Jake & Em
Wedding Party
Sarah Temte
Matron of Honor
Sarah is my older sister, and it's pretty darn impossible to put down in words how much I respect and love her, and what a blessing it is to call her friend too. Sarah and I are different in almost every way, but she gets me more than most people, and is my go-to person for a million things (from cooking tips and grammar corrections to life advice and work inspiration)! She is an absolute rockstar, and it's impossible to walk away from a conversation with her and not feel inspired and more alive because of it. I'm so deeply grateful for my stunning and incredible sister and that we're stuck together as friends for life!
Micah Winters
Best Man
Micah Winters has been my closest friend for many years. We met in middle school at Chapel Hill Academy, and grew close during our Junior and Senior years of high school together at Southwest Christian High School. Micah has loved me, challenged me, and encouraged me in all our painful and our joyful seasons over the past ten years, including through university where we have been thousands of miles apart. I love his deep thinking about the world, his ability to communicate beautifully and clearly, and his commitment to living authentically as the best man (hah) he can be.
Caroline Hunt
Bridesmaid
Care and I have been the best of friends for ten years and she can tell you all about the awkward music videos we made, my horrible middle school fashion choices, and just how much God has shaped our lives and hearts. She is always always always ready for an adventure, late night Thai take out, singing loudly in the car, and challenging the people around her to dream a little bigger and work a little harder. Care is killing it in school studying neuroscience while juggling two jobs, running marathons, and keeping tabs on me!
Robby Pettit
Groomsman
Robby is my younger brother by five years, and one of the men I most respect and enjoy being around in the world. He is a kind, witty, brilliantly-creative person, and now he thinks he's cool because he can bench more than me. Robby is a massively-talented writer and is involved in DECA, tennis, and worship team at Southwest Christian.
Sophie Pettit
Bridesmaid
Sophie is Jake's sister and I am jazzed that I get to be her sister soon! It's been a joy getting to know Sophie, and I so admire the way she tackles life head on and is unabashedly herself. She is driven and diligent, and will no doubt be a boss in business and whatever life holds! Sophie has the best sense of fashion, takes the most hilarious selfies, and is a graceful and beautiful person in so many ways. Thankful to gain another sister for life (and forever have someone to freak out with when Jake climbs too high and does other things that stress us out!).
Jonathan Linden
Groomsman
Jon Linden is my future cousin-in-law and the person to whom I owe meeting Emily! Jon is Emily's cousin, and he invited her up to a dance at West Point in January of 2018. We all stayed the weekend together at a house in New Jersey, and the rest is history. Jon and I are cadets together at West Point, and beyond sharing the unique experiences of cadet life he is an encouragement to me in living out my faith. Jon enjoys being weak in the weight room and losing to me at board games, as well as talking about how cool he is because he's going to be an "aviator."
Hannah Stevens
Bridesmaid
Hannah was one of my college roommates and I am grateful for the friendship that developed because of it! We've shared many a Target run and coffeeshop study date, and we are never lacking in laughter or conversations about life, personality tests, education (convinced there could be no better elementary school teacher than Hannah), and faith. Hannah has a heart of gold and is a true friend. She is the quickest person to reply to my texts, the best movie theater date, and always has a listening ear and compassionate heart. It was such a joy to be in her wedding to Henrik this past summer, and I'm thrilled she's returning the favor! ;) Cheers to more double dates in the future!
Justin Waggener
Groomsman
Justin has been my roommate at West Point since we were plebes together, and is my closest friend at the Academy. He has a unique sense of what is okay to say in public, and has enjoyed giving me grief every moment of the day for four years running. Justin knows me better than almost anyone else, and has stuck by me in my lowest as well as my highest moments.
Jenny Schroeder
Bridesmaid
Jenny and I grew up across the street from each other and it really feels like we've known each other forever! Jenny is such a sweet soul, with a deep faith in Jesus, heart for ministry, and abundance of love for dogs and cats, sappy romantic movies, and coffee. We've gone from playing kickball and sledding in her backyard, to being college apartment roommates, and now we actually have to plan (*gasp*) to hang out! Jenny has stuck with me through all the ups and downs and I am deeply grateful for her presence in my life.
Josh Langeland
Groomsman
Josh is my future brother-in-law, and one of the most impressive people I know. He is an incredible pianist, brilliant student, natural athlete, and just generally the best at anything he tries. He is humble and genuine, and deeply committed to living as a son of Christ. Josh encourages and challenges me by his excellence in everything, but particularly in how he pursues God and conforms his life to knowing Him more deeply.
Madeline Hunt
Bridesmaid
So grateful for the years of sister-friendship with this kind soul. Madeline is contagious joy and a rock solid friend. I'm pretty sure kombucha is her love language, best served with a side of quality time. From basement sleepovers, to camping trips and global travels, we've done it all together and she hasn't gotten tired of me!! She has been a loyal friend for ten years and I am so grateful for the support and prayers she has given me and I know she will be a constant through years to come. Also, I've got to mention that a good 90% of photos of Jake and I are thanks to this photographing genius (but hey, we take a great selfie!). Thanks, Mads!
Jonathan Temte
Groomsman
Jonathan is my future brother-in-law and the husband of Emily's sister Sarah. Jon is a gifted musician, singer, and teacher, although he's a mediocre ping-pong player. Jon is deeply wise beyond his years, and has advised and mentored me as a future family member since I first started dating Emily.
Amy Linden
Bridesmaid
Amy is my younger cousin, and I'm so blessed she's been there with me from running lemonade stands and making forts to graduations and weddings. She's uber talented in music and athletics, makes a gooood cup of coffee, and is a wild card in every board game we play, every time. After meeting Jake for the first time, Amy gave me a thumbs up and I knew she approved. She has affectionately referred to us (Jake & Em) as "the newlyweds" for the past 6 months, so we're thrilled she'll be standing by us when that actually becomes true!
Brendon Watchorn
Groomsman
Brendon has been one of my closest friends for many years, starting when he introduced me to Southwest Christian High School as a brand-new student our junior year. Brendon and I ran cross country and track together, and we spent more hours wearing short-shorts together than anyone should. Brendon is a medical student graduating from Dordt College and set to attend Joplin Medical School in Kansas next year, and is marrying Kenedie Kats on July 12th of this year.