Wedding Party
Gabriel
Best Man
As the Angelic Doctor, St. Thomas, expanded the minds of the populace, Gabriel has expanded his body. I met Gabriel at the Newman Center in Rolla and was immediately taken aback by his impressive rotundity. My portly friend and I became very close when we became Exodus90 anchors in 2024; after all, his size and figure lends nicely to being a sturdy, weighty anchor. And despite his many aggressive attacks on my personal safety (recall the boulder scene in the Indiana Jones movie: Raiders of the Lost Ark for an accurate depiction of how our battles unfold), I have kept him around, and have even grown a fondness for his corpulent presence. While I would never want to sit next to him on an airplane, I am privileged to have a man of his caliber and proportion standing by my side as I give my life to Ruth in marriage.
Kim
Matron of Honor
I met Kim during my first week at Missouri S&T. After a short introduction while passing through the Newman Center, Kim and Trish (another dear friend), became determined to kidnap me. After searching the residence halls (I had not yet told them exactly where I lived), they found and then knocked on my door, asking if I wanted to go watch the latest Fast and Furious movie, of which I had seen none of the previous. However, after weighing the alternative of studying Trig, I went along. This kidnapping was the start of a deep friendship characterized by chaos hours, adventures, sharing advice, spiritual conversations, the occasional barber shop pole, and multiple years of being roommates. I was honored to watch as Kim prepared for her own marriage, and I am grateful to have such a friend to accompany me in my own preparation.
Dylan
Groomsman
I met Dylan in 6th grade, and we became fast friends because—in stark contrast to myself—he did not like drinking milk. Every breakfast and lunch at school we would sit together and he would generously bestow to me his 4 oz container of white milk. This, as common legend holds, is the reason why I stand at 6 '3”, and he at 5' 6”. Having grown up together (though one of us did notably more of the growing) has led me to greatly admire Dylan's character and fidelity; as a weaker man would have had nothing to do with me many years ago. Thus, I am grateful for his prayers and his friendship as I go forth into my vocation.
Misty
Bridesmaid
My friendship with Misty came through what could be called a coincidence, if such things exist. I had just started looking for a place to live in St. Louis while Misty was looking for a roommate. Soon, she was no longer simply a roommate, but a dear friend, and we have shared many highs and lows since. I especially enjoy our "Kitchen Talks" as we meal prep, discussing any range of topics and simply walking together and growing as women. Misty has been present since the beginning of (and hearing everything about) this journey that I have been walking with Mason, and she continues to be my biggest hype-woman.
Alexander
Groomsman
Alexander was the first person from the Newman Center that I had met, and we came to know each other through a Bible study. He occupied the unique position of getting to know me during the early parts of my conversion to the Catholic Church, establishing him as the target of questions of seemingly endless and unrelated natures. Alexander has continually shown himself to be earnest and purehearted in doing what he knows is best for those around him. For this I am very thankful and am honored to have him as a groomsman.
Trish
Bridesmaid
<3
Adam
Groomsman
Adam is one of those men that you want to have on your side for a myriad of reasons. Chief among them is his strength of character. If you know him, you know that it is easy to tell that his strength lies in not only the physical, but resides in his much deeper thirst for Christ and for virtue that is expressed in an unwavering, stalwart masculinity. It is men like Adam I would want alongside me as I begin the towering undertaking and joyous quest of the marriage covenant. It is Adam whom I am honored to do thus.
Sarah
Bridesmaid
I have always been impressed, and slightly terrified, of just how bubbly and extroverted Sarah can be. I especially experienced this during our time as roommates in Rolla, of which I have fond memories of talking while sitting on the arms of our couch and less fond memories of being assaulted by Taylor Swift music. While I may not be able to comprehend the beam of pure sunshine and spunk that she is, I greatly admire Sarah's deep selflessness and openness to everyone she meets, always there to help, listen, support, or laugh with you.