Caleb + Jill
Wedding Party
Nic Smith
Best Man
Social awareness, individuality, intentionality, patience, emotional stamina, and knowing how to have fun, among many other attributes. Nic is uniquely skilled in friendship and relationships of all kinds. When I met Nic and his family in early 2018, I was a fraction of the man I am today. Since then, he has been my greatest ally, the safest place, the mentor I needed most, and always the compass pointing me back to reality. I followed him across the country and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Maria Ford
Bridesmaid
Maria and I have such a unique friendship. The type where you don't talk for weeks and then have one long phonemail and everything is right. In college, we bonded over our fathers' mutual love of Genesis/PeterGabriel & Phil Collins. While we shared an apartment, Maria truly showed me the world...by introducing me to the best cheeses. Now, I never meet a brie I didn't like. Maria was scared that I was demented when I would take showers from 1-4 am, thinking it was time for work. She just chalks it up to my weirdness. We sealed our friendship with the countless Prince of Egypt lip syncs performances in our living room. I knew she loved me when she allowed me to be Whitney Houston. What a joy it is to have this woman in my life!
Josh Stewart
Groomsman
Is there anyone more willing to fight someone who might hurt me? Is there anyone more willing to HURT ME? Nope. Just my brother, Josh. As often as we bicker and go after each other, no one gets to come between us. I don’t think there is anyone more like me in the world, even if I like to deny it at times. We both feel emotions fully in every moment. We both have passion and fight for the people, hobbies, and ideals we surround ourselves with. I’m proud to be who I am and proud that my brother is a part of that.
Barbara Quinn
Bridesmaid
Barbara was my first college friend. She never lets me forget that I shook her hand when I met her before our freshman seminar. Maybe that isn't the normal college greeting, but it still got me a friend! Barbara has been such a gem in my life. She is probably the weirdest woman I know, but she is a joy. I don't think I've ever been with Babs and NOT cried while laughing. Over the years, we started KSU in the same classes; both went in as nursing majors and then jumped ship over to the teaching major. Now, she has won the competition by staying in the classroom longer than I have. And with kindergarteners, nonetheless! While being the life of the party, Barbara still has a heart of gold. She loves and laughs fiercely. Someone I am grateful to have in my life and by my side.
Jay Danner
Groomsman
Like his sister and father, Jay is another kind of human. I have not, in my lifetime, seen individuals so seamlessly join kindness and firmness. I love watching Jay exhibit his compassionate leadership in all types of relationships. Spending time with Jay and his wife (Marcella) is lovely because I always learn something about foodlike or culture, or he explains something about computers to me as if I was an eight-year-old (very much appreciated). Jay is one of the most respectable men I have ever met (I’m not being nice when I say that, I’m being honest), and I can’t wait to learn more from him in all aspects of life.
Marcella Danner
Bridesmaid
When Marcella married my brother, I knew she was wonderful, but I had no idea the role she would play in my life. I am so lucky to have Marcella not only in my life but in my family. She embodies what it means to be a sister. She's strong, brave, bold, loving, patient, and compassionate. Marcella is always game for the craziness of my family...and she even adds to it! But I wouldn't change anything. The loss that the Danner family has felt over the last couple of years has been softened because of who she is. I am grateful to have her in my life and on my team. I am ecstatic to share this day with her!!
Tyler Anderson
Groomsman
Tyler gets the award for “Most Agile” due to his ability to transition with me from serious, heartfelt, emotional conversation immediately into joking and then back to an emotional conversation. Not an easy thing to do for most! Tyler is a wonderful guy, and I am so thankful he is in my life. He is also one of the most humble people I know. Ask him about his work in the inner city or the last few jobs he’s had. You will quickly find out Tyler is one high-caliber individual.
Andrea Haney
Bridesmaid
Andrea and I have such an interesting habit of going through the exact same life stages together. We initially "bonded" when we liked the same dude in college. The classic storyline played out and our almost friendship came to a halt. But then, just like a sitcom, we sat down and realized we didn't want a guy to come between us. An interesting start (to say the least) to a wonderful friendship! After that life stage played out, we went through the teaching/education program together, graduated, started our "big girl teaching jobs," endured the teaching pain for 5 years, left said "big girl teaching jobs," and joined staff at two local churches in their youth ministries. What a ride this friendship has been! I will always cherish my relationship I have with Andrea. The only thing I regret is not being her friend sooner.
Levi Swenson
Groomsman
I met Levi at the beginning of my senior year of college in York, Nebraska. How long would it have been before we became friends if it wasn’t for that Carlos Vela jersey? Regardless, it wasn’t long. Minutes, in fact. Our friendship sparked over a passion for soccer, but it is now sustained because of the consistent joy that Saturday phone calls and quick-witted humor. Levi is passionate, authentic, and unswervingly stands for the right thing, even when others don’t. I respect this man and am excited to see how our friendship evolves as he lives thousands of miles away in Montana.