Ian & Emma
Wedding Party
Scott Steinhauser
Best Man
Scott and I first met in high school at our local church and quickly bonded after a surprisingly extensive conversation about black holes (who knows why) on a random camping trip with my family. We ended up rooming together at Texas A&M, and through late high school and college he has continued to be a pillar in my life. Also, although he wouldn't tell you this himself, he is a former competitive yo-yo-er (is that a word?)
Elliot Matson
Groomsman
Elliot is first and foremost my brother, but second, and perhaps just as importantly, my friend. We grew up sharing a room together, and I have many fond memories from those days. One night I woke up to see him leaning over the bunk repeating "chocolate muffin" and discovered that he was trying to inject the idea into my dreams. The fact that I'm sitting here writing about it may very well be evidence that he succeeded.
Ethan Elliott
Groomsman
Though Ethan and I didn't start life as brothers, through the pleasant surprise of his marriage to my sister, we have found ourselves to be so, and what a joy it has been. During the time they were dating, Ethan and I went on a backpacking trip together and it quickly became clear that we shared much in common from our passion for God and his mission to a general curiosity about the world. If you're looking for deep and meaningful conversation, this is your guy.
Matthew Cochran
Groomsman
Matthew and I first had the pleasure of meeting both at Fish Camp and Impact freshman year at Texas A&M. From the get-go Matthew was never afraid to goof around in the name of a good time, an attribute which has made for many memories and laughs over the course of our friendship. Matthew is so willing to commit to a bit that on one particular occasion he let me shave a stripe in his leg rather than give up the joke (ask him about this).
Zac Evermon
Groomsman
Of everyone in this list, I've known Zac the longest: our families were close friends when we were growing up, and we've followed each other through high school, college, and now to Dallas. Zac is perhaps one of the most direct people I've ever met, and his vulnerable, meaning/purpose driven, and no-nonsense approach to life has blessed me and many others around him.
Jacob Richardson
Groomsman
The first day Jacob and I met was during my senior year of college, and by the end of that same day we had already broached many topics that I hadn't talked about with many of even my closer friends. He's a deep thinker but also not afraid of easing up and enjoying a good time. Honestly, I think the picture above will do a better job of describing him than I ever could.
Daniel English
Groomsman
Daniel English and I met through Cru during college and eventually ended up both participating in and leading Bible studies together. He's the person I have to blame for getting me hooked on backpacking after a trip to Arkansas he took Scott and I on during college (he was an Eagle Scout). To this day, I'm unsure if he's ever met a stranger.
Johnathan Weatherman
Groomsman
The first time I ever really got to know Jonathan was on an impromptu trip to Pagosa Springs, CO with some of our close friends. We ended up spending a few memorable evenings sitting out on the porch of that Airbnb with beers in hand talking about life, faith, and meaning and quickly found ourselves to be close friends. He has some of the most piercing blue eyes you've ever seen, but he's married so don't even think about it.
Rah Jacob
Groomsman
Wow, there are many things I could say about Rah. It's still shocking to me that we didn't meet until we both starting going to Church at the Cross just over 2 years ago - it seems we've seen each other through so much of life already. Rah is one of the funniest, most outgoing, and most competent people I've ever met, and I feel privileged to have such a loyal and loving friend. He also hates beets.
Andrew Whitman
Groomsman
Andrew and I actually knew each other at Texas A&M, but didn't really become close friends until we starting helping with our church's student worship program together after college, and then eventually became roommates. Andrew, like a lot of my other friends (I'm seeing a theme here) thinks deeply about life, but is also easygoing and entertaining to be around in a way I've never quite ever seen anyone be. And yes, he refuses to chicken minis with his hands.
Kailey Ritter
Matron of Honor
Kailey and I met our freshman year at UNT (Go Mean Green!). We almost immediately became friends as Kailey did not let my introversion slow our friendship down - I really think Kailey knew 60% of the student body. Kailey has been a friend to me for many years now and I am truly grateful for that. At many points in the week you can catch us on the phone talking through happenings, sharing random things, or just kind of sitting on the phone not saying much as we run errands. Her friendship is a true treasure! Kailey is honest and bold.
Josie Scott
Bridesmaid
Josie! What a friend. I met Josie about 2 years ago and I'd like to say we immediately became friends... but there was a birthday invite mixup - a funny memory in our friendship now. Even with that, it didn't take very long for us to become friends and I can't quite remember what life was like before this! She has encouraged me so much in confession, sharing the stories of God's faithfulness in our lives, and prayer! She's truly one of a kind and has the most iconic laugh ever (you'll definitely hear it if you attend the wedding)! Josie is full-of-life and dynamic.
Taylor Bartels
Bridesmaid
My cousin! We are 6 months apart and grew up doing so much together. When I moved to Columbus at the very end of 1st grade our teacher just pulled me a chair up to Taylor's desk and the rest really is history. From calling each other on our home phones in middle school to calling each other now, Taylor has been a confidant and friend to me through all of our life stages. Taylor is unique and authentic.
Elizabeth Ratcliff
Bridesmaid
Liz and I met about 2 years ago at church! One of the first things I noticed about Liz was how kind she was. Even in our first interactions this was evident. After going on a ski trip together we decided to be roommates and what a joy that has been! We have gotten to experience being single, starting to date, and engagement together all in the 1.5 years of living in The Girl House. So many fun memories (ask about the baby opossums) and shared experiences. Liz is compassionate and steadfast.
Emma Elliott
Bridesmaid
Soon-to-be sister-in-law! Emma has a heart of gold. Whether she’s cracking a joke, making a silly face, or jumping in to help wherever is needed, she is a real delight! Always seeming to know just how to make those around her feel at ease and apart of whatever is going on. Emma is helpful and kind-hearted.
Christina Matson
Bridesmaid
Soon-to-be sister-in-law! She is extremely calm and collected in just about every circumstance (she’s an EMT if that gives you a good idea). One thing I’ve noticed since meeting Christina is how easy she is to talk to .. not just small talk - she cares about things of value and depth. Christina is down-to-earth and adventurous.
Shelbie Lewis
Bridesmaid
Shelbie and I have known each other since the end of 1st grade! A friendship that has stood the test of time indeed. My favorite thing about our friendship is that anytime we call (after a good game of phone tag) or see each other we always pick up right where we left off! We have so many sweet memories together - getting baptized together, traveling to China, countless summer camps, and many vacations. Shelbie is servant-hearted and caring.
Katy Scott
Bridesmaid
Katy - what a gal! We are friends and co-workers. I met Katy about 2 years ago and I distinctly remember she and her husband bringing garlic naan to a dinner party which really caught my attention! A fellow foodie - she baked the best cake Ian and I have ever eaten. Getting to know Katy more right around engagement season has been a big highlight and joy! She's competitive and so much fun.. you always want her on your team, trust me! Katy is thoughtful and creative.