Mother of the Bride
My BEAUTIFUL mom is one of the strongest and most honest people I know. She has been by my side (quite literally) since the day I was born, and she has walked beside me through every season since—through storms and sunshine, tears and laughter, missteps and milestones. When life felt heavy or uncertain, she was always the steady place I could return to. Her love has been constant, patient, and unwavering in a way that only a mother’s love can be. She has carried me through hard days, celebrated every joyful one, and gently guided me back when I lost my way. So much of who I am today is because of her love, her wisdom, and the quiet (and not so quiet) strength she has poured into my life every single day. Mom, thank you for being my safe place, my greatest supporter, and one of my very best friends. I will never be able to fully put into words how much you mean to me. I love you more than you know.
Maid of Honor
Emma has been such an incredible friend and supporter through this whole wedding season. From fun drink runs at Dutch Bros to the many moments we’ve probably spent a little too much money side-by-side, she has been there through it all. She’s the kind of friend who will always listen, always show up, and always find a way to make even the most ordinary moments feel fun and special. Her kindness, encouragement, and willingness to help whenever she can have meant so much to me throughout this process. Emma truly is one of my favorite best friends, and it makes me so happy knowing that I don’t just get to keep her as a friend—I get to (hopefully & eventually) call her my sister-in-law too. I’m so excited for all the memories, adventures, and probably a few more Dutch Bros runs still ahead of us.
Mother of the Groom
From before I knew what love was, I was loved first by her. By beautiful mama. The strongest woman I knew. Together we’ve faced pain, challenges, sickness, and loss. . . And won time and time again! Without her, I wouldn’t be who I am today. It’s honor to call Melly Z my mama! Whenever I felt lost, I always found home in her arms. She has raised me up to be a spiritual leader, both in the church and in my home. Growing up she always said, “I’m not raising kids, I’m raising adults”, and now were here. We’ve arrived at the most bitter-sweet moment in the life of a mother and son, the time when he leaves her arms and nest to soar and fly. My dreams always felt in reach with your radical support. I’m a dreamer, a visionary, a get-it-done kinda guy, and all this comes from the dreamer, visionary, get-it-done kinda mom. I love you mom, to the beach and back x infinity! Thank you for everything!
Best Man
Hunter Elsey, my built in best-friend. Although he’s 4 years older than me, at different times in our lives, he’s felt more like a twin. Oddly, at other times he’d felt more like a dad. Regardless, throughout the highs and lows of our crazy journey, our relationship has been incredibly special and important to me. From losing our father to cancer, his back surgery, my gut surgery, and everything in between, we have a lifetime of trauma and hardship that bonds us deeper than words can describe. Our faith has grown alongside each other, and it’s been a huge blessing to take the road less traveled with him, even when it’s hard, and it’s gotten hard at times! From fighting hard, to loving harder, our brotherhood is most important to me. Flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood, brother in Christ, built in best friend. There’s nobody I’d rather have be my best man than him. I love you Hunter!