Wedding Party
Sydney Wyatt
Maid of Honor
Sydney and Avery have been best friends since their junior year of high school, experiencing many seasons of life together. In high school, they were inseparable - whether working, in show choir, at school, or thrifting. They continued their journey at OSU, where they roomed together their freshman year. Experiencing college together has been a blessing as they found their closest friends and continually supported each other in deepening their faith. Throughout every season, Sydney has witnessed Avery's growth and has been a steadfast presence throughout. They are both so excited to be walking through this exciting chapter of life together.
Michael Hofstetter
Best Man
Michael and Eli met in high school but their friendship truly began Eli's Freshman year at Ohio State. Since then, Michael has been a cornerstone in Eli's life and is his best friend, providing wisdom and guidance through discipleship, laughter and joy through their years of friendship, and has been one of the most influential people in Eli's faith. Michael and Eli had the distinct joy of becoming roommates, a year spent shooting rubber bands at one another, playing Mario Kart, cooking, 'meeping,' and spending countless hours talking and sharing in each other's lives. Eli was Michael's Best Man in 2024 and could not be happier in returning the ask.
Daphne Bish
Bridesmaid
Daphne is Avery's little sister and is such a big part of Avery's life. Avery was 6 years old when Daphne was born and always loved caring for her little sister. Seeing Daphne grow up has brought so much joy to Avery over the years as she's watched Daphne grow into a beautiful, funny, and caring young woman. Their connection is deep, despite a 6-year age gap and vastly different stages of life. Avery cannot imagine her wedding day without Daphne.
Liam Wooten
Groomsman
Liam is Eli's older brother and has become a close friend and confidant. Despite a four year age gap, the two brothers have always found ways to bond: playing video games, smoking cigars, or discussing their crazy family. Eli looks up to Liam tremendously and has witnessed him grow up from an annoying older brother to a loving father and devoted husband. Liam represents a strong constant in Eli's life and deeply influences his faith and hopes in his own marriage.
Hannah Marcum
Bridesmaid
Hannah and Avery crossed paths during their freshman year at Ohio State. They met at a freshman hang out, where Avery was immediately drawn to Hannah's cool outfit and wanted to get to know her. After an awkward lunch and several months of navigating college life together, the two formed a close bond and decided to room together their sophomore year. Hannah had the privilege of witnessing the growth of Eli and Avery's relationship firsthand, as she was the one who introduced them. Eli often stopped by their room to spend time with Avery and spent nights laughing and hanging with them both. Hannah is one of the most kind, vulnerable, and intentional people Avery knows; her steadfast friendship and wise counsel have played a pivotal role in helping Avery grow in her faith and become who she is today.
Matt Waanders
Groomsman
Eli and Matt met during Eli's freshman year of college over a cup of coffee. Four years later, Matt has become one of Eli's closest friends and a discipler. Through many of the most pivotal moments in Eli's life, Matt has been present, offering love and guidance and always pointing Eli to Christ; no one has had a greater influence on Eli's relationship with Jesus than Matt. Matt's discipleship and life lived has proved a strong inspiration and hope for Eli's own call to ministry and models how to lovingly live for Christ every day. Matt isn't all business however, and is one of the goofiest, fun loving people you will ever meet. His infectious laughter and carefree heart bring joy and love to every room he's in.
Maren Platt
Bridesmaid
Maren is Eli's little sister and has been a blessing to Avery's life. She has such a loving and kind heart and is always full of so much energy. Avery is so thankful for how Maren has quickly brought Avery into her family, calling her for big life events and joking with her. Maren's energy is comforting and really brings Avery out of her shell. Avery is so excited to have her new sister by her side on her wedding day.
Warner Platt
Groomsman
Warner is Eli's younger brother and is one of the most joyful and funny people he's ever met. Though the two met later in life as step-siblings, Eli never refers to him as such, instead always knowing him as his brother -- flat out -- and their friendship has grown far beyond even that. Warner's witty humor and kindness perfectly compliments Eli's own jokes and the two have bonded over many hours of picking on their younger sister, Maren. Their time spent together at football games, long car rides, and days on the lake have cemented the two as lifelong brothers and friends; Eli is thrilled to have Warner with him on his wedding day.
Lydia Ernst
Bridesmaid
Lydia and Avery became friends during their freshman year at Ohio State, despite growing up just five minutes apart. They first bonded over their shared hometown and curly hair and have since navigated many chapters of life together. From living in Chicago for two months to being housemates in Columbus during their Junior and Senior years, their friendship has only deepened. In Chicago, Lydia grew closer to Eli while working together at a sightseeing company. Lydia and Eli now emcee Cru weekly meetings, always bringing smiles to everyone, including Avery. Lydia is a cherished friend to both Avery and Eli and plays a special role in their wedding day.
Jameson Bish
Groomsman
Jameson and Eli met when Eli and Avery began dating and their friendship has only grown. As Avery's younger brother, Jameson has been present in so many pivotal moments over the past two years. Since becoming a Buckeye, Jameson and Eli have only spent more and more time together and Eli sees Jameson as a brother of his own. Jameson's humor and love of life always makes him a joy to be around and Eli looks forward to the many years they will get to spend in each other's lives.
Sophia Life
Bridesmaid
Sophia first met Eli when he joined the social media team for Cru Ohio State. However, a deep friendship developed between Sophia and Avery when they roomed together on a mission trip to Bratislava, Slovakia. The two grew close while navigating the challenges of that summer, deepening their faith and exploring a new country. After returning, Sophia became a safe space for Avery amidst the chaos of large Cru gatherings and the ups and downs of college life, always offering a listening ear and wise advice. Sophia has since been a big sister figure to Avery and a close friend to both her and Eli. The couple is excited to have Sophia as part of their wedding day and to become coworkers with her as they intern for Cru Ohio State.
Sam Covert
Groomsman
Sam is one of Eli's oldest and most consistent friends, with the two of them meeting early in High school. They grew closer through their time in extracurriculars and many many nights hanging out, playing video games. No gap in time nor distance seems to be able to break their bond and Sam has seen Eli grow and been witness to more of Eli's life than anyone but family. Sam's genuine heart and intentional care for others is evident from the moment you meet him and has brings so much life and joy to everyone he meets. The two have drawn close discussing their perfectly accurate football takes and what life has in store for each other. Sam's long friendship and consistency in Eli's life means the world to Eli and Sam has plenty of embarrassing stories to tell that are certain to get the both of them in trouble.