Janice & Samuel
Wedding Party
Audrey Bryant
Maid of Honor
Best friend since forever I have known Audrey since birth. Literally - Audrey is 11 months older, and since our moms are friends, we met early! We've been best friends ever since! Even though Audrey grew up an hour's drive away, we cultivated our friendship through weekly letters and monthly visits. A friendship that started with barbies and make-believe soon deepened through countless late-night conversations, ranging from "boy talk" to theological discussion. Audrey and I have shared hysterical laughter, deep sorrow, and everything in between. We're sisters in Christ and best friends for life. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without this amazing friend to stand beside me!
Ryan Gorman
Best Man
Movies and Memes The two things that best describe Ryan are movies and memes. Each of these give a small glimpse into who Ryan is. For example, Ryan is an avid movie watcher; just last year he watched, on average, more than a movie a day! His passion for the cinema is unmatched, and if asked, he would happily recite the entirety of the Princess Bride. When it comes to memes, they are truly the best way to get to know Ryan. Nothing will do a better job at revealing his personality than staying up until 2 AM on a school night, watching memes and wondering where the last five hours of your life went!
Emma McCallion
Bridesmaid
We're in this together Emma and I met at Calvin's Board Game Guild the same Spring that Sam and I started dating. After a few game nights, Emma started coming to the smaller board game group that met in between events, and more than one relationship blossomed. Emma and Nathan started dating the same weekend as Sam and me, and since the guys were friends already, Emma and I decided we'd better catch up! Emma and I clicked almost immediately. With so many shared interests and experiences, it was great to have someone else who understood what I was going through - especially dealing with a crazy boyfriend! In the last year, Emma has been an empathetic ear, a source of timely advice, and a wonderfully supportive friend. I'm so excited to have her there to support me on this special day!
Nathan Wilkes
Groomsman
The People Person If you’re looking for someone to be the life of the party, look no further than Nathan. The best way to describe Nathan is to think of him as a campfire of extraverted energy in a forest, during Fall, and those around him like a pint of gasoline. If there are only one or two people around him, then he is probably still somewhat reserved, but definitely burning a bit more brightly and a bit more energetic. But if you throw too many people into the mix, then something’s bound to catch fire and set the whole forest ablaze! He is also one of the most creative people out there. When he gets behind the Dungeon Master’s screen for a D&D session, you would be hard pressed to find someone who can come up with more ludicrous, yet plausible ideas and adventures for the campaign.
Rebecca Pitcher
Bridesmaid
The Bubbly One You can't meet Becca without seeing the joy inside her. From the time we met at age 11 in our piano teacher's backyard, I have come away from every interaction with Becca a little bit lighter. My mom used to note that I was "talking like Becca" after sleepovers at her house! Our friendship continued to grow as we attended martial arts class and youth group together, and we kept in touch even as school took us further apart. Today, Becca is still a joy to be with, and never ceases to amaze me with her positivity and whole-hearted faith. I value her counsel, be it on wedding planning (she did all this last year!), relationship building, or my walk with God. I'm incredibly grateful to have her stand up for me as I step into this life-long commitment!
Nate DeWindt
Groomsman
Everyone needs a friend like Nate! Nate is one of those people who you just want to have around. He's a joy from his lighthearted humorous side, where cheesy puns and dad jokes are always near at hand, to his more serious side, where you can easily lose track of time, glance at your watch, and realize that you’ve been talking with him for the past five hours about anything and everything. He is a brilliant listener who is more than happy to chat about whatever may be going on in your life. The other thing that Nate is really passionate about is board games. If you ever inquire about whether he would like to play a game, there are two answers you’ll receive: “Yes,” and “Can’t now, but let’s schedule a time.” No game is too complicated for him, but whatever you do, don’t bring up Tenzi!
Lydia Van Hall
Bridesmaid
Beautiful inside and out When I first met Lydia, I never imagined what a wonderful friendship would develop over the years. From martial arts and youth group to sleepover chats and birthday parties, Lydia has been an influential part of my life for some 11 years. We've happily gone from sparring each other in martial arts to dressing up in medieval gowns and telling fantastic tales. Throughout our friendship, I have looked up to Lydia, and not just because she's two years older. Lydia has a steadfast faith and quiet wisdom that I have been incredibly grateful for over the years. From advice on story-writing to advice on life, Lydia has always pointed me back to God. I am honored to have her stand next to me as I make one of the most important promises of my life!
Peter Olsen
Groomsman
Genius and Generosity Peter is as an avid intellectual. He loves learning and you’d be hard pressed to catch him away from a textbook, podcast, or documentary for very long! All this learning culminates in some incredibly interesting topics for discussion (some of which come way out of left field and leave you wondering where on Earth he came up with it). Another aspect of Peter that can’t go unmentioned is his unparalleled generosity. No matter who you are, if you’re around him, there’s a good chance that he’ll offer you a piece of fruit, jerky, or whatever else he may be eating!