Wedding Party
Bethany Henderson
Maid of Honor
It's hard to find the right words for someone who is more than a friend, but more than family. This girl has been by Kaede's side for almost 20 years (ouch) and they have been inseparable since the first day of swim team in the 7/8's age group. Bethany's family basically adopted Kaede from that moment forward. She sat with them at the breakfast table after church, went home with them after every swim meet, and as they got older - you could guarantee they were sitting at the river together and definitely not going out late and certainly not getting into trouble. As many long LONG term friendships go, they had their moments of distance, months of silence, and sibling like disagreements, but they always made their ways back to each other. Bethany has truly helped mold Kaede into the person that she is today. Her grace when face to face with difficulties, love of deep conservation, understanding of people and their needs leaves an everlasting and unforgettable impression on all who meet her. These two are soul sisters through and through and Kaede is the luckiest girl to have Bethany be right by her side, as they always have been, on her big day. Loves to this girl forever, thank you for being the best-chosen sister any girl could ask for.
Peyton McCortney Hedden
Matron of Honor
Oh Peyton, or as Kaede calls her; Keyton. As the Hedden kids are all K names, Peyton's name has gone through a revision to follow suit. Kaede has been unbelievably lucky to have this girl as a longtime friend, and almost SISTER! Kaede and Peyton created a deep bond early in high school. Their early lives and childhoods were similar in so many ways; they were fated to become friends and stay friends. Peyton has a heart of pure gold, anyone who is lucky enough to be in her inner circle knows that no matter the circumstance, this girl will have their back and will go above and beyond, and then beyond again, to take care of and be there for them. Peyton is the Swiss army knife of friends. She's the "let's just go out for one drink" that turns into an early morning outing, the "come over for coffee" that turns into hours of yapping, and the "who said that s***?!?" have your back type friend. Now that Kaede is soon to become a Hedden as well, their friendship that already felt like family, will officially become SISTERHOOD! These two could never be separated, and they've made sure of that by marrying brothers. Love Peyton too much, thank you for being an unparalleled friend.
Kayci Hedden
Bridesmaid
The strongest girl out there, by a mile. Kayci, who grew up around boys and brothers, who began her journey as a mother with - you guessed it - TWO MORE boys, is the most bada** mom to exist. There is not enough praise to give this lovely girl. She is the most dedicated person in all that she does. Whether that be chasing her amazing babies around and exploring different places with them, tending to her stunning property, or being present and attentive in conversations and events. She leads by example; with pride, perseverance, and somehow a few hours of sleep every night! Kayci is the gold standard and shows it in all aspects of her life. Currently, she shines brightest as a mom, with three of the most fun, adventurous, and animated children who could not have gotten luckier to have this girl as their parent, and forever in their corner. This girl is as tough as they come and yet the most stunning and caring lady out there. Kaede is SO fortunate to have Kayci as a sister. Love this remarkable lady, thank you for exemplifying the highest level of motherhood and welcoming new family into your life.
Abbigail Oyer
Bridesmaid
Abbigail, mostly referred to as Gail, has been Kaede's girl since day one of high school. These two survived the trenches of teenage years, college miles apart from each other, and the general struggles of early adulthood as a pair of two. Over the past ten years they have fought like sisters, cried together in the hardest times, and celebrated their successes...sometimes a little too much. But when chaos ensues, they're each other's first calls. This friendship has grown exponentially over the years and continues to. Abbi is the light in a room. She is unbelievably funny and an engineering wizard, but her most outstanding quality is that she has a certain way of bringing people together. When Kaede and Abbi are together, sometimes it seems like they're speaking a different language as they share inside jokes that stem from years and years of ridiculously hilarious memories. Abbi's family is another family to adopt Kaede into their loving home. Kaede often calls Abbi's parents, her parents, and is present at most family events. Abbi and Kaede will forever be plastered at the hip. They share a friendship that is unlike any other. Kaede will love this girl until the world ends, thank you for being the light, the shoulder to cry on, and her family.
Madison McGath
Bridesmaid
The brightest girl in the gaggle. Maddie could never receive enough praise for her hard work, dedication, and grit. As she enters another year of medical school, please send her prayers and luck. Kaede and Madison trauma bonded during their senior year of college. They immediately gravitated towards each other in their house of TEN girls as they were both biology majors and often disappeared together for hours on end to find a quiet place to study. Madison often kept Kaede alive during their college career. Feeding her warm meals, offering coffee daily, and being a reminder that "you will survive this" when they were both ready to quit. Outside of school, (which was rare), they were found in the mountains attending their Zoom classes while riding up the chairlifts. These two have been adventure buddies from the start. They share incredible memories with each other from the beaches of Hawaii, San Diego, or freezing their butts off together on the slopes in Utah. Maddie is the most special girl. She has always been the voice of reason and logic and gives the people in her life the greatest degree of empathy when needed. Whenever you need sound advice, you go to this girl. Maddie's exceptional kindness and diligence is remarkable and are traits that Kaede will always admire. Love Maddie to the end of time, thank you for being the most "let's do it" friend ever, and for your unrivaled kindness.
Bailey Kent
Bridesmaid
Bailey, Bailey, Bailey. Bailey and Kaede began their friendship during freshman year of college and quickly became roommates by sophomore year. They spent their mornings in their shared bedroom watching "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" on their teeny tiny TV. These two were the chefs in all of their college dwellings and adopted the fraternity strays who were desperate for a meal. After late night outings, these two were found outside the local taco shop patiently waiting for their rolled tacos. Bailey and her wonderful family also took in Kaede. Her dad often came to visit with frozen meals in hand that rivaled Michelin Star restaurants, and her mother kept their houses wonderfully furnished and decorated. Even Bailey's boyfriend was assimilated in the friend group and continues to be "one of the girls". But anyone who is honored to be Bailey's friend, knows this relationship is unlike any other. Her friendship is steadfast. She is the most loyal confidante and will do anything in her power to be there for you. When s*** hits the fan, she's there. There is no other person who will have your back and put on their gloves more willingly for their people. From shared bedrooms, separate houses, and now miles of distance, their friendship has never wavered. Love Bailey like a sister, thank you for the constant laughs, the outrageous memories, and for being the most committed friend.
Amanda Prather
Bridesmaid
Amanda Jane, the girl with the biggest heart. There is no other person who is more passionate and loving. This compassion extends outside of the friend group as she battles pubescent teenagers every dang day. Amanda and Kaede began their journey the first day in the freshman dorms. The second they saw each other; they immediately recognized one another. Amanda grew up just a few towns away from Kaede, yet they seemed to just miss each other. They played on the same volleyball club and even knew many of the same people. They were simply destined to become friends. They were roommates all four years of college and shared many road trips traveling to their hometowns and back to San Diego. These two have grown into adulthood together. The memories that they share...you could write an entire series about. Amanda is the storyteller of the group and the best audience when there's a story to be told. She wants every detail as she absorbs the memories being shared; she's a poetic friend in every way. The group called these times their "morning debriefs" as they sat together in the living room or in each other's beds. Amanda's natural habitat is a glass of wine in hand, sweatpants on, and a smile on her face. She has been Kaede's diary for years and has emotionally supported her through the hardest times. Love Amanda more than words could share, thank you for being the most empathetic counselor, keeper of secrets, and benevolent friend.
Danae Baqui
Officiant
Dear, sweet, Danae. These two began as coworkers then quickly developed to sisterhood. They bonded during some of the darkest times of their lives, with heart-to-heart conversations on the couch with snacks in hand while football games played in the background. When Danae soon moved away from Kaede from the desert of SoCal to the other desert of Vegas, their friendship never wandered. They have made efforts to see each other whenever possible (though breaks were required between Vegas trips), and still it seemed like no time has passed between their visits. From couch talks, dinner dates, work vent sessions, and late LATE nights, these two were desert rats together in all definitions of the name. Danae is the kindest soul Kaede has ever met. She has gone beyond the requirements of a friend for Kaede and for those who she keeps close to her heart. In the years of friendship, Danae has blossomed into a tremendous leader and a role model for Kaede and anyone's heart she has touched. She is devoted and faithful to the things the loves and her inner circle of people. Those who are lucky to gain her trust, make damn sure to keep it. There isn't any other girl like Danae, she's naturally a person you open up to and feel warm around. Love this girl for her passion and consistency as a friend and as a person. Sisters for life. Thank you for being the most generous and loving human.
Kolby Hedden
Best Man
Kolby is my brother, my best friend, my former roommate, and of course my best man. This means he knows all my bad habits and I feel super lucky and grateful that he agreed to be my best man on my special day. We’ve shared a lifetime of memories, a roof, and way too many questionable decisions, and I couldn’t imagine this day without him by my side. He’s been my constant through every phase of life, the person I’ve laughed with the hardest, leaned on when things got tough, and learned from more than he probably realizes even though he’s my little brother. I admire the man he is and the life he’s building, and I’m incredibly proud to stand next to him today. No matter where life takes us, he’ll always be my brother in every sense of the word, and I love him more than I could ever put into a bio.
Sam Johnston
Groomsman
Sam, where can I begin? He is my longtime friend, go-to drinking buddy, and the guy you want next to you when the music starts. He’s got the voice of a singer, the energy of a party, and the rare talent of making every night a great story that's told the next morning. Simply put if Sam’s around, it’s always a good time. He’s literally always down for anything and everything, all you got to do is call him. 9 times out of 10 if I’m doing something fun Sam is involved somehow. But most importantly he’s a friend you can always count on and a friend you can call for anything. I can’t believe how truly lucky I’ve been to know a guy like him!
Kurtis Hedden
Groomsman
Kurtis is my brother-in-law and former coworker, which means we’ve seen each other at our best—and after long workdays too. Working together gave me a front-row seat to his work ethic and character, and I couldn’t be happier to have him as family. Since then I’ve watched him be a father to my nephews and now newly born niece, and I can only dream of being as great of a father and husband as he is. I’m super honored to have Kurtis as a groomsman today and I couldn’t have been luckier to have him as a brother in law and friend.
Mike McNamara
Groomsman
Mike and I go all the way back to high school starting with basketball and continuing through many years of hanging out at our friend DJ’s. We’ve played endless rounds of disc golf together and he will always be my first choice in a doubles partner. From then to now, he’s always been a great friend and a guy I can go to for anything. He’s a friend who’s easy to talk to but will always lay down the truth when needed. I have so many awesome memories with this guy and feel so grateful to call him my friend who I couldn’t see not standing with me on my special day.
DJ Stiehl
Groomsman
DJ and I have been friends since high school, where we first bonded on the basketball court. I don’t know who hated our coach more - him or myself. Through all the hell we went through over those years on varsity, that friendship grew to include countless days of hanging out and a shared love for disc golf. I spent countless nights at his house where his loving parents always welcomed me like another son. I don’t know where I’d be without this guy and consider him one of my best friends. I’m so glad to have him standing with me today and know he’ll be a friend forever.
Justin McIntosh
Groomsman
Justin and I go way back to our days working together at Cedar Creek, where we spent about four years side by side tackling fires, storms, and whatever chaos the job threw at us. I sometimes wonder how the hell we even survived it. When things got intense, Justin was always someone you could count on. He is hardworking, fun, and just an all around awesome dude. We spent months at a time living out of hotels and rooming together which has a way of turning coworkers into family pretty fast. Although we live far apart and work at different companies now I know he’s a friend I can always call. After everything we’ve been through together, it was an easy choice to have Justin standing with me today.
Sam Guzman
Groomsman
Sam has been one of the my closest friends for many years and has the stories to prove it (though thankfully, he’s agreed not to tell them today). Whether it’s late-night laughs, drinking and causing complete havoc, bad decisions that have turned into great memories, or always showing up when it matters, Sam has been there through it all. I’m super fortunate and thankful to have him by my side today.