Bridesmaid
Sydney Motl is the little sister of the groom, and one of the Bride’s longest friends. She is encouraging, kind, joyful, and absolutely brilliant. One day, she wants to be a writer, and Mattie Mae and Ryan think that she will be the next J.K. Rowling. Her relationship and constant support means so much to them. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Sydney is her beautiful writing and contagious giggle fits. Ryan’s favorite thing about Sydney is how loyal and intentional of a friend she is.
Bridesmaid
Fallon Carder is Mattie Mae’s college roommate, and her best friend. She has had an active, encouraging, and prayerful role in the relationship of Ryan and Mattie Mae. Fallon is outgoing, passionate, compassionate, empathic, and the best friend any one could have. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Fallon is how well she shows the love of Christ to others. Ryan’s favorite thing about Fallon is that “she’s a freakin ball of light.”
Bridesmaid
Carmen Scott and Mattie Mae bonded over their love for studying, biblical languages, and discussing theology. Carmen is wise beyond her years, and she is always Mattie Mae’s go-to friend when she needs a shoulder to cry on and someone to celebrate with. Carmen wants to be a professor of Old Testament, and Mattie Mae wants to be a professor of New Testament, so Mattie Mae likes to call Carmen “the Hebrew to her Greek.” Ryan’s favorite thing about Carmen is her sense of Humor. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Carmen is her love of learning.
Bridesmaid
Hannah Denninger is Mattie Mae’s sister-in-law. She and Mattie Mae’s brother got married in July. Hannah has a heart for ministry, translation, and people. She is brilliant and a great friend for Mattie Mae and Ryan. After being Mattie Mae’s freshman orientation leader, they became fast friends and bonded over being homeschooled and their love of Biblical Studies. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Hannah is her constant friendship and encouragement. Ryan’s favorite thing about Hannah is her outgoing and friendly personality.
Bridesmaid
Holly Shipp is one of Mattie Mae’s best friends. She is constantly down to have fun, dance, and celebrate. Holly helps Mattie Mae to take breaks from homework and embrace the moment. They both love gospel music, their social club Tri Chi, and long talks about Jesus. Holly has a huge heart for missions and sharing the gospel. Ryan’s favorite thing about Holly is her passion for her friendships and how well she loves them. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Holly is her beautiful voice and spirit for worship.
Bridesmaid
Sara Patterson is Mattie Mae’s fastest friend and soul sister. They immediately hit it off when they met last semester, and they bonded over their shared love of literature and writing. Sara is Mattie Mae’s “little” in the Tri Chi social club at Ouachita. They hang out almost every week, because Sara basically lives in their room. Sara is considerate, empathetic, and she loves deeply. Ryan’s favorite thing about Sara is that she is “one of the truest friends that I’ve ever met, and she’s the friend that Mattie Mae has always wanted.” Mattie Mae couldn’t have said it better herself.
Matron of Honor
Lindsey Edwards is Mattie Mae's best friend and mentor. Lindsey has poured into Mattie Mae consistently for the past two years, and their friendship has been built on their love for Christ and coffee. Lindsey is a scholar, a prayer warrior, and a true friend. Lindsey and her husband, Ethan, meet with Mattie Mae and Ryan weekly to invest in them and help them grow. Ryan's favorite thing about Lindsey is that she married Ethan (just kidding!); it's that she's always willing to try new things. Mattie Mae's favorite thing about her is how authentic and approachable she is with any situation.
Groomsman
Josh Motl is Ryan’s little brother. He is four years younger than Ryan and will be a sophomore in high school in the fall of 2019. He is funny, weird, and nerdy. He wants to be a marine biologist after he graduates college and his life goal is to swim with Great White sharks. Ryan’s favorite thing about Josh is how easy it is to hang out with him for hours. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Josh is that he’s always treated her like she’s his sister.
Groomsman
Landon Salman was Ryan’s roommate in the spring of 2019. Landon is a Christian Studies Major. He is one of the leaders of the popular worship night WORTHY and is constantly leading people in worship whenever he can. Landon is kind, compassionate, and sometimes a little crazy. Ryan’s favorite thing about Landon is how, no matter what, he cares and will listen to anything you have to say. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Landon is how he always makes sure she’s okay.
Groomsman
Jonathan is Ryan’s current roommate. Jonathan and Ryan have known each other for a little over a year. They met for about four seconds at super summer and then ended up on the same instrument on the drum line. While Jonathan may be Ryan’s latest friend, he and Ryan have become closer than most. Jonathan is clever, funny, caring, and talented. Ryan’s favorite thing about Jonathan is how genuinely he approaches any situation. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Jonathan is his laugh, even though she’s not sure it’s real.
Groomsman
Kinnon Dodson has been Ryan’s best friend since 2009. When they met, they realized that they both loved Star Wars and hit it off from there. They have been a part of every major life event since. Kinnon is smart, wise, and really funny. Kinnon is a biblical studies major. Ryan’s favorite thing about Kinnon is how he always feels that he can go to Kinnon with anything. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Kinnon is that he’s been her longest best friend and that no one makes her laugh as hard as he does.
Groomsman
Keaton Goodrum has been friends with Ryan for many years. During high school, the two were a dynamic duo of technological talent. They worked on video projects, events, and tried (and failed) to start a film club together. Keaton is a graphic design and computer science major. Ryan’s favorite thing about Keaton is how comfortable he feels around him and how he’s always down for whatever comes up. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Keaton is how well he is able to celebrate others and make them feel loved.
Groomsman
Johnathan Miles and Ryan have been friends for many years. They were in RAs together at First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. They were on the Arkadelphia High School Drum line together, and now they are on the OBU Drum line together. They have been in each other’s lives since they were little and have only grown closer through the years. Ryan’s favorite thing about Johnathan is how compassionate he is to anyone and everyone. Mattie Mae’s favorite thing about Johnathan is his girlfriend Kasey and “his old soul”.