Notes from Us
April and Makayla Desjarlais
Leyla's Moms
Mama, you're the best mom I could've ever asked for. You love every kid and animal like they're your own- which makes you mom to more than just the boys and I. We all love you endlessly. One of my biggest privileges is being able to tell people I'm April's daughter. I'm so grateful for you and everything you do for me, but I'm even more grateful for every moment I've spent in your presence that has made me who I am (let's be honest... I'd be sooo boring without you). It's an honor to have you as my mom. Makayla, you're the best (bonus) mom I never knew I needed. You're so kind and you bring out the best in people. You're our protector and our safe place. I'll always be grateful for the way you love us; thank you for being who you are. I can't wait for so many new beginnings with you both, and I love you so much. Let's get married! - Leyla
Julia and John Briggs
Nate's Mom and Dad
Mom, you are everything I needed growing up. From letting me drag you around the art museum to teaching me how to garden; you made sure we knew we were loved. I still remember nights spent making blankets and being able to share them on the couch with the whole family after. You created a family and an undeniable love that I dream to emulate even half of. Dad, I modeled every interest of mine (baseball, writing, jazz and rock, etc.) after you for a reason. The first essay I ever submitted to a competition was prompted "Who is your role model" and I wrote it about you. Growing up with such a supportive dad, coach, and even groupie is a privilege that will stay with me forever. I'm proud to call both of you my parents, and even more so to be bringing you into this much larger, incredible family. - Nate
Lauren Lucas
Leyla's Maid of Honor
Lauren, you're the best friend I could've ever asked for. You are love in a person; you see the good in everyone in a way that most people would never understand. It's been an honor to experience life with you over the last few years and to know that we have the rest of them to go (ringing the everything is awesome bell every morning). You are love and light and all things magical. I adore your passion for people, animals, plants, the world, and all the tiniest things that exist within those. You make me feel understood. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader and the person who makes life so much sweeter just by existing. I hope you know how loved and cherished you are, because the world, and my world, is infinitely better with you in it. - Leyla
Aidan Smith
Nate's Best Man
Aidan, in my freshman year of college I had a tattoo appointment planned for early December. I had it settled with the artists, but decided to change the plans, cancel it, and fly to Indianapolis to see you instead. There is an incredible bond that comes with growing up with someone, and I know that feeling now more than ever. You have no idea the impact of our conversations around philosophy, writing, and music on my personality and understanding of what it is to be not only a friend, but a genuinely good human. Despite the message of my socially unaware bragging on a 5th grade birthday card, it’s more than amazing to have you in my life. Thank you for being who you are, you have no idea how much you mean to me, I know it’s more than just me who believes that. - Nate
Cameron and Shane Thomas
Leyla's Brothers/Flower Girls
Cameron, growing up beside you is a privilege that is fully mine. From combining Avengers and Lego Friends to sticking fruit stickers under the counter (sorry mama), you've always been my partner in crime. Your sense of humor is unmatched, and no one can make me laugh the way you do. You have this magical ability to make any moment easier with a bad joke or a big hug. I'm a firm believer that everyone needs a Cameron in their life, and you make me so proud to be your Irish twin. Shane, you'll always be the baby- teenager or not. As much as I miss looking at you and seeing a three-year-old obsessed with fruit snacks and Cars, I have to say I love this stage of life even more. You're cooler than I'll ever be. You’re the first one to step up and help without ever needing to be asked, and I admire your loyalty and kindness more than you'll ever know. I can't wait to watch you come into yourself as the music loving, sweet kid you are. I love you both so much. - Sissy
Lydia Briggs
Nate's Sister/Ring Bearer
Lydia, I have no words to describe how grateful I am to have you as my sister. Other than being my first best friend, we've been in sync for our entire lives: singing the same songs, copying each other's hobbies, and eventually both winding up at Belmont together. I wouldn't be the same without you and growing up, I always wanted to be like you. Even with the typical sibling ups and downs, I'm lucky to have you in my life (late night rehearsals next to my bedroom included). Thank you for being you, and the best twin I could ask for. - Nate
Jenna Ambelang
Person of Honor (Leyla)
When I talk about you, I just cut to the chase and tell people you're my sister. It's easier than explaining that we've shared the same life: waking up at 4am to go to breakfast before school, collecting cicada shells and naming them, rotting at the city park because there was nowhere else to go. You were the first real friend I had at school. I loved your passion for all things funny, quirky, and weird- you made me feel like me. I often think about how you were the first person I called when I first realized I loved Nate; you were the first person I wanted to tell. You've stuck around through it all. I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else. I love you Jenna, and I'm so glad to have grown up with you. - Leyla
Xavier Sylvia-Jackson
Person of Honor (Nate)
Xavier, I don’t have a conscious memory where you haven’t been my friend, and an incredible one at that. Even if you don’t know it, you’re one of the reasons I felt secure going to school for music. Your passion for art and expression, and how much you could care less about what people think about it genuinely inspired me to chase what I wanted. From elementary school hangouts to nightly calls at the end of high school to getting to introduce you to Leyla, I’m proud to have your art hanging on my wall and even more so grateful for the friend you’ve been. The UCS connections don’t break easy, it really is a family in that way, and it’s an honor to hold that all the way to my wedding. - Nate
Kaelen Frye
Person of Honor
Kaelen, you’re such a great friend to us. Anyone who knows you can’t help but love you. You’re endlessly supportive, you have a gentle heart, and you make us proud to know you every day. We can always count on you to show up in the endlessly loyal way that only you can. You bring us so much simultaneous peace and joy- it makes you one in a million. We can’t wait to celebrate alongside you, and we thank you for being who you are. - Leyla and Nate
Connor Swinney
Person of Honor
Connor! Your laugh can be heard from a mile away. You have the brightest smile and the most welcoming personality of anyone we’ve ever known. If homey were a person, it’d be you. We’ve loved every opportunity we’ve had to watch you create beautiful things, adventure, and travel by the beat of the bright Connor Swinney drum. We love you, and we’re so happy you’re a part of our lives. - Leyla and Nate
Matthew Boney
Person of Honor
To the most authentic person in the room, the one who keeps us laughing, we love you! Matthew, you make everyone who knows you feel comfortable being themselves, but that’s just who you are. You pour yourself into people, and you’d give someone the clothes off your back if they needed them. We wholly admire you for your empathy, your dedication to the bit, and most importantly, the way you love us. And right back at you. - Leyla and Nate
Kyle McCurley
Person of Honor
You bring the life to the conversation! You're always down for any adventure, at all times- when we need to bring the enthusiasm with us, the first person we call is Kyle. We love that about you. It's a wonderful thing to know you, your 8am opera wake up calls, your support, and your love of ALL the drama. Kyle, we love you, we miss you (but let's be honest... we all knew you were made for grad school), and we're so excited to see you so soon! - Leyla and Nate
Sarah Burwinkel
Person of Honor
You, Sarah Burwinkel, are iconic! You have a passion for justice. You seek to understand, then follow it up with fierce support. You are power and truth and a hype girl personified. We love you for the way you not only speak, but for the way you turn your words into action. We need more girls like you in this world. We’re thankful to have you here with us, and we can’t wait to see all the ways you'll use your voice to change the world! - Leyla and Nate
R. Jay Phelps
Officiant
To my adopted dad, thank you for always stepping up to the plate for me. You love me like your own, and for that I'm so grateful. Knowing that I have you at the other end of the phone at any time brings me so much peace. I can always count on you to be there, and not just because you have to or because you're stuck with me- you choose to. Thank you for making that choice. Love you long time. - Leyla