Wedding Party
Julia Kelly
Matron of Honor
God knew exactly what He was doing when He gave me Julia. As the only two girls among five brothers, we leaned on each other through everything, and that connection has only grown stronger over the years. She’s walked beside me through every chapter of life, and now we get to raise our children together and continue building our lives side by side. She is one of the strongest, most loving women I know, and I am endlessly thankful for her. Having her as my matron of honor means more to me than words can say. Julia has been one of the biggest reasons my faith has stayed strong through every season of life. No matter what I have faced, she has always been there for me with encouragement, love, prayers, and support. She reminds me to trust God even when things feel uncertain, and her strength has helped carry me through some of the hardest moments in my life. I truly cannot imagine this day without her standing beside me, and I will forever be grateful that God gave me her as my big Sister.
Cathryn Poklikuha
Matron of Honor
Cathryn and I have been friends for nearly 20 years. We don't even call each other by our names, for as long as I can remember we call each other Umpa. She's a built-in sister to me, and ever since I lived with her family for a short time during my high school years, they have always made me feel like part of their family too. Even after all the years I’ve lived away from home, Cathryn and I have continued to stay in touch and see each other whenever we can. Over the years, she has been there for me through so many chapters of life, always offering love, support, and encouragement. I couldn’t imagine this day without her by my side. Cathryn and her family will always feel like a piece of home to be a safe place for me to visit, feel loved, and enjoy whenever I go back to my hometown. Cathryn knows me so well, and someone who has stood by me through both the best and hardest moments of life. I am so thankful for all of the memories we have shared over the years and even more thankful that she will be standing beside me on one of the most important days of my life.
Meagan Crouch
Bridesmaid
Meagan is one of my very best friends. Even though distance has kept us apart at times, we grew up together and share so many special memories that have only strengthened our bond. From childhood adventures to late-night talks and everything in between, our friendship has been a constant source of joy and comfort. Growing up we did it all, I her school was an hour away from mine, and she would sleep over on school nights, drop me off at school and drive to hers. We had late night laughs, munchies and memories. Now, as adults and mothers, we’ve grown even closer, and I feel so blessed that we get to celebrate each other through every season of life. She is someone I can always count on to be honest, genuine, and true, and her support has meant more to me than words can ever express. I deeply appreciate her outlook on life, admire the incredible woman she has become, and feel so fortunate to call her one of my best friends. Every moment spent with her is memorable and truly one for the books. I am so excited for all the memories still to come and look forward to the next 50 years of laughter, love, and adventures together. I truly can’t imagine my wedding day or my life without her by my side. She is the best of the best in every sense of the word, and I am endlessly grateful for her presence in my life.
Ava Bradbury
Bridesmaid
Ava and I have been close for nearly 20 years. She is truly one of my very best friends, and over the years, she has been by my side through so many seasons of life the good, the bad, the highs, and the lows. We’ve celebrated countless milestones together, leaned on each other in times of struggle, and always found our way through whatever life has thrown at us. Our friendship is a safe space where we can be completely ourselves laughing, crying, loving, and supporting one another through it all. Never missing birthdays, our kids milestones and more. Growing up, Ava and I were a lot alike, we would bicker but somehow still manage to tolerate each other lol. I love all four of her kids like they are my own, and they hold a very special place in my heart. Ava is more than a friend she is family in every sense of the word. We have shared so many memories, lessons, and moments that have shaped who we are today. I am endlessly grateful for her presence in my life, for the unwavering love and support she gives, and for always standing by my side. I love her with my whole heart and feel so blessed that she will be there with me on my wedding day and in every chapter of my life yet to come.
Jo' Marie Cavazos
Bridesmaid
Jojo and I met shortly after my father passed away, and from that moment, she has been one of the few constants in my life. We talk multiple times a day, and no matter what is happening, I know I can always count on her. She is someone I can share anything with, knowing there is trust, honesty, and true confidence between us. Her presence has been a comforting anchor during some of the most challenging times, and her laughter has brought light in moments of darkness. Jojo has always been fiercely loyal and unwaveringly supportive, standing by me through countless seasons of life. She has celebrated my victories, lifted me through struggles, and encouraged me to believe in myself when I doubted my own strength. She has helped shape me into the woman I am today, and I am endlessly grateful for the guidance, love, and friendship she has given me over the years. I truly can’t imagine my life or my wedding day without her by my side, and I feel so blessed to have a friend like her who is always there, no matter what.
Olivia Taylor
Bridesmaid
Olivia was my very first friend when I moved to Washington in 2016. We met as coworkers at a small coffee shop called the MARKEE, and funny enough, we didn’t hit it off right away but once we did, we’ve been inseparable ever since. Olivia and I are so alike in many ways, and we quickly bonded over our shared love for good food, naps, relaxing by the water, and all the girly things shopping, getting our nails done, or enjoying a fun night out together. Her family welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like one of their own, and every time I go back to visit, Olivia and her entire family are the first people I see. I love the Taylors! Over the years, we’ve walked side by side through so many of life’s milestones. Watching her become an incredible mom to her three babies has been such a blessing, and I’m so grateful we’ve been there for each other through all of our goals and accomplishments. We share so much laughter, and I know our friendship is one that will last a lifetime. I truly thank God for bringing her into my life when He did because even though I moved away, I gained a forever best friend.
Riley Smith
Bridesmaid
Riley my sweet " Ri Pie " is my very best friend here in Arkansas, the place I now call home. Our story truly feels like a divine, God-given connection. The way we met was unexpected, but once we finally sat down and really talked, we quickly realized how similar our journeys were and how closely our stories aligned. It felt like we were meant to find each other. From that very first conversation, we connected in a way that’s hard to put into words like instant soul sisters. I’ve never felt so close to someone so quickly. It’s clear that God brought us together for a reason. We share so many of the same qualities, values, and interests, and most importantly, a deep love for Jesus. Riley is someone I can be completely myself with open, honest, and understood without question. I feel like I’ve known her my entire life, and I truly believe our friendship is one that will last forever. She is my prayer warrior, my constant encouragement, and such a talented, beautiful soul inside and out. I am endlessly grateful for her, and I can’t imagine saying “I do” without her standing by my side.
Mitchel Hixson
Best Man
Mitchel and I go all the way back to junior high, where we first connected over basketball at Mercy fitness. And not long after, he ended up moving down the street from me. Funny enough, we didn’t get along at all in the beginning we actually couldn’t stand each other. But over time, that changed, and we grew into a friendship that’s lasted through everything. We’ve been there for each other through the good, the bad, and the hard moments in between. And just to set the record straight he’s still never beaten me one-on-one in basketball, which I know bothers him more than he’d like to admit. Ha! At this point, he’s more than just a best friend I consider him a brother. We’ve truly done life together.
Nick Jaber
Groomsman
Nick and I met back in 7th grade, and we hit it off right away. From then on, we were pretty much always side by side. For his 21st birthday, he invited me to Vegas and let’s just say, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. We’ve always had a great time together, making memories you don’t forget. He’s my go-to concert buddy, since we share a love for music and always end the night chasing down a good meal. We use to play disc golf religiously. Even though Nick’s been living outside of Arkansas for over a decade, every time we see each other, it’s like no time has passed we pick up right where we left off. And you better believe, we always have a blast.
Cole Stocking
Groomsman
I’ve known Cole since our Boys Club days, but we really became close in junior high. We used to hang out at his dad’s house across from the Boys Club, and more than a few times we’d sneak out to meet up with friends and get into things we probably shouldn’t have at that age. What stuck, though, was how naturally we got along and how much time we spent around each other. We’ve made countless memories together, and Cole has always known how to have a good time. We’ve also been through some tough moments side by side and have always come out stronger on the other end. He’s someone who’s stayed close to me all these years, and even when we don’t see each other often, we pick up right where we left off.
Sam Solomon
Groomsman
Sam and I go all the way back to 7th grade, and he’s been an incredible friend ever since. Over the years, he’s been there for me during some of my toughest moments always ready to pick me up and offer a place to land when I needed it most. He’s been a steady voice in my life, someone I can count on for guidance, support, and perspective when things get hard. We’ve shared a lot of great memories, from countless hours playing video games to now raising our kids side by side. I love that our wives have become close and that our kids are growing up together it makes our friendship even more meaningful. And whenever I need a guys’ night, chances are I’m with Sam. He’s one of the most laid-back, dependable people I know someone who always shows up when it matters.
Wade King
Groomsman
Wade is one of the most creative and talented people I know, and it’s been amazing to see how far he’s come over the years. He’s incredibly laid-back, naturally funny, and someone I can always be completely myself around. We share a lot of the same passions, especially when it comes to collecting and playing old games. Some of my favorite memories are just hanging out, finding hidden gems while thrifting, and bonding over the things we love. Honestly, everyone needs a Wade in their life he’s positive, dependable, and always shows up. I’m really grateful we’ve stayed close since junior high, and it means a lot to have him standing by my side on such an important day.
Brent Borden
Groomsman
Brent is a God-fearing man, and I really admire the faith he’s grown into over the years alongside his wife and beautiful family. He’s been there for me through some of the toughest seasons in my life, and I’m truly grateful for his support. We also go back since Junior high. We’ve shared countless memories together both trials and triumphs and through it all, Brent has remained steady. He’s always been a strong role model: positive, grounded, and firm in what he believes. He’s been an incredible friend to me, and it’s been a privilege to watch his life unfold. Having him in my life has been a true blessing. And I am proud to call him my friend
Justin Marvel
Groomsman
Justin and I have been friends for nearly 20 years. We met back in 2006 after I moved to Tulsa through a mutual friend, and we clicked almost immediately. Our friendship grew even stronger while working together at Ted’s and spending countless hours playing disc golf. Over the years, we’ve shared a lot of unforgettable adventures weekends in Fort Smith. Justin is the kind of friend where no matter how much time passes between conversations, we can always pick up right where we left off. He’s someone I’ve always been able to count on, and I know he’ll always have my back no matter what. I’m proud to call him one of my best friends and honored to have him standing by my side today.