Wedding Party
Ava Braatz
Maid of Honor
Ava is the youngest Braatz sister! All growing up we shared a room, which made for very entertaining memories. Ava has the ability to make everyone feel valued and loved in a way that is extremely admirable. She is passionate about bettering herself and everyone around her, she is truly going to change the world one day. Ava is standing as my Maid of Honor, not out of obligation of sharing the my last name but because she is someone I hold in the highest honor.
Tyler Rost
Best Man
Tyler was obviously the test child and when my parents figured out exactly what they liked and disliked in him they had me and stopped :) Honestly though, Tyler paved the way for me in many areas and I am more than grateful to have such a great role model to look up to. He taught me how to be a better son, brother, employee, athlete, friend, and is still setting the tone for how a man of God should live.
Gracie Braatz-Opper
Matron of Honor
Grace was the fearless leader on the kid front for our family. Grace is married to the love of her life, Caleb Opper and continues to thrive in every endeavor she sets her mind to. I have always respected Grace for her incredible determination. I am the strong independat woman I am today largely from her influence. I hold Grace to a place of the highest honor and I couldn’t be more thankful to have her by my side.
Jacob Even
Groomsman
EVEN though our friendship is only 2 years old I have learned and grown so much as a result of it. Jacob inspires me in the way he pursues his wife, his work, and his walk with Jesus. I love spending time with Jacob because it means we are most likely going to be eating, going to the gym, and lifting one another up in our pursuit of Jesus. I have had the privilege of seeing God do amazing things in and through Jacob and my own faith continues to be encouraged by our friendship!
Christie Young
Bridesmaid
Christie and I have been best friends since pre-Jonas Brothers! I have grown up having Christie in my life, and it wasn’t until I got older that I realized what a unique and underserved blessing she was in my life. Christie knows more about me than I even know sometimes. She can speak truth into my life without even knowing what she’s doing. She is the first to pray for me or to make fun of me for something! I couldn’t imagine my wedding without her standing up with me.
Danny Baron
Groomsman
Ever since Danny and I were inducted into the Cedarville University Intramural Sports Hall of Fame everything else has been smooth sailing. Well, while that is true, Danny and I have such a cool friendship so much more meaningful then the fame that a D2 christian college intramural legacy ever could. Danny has been a guy that has stayed true to his faith regardless of circumstance. He and I have lived together for two and half years now and we have both gone through a lot of changes during that time. Danny has been a friend through the highs and lows and it is an awesome feeling knowing that we will continue to support and encourage each other forever.
Stephanie DeMeritt
Bridesmaid
Stephanie, Christie, Gracie and I like to refer to ourselves as the “Fabulous 4” *or at least that’s what our group chat says! I look to Stephanie as an older sister and role model in my life. Her and I share the love of running/working out together and the Lord has used our common interest to bring us so much closer to each other and Himself. Stephanie is someone who will always be one phone call away, ready to bear your burdens or rejoice in your blessings. She is 100% authentically herself and continues to set the bar on what it looks like to be a woman chasing after the Lords heart!
Christian Jaekle
Groomsman
Growing up less than 30 minutes from each other, both going to college in Ohio before moving to Cincinnati, Christian and I were destined to finally meet. Well, we eventually did and in the craziest of circumstances, a friendship that would become lifelong ensued. We became roommates and best friends. It has been so fun growing and learning along side such a creative, energetic, loyal, and genuine guy. Christian has been there for the Bell Tower ragers we've thrown as well as the hard times that life brings. I am lucky to have met such a great friend and I am thankful for all that he brings to my life!
Mckenna Schubkegel
Bridesmaid
My friendship with Mckenna started my Sophmore year of college when she invited me to a Christmas party. Mckenna since then has been a rock in my life, she is newly married to an amazing man (Sam) and she has a heart for the Lord that will not quit. Mckenna is the girl you can call with anything and you know she will take your request to the Lord. She lives a life full of the Holy Spirit. You cant help but want to know her better!
Dan Steinhoff
Groomsman
My boy Dan and I are best friends and roomies for life. No matter where we move to or end up living there is nothing that will change and that consistency is exactly what Dan exemplifies as a man. He has always been there for me and he puts others before himself as a way of life. I have had the joy of getting to be a part of some big moments in Dan's life and I absolutely love seeing him full of joy because he deserves nothing less! He is also the coolest person I know.
Rylie Leete
Bridesmaid
I met Rylie Leete on Facebook. What a start to our relationship! I had just transferred to Grand Valley State University and was looking for a roommates, little did I know God would exceed all expectations and give me a best friend! Rylie and I hit it off from day one; from our love of working out, eating way too much food, digging into God’s word or going to every social event we knew about. Rylie has seen me at my worst and chooses to love me as God does and that kind of friendship is completely undeserved but so appreciated.
Michael Gardner
Groomsman
The amount of memories I have have with Michael could and probably should be made into a movie because they are amazing and entertaining to say the absolute least. I have known Michael since freshman year of college and he has been a friend that I could lean on as well as find some shenanigans to pass the time with. I have seen Michael take on so much more than I can imagine in life while keeping his focus and hope in Christ. I am truly better for knowing him and despite what you are thinking, unfortunately we are not brothers, at least not by blood :)
Hannah Smith
Bridesmaid
Hannah and I met one year ago in the oddest of circumstances (definitely ask one of us)! Hannah and I’s friendship is something that I have seen the Lord working through since the day we met! I am confident that having her as a friend has greatly impacted my life and the woman I am today. Hannah lives out Mark 12:31 “Love your neighbor as yourself” in a powerful way! She loves everyone in her life so well without expecting anything in return. She is a true blessing and bright light in my life and in anyone’s life who meets her!
Jordan Sharp
Groomsman
My friendship with Jordan is one that I don't think either of us saw turning into much, but has since become such a big part of my life. Jordan is such a talented and gifted guy who loves helping others and being there in any way he can. I have seen him use his story to impact those around him while at the same time always looking for advice and ways that he can grow in his faith. I am blessed to have Jordan as a friend and someone I can count on for help and encouragement. My man is also a master craftsman.
Kendra Rost
Bridesmaid
Kendra is going to be MY NEW SISTER! I have had the amazing opportunity to get to know Kendra the past year of Grant and I dating and it has been nothing but laughing, teasing and lots of sharing notes about how to be in a relationship with a Rost! Kendra has a genuine love for people and the good in life. You cant help but have a smile on your face after having a conversation with her. She is determined to achieve all the goals she’s set for herself. She is someone I am so thankful I will have the rest of my life to continue to get to know!
Wyatt Braatz
Groomsman
Knowing the simple and yet overwhelming fact that Wyatt survived being the youngest with three older sisters, he had my utmost respect from the jump. That respect has carried through and increased as a result of the few yet great times we have had together thus far. I am amazed at the responsibility and maturity Wyatt often shows in regards to his work and goals he has set. Knowing that this is just the beginning of us growing closer as brothers and friends is such an added blessing to joining this family! Boy can hoop, too.