Wedding Party
Maddi Martin
Maid of Honor
She reads books for fun, teaches for a living, and is not afraid to blare some soul music to praise the big man upstairs! You'll never find someone with a bigger heart or a more perfectly run classroom. While she remains a stealthy card player, a wickedly talented artist, and has the weird ability to braid her hair with one hand, she proves she can school you in more ways than one—always graceful, always determined, and always unforgettable. While this big sister is here to keep us all on track, watch out! For if you give her a glass of bourbon or talk with her about Stranger Things, she might just let loose and give you a run for your money.
Max Dequine
Groomsman
A 6'3" former HS Waterpolo player and 4x CCU Volleyball Intermural Champion, many consider Max to be the life of the party. He tries to live as though he's still 19, and full of endless energy by remaining active and staying up late despite his back and hips begging for a break. Max and Ethan were roommates for all four years of college, and he has been with Ethan through all phases of life, but unfortunately without a bookcase to show for it... The two were often inseparable throughout college and in true fashion, Max will also be getting married this summer.
Ella Allen-Bolton
Bridesmaid
In her true English fashion, this bridesmaid works hard, plays harder, and never turns down a drink or a dance floor. Her energy is infectious, she'll beat you at any memory game, and LOVES when Kelli slams the cupboard doors. Beyond her brilliance, she’s the ultimate planner, the most gracious gift giver, and a devoted chocolate lover, making every moment (and every celebration) just a little sweeter. Sure, she may have missed her first class of nursing school for a little bit of fun, but who landed one of the most prestigious NICU nursing positions in the state? This girl!!!!
Kyle Koren
Groomsman
Says he's 6'0" but realistically 5'11". The first member of Club 211 to tie the knot and also the first one to make a clone (who is due any day after the wedding... NOT before). Kyle is down to earth whether that be genuine conversation or convulsing on the dance floor... literally ON the dance floor. He's goofy, nerdy, and loves most tech-related things. He was roommates with Max and Ethan for all four years of college, but he may need to leave early to do his laundry.
Katy Howard
Bridesmaid
As Kelli’s longest-running roommate, this bridesmaid deserves a full-on standing ovation (or at least a slow clap and a mimosa). From high school valedictorian to Rho Chi inductee of the #1 pharmacy program in the country, Katy will beat us all at trivia—and look absolutely smashing while doing it, thanks to the endless YouTube makeup tutorials she swears by. She’s down for just about anything, and will hold you hostage at a table (in the best way) for she is the best story teller we all know and love. Genius and glamorous, she’s basically the friend we all aspire to be…except smarter and definitely more down to earth.
Hunter Vandel
Groomsman
The man with a plan, Hunter (Günter) Vandel is the most responsible of us all. Many say his attention to detail, timeliness, and accuracy make him a natural fit for his career as an accountant, but in reality, the career field owes it to Hunter for it's creation. However, in true Günter fashion, he may work hard but he also plays hard enjoying skiing and time with friends when he wants a break from responsibility.
Lili Martinez-Hede
Bridesmaid
Born in Mexico, and now living her best life in Chicago, Lili is a true powerhouse with an impeccable sense of style. As Kelli’s longest-standing friend, she has been a constant through every season of life and one of her greatest supporters. Fearless in telling it like it is, Lili thrives in her leadership roles at Dow—all while somehow managing to show up flawlessly dressed every single time. She’s equal parts driven, fashionable, and fiercely loyal. When she’s not conquering her career, Lili can be found hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, heading out on an African safari, or visiting friends and family in Denmark. One thing’s for sure—you’ll never be able to guess where Lili is headed next!
Justin Kuhl
Groomsman
This blonde beauty is known for his boisterous laugh and infectious smile. He seamlessly permeated the friend group his freshman year of college by commandeering our couch and proceeding to lose several consecutive seasons of MLB the show in our sophomore-year apartment. Regardless of how he became a member of the college friend group, his joy for life, care for others, and passion for The Lord made him a necessary addition to the friend group and the wedding party.
Jordan Allingham
Bridesmaid
Despite her last name, this bridesmaid IS in fact related to the groom. She has all the dirty details and elusive stories that Ethan probably forgot by now. But this wife and mother of two loves her music, has the voice of an angel, can play just about any instrument she picks up, and strives to love with the heart of The Lord. She's one of two people authorized to cut Ethan's hair and for good reason. She is a cosmetologist by trade, - and a darn good one at that! - though her passion is raising her children and loving her husband in a way that brings honor and glory to God... along with a good dance party and a cup of coffee, of course!
Michael Howard Giffen III
Groomsman
He's not actually the III but what else would you expect from somebody with such a regal name. Originally a friend from Basic Training, this cowboy from Wyoming has become a close friend of Ethan's sharing in their passions for church history, fitness, and all other forms of "Man Sh**" from guns and war strategy to coffee and country music - REAL country music. None that Morgan Wallen garbage your 16-year old daughter listens to on the radio will fly. Marty Robbins, Conway Twitty or Chris LeDoux might pull him out on the dancefloor, but otherwise he'll be the one wrangling his two little ones like newborn calves.
Grace Maggiore
Bridesmaid
A new Texan (though not quite in cowboy boots—she’ll always be a loyal North Carolinian), Grace is a true All-American athlete who once dominated the volleyball court and now dominates at life. When she’s not crushing workouts or saving tiny lives in the NICU, you’ll find her with a vodka seltzer in hand, perfecting that signature flirtatious smile. Her golden retriever, Murphy—the unofficial mascot of the friend group—keeps her grounded, proving she’s just as loyal as she is fun-loving. Equal parts competitive, charming, and adventurous, Grace brings energy, laughter, and a little mischief wherever she goes.
Juan (Reinier) Ruiz
Groomsman
Born Reinier Ruiz—but initially introduced to us as Juan—he first entered the group while visiting Raleigh to see his now-fiancé, Ella, during her and Kelli’s nursing school days. One Spanish conversation later, Ethan and Juan were inseparable, and Ella and Juan almost missed an event because the two boys simply refused to part ways. Hailing from Cuba and Little Cuba (Miami), Juan is a natural-born lover with a heart of gold—something made very clear by his career as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. That said, don’t be fooled: the same man who cares deeply for others is also fully capable of being an absolute menace and tearing up the dance floor (especially if Bad Bunny is playing). A sports lover through and through, Juan recently picked up golf—a hobby we’re confident he’ll eventually abandon for the superior and purer sport: disc golf.