Elliot and Kayla
Wedding Party
Emily McLeod
Maid of Honor
Obviously Emily and I have known each other a long time (over eighteen years now). But just because she's my sister doesn't mean that she isn't also one of my best friends. When we were little, we used to constantly fight and pick at each other. That got worse once we became teenagers sharing a small bathroom. Going away to college and having the distance helped me to appreciate what a great person Emily is. She's strong, confidant, and a good listener. We have both grown a lot in the four years I've been away, and that distance has helped us to be more open with each other. She was the first person in my family I told about Elliot, and I'm happy that my maid of honor, sister, and friend are all one person.
Harrison Smith
Best Man
Harrison, my adventure buddy from the start. From playing army men and re-creating space fights from Star Gate to dealing with the hardships life brings, Harrison has been with me through it all. Granted we’re family, but that is what makes my friendship with Harrison special. He’s lived my whole life with me, and we still call each other friend, brother. He’s seen me when I was trying to figure out who I was, at my worst and my best, through it all we are still family, and he is still one of my closest friends. There’s no one else I’d rather have by my side, standing as my Best Man the day I’m getting married.
Emily Moxley
Bridesmaid
When Moxley and I first met, I thought she didn't like me and vice versa. Luckily, we both got over our fear of the other person and the wonderful friendship we have today was born. She grew from the girl that was always in my dorm to one of my best friends, and imagining going through the past three years at Liberty without her is impossible. Moxley gives the best advice and keeps me grounded when I think I'm in over my head. She's the person I turned to when I just need to process everything and get it all out. She is so intentional and enthusiastic, and I'm so glad she is a part of my life. Calling her at 1 am to tell her I was engaged was a highlight of this year. Everyone needs a Moxley!
Nathan Bentley
Groomsman
Nathan, from the quiet roommate I hardly knew to, now, one of my best friends. My first semester getting to know Nathan we would stay up late into the night talking about theology, politics, philosophy, and the next morning I would wake up for my 8:15 class, exhausted, yet ready for the next night's topic. During our second semester knowing each other, I took all afternoon classes so I could talk with Nathan that night and sleep in the next morning! Nathan, I am so happy to have you with me on the day I am getting married. You push me to pursue adventure, wisdom when it counts, and to actively think through my actions. You are more than a friend; you are someone I can turn to when I need an ear to listen.
Olivia VanVoorhis
Bridesmaid
I truly don't even know where to start with Olivia. We lived in the same dorm my sophomore year, and I had no idea that the girl down the hall would become one of my best friends. We grew closer during late nights of movies, homework, and long talks. She moved onto my hall junior year, and having her there was a lifesaver. That was a hard year (for many reasons) but living with Olivia again made it all a little better. Her humor and music taste are unmatched. She is the best listener and greatest hype woman ever. I couldn't have made it through college, wedding planning, or life in general without her.
James Duvall
Groomsman
Jimmy has been such a loyal friend to me from the start, so many valuable lessons I learned alongside Jimmy. He knows when I start a sentence with “Okay hear me out” that it’s time to buckle up and listen to my newest wild idea. Rarely do you find people in life who in fully care to listen and understand what situation is put in front of them. If Jimmy has taught me one thing, it is to be open to sharing, because from this you grow. When I just need someone I can ask “What should I do?” Jimmy has always been there for me with scripture and wisdom in hand. I am so appreciative to have someone like Jimmy in my life.
Ashleigh Martin
Bridesmaid
Ashleigh and I have only known each other for a year and a half, but it feels like a lifetime. When I first met her, scouting out potential RA partners, I had no idea how close we would become. She was there to listen when senior year classes got stressful or when I had no idea what I wanted to do post-graduation. Ashleigh was oftentimes the first person to hear about new things that were happening between me and Elliot. From talking me into going dancing with some RA guy I didn't really know to helping me pick out a nail color to match my engagement ring, Ashleigh walked with me through this relationship the way only a true friend can. Her optimism and encouragement helped me get through the good and the bad of this year, and I know God gave me a lifelong friend in her.
Joshua Kirby
Groomsman
Kirby, where to start?!? I can remember the days I only saw you when you were cooking a late-night snack, all those times I never knew you would become such a close friend to me. I hosted an honesty hour and after I took my turn, Kirby was first to take to the chair. That night I gained a new friend. One memory that stands out the most though. In our apartment, Kirby developed the “Pepper Problem.” When we needed to talk about something hard and didn’t know how to address the issue, we drank a Dr. Pepper that Kirby had gifted us earlier that year. One night, Kayla called and wanted to talk because she had had a rough day, and on my way out Kirby handed me a Dr. Pepper and said it was for Kayla, "In case she needs a Pepper." Kirby, I am so happy to have you with me the day we get married.
Emmy Spargur
Bridesmaid
Emmy and I have known each other for over a decade and became close friends during our awkward middle school years. We had a strict no-drama pact, meaning no gossip or boy talk, so she became the person I went to when I needed logical advice in the middle of life's craziness. We made it through multiple youth camping trips (a feat in itself) and finally graduated high school together. Emmy has seen me go from my embarrassing/awkward phase, where I was trying to figure out who I was, to the person I am today. So many of my treasured memories from my teenage years involve her. Even though we've lived three hours apart for the past four years, she's still a person I know I can go to for advice or a good talk.
Jonathan Strickland
Groomsman
I've known Jonathan since the first day I can remember. Friends from the start, I have so many childhood memories of getting into all sorts of trouble with Jonathan. We grew up together and were friends for most of our lives, but when I think of Jonathan I think of the times he carried me across the finish line when life met me with opposition. Some of the most impactful days of my life, Jonathan was there with me. When I think of Jonathan, I think of the time we spent 8 days studying God’s word and discovering the life-changing impact our covenant with God has on us. We led worship together as brothers in Christ; it was those times of worship that gave me a heart for ministry. Jonathan has seen me go from the crazy mohawk guy to who I am today. Jonathan I am honored to call you my friend.