Joy & Garrett
Wedding Party
Amelia Branch
Bridesmaid
Amelia and I can thank 2020 quarantine for our friendship, but praise God for q-tine because she is one of my sweetest and most cherished friendships to date. Our friendship is founded on ice cream and hot fudge on the kitchen floor every night and some beautiful shared convictions about how we feel life is meant to be lived. One of the wisest listeners and advice givers out there, the best at party planning and brainstorming, and the most tender mom. She’s always up to drop everything and be there for me!!
Daniel Branch
Groomsman
Usually tasked with bringing the rock down the floor because he is a great assist man. Daniel is always finding that open man who is ready for their shot. He recognizes when support is needed and is willing to sacrifice in order to see a friend have a victory. Quick to listen and slow to speak, Debo, the California Kid, champions others in their dreams and is the best encourager in crunch time.
Samantha Farris
Bridesmaid
Sam is like a sister! We are formerly known as the Hartman twins… had the same last name in college and were freshman year roommates!! Sam carries so much empathy and delights in making you feel more loved than you think you deserve. She’s the best at birthdays and all things celebrating, especially if it includes jumping on beds. She is a fierce fighter for what is just and good. She gets how to celebrate and grieve and love and hold it all together with grace. She and her husband Kyle have taught me third-wheeling can actually be SO fun (as long as you have the right people to do it with).
Bryant Russ
Groomsman
Bryant Russ, “the freak”, is just that, a surprising powerhouse of an athlete and strangely brilliant tactics paired with a charismatic disposition that would make many a teacher automatically think he was an A student. He is very unconventional, from his forward rotating shot, to his zany in-game dance moves, to his love of pizza parties, to his persuasive conversations with the refs over controversial calls. Sometimes there is no telling what this wild card will bring to each game. So why does this man see so much playing time? When he is on the court the team wins. Simple as that.
Colleen Ezzo
Bridesmaid
From high school to now Colleen has been a constant friend and the sister I never had. We’ve done many an awkward photo shoot together (she’ll show you the pictures and tell you the stories if you ask). She knows way too much about me in all the best and worst ways, but that’s what makes her such a good friend. She knows how to speak to the deep parts of my heart like no one else. Queen of dry, sarcastic humor. There’s no one on the earth that makes me laugh more than her. Marco Polo has kept our friendship alive. The most chill, sweet mom to two of my favorite girls on the planet (who are both in the wedding!)
Ron Radcliffe
Groomsman
An animal on the court, “Ronnie the Bear” is tenacious and unrelenting in his pursuit of the ball. He is unquestionably one of the best lockdown defenders in the game. While not only focusing on the man assigned to him, he is also amazingly aware of every player on the court. His uncanny ability to read movements and recognize strategies makes it seem like Ron can anticipate all players' thoughts even before they do. These instincts create timely blocks, rebounds and steals for his team. As he sees ahead on the floor, Ron also sees his teammates and holds many pieces of his team together. A captain, a mentor, a role model and an on floor coach, everyone on the team looks to Ron for wisdom and support. His teammates know Ron is always a “we” player and never centers the focus on “me.”
Karley Brogan
Bridesmaid
Karley and I shared a king-size bed in college. Need I say more?! She’s so generous with her time and her love, so quick to say yes, incredibly selfless and one of the kindest friends. And a fellow lover and chaser of the sun!! My fashion role-model, where most of my love of unique, bold interior design comes from. A constant friend even though she’s many miles away!
Andrew Young
Groomsman
Andrew brings the energy and zeal to every practice and game. He loves to lace up his kicks and get into any competition. He has a passion for life and for developing his skills and becoming better. He is always ready to learn, always ready for a challenge and always seeing the best in everyone else. Andrew “Youngblood” is no rookie, this seasoned, knowledgeable vet is the lifeblood of his team and knows when to get down to business and when to laugh and have fun. On the floor, he’s top notch from the charity stripe and has a signature step back shot that, on some nights, can be untouchable. Through and through a committed team man but ends up with a nice stat line at the end of every night.
Julia Stejskal
Bridesmaid
I met Julia post-college and I’m not sure how I made it that far in life without her in it! She carries depth and lightness in a way I didn’t know was possible. Being with her makes me grow in courage because she has so much of it! She gets me to do weird things no one else could get me to do. She loves me with so much loyalty, and is showing up with empathy and love whenever I need her. And always challenging me to DIY because she rocks at it!!
Jon Wielenga
Groomsman
A mighty presence in the paint though not a traditional big man. Jon competes with the giants and more than holds his own with stellar confidence. To the fair weather fan Jon might fly under the radar, but the sports writers know that Jon Hot Wiels Wielenga is actually the floor general come game time. No one studies more film, does more research or knows his opponent better because of the time he puts in before the game even happens. Jon has a solid offense and sneaky and smart defense. He is humble and won’t let on that he is as strong, wise and sharp as he really is.
Emma Northuis
Bridesmaid
Emma is Garrett’s sister and soon, mine too! She is a lover of adventure. She loves exploring landscapes but also loves dreaming into new seasons and the adventures they bring. She has the best laugh and is the biggest and best dreamer-- always reminding me to dream big. She brings out the brave sides of myself because of how brave she is. She loves deeply!!
Anders Northuis
Groomsman
Scary fast. Scary Athletic. Showtime in transition. “The flying dutchman” can outmaneuver any defender with his lightning fast footwork and unreal handles. Anders is also able to handle diversity with class. Never backing down from a challenge yet Anders has confidence in his game that allows him to completely ignore the chippy banter or crowds jeers and get the job done. He has such good smarts with quick in your face decisions. With intense pressure he has an untouchable step back fade away jump shot. He wants the ball in big moments. He loves to take the big shot. But he is first to recognize the man with the hot hands and absolutely willing to play second fiddle so the right man can drain the buzzer beater.
Sayde Anderson
Bridesmaid
Sayde is also Garrett’s sister! She and I started our friendship (actually, before I started dating G) by going on neighborhood walks when we lived by each other. Sayde delights in parts of people no one else sees and helps me appreciate and laugh at all things quirky. She is generous and she brings peace and perspective to everyone she encounters. She shares in my love for tea and place-based ministry and friendship. She's one of the coolest artists around. And will soon be an actual sister, too!!
Bryant Anderson
Groomsman
A unique, standout guard who can swing and play forward, Bryant is a versatile asset to any team. Quick to learn and pick up new styles of offense, he can complement any skills brought to the floor by another player. His teammates love him because he is not afraid to set the hard screen and to back them up with strong helpside defense. Bryant always has his hands up as a sharpshooter to catch and pop whatever is thrown his way. Never getting flustered or heated, Bryant almost seems too calm and casual on the floor at times, which earned him the nickname “Chillbert.” But his results speak for themselves. Where others feel under pressure, out of water,or unprepared, Bryant can thrive.
Grace VanSlambrouck
Bridesmaid
Grace is one of my very best, most free, confident friends. We met and bonded over puzzles and getting lice together way too many times. We’re known for our early morning breakfast dates at Windmill and in the early days, at the Freedom House (where we lived together!) She’s never afraid to make a fool of herself and she gives me freedom to make a fool of myself too. Our morning prayer walks turned to runs and we became runners together! The sweetest, most hospitable, best at filling up big places of my heart friend and I love her!
Grant Anderson
Groomsman
Over his seasons in the league, Grant “Night Train Lane” has completely reworked and restyled his game to make him an even more effective player. Grant has always been known as a ferocious defender and his style of play has even led to changes in the rules of the game. But his growth in offensive attack and eyes for assists have dramatically shifted his play, and opposing teams are noticing. After a few minor setbacks, Grant has worked hard in the offseason and now there is unquenchable fire burning in Grant’s belly for greatness. He has put in the time and work, tasted a small stretch of outstanding play and now it seems there is no ceiling that can hold him down. We look forward to seeing him flourish in this next season.
Michelle Smith
Bridesmaid
Michelle used to be more like my big-sister when I was in college and has now turned into one of my very best friends! She is wise and incredibly compassionate. I can think back to so many moments where Michelle has made me feel seen and loved over the years. She is a prayer warrior and such a faithful friend. She has championed my journey of singleness up until this day with companionship, support, prayer, and eagerness for my dream to get married to come true. And I love her for that and so much more!!
Luke Anderson
Groomsman
Known for his antics across the league, Luke “Corndog” Anderson never misses a chance to laugh and have fun in his game. It has been said that no one has more fun or enjoys the game more than Luke. A cool, spot up shooter who also has a smooth jumper with sniper like accuracy. He is incredibly versatile and talented. He is a creative thinker with the ball in his hands and always has something new up his sleeve. This young hooper is a new kid on the block and certainly a diamond in the rough. We all know we can expect big things from this young pup.
Jenny White
Bridesmaid
Jenny is a deep friend from college. She loves with her eyes and her huge embraces and back rubs. When you’re with her, you feel like the only person in the room. She is one of those friends who brings rest. I have no reason to make excuses or defend myself or share too much or too little when I’m with her. My worries are smaller and my joy is bigger and I have a whole lot of love for her.
Lance Anderson
Groomsman
No one can deny the hard work, talent and huge upside of Lance Anderson, aka Texas Pete. He is not flashy and plays with no frills. But Lance is turning into a double-double machine. He is proving to be an expert in the fundamentals and goes beyond simply using his natural talent. He truly works and scraps for every point, rebound and loose ball. And this effort mixed with this kid’s raw talent is what makes his future bright. His teammates know that he brings so much to the table and coaches are eager to see how he grows and progresses. With his easy going attitude, likable personality, strong work ethic and huge talent he fits wherever you put him. Most young bucks come with a chip on their shoulder but Lance is willing to listen and learn.
Sara Mustapha
Bridesmaid
Sara is a dear friend and her whole family was first friends with G, but she and I got close QUICK when G and I started dating because she is AMAZING. Sara has a knack for making anyone feel like the most special person in the world the first time she meets them. And it doesn’t stop. She keeps on cherishing her friends so well. She gives and gives and gives some more in a beautiful, selfless, lovely way.
Tim Mustapha
Groomsman
The stellar, high octane, all-american play of Tim Mustapha is athleticism at its finest. Crowds come to see what Tim, or “Moose”, will do each night a new team rolls into town. Whether it’s offense, defense or transition Tim is an impact player. On offense, he gambles on big plays with calculated risk. Posterizing the opposition weekly gets the crowd on his side even while on the road. He never fears the big man’s blocks but always seems to know when to pull up for a jumper or pass instead of going up for a challenging dunk. Any defensive assignment given him, he can take away significant production from their game. Tim has risen to a high value player in the league and yet carries himself with humility and a simple love for the game and his team.
Caren Herringshaw
Bridesmaid
Passionate about butterflies and giver of the most vibrant, enduring love-- man have we been through it all together. Caren shows up for people like no one else I know. Caren is a wild-hearted Jesus lover and it emanates from everything she does and says. She won’t be at the wedding because she’s giving birth to TWINS. If those baby girls dance moves are anything like their mom’s their personalities are going to be contagious. We can’t wait to celebrate with her baby girls soon!