Maid of Honor
A short-term coworker turned long-term friend, Sarah is all you can ask for in a Maid of Honor. We met through mutual friends, but really grew in friendship when we began working together at Ablaze as Youth Ministers. She is caring, deeply faithful, and freaking hilarious (but don't tell her I said that). If you are ever lucky enough to spend even a few moments with Sarah, you will quickly understand why this Disney-crazed, loving woman is my best friend, and a main witness to this Sacrament of Marriage.
Best Man
Mike and I have known each other since we were born (our parents were friends). Even though he moved away in 2nd grade, we stayed in touch thanks to the wonders of AOL Instant Messenger. Eventually, we both ended up at Texas A&M and became roommates during our sophomore year. Though we live in different cities now, we still get to visit each other a lot, set new records in Overcooked, destroy other people in Smash Brothers, and shorten our life expectancy by investing too much into A&M football and the Dallas Stars.
Bridesmaid
I met Laurita my freshman year at A&M, but we really became friends while both working at Ablaze. She is an incredibly talented music minister, and an even better friend. Her gift of encouragement brought me through some tough times, and she has always supported me in my dream of becoming a worship leader. She cares so deeply for those who surround her, no matter how well she knows them. Her empathetic heart and her deep and loving relationship with Christ are two of the main reasons why she is a part of my bridal party, and a witness on this special day.
Groomsman
Colin "The Blonde Bomber" O'Donnell and I got to know each other best throughout high school as teammates on the Allen soccer field. Outside of growing together as teammates, we grew closer each year as friends. Our senses of humor matched almost too well, we could never quite out-nerd each other, and there were plenty of late night hangouts, game nights, drives to Braum's, frisbee throwing, and tons of inside jokes.
Bridesmaid
Debra is one of the most deeply caring people I know. She has a heart for ministry that I have be blessed to watch grow and change over the last several years. I met her along with Laurita during my freshman year. She has just about the most beautiful voice anyone on this side of Heaven could possess, and she uses it for the greater glory of God. I had the incredible pleasure of working with her at Ablaze as well, and our friendship grew as we did, constantly desiring better ministry for the youth of our city. I am so grateful that she has chosen to love me in such a special way on this day.
Groomsman
I was introduced to John Egan by my brother at a Subway in Gladewater, TX. Little did I know that that meeting would be the starting point to a long, close friendship with someone I would eventually consider my professional partner for years. From intense games on the volleyball court to putting out (mostly) metaphorical fires at camp, we grew in trust and friendship over the course of 9 years. He and Ronna eventually asked me to be the godfather of their youngest daughter, which was the bow on top of a wonderful friendship. And yes, he knows funny.
Bridesmaid
Otherwise known as Modison Maseley, this bundle of joy came into my life more gradually over the past several years. She has a sense of humor that is unmatched in the modern world. If two words to describe this queen, they would be "compassionate" and "courageous". She cares deeply about people and issues that hold a special place in her heart, and she is bold in her love for Jesus Christ. I have the incredible pleasure of working with her at St. Mary's, and I look forward to our friendship growing ever deeper as she witnesses my marriage to the love of my life.
Groomsman
John and I met at The Pines in Summer 2011, and while we became friends that summer, I never would've expected that nearly 10 years later, we'd be as good of friends as we are. Thanks to one Emily Hymel (now Anderson), John moved from the horrible home of the San Jose Sharks over to the promised land of the Dallas Stars. John and Emily were two of my lifelines when I lived in Dallas, and through many game nights, State Fair visits, trips to Six Flags, and more, we grew very close as friends. Did I mention we formed (what should have been) a Grammy award winning band called Dirty John and The Boy?
Bridesmaid
Allison and I met in college, but our friendship really grew during her time at Ablaze and beyond. She is such a bundle of joy, and has strengthened our friendship time and time again through her compassionate love. Her working with Anthony has allowed us to grow deeper in friendship, too. She is an incredibly talented graphic designer and - somehow - can stand Anthony's weird sense of humor, which honestly was a plus for all of us. She walked with me through the summer when I had my little crush on Ant, and kept me more down-to-earth when I was thinking about giving up. I am so incredibly thankful that she is a witness on this most special day of ours.
Bridesman
Travis Kohnert was part of the welcome wagon for me at St. Mary's when I started in May 2019. I knew I was a welcome part of the team when I eventually found "IDIOT" written in marker on my (healthy) Five Hour Energy, a decapitated teddy bear head on my keyboard, and ultimately, a genuine invite to spend time with his family. He's one of the funniest, most down to earth people I know, he keeps me on my toes at work, and he always has my back. He's also the sole decider on when Allison Holdridge's probation ends.