Evan & Madelynn
Wedding Party
Emma Kentch
Maid of Honor
As Anne of Green Gables would put it, Emma is my bosom friend. We have been BFFs since third grade in Mrs. Mcpherson's class, when she assigned me to be Emma's partner to show her around Dutch Hill elementary as a new student. We have the privilege of knowing each other deeply and having thousands of special moments and memories together over the years. Emma is a beautiful perfectionist, brilliant, sassy, loving, driven, resilient, and her sense of humor matches mine. We essentially shaped our humor growing up around one another so it became the same. Our relationship has only become more precious as we have aged from being the exact same as children, to our own unique adult person. Since the day we met the spot closest to me on the altar has been hers.
Jack Mann
Best Man
Friends since kindergarten, we became close after I threw a toy gun at Jack's head while he was over on a play date. From then on we have been best friends doing just about everything together, even after I moved to Oregon in the 7th grade, Jack and I stayed close flying out to see each other when we could and attending each other's High School Graduations. We have always been there for each other. Even when there were stretches where we didn't talk much, it wouldn't take more than a few minutes of catching up to be acting like no time had passed. The time we spend together is always a mix of staying up late playing video games (like we used to when we were kids), to sitting and talking through serious issues we are going through. Spending time with Jack is always something special.
Lauren Sanders
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I have been friends since before we were born. Yes it's possible. We are one month apart in age and have grown up as "birth friends". It's a special thing when you remain close with someone through every stage of growing up, and that is what we have achieved. Lauren is talented, hilarious, loyal, mature, and always her true self. She has been someone I can share the deepest parts of my heart with and I never have to fear judgement. She has aways pursued our friendship which means the world. From making old videos with the "flip cam" to drinking wine on the porch, we have had such a fun time and I am so thankful to have her as part of my life. I am so excited she is my bridesmaid!
Tyler Bell
Best Man
Tyler and I grew up together, not just because we are the two youngest in our family, but because when Hannah and Walker left home all we had was each other. We slowly, over time became each others best friend. We would train for swimming/water polo together, listen to the same music, play the same video games and laugh at the same insane jokes. Going through High School together we were there for each other when struggles arose and we needed someone to talk to that wasn't mom or dad. Later into college that friendship grew into what it is today- a relationship that is unique in our family. The hours we have spent nerding out about any number of things are some of my favorite memories only seconded to the deeper talks we have.
Audrey Donohue
Bridesmaid
Audrey is the oldest of my cousins. We have had beautiful growth in our relationship over the years of becoming adults. We were always close but when her family moved to Snohomish and started Proper Joe, our friendship took off. We have the exact same sense of humor and make each other laugh more than anyone I've ever met. Audrey is thoughtful and empathetic. She understands me so well and validates people's feelings with care I've rarely seen. She is hilarious and artistic and passionate about the things she loves. I am so grateful for her presence in my life and on this awesome day coming up!!!
Luke Donohue
Groomsman
Luke, ah Luke. You and I bonded from the first time I can up to visit Maddie. We shared our love for swimming, talking for hours about how insanely fast Caleb Dressel is and what it was like to both start swimming later in life. Whether we are hiking, playing spike ball, or hopping in the pool for a what is about to a very rough swim set for me, I enjoy each moment. Each time we talk and hang out I learn more and more about you. I love how open and vulnerable we are with each other. The ability to be so vulnerable with each other so quickly speaks to how much we value this relationship. I am so excited to continue to grow together and too see you grow into the man you will become. You are such an amazing young man and it is truly an honor to become a part of your family.
Mariana Alves
Bridesmaid
Mary and I have truly been through it together. We were teammates and best friends during my year at Tabor College in Kansas. We pushed each other in swimming, slept in each other's beds, spent hours laughing and crying together, and essentially saved each other that year. I believe God strategically placed Mary there for me because He knew who I would need. Mary is so much more than a college friend to me. She has taught me selflessness, hard work, and perseverance. She sees the good in people. She is more than beautiful inside and out. We have not seen each other in nearly three years but I feel the same toward her as the day I hugged her and said goodbye. She is beyond amazing and I am so excited for her to stand by me on the big day.
Walker Hunt
Groomsman
What can I say about my older brother? Growing up, I always tried to be like him; I played the same sports as him (baseball and football), even tried to play the same positions (I didn't have a loud enough voice for QB and didn't like blocking as a catcher...). Walker was there when I asked him to play catch or to help with my swing; he would always make time for me. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he always tried protect me and would regularly build me up when things at school or in sports didn't go my way. As we got older he became someone I could talk to about life and someone I could have long conversations with. We covered topics that would range from the deeply philosophical (often with several DUNE references) to the totally absurd, creating memories I will never forget.
Hannah St. Pierre
Bridesmaid
Hannah is incredible! We have only spent a few moments together but whenever we have, it is clear that she is an exceptional person. I have been able to attend some epic family events and gotten to know her a little more and it is always so fulfilling. She is strong and athletic, smart and funny, and cares so deeply about family and relationships. Her brothers tell the truest story of who she is because of their clear adoration and love for her every time her name is mentioned. I am beyond excited for the future of entering into her wonderful family and getting to know her as my first sister ever!
Tom St. Pierre
Groomsman
Having Tom as a brother in law is like having another brother. From the first time Tom came out to visit the family I knew that we would be friends. He fit seamlessly into our family and instantly hit it off with Tyler and I. We connected over sports (both being collegiate athletes), and that grew into a friendship even before he married Hannah. We would talk about rugby and he took an interest in swimming, trying to get a grasp of how it worked so he could have better conversations with me. The next time we would talk I would return the favor asking him about how cadet life was and the intricacies of how military life was treating him. That initial interest in each other has allowed Tom and I to grow closer as the years have gone by leading to what is now a relationship I truly love.
Grace Donohue
Bridesmaid
Grace is also one of my cousins. She is the sweetest and loves making gifts for people to show she loves them. She is bold and smart and not afraid to tell the truth. Her and I have had a special relationship over the years and always have so much fun. We have spent hours laughing together and bonding over our mutual love of fall and winter for no real reason. She has taught me the importance of embracing sensitivity to emotion and never abandoning your true self. When she isn't studying, she's baking which everyone loves! From fancy productions on 5th Avenue to midnight drives for burgers, our adventures have been precious and I cant wait for so many more!
Meghan Jedrezjewski
Bridesmaid
Meghan is incredibly resilient and perseverant. She has the greatest sense of humor and works harder than anyone you'll meet. Spending time with her has been so fun and I can't imagine the Bell family without her. It was a most pleasant surprise when I realized she would be in town for the wedding after the unexpected end to her deployment. Now she is a bridesmaid! It has been such a pleasure to get to know her over the last few years and I am so blessed to become her sister. I couldn't ask for a better one!