Wedding Party
Molly McDowell
Maid of Honor
Emma met Molly in Little League. They have never separated. Words cannot describe the type of friend Molly has been to Emma. Molly has always been there through every season of life. Molly is empathetic, silly, loyal, and so much more. Molly trusted Emma to drive her around in Emma's 1997 Honda Acura when the brakes needed to be replaced. Molly convinced Emma to participate in the senior dance in front of the whole school. Molly is the first person Emma goes to for advice. Molly even hid Emma's engagement ring for Brady, scoped out the location where Brady proposed, decorated on the day of, and took pictures of the most special day. Emma has known Molly was going to be her Maid of Honor for over a decade. This friendship is once in a lifetime.
Jenna Hoerner
Matron of Honor
Emma met Jenna before she was a wife and a mom, she was Brady's intimidating sister. The two grew close over the years, but their friendship really took off when Brady and Emma moved five minutes away from Jenna. Brady soon realized, his soon to be wife and his sister are basically the same person. Emma is thankful to not only gain a sister but to gain a best friend. Emma is proud to be a part of the Girgus family and thankful for Jenna and Kyle for making her an Auntie.
Bailey Drake
Bridesmaid
Emma and Bailey were roommates at Western Washington University. They met face to face on move in day and were inseparable ever since. They lived together for two years until Brady ruined it and moved up to Bellingham. Emma's college experience wouldn't be the same without Bailey. Bailey taught Emma the importance of long walks and eating breakfast. Most importantly, Bailey was there for Emma when the loneliness of being away from home set in.
Claire Erickson
Bridesmaid
Emma met Claire a decade ago. They played on the same fastpitch team, PNW Mist. Emma and Claire first bonded over softball and Big Brother. They went to the same college and lived in neighboring dorms. Claire, Bailey, and Emma all worked at the same restaurant. They quickly became a trio. Claire is compassionate, loving, and selfless. Claire has so many friends which keeps her super busy but she never forgets to check in and make time for Emma. Living an hour and a half away from each other is hard but Claire always reaches out.
Allyson Conlon
Bridesmaid
Emma met Allyson freshman year of college. Allyson lived on the same floor as Bailey and Emma. The two didn't become close until they were both hostesses at the same restaurant. Allyson is the life of the party, she can make friends with anyone. Emma is more of an introvert and loves alone time but Allyson brings her out of her shell. Life is tough and challenges come and go but when Emma and Allyson are together they do nothing but laugh. Allyson is the first person to bring snacks and games to a get together. Allyson is the only person able to keep Emma awake after 2:00AM!
Haley Ratliff
Bridesmaid
Emma met Haley at her brother's Jiu Jitsu match in 2015. We thought Haley was the sister of Josh's best friends, Ian and Zane. Little did we know she was the soon to be girlfriend. Haley is now the future Mrs. Ratliff and Emma couldn't have asked for a better sister-in-law. It is scary when people are added into your family. Emma was the only girl for so long! The truth is, Emma couldn't have chosen anyone better for her brother. Haley is funny, sarcastic, and she loves beer. She fits right in.
Mason Hoerner
Ring Bearer
Mason is Brady and Emma's nephew. Mason is four years old but will be five by the wedding. Mason loves all things transportation. Trucks, trailers, tractors, firetrucks, planes, trains, school buses, garbage trucks, helicopters. You get the point. Mason's favorite colors are blue and red. On the day of Mason's birth, Brady slept on the floor of the hospital waiting for his arrival and Emma skipped her math final. We are blessed to have him be a part of our special day. We are the luckiest Auntie and Uncle!
Jacklyn Hoerner
Flower Girl
Jackie is Brady and Emma's niece. Jackie loves anything Mason loves. Jackie is a mom to all of her baby dolls. She loves to tuck them into bed and pat their backs to help them fall asleep. Jackie's love language is physical touch, she needs to be held or sit on someone's lap. Jackie's favorite colors are pink and grey. When Jenna was in labor, everyone rushed to the hospital just to sit there for hours because Jackie wasn't ready to come out. We are blessed to have her be a part of our special day. We are the luckiest Auntie and Uncle!
Stephen Whybark
Best Man
Brady and Stephen met playing baseball at Alderwood Little League. Their friendship continued throughout middle and high school. They continue to bond over baseball, attending Mariners games, and discussing all things sports. Stephen however, is a Washington State Cougar fan and likes to bring up their 1 Apple cup win in the last 10 years.
Kyle Hoerner
Groomsman
Brady first met Kyle in 2008 when Kyle started dating Brady's sister and Matron of Honor, Jenna. Brady's first memory of Kyle was him driving a jacked up blue pathfinder when he came over to meet the family for the first time. In 2016 Brady had no choice but to accept Kyle, as he and Jenna got married. In all seriousness, Kyle has been the perfect addition to the family and the best brother. We are grateful to call him family.
Kosta Cooper
Groomsman
This one is interesting. Brady and Kosta knew of each other when they were 10 years old, as they were heated rivals through little league all star tournaments. They both HATED each other. At the age of 14 years old they officially met when they happened to join the same select baseball team and realized they were the exact same person. Their friendship took off and they have been close ever since. Can't forget to add that Brady beat Kosta in the district championship 3 years in a row.
Hector Mellos
Groomsman
Brady met Hector in 2018 working at the Bellingham Costco. The two got hired on the same day and their friendship took off from there. With Hector just moving up from California and Brady moving up from Lynnwood, the two were able to become good friends right away in a new place. In reality, Brady is just using Hector for his sweet boat.
Art Yerena
Groomsman
Brady met Art through Hector. Hector introduced the two in 2020. During the pandemic they became close friends through playing video games, as at that time no one could leave the house. Art lives out of state, in Arizona, but the two still find time to meet up and get together. Art has become one of Brady's closest friends over the last few years. But secretly, Brady just needed a 6th groomsman.
Will Ratliff
Groomsman
Will is the brother of the bride. Brady met Will in 2015 when Emma introduced him as the new boyfriend. At the time, Will was a punk 13 year old so they didn't bond until a couple years later. Brady and Will were able to connect over baseball, video games, and of course Emma. We are both proud of Will for his service in the United States Army, alongside Emma and Will's older brother Josh.