Grace & Easton
Wedding Party
Claire Croley
Maid of Honor
As far as sisters go, Claire has been one her whole life, and we mean that. Claire looks up to her older sister and has taken after many of Grace's interests, especially in sports, where she has become quite proficient at volleyball. The only thing the sisters disagree on is taste in pets, seeing as Claire's cat is, let's face it, not what we would call "cute."
Dr. George Ellenberg
Best Man
George has been a source of constant encouragement and wisdom to Easton, and has been the role model he looks up to. Easton learned a love of reading and a love of education from his dad, and Easton is grateful to have his daddy stand beside him on the most important day of his life.
Megan Starnes
Bridesmaid
Grace and Megan's relationship can be summed up in one word: "parkour." From 24-hour adventure races in NYC to globetrotting adventures in Europe, to frequenting NYC's fine dining establishments (such as Old John's Diner), the dynamic duo have left their mark on the world already. Any time the friends spend in the sunshine is time well spent, whether it be walking through the Upper West Side, playing softball, or (you guessed it), parkour.
Everett Reeck
Best Man
Everett and Easton met in November of 2017, when Easton first arrived to Fort Stewart, GA. Everett was Easton's "sponsor," and he took his duties very seriously. He made a point to take Easton out to lunch, where they went through the local Chick-fil-A drive through, and Everett warmly explained to Easton, "I would pay for your meal, but I don't like you that much yet." They have been friends ever since.
Leah Contreras
Bridesmaid
Grace and Leah's trek as friends began at The King's College, where the pair immediately, according to Grace, hit it off as friends (Leah, not so much). Fortunately, the two became close friends (then enemies, briefly, due to something about misreading the time for college graduation and so-forth--probably not a big deal), and have traveled the world (or at least Austria, Canada, and a bit of London) together since then. Grace's go-to theologian, Leah is one of the people who pushes Grace to think in new ways and Grace pushes her to express her emotive side. The two complement each other perfectly.
Spencer Goldstein
Groomsman
Friends since late 2018, bros nearly that long. Spencer greatly encouraged Easton as he began talking to Grace in April 2019. In fact, Spencer gave the world famous speech as Easton and Grace began talking more often, "dude, multiple texts a day? Y'all are getting married." Spencer and his wife Rachel have been good friends to both Easton and Grace, and they look forward to many more years of playing board games together on the weekends.
Reagan Currey
Bridesmaid
"Family is family," they say, and they're probably right. But when you have a family member who shares debriefing CW shows and talking Marvel with you as Grace and Reagan do, it's ever famlier (or famliest, maybe). Cousin of the bride, Reagan has a personality that is going to bring the sparkle to the party and is excited to break it down on the dance floor. Grace cannot wait to have Reagan next to her on her wedding day.
Bolton Ellenberg
Groomsman
Bolton and Easton have literally been bros for life. Bolton has been a constant source of good conversation and good music since 1993, but Easton has only been around for the last 23 years of that. Whether it be a much needed laugh or unique, outside the box outlook on a situation, Bolton is a friend to Easton that is closer than a brother (well, ya know what I mean).
Kayla Dunn
Bridesmaid
Saying "Roll Tide" out loud is akin to a declaration of war as far as Grace is concerned, but Kayla and Grace are true friends despite significant sports rivalry -- possibly because their friendship began when they were just two years old. Grace and Kayla's friendship of twenty-two years is one that Grace considers one of her dearest treasures. Kayla has been encouraging to Grace through her relationship with Easton and was beyond giddy when Grace called her to give the news of their engagement.
Ben Croley
Groomsman
One word: iced coffee. Alright, that's two words, but one delicious drink. Also cold brew. Ben loves his school, his sister, and is warming up to his soon-to-be brother via multiple bribe attempts featuring copious amounts of Starbucks cold brew and iced coffee. No conversation is lacking with Ben around and you won't have trouble finding him on October 3rd as he will be probably be wearing chacos at the wedding.
Michelle Lambdin
Bridesmaid
They say proximity breeds affection, and that's why Michelle loves Hugh Jackman, ranch dressing, and You've Got Mail. As it happens, this is exactly what Grace likes, so the two have become close friends. Ranging from a 2017 trip to the land of Anne of Green Gables (Prince Edward Island) to seeing Hugh Jackman in person, to being on The Today Show together, Grace and Michelle have relied on each other through both the highs and the lows of life.
Brett Croley
Groomsman
Hatchet, fire, hatchet, throwing star. It's all fun and games with Brett until somebody goes to the emergency room on Christmas Eve, but that's what makes being his soon-to-be brother so exciting. Brettie spends most of his time thrifting, mostly to find new shirts for Easton. Though Brett hasn't known Easton very long, he's excited to welcome his new brother into the family after a small test of seeing how far he can throw a football.
Abbey Woodfin
MC
Abbey is many things--karaoke queen, fitness instructor extraordinaire, and a dear friend to Grace. Abbey and Grace's paths cross regularly in NYC, where they co-lead a Redeemer LSQ community group and occasionally work out together (with Abbey filling the role of instructor and Grace filling the role of the person Abbey has to remind to breathe). Abbey has the unique experience of leading Grace and Easton in multiple fitness classes, both before and after the couple's engagement. They are certainly appreciative of how sculpted their thighs are now.
Henry Ellenberg
Groomsman
Have you seen his new GameBoy? If not, I'm sure you will. Henry has been the source of electronics knowledge and all things digital in the Ellenberg household since 2004. Though there is an eight year age difference, Henry and Easton find ways (normally involving electronics and 3D printing) to bond as both brothers and friends.
Tyler Cochran
MC
Tyler is the master of cooking, the king of rad hair, and the star of all things communications related at work, where he and Grace have shared many a challenge and triumph. He has been an important friend and colleague to Grace since the two started working together in 2017. Without Tyler, Grace wouldn't have someone to push her to try new foods (not that she does try them--but it's the thought that counts).
Brock Purtell
Groomsman
Brock and Easton were in Korea together in 2018, but due to being in very different units, they never met and were legally required to dislike each other. Fortunately, that all changed when they returned from Korea and became roommates through their mutual friend and roommate, Everett. Brock and Easton have many things in common, such as severe cat allergies, which explains why Easton's allergy medicine kept mysteriously disappearing. Despite this, they spent many long hours together discussing life and work together in their living room, which was tastefully decorated with several duffel bags piled in the corner, a TV, and a broken yet pleasantly earth-toned coffee table.