Wedding Party
Christina Labadie
Maid of Honor
In just a few years Christina has become one of my dearest friends. We've known each other since high school, but really hit it off my sophomore year of college when she began attending Grand Valley State University with me. We went from having never hung out before to seeing each other every single day (literally) for 3 years. Instant bff chemistry. She's my go-to gal for everything and I don't know what I would do without her. Her friendship is one of the greatest blessings God has given me. Christina is the most warm-hearted, positive-minded, ball of sunshine on this planet. I'm so grateful and incredibly lucky to call her my best friend.
Jonathan Han
Best Man
Jon is my best friend and Best Man. We’ve really only known each other for a few years but from our first conversation it was clear that we’d be friends for life. We’re both similar and different in all the best ways, consistently challenging and supporting each other to become better people. Jon is my spiritual brother and it’s been an honor to have someone like him in my life. We’ve lived together for the last two years and those two years have been a priceless gift of life. I could not possibly be more grateful to find such a great guy to walk through the last few years with. I wouldn’t be here right now without him. Jon is an easy guy to talk to so be sure to say “hi” if you get the chance. He’s also a sucker for deep, philosophical conversation, so tee that up if you’re into it.
Emily Matthies
Bridesmaid
One of the best things that comes along with becoming Nick's wife is getting a sister! From the very beginning of Nick & I's relationship, Emily has welcomed me in to feel like family. I remember the first time I was meeting Emily, I was also meeting the whole extended family. You can imagine, I was pretty nervous. She walked over to me, gave me a big hug, and asked if she could make me a mimosa. I knew I was going to like her! Emily is a very kind-hearted and passionate person. She also is one of the most important people in the whole world to Nick. One of the things I found most attractive about Nick when I was getting to know him was the way he talked about his relationship with his sister. I'm so excited to continue growing in friendship with Emily!
Ben Matthies
Groomsman
Ben is my little brother and one of my groomsmen. While he hasn’t known me all of my life, I’ve known him for all of his. It’s special to be able to include Ben in my wedding party. It truly feels like the joining of one part of my life to another. The two of us spent hours playing World Of Warcraft together and kung-fu fighting in the pool as kids. I’m sure I don’t need to tell Ben this, but for the better part of my life, he’s been one of my best friends. Ben is one of the funniest people I know and if you haven’t met him yet, be sure to go out of your way and say “hello!”
Lindsey Sieja
Bridesmaid
Lindsey and I have been close friends since we were little kids. Through the distance of different high schools and different colleges we've always managed to stay close. Lindsey is so dear to my heart. She's been with me through my best and worst moments in life. Nobody can talk me through my wins and losses like she can. She's the most empathetic, loving friend I could ever ask for. I so look up to her free spirit and beautiful mind. Lindsey and I's friendship has been such a key motivator for me in my relationship with Jesus, and for that I am so grateful. Not only is Lindsey a close friend to me, but since Nick and I started dating she and Nick have become really close as well. She's very important to the both of us, we love her so much!
Justin Lawrence
Groomsman
Justin is my cousin but he’s also way more than that. He’s also one of my closest friends and has been for most of my life. The two of us grew up together, showing up to each other’s baseball and football games and slaying Horde together in World Of Warcraft. In 2015, Justin, Tyler, and I won a very serious and competitive Wiffleball Tournament just a few miles from the wedding venue (this is not a joke). I can’t imagine any part of my life without Justin in it. Justin is legitimately the friendliest person I’ve ever met (there will be at least 10 confirming witnesses at the wedding). If you haven’t met him, which would be a shock to us all because he somehow knows everyone alive, be sure to strike up a conversation with him. It’ll be a joy.
Katie Gravelle
Bridesmaid
Katie has very quickly become one of the most important people in my life. We met in 2017 when I was leading a small group for campus ministry at GV. We clicked instantly, but it wasn't until living with her our senior year of college that we were like, "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE!?" Katie and I can sit around for hours doing absolutely nothing and just die laughing. She was my safe place senior year; my joy to come home to. Katie is easily the most loyal friend. She is the best cheerleader and I'm so lucky to have a support system like her in my life. When Nick and I were doing long distance and he would come visit me in Grand Rapids, I'm no fool, he was also coming to hangout with Katie. With ease she became one of his favorite people at the same time that she was becoming mine.
Tyler Brown
Groomsman
Tyler and I became friends early in high school at our church’s youth group under the tutelage of Mr. Paul Drake. Our friendship developed slowly throughout high school and we became close friends shortly after graduating. Tyler and I are cut from the same cloth. Immediately it was clear that the two of us had the same sense of humor which led to an innumerable amount of inside jokes. Tyler’s been there for me through thick and thin, showing up even when it’s not been convenient. We don’t live super close to each other anymore but when we see each other, we pick back up like no time has passed. Tyler isn’t a huge talker so if you see him, be sure to ask him lots of questions and don’t let him off the hook with short answers.