Barlean
Bridesmaid
Elaine and Emily were together so much at University that random people assumed they were sisters. They met on the forensics team freshman year and have been friends ever since. If they shared even some of the dirt they have on each other...there'd be no survivors.
Ianford Nyambane
Groomsman
Doing orientation on the first day of college we happened to have both been puzzled about our other course-mate who was overly excited and asking too many questions. That was the beginning of the solid friendship that we had for the five years in college which continues to thrive. We never miss a moment to find something funny in anything. We can be chatting and laughing while everyone is wondering what we are laughing about.
Megan Daane
Bridesmaid
Megan and Elaine bonded when they started working at West Nairobi School in the same year. But that loose connection grew deep and strong as they became running buddies (slow jogging for Elaine). They also exercised their prayer life and personal accountability and developed a friendship full of laughter and joy.
Michael Miliza
Groomsman
We are not only colleagues with Michael but also great friends. We coached together and always enjoy the soccer game. We share a lot about life and say everything "as is". He likes to laugh this guy, or maybe I will say he finds me funny. When with Michael, we find many reasons to smile. His slogan is #smilealways
Serah Njeri
Bridesmaid
Elaine and Serah work together at West Nairobi School and are in the same bible study. Sharing the joys and burdens of daily life has proven a friendship more valuable than gold!
Wycliffe Rono
Groomsman
Here is a classic life-long friendship. Wycliffe has been my friend and more of a brother. In our early schooling life, I mean, when he was in first grade and I had just joined school, he took on the big responsibility of walking me home safely. Over the years we have always been consulting and figuring out life. He is a great friend and I am excited to have him walk with me as I go into marriage. After all, he makes sure I get to places safely.
Shannon Riordan
Bridesmaid
Twenty Two. That's how old Elaine's friendship with Shannon is. They were classmates in the 7th grade and cemented their relationship by singing in Praise Team throughout high school together. Despite time and distance, they've consistently remained near and dear to each other.