Best Man
Sean has been Michael's best friend since they first met in the tech booth for the College Ministry of First Baptist Church Wichita Falls back in 2009. What began with adjusting lighting and swapping sarcastic quips turned into a brotherhood forged in movie quotes, ridiculous food runs, and late-night heart-to-hearts. He's a man of many talents and skill sets (as well as an International Man of Mystery), and he's always the funniest guy in the room. Over the years, Sean has proven to be a fiercely loyal friend, a voice of wisdom, and a constant presence through every mountain and valley in Michael's life. He’s not afraid to tell it like it is, even when it’s hard—but somehow still manages to do it with compassion and a well-timed punchline. From gut-busting laughter to gut-check conversations, Sean brings the kind of authenticity that’s rare and deeply valued. He clocked Whitney as “the one” before Michael even fully knew it himself, and he's been cheering this relationship on with everything he’s got since day one. Sean is the guy you want in your foxhole, your D&D party, and your group chat. Choosing him as Best Man was a no-brainer. Oh, and ladies... he's single. ;)
Maid of Honor
Taylor is Whitney’s built-in best friend she would have never had if God didn’t make them sisters. This is because they are almost exactly opposite of each other in so many ways but they do share a few things in common. Behind closed doors they can be the same kind of weird, sing obscure songs impromptu and discuss theology and world problems as if they were doing a podcast. They also have the ability to annoy one another quickly, but always gracefully reconcile shortly after. The one thing though that makes Taylor the best sister in the world for Whitney is that she loves her. She has seen the worst and knows all the flaws but always chooses to love Whitney and not want her to change even when the risk of second-hand embarrassment is high. Taylor is objectively wise, lovingly bossy, loyally truthful and genuinely the best friend God could have given Whitney.
Groomsman
As Michael's older brother, Edward has always been someone he’s looked up to and respected. From a young age, Edward was the trailblazer, setting the standard for nerdy excellence and brotherly mischief. It was through him that Michael discovered many of his lifelong passions: Tolkien's epic worlds, Star Wars, the deep truths of C.S. Lewis, the tactical genius (and humor) of D&D, incredible music, and the sheer joy of culinary creativity—whether it’s crafting the perfect burger or experimenting with seasonings no mortal has dared combine before. Edward didn’t just shape Michael’s hobbies; he helped shape his character. His example of steady loyalty and intelligence has been a constant source of inspiration. And when Edward met Shaina, he didn’t just bring home a wife—he brought Michael an amazing new sister. Together, they recently welcomed the world’s most adorable tiny human, Aeryn, who instantly promoted Michael to uncle and raised the bar for cuteness in the family. Through every season, Edward and Shaina have shown up for Michael—cheering him on, challenging him, and embracing him just as he is. Now, they’re doing the same for Whitney, and that means the world. Edward’s presence in this wedding isn’t just a family formality—it’s a celebration of the lifelong bond between brothers, best friends, and now, brother-in-law to a new sister.
Bridesmaid
Olivia and Whitney became best friends after being roommates for 10 years during the pandemic. The secret sauce to their quick friendship was the constant existential discussions of the purpose of life and their love of dark humor which carried them through the global dumpster fire of 2020-2021. One of the many giftings that God has blessed Olivia with is bringing purpose to Whitney’s musty, neglected, thrifted chotchkies by somehow curating them into magnificent and enchanting decor. The root of this power comes from the Holy Spirit and a desire to know how to make things just right, partly because if it’s not, it will drive her into disassociation. A lover of Jesus, ice cream, boba tea, novelty, the comfort of a graveyard, and last but not least—the deepest loves of her life—Chris Le and her new baby girl! Whitney is so blessed to have a best friend like Olivia who has faithfully prayed for and encouraged Whitney to keep hoping for God‘s fulfillment of His promises.
Groomsman
Spencer and Michael met when Michael cast Spencer and his wife Lara in the weekly announcement videos for their former church. After a brief conversation, and discovering a mutual love for board games, they all became fast friends and have remained so ever since! Michael has collaborated with Spencer and Lara on many videos, cohosted a podcast with them, taken part in countless game nights together, and has gotten to watch their daughters grow from babies into awesome young girls. He’s the kind of friend who makes laughter louder, ideas better, and life just a little more goofy. Spencer was an easy choice for a groomsman, and will make the special day even more fun for everyone!
Bridesmaid
Emily, Whitney’s very first best friend in Texas, had their meet cute at a coffee shop a couple weeks after Whitney moved here and bonded over Ghibli films and Jesus. Emily is the reason Whitney learned how to share the love and life Jesus offers with others from different nations and to love your neighbor intentionally by learning and understanding their culture. Through celebration and suffering Emily and Whitney have been through it all together and they will continue to do so! Whitney is the person she is today because of Emily’s encouragement to face darkness and press on through. Whitney is grateful for all the ways in which God used Emily to fortify her with the confidence she needed to trust and follow God in singleness and now in marriage.
Groomsman
John-Robert was the leader of Michael's community group at Chase Oaks Church. When Michael met John-Robert, it was clear just how kind, caring, supportive, and fun he is! He was very quickly added to the small list of close friends for Michael. Since knowing each other, they've both been through many ups and downs in life, usually with John-Robert dispensing some great wisdom to Michael. Inside and outside of the community group, John-Robert has always been a great advisor for Michael in a lot of ways, and an inspiration in the way he loves the Lord. Having him stand beside Michael on the big day is a reminder of the strength that comes from godly friendship and brotherhood.
Bridesmaid
Makenzie and Whitney both love taking long drives to mountaintops together to pray and hear what God has to say. They have known each other since high school, but it was after college that they became best friends through experiencing death together and comforting each other through seeking and asking the Lord for wisdom and direction. Since moving to Texas, Makenzie has visited Whitney every year she’s lived there for the past 8-9 years. Most trips were to Waco to visit the latest Chip and Joanna Gaines’ development. Makenzie has remained a constant friend who always shows up and is ready for an adventure. Whitney is glad to know she will be there to witness and pray for her as she takes the leap into the next great adventure of marriage.
Groomsman
Michael met Jeremy last year, when he was visiting Whitney's hometown, and they became fast friends. Whitney was in a band with Jeremy and considers he and his wife Mera to be part of her family after spending upwards of 12 years of late night talks with them in their kitchen, writing and producing songs together, and all of them bonding over good coffee and Jesus. When Michael and Jeremy experienced a road trip from Eugene to Medford, fate kindled the beginnings of a legendary friendship. They hit it off quickly, and have found a lot of shared loves, including: Good music, good movies, and most importantly, good food(Hutchin's for life!). Jeremy’s prayers for Whitney led her to Michael and Michael will forever be grateful for his faithfulness in Whitney’s life.
Bridesmaid
Mera Oliveria is one of Whitney’s ride or die best friends. She is married to Jeremy Oliveria who is like a second brother to Whitney! When Mera and Whitney first met each other, the Holy Spirit immediately leapt inside their souls, recognizing a kindred weird spirit within one another and they knew from that moment on that they would forever be very strange, deeply artistic and theological, neurodivergent, verbal processing freaks and best friends for the rest of their lives. Whitney also began singing with Jeremy in worship and in their band Pilgrim Song which I guess also made them close. Mera and Whitney are both the people to call to process anything from shame and intrusive thoughts to God-given visions and prophetic dreams! To this day, if you get Whitney and Mera around each other, be warned! They will most likely terrify people who over hear them when they cackle in the night over inside jokes that no one understands. #everyoneischris
Groomsman
After marrying Michael's sister Blythe this year, Walker became the newest member of the Sewell family, and gave Michael his first long-awaited younger brother. Man of God. Personal Trainer. Pickleball/Tennis Coach. Nerd. And Film Connoisseur who has the uncanny ability to name the movie and scene that any given song comes from. Like seriously, test him out. Walker is fun and always keeps conversation interesting with his deep thoughts on various topics. Michael is very thankful to have Walker's golden retriever energy in his life. It’s safe to say the Sewells hit the brother-in-law jackpot with this one!
Bridesmaid
Blythe has been a wealth of wisdom in Michael’s life since she was little, giving advice to him whether asked for or unsolicited. But like Whitney’s sister both of them tend to be right and both of them will remind you of that. ;) Woman of God, amazing science teacher, nerd but in a cool way, meme and GIF master, board game enthusiast, loyally supportive, and courageously truthful. It is clear that Blythe is an amazing person, but one thing she does better than the rest is being the best little sister a brother could have. Michael is the man he is today because of the ways she has built him up and loved him well. Whitney is thankful for all the seen and unseen ways she has stood up for Michael and she’s looking forward to having this amazing, courageous and loving woman as her new little sister!
Groomsman
Standing at 6'3", Graduate of The University of Oregon, Pilot, Singer, Dancer, Comedian, Lover of Sushi, and Childhood YouTube star... Jacob is basically Captain America minus the Super Soldier Serum, shield, and military background. Michael knew he and Jacob were going to get along after the first time he met Whitney's "little" brother. And now they've bonded over Marvel, similar humor, good food, funny videos and memes, oh yeah, and of course Whitney. Michael is looking forward to finally adding a third brother to the family! Now it's up to Taylor to find her man, so Michael can have the full set of Brother Infinity Stones in his life. ;)
Bridesmaid
Madison is Whitney’s first ever cousin! With natural radiant blonde hair and blue eyes that both terrify you but welcome you in. You’d think she was not related to Whitney based off appearance but put them in a room together and the volume and energy that they bring can overwhelm any introvert into their fun and extroverted schemes. The most wonderful and entertaining part of Madison’s personality is her chaotic humor and how she uses it to fend off anyone that comes for her or her own! Madison is practical and wise, confident and bold, fun and sentimental and most importantly fiercely loving and loyal to her friends and family. Whitney loves Madison and Michael and Whitney are so glad to have Madison’s fun and life-giving presence on their side for life!
Groomsman
Michael first met John when he joined his previous church, at a young adult function. Shortly after that, Michael and John ended up in the same community group together, and have been close friends ever since. John has poured into Michael's life in so many ways over the last few years. As a long-time believer, having a theological degree, years of missions work and studies, John has been a source of biblical wisdom for Michael. On top of that, they share a love for nerdy things, great movies, and especially great food! John has walked side by side with Michael through good times and bad, and will always be there to support Michael (and now Whitney) through thick and thin! He’s not just a friend—he’s a faithful brother whose presence brings depth, joy, and killer restaurant recommendations.
Bridesmaid
Known by the Brown family as “Kimi,” she has always been the baby cousin. Her older brother Ryan and Kimi would often be babysat by Whitney when she was in middle school and during that time, Whitney got to see how different and wonderful they both are! Kimi specifically was the most caring and motherly toddler you’d ever meet. She would always have animals that she would be taking care of throughout her life. Whether it’s a her dogs, turtles, chicken coupes or the cats she volunteered her time for at a cat shelter, she was basically the Mother Teresa of animals. Family has still though remained the most important thing to her. She may say she has always looked up to her cousins but they have always admired her wisdom beyond her years, her stubborn determination to reach her goals and her constant and deep love for her family (including her four-legged ones lol). Whitney loves Kimi and both Whitney and Michael can’t wait to have Kimberly love on any future babies or animals we may have!
Flower Girl
Aeryn is the cutie pie who first made Michael an uncle, and she’s been stealing hearts ever since with her joyful giggles and bold little personality. She loves meat, Cheerios, mimicking her Dada, laughing with her Mama, sneaking Cheerios to her doggie brothers Vader and Bear (her trusted snack accomplices), and rocking adorable outfits like it’s her full-time job. Recently promoted to Professional Flower Girl, she got in some solid training at her Auntie Blythe’s wedding and took her responsibilities very seriously—right up until nap time. She may not be able to say it yet, but trust us, she’s absolutely thrilled to walk (or maybe shuffle) down the aisle and toss some petals at you with fierce toddler enthusiasm. Get ready—Aeryn’s coming to charm.
Flower Girl
Florence is Whitney‘s first niece! The day Florence was born was the first time Whitney had ever loved a baby so deeply in her adult life. Florence is the daughter of Mera and Jeremy Olivera, which are Whitney‘s best friends from Medford, Oregon. Florence has all of the creativity, fun, tenderness and boldness of her mother and has the passion, determination, courage and loyalty of her father. She is a loving sister to her two younger brothers, who are the toughest, sweetest most wonderful little brothers ever!! Florence has strength to endure more than anyone I know all while still laughing at the goofy little things in life. Whitney loves Florence so much and is so honored to have her be a flower girl! The beauty of the Lord’s faithfulness to protect and guide Florence throughout her life so far has been one of the most magnificent things to witness because of the way God’s light shines in her through it all. Whitney and Michael cannot wait for Florence to be an auntie one day to their future family!
Officiant
Physician's Assistant. Theology Graduate. Philosopher. Lover of Intellectual Conversations. Soon to be Father. Chris does it all! Chris and Whitney have been friends since they both helped start a church group that led to him meeting Olivia (one of the bridesmaids) and marrying her! They were some of the first people Whitney used to vet Michael with because of their good judgement of character and wisdom. There was an instant connection for Chris and Michael over niche topics of intellect and shared interest of exploring new food places and good podcasts. Now Michael and Chris have been friends for almost as long as Michael and Whitney have been together. So it was an easy choice for Whitney and Michael to pick Chris to officiate their wedding, since he's seen their relationship grow and blossom from the beginning! Chris is a seeker of truth and passionate about teaching others how to share about the good news of Christ that meets others where they are at and embraces the pursuit of loving every nation because that is the heart of God’s love. Thank you Chris for helping Whitney and Michael walk into this covenant with God faithfully.