Meet the Howell wedding party

Meghan Erickson

Bride

James Howell

Groom

Grace Haury

Maid of Honor

M: For those of you who know both Grace and I, you know we are two very different people who somehow got lucky enough to be cousins (AKA childhood best friends). Grace & I have been two trouble-making peas in a pod since the very beginning... well, since the first time being put into matching Santa dresses for Christmas. We grew up living in the pool for days at a time, whispering quietly so grandma wouldn't hear throughout nap time, and sleeping in our couch cushion forts. Our friendship has gone through times of being near & far, but we always pick up right where we left off. There are very few people who know the quirks of my life as well as Grace. When it came time to start thinking about who my maid of honor would be, there was no doubt in my mind she was the perfect fit.

Tony Rath

Best Man

J: Tony and I have been best friends for half my life and in that time we have created numerous memories together. He is a very loyal friend who I know would drop anything to help me if I really needed it. At times, he does his best to annoy me, but I still think of him like a brother and consider him a member of my family. M: When Joey was trying to choose a best man, I remember saying, "well, you know Tony would literally stand on his head for the entire wedding if we asked him to". And he would! Tony is the kind of person who would do anything for the people he cares about.... and the kind who will give the worlds longest best man speech (don't say we didn't warn you) :)

Bree Couture

Bridesmaid

M: Bree and I met when she came to Philomath a few years ago. Over the years, we've bonded over imagining what our parents might be saying about us at work (her dad & my mom work together), the struggles of our high school calculus class, trivia Tuesdays at the Angry Beaver and the dorkiness of our guys. Bree is one of the most genuinely kind human beings I've ever known, and I'm so excited she agreed to be a bridesmaid!

Trenten Duerksen

Groomsman

J: Trenten would do anything for me that I possibly needed. Not to take anything away from my other groomsmen, but Trenten would really go the extra mile. Maybe further than he should, but thats how he is. He is out there. No filter, nothing held back. But, that makes him one of the most genuine people that I have ever met. I am fortunate to have gotten to know and trust him.

Joelle Berger

Bridesmaid

M: Joelle and I haven’t been friends for as long as some of the other bridesmaids, but it always feels like we’ve known each other for years and years. She gives the greatest level-headed advice, and we always have good conversations about anything from life’s challenges to that 70’s show. We can talk on and on about anything and everything for hours on end. Bonus, she makes the best homemade brownies of all time.

Jared Minter

Groomsman

J: Jared and I have a lot of fun together. We're on the same page a lot. When one of us says something funny, often times, the other is the only person in the room to hear it or is seconds away from saying the same joke because we think a lot alike.

Rya Ripley

Bridesmaid

M: Rya joined the clan after she and Tony, Joey's best man, started dating a few years ago. Rya has become the friend that filled a place in my heart I didn't know was vacant. In some ways I have an old soul, but Rya has a way of reconnecting me to the simple joys of being young. Rya is a genuine friend to both me and Joey, and always provides us with a good laugh. I'm so happy to have her as a bridesmaid.

Luis Vargas

Groomsman

J: Varg's always there when we needs him. He's one of our most supportive friends. I can't count how many times he has dropped what he was doing and came over. He does things like that for all of his friends.

Emma Staten

Bridesmaid

M: I've known Emma just about as long as I can remember. Some of my favorite memories with Emma include those typical teenage girl activities: gossiping about boys, giving each other makeovers, taking terrible selfies (seriously, I'm sure they're still on Facebook somewhere), and watching chick flicks. Emma has been such a good friend through all the ups & downs of life in our little town, and I'm thrilled to have her with me on the most important day yet. PS Emma, sorry for the picture, haha. It was too perfect not to. : )

Jensen Davis

Groomsman

J: They say you're supposed to have 1/3 of your friends above you, 1/3 at your level, and 1/3 below. Jensen is definitely one of those ones that's above me. I genuinely aspire to be like Jensen not just academically, but overall. Jensen is one of those people that I can and hopefully will always learn from.

Briana Erickson

Bridesmaid

M: Briana is my niece who’s 7 years younger than me, so we grew up playing more like siblings. Even though she’s taller than me, I promise I remember when she was born! She’s growing into a really awesome person, and I’m happy she’ll be standing by me on our special day.

Tristan Hubbard

Groomsman

J: You'll know Tristan when you see him by the amazing 'fro. You really have to work to get Tristan to open up to you, but if you ever can, he's a genuine person. It's worth your time to get to know him, because he has great character. I think that when he starts opening up to more people, he's gonna be one of the greatest additions to our society.

Noelle

Flower Girl

Kennady

Flower Girl

Austra

Flower Girl

Tucker

Ring Bearer

Duane Hubbard

Officiant

J: Duane has always done his best to make sure I'm in the right place at the right time. Whether it's a situation where I was wrestling and needed to be up at 4am or just needed to get some work done, he's always there for me. Duane taught me many of the lessons I needed to know in life. Whenever there's been a lesson to learn, he's been in a position to teach it. He's one of the most influential people in my life. Considering all that, there's no one in my life more fit to officiate my wedding.

Brayden Erickson

Usher