Wedding Party
Olivia Alexander
Co-Maid of Honor
oLIVia, oLAUGHia, oLOVEia. Olivia, my older sister and closest friend. From sharing a room for our entire childhood, to countless adventures, late night chats, shows binged, hobbies started (and quickly quit), jobs worked, and many, many other endeavors. We’ve truly experienced the highs and lows of life together. Olivia had always pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be who I am today without her. And I can confidently say that there is no one else I would rather have next to me on my wedding day.
Cameron Russell
Best Man
Oh ye my (favorite) brother. I've spent the best parts of my life with you and even though I remember a few fights, my memories of you are overwhelming filled with the mischief we got into, the trouble we got out of (sometimes painfully) and the undeniable fact that even though you will always be my baby brother... I have, and will continue to look up to the man and inspiration you are to me. You have constantly led me down the path of righteousness either by your words outright or in the way you'll set aside time for the things that truly matter. There are hundreds of ways you overtly and covertly make me a better man, too many to put onto this tiny excerpt so I will close with the statement that I'd have no one else hold the title of best man in your stead. Love you bro
Keelan O’Keefe
Co-Maid of Honor
The Irish twins take on a wedding! I am so thrilled to have my younger sister stand beside me as my co-maid of honor. I can always count on Kiki to be a listening ear, a helpful piece of advice, and the first one to level out my chaotic shopping tendencies.
Gabriel Gaddie
Groomsman
"Introducing... STARFISH AND THE BABE!!!" It's been over a decade and many truly insane story arcs since that fateful day that you saw a strangely out of place brown boy standing at the edge of a church gymnasium. And, whether carried upon the wings of fate or (as I am inclined to believe) something ultimately more divine, you welcomed that young boy into your world. Now all that remains to be seen is if his impact will be a net positive as yours was for him in causing him to become quite a bit more chivalrous and by growing in the arts of literature (albeit at a slower pace) in both oration and essay form, or if he shall lead thee down into the bowels of insanity and complete cognitive collapse... potentially federal prison as well.
Melody Magee
Bridesmaid
Melody, my dear cousin; my ride or die and partner in crime. I can always count on her to put a smile on my face. From countless endeavors such as camping trips, event coordinating, swing dancing, and endless other shenanigans. Including playing a hand in getting Ethan and I together. I am so thrilled to have Melody stand with me on this monumental day.
Jesse Warkentin
Groomsman
Steadfast Jesse. Like my brother, I've known you as long as you've been alive, but getting to know you since you moved back to Michigan has been one of the coolest things I've gotten to experience. I've watched you go from a scrawny kid getting beaten in footraces by the likes of Alex Cleland (ask him when you see him next, he loves telling the story) to an absolutely jacked and, I'd even daresay sophisticated grease monkey with excellent taste in cigars and who can work on any vehicle you put your hands to. But two things I can always count on from you are that one: you'll always say it like it is, and two: you'll always meet me where I'm at. I think if we were all a little more like that, this world wouldn't be quite so bad to live in.
Mylie Kent
Bridesmaid
From acquaintances, to co-workers, to best friends, to now standing with me on my wedding day. I am so thankful to have Mylie in my life. Her steadfastness, gentle, cheerful nature is a breath of fresh air. Mylie has been one of my biggest cheerleaders and constant friend. To have Mylie stand with me is truly an extraordinary joy!
Jadon Warkentin
Groomsman
Let us begin by knocking you down a few pegs (Lord knows your ego needs it) the list goes as follows: worst taste in movies (fast and furious isn't that good), terrible musician but especially drummer (dude, you've been playing for how long?) and comprehensively the worst smash bros player who has ever existed. On the flip side, you have been in my life far too long for me not to notice the growth from boy to man and then to the man of God you now strive to be more like each day. Equipped with a powerful testimony and an undeniable stubbornness that breaks through some incredibly tough barriers, and a genuine care for the souls and well-being of others, you are a force to be reckoned with for the Kingdom. (Also I'm not serious about the first three things it was all a joke, you're actually a very good drummer)
Rachel Pelfery
Bridesmaid
I scored big when a neighbor became like a second big sister to me. Rachel has watched me grow up, and has been a steady force in my life. From teaching me things such as how to tie my shoe laces, riding a bike, putting in contacts, and so much more. I am so grateful to have her a part of our wedding!
Caden Cramer
Groomsman
MYU BRUZZAHHH. First off, I could have been using the hubble telescope and still not seen this friendship coming. I think back to long days working at the shop or splitting wood, to long drives from job sites with gas station food and mtn dew kickstarts to keep us goin, to gaining new hobbies... And promptly being outclassed by your insatiable hunger for knowledge. I wouldn't trade one single second of the time we've spent together for anything man, you have been an example of patience and love, along with drive and intensity and a fierce loyalty that you somehow manage to balance on the blade of a knife you forged in your brick kiln in the backyard. I love you so much and am blessed to have you as one of my groomsmen
Allison Dearman
Bridesmaid
I have never made a friend faster than the first day I met Allie. I know I don’t just speak for myself, but also Keelan and Olivia when I say that Allie feels like the final piece of a puzzle coming to completion in our lives. Allie is full of life, love, and joy that seeps into everything she does! I am so thankful to have her stand beside me!
Roanan O’Keefe
Groomsman
Fast as the wind, yet stoic as a Viking. Roanan I (unfortunately) haven't gotten to know you as well as some of the others on this list, but my respect for you has grown exponentially since getting to spend more time with you. Your insight causes me to consider new angles to old problems, I've watched you show more restraint than I would ten times over, and I am quite excited to call you my brother in law. To many more years of bad jokes and worse photo ops
Ireland Magee
Jr. Bridesmaid
Ireland, my sweet cousin. Always there to make everyone laugh, feel seen, and prove to be the biggest supporter of her loved ones. Ireland brings her energetic, personality into every situation she encounters. I am honored to be blessed with a cousin like her to contribute to the celebration!
John O’Keefe
Jr. Groomsmen
Last but CERTAINLY not least Mr JJ. When I say you have stepped into the role of my youngest sibling to date, It would probably be more accurate to say you had a parade, complete with theme music by bad rappers, break dancers and fireworks all hailing your entrance into that slot. You have been an ever present source of energy (sometimes during moments that would be widely frowned upon (but usually make for some of the best comedic relief)) and you are never one to leave someone out or miss a chance to help someone and I love that in you. I'm so glad to have you stand up here with me.