Jonathan & Hannah
Wedding Party
Ryan Symens
Best Man
“In the middle of the Saharan desert, disconnected from any technology, I have no idea what the time was, but it was early and cold. I felt the cold everywhere in my body. But yet again, the beauty of the night sky was a welcome distraction. From the deep quiet of the desert your voice lets out a muffled, “hello!” I look over stunned and confused as you are clearly still fast asleep. I rest back into my sleeping bed hoping to fall asleep when you shout again “hello!” I look back and give a questioned “hello?” Your next response still makes me laugh till this day. You answer back and say, “hello, can you not sleep hear?” I laughed in disbelief and knew I would have one heck of a story to tell you the next morning when you were actually awake.”
Elyssa Barnett
Maid of Honor
I met Elyssa during our first week of college, and we quickly became friends. She's also responsible for introducing me and Jonathan, so I have a lot to thank her for :) "My favorite memory happened while Hannah was visiting me in North Africa. The metro was packed and it was hard not to be pressed into other passengers. There was a guy who had started to press into me and I remember whispering that to Hannah. Without hesitation she grabbed me and pulled me into a bear hug. I could feel how hard she was squeezing me into her own body just to keep me away from the guy behind me. In that moment I was so touched by the extent of her care for me showed just in that simple action. In that moment I knew she’d always have my back."
Erik Johnson
Groomsman
"Jonathan & I first met when my family visited Tunisia. I had no idea he would end up being such a close & trustworthy friend once I ended up moving there. During the 6 years we grew up together, we had countless memories exploring Tunisia: going on photography adventures, filming ridiculous short films with friends, thrift shopping & enjoying Tunisian cafes & together. More than just an adventure buddy, I’ve had the privilege of growing up alongside him & I’ve seen God continue to shape him into a man after God’s own heart. I see Jonathan as a man who deeply cares for the people around him, & wants to walk with them, bringing them with him on the journey. I’ve witnessed his choice to trust God time & time again & I know he will continue to be founded on Christ as a new season begins!"
Alexandra Green
Bridesmaid
Alex is my freshman year debate partner-turned close friend and life-long hype woman :) "Alex and I probably have the wides variety of memories out of all of my friends. We've done the extreme ups and downs of life together - from being freshman year debate partners, to roommates in D.C. over the summer. We've been our best selves and our worst selves and we're still friends, so we did something right!"
Landon Reynolds
Groomsman
"My favorite memory with Jonathan was training week as we prepared to be RS partners. The whole week was fun as we got ready to welcome the new guys to our hall. One of the best parts was making a garden for our dorm. We went to Lowe’s four times over the course of the week despite being exhausted from our training schedule. Even though it didn’t seem like a big deal then, I look back at it with fondness. Being partners really grew our friendship and I’m so thankful. Even better was getting to see Jonathan’s and Hannah’s relationship grow. I was there when he came back so excited about the new girl he had met. It was beautiful to see God orchestrate everything in unexpected ways to bring them together. I can’t wait to be with them as they take the next step in their relationship!"
Christina Brown
Bridesmaid
Christina is my soon-to-be newest sister! "My favorite memory of Christina is actually from before we'd met. She was at the same New Years Eve party where Jonathan and I hit it off, and I remember meeting her and thinking "wow she's really cool, we'd probably be good friends if we went to the same school" Little did I know that two hours later her brother would ask for my number, and 18 months later she'd be in my wedding!"
Micah Hoffman
Groomsman
"Jonathan and I watched in horror as a massive wave grew closer. We had just finished swimming and stood on some rocks off the coast of Tunisia. We started regretting that decision. Surrounded by sharp rocks, the closest thing to grab was a huge rock in front of me. I grabbed hold of it as the first wave hit. I turned and caught a glimpse of Jonathan, engulfed by the wave and flying backward towards some rocks. A few seconds passed; nothing. I was sure I’d just watched him die. I was about to jump in and swim when he shot out of the water and began to swim to me. I grabbed his arm and pulled him up where we huddled in shock as waves crashed against us. As the waves stopped, we saw our chance and quickly swam to shore. We crawled onto land, bruised and bleeding, but alive."
Emily Wilhelm
Bridesmaid
Em was my RA sophomore and junior year, and our conversations on the East Campus steps and late-night room check laughs are among my favorite memories of dorm life. "Our favorite shared memory is when I spent Thanksgiving break with Em's family in North Carolina. I was the first college friend she brought home from break and showed around her hometown, and we had blast hanging out and decorating for Christmas. I also experienced my first car accident that weekend - everyone was safe, and we weren't at fault, but it definitely made for a memorable week in Salisbury!
Michael Brown
Groomsman
"Jonathan has always been a very protective brother. When we were living in our first house in Tunisia we often got bikes stolen from us, and I remember this one time when Jonathan and I were out in the neighborhood together, I was on my bike and he was on roller blades, and this guy came up to us and asked me if he could try my bike out. It was clear that we was trying to steal the bike so we kept saying no and he continued to insist and had a grip on the handlebars of my bike. I can remember Jonathan then grabbing the guy and telling me to bike home as fast as I could. I’m not sure how truly dangerous of a situation we were in because I was young, but Jonathan put himself on the line for me in that situation and that memory still sticks out to me."
Miranda Moore
Bridesmaid
Miranda and I have been friends since I was randomly assigned to be her debate mentor three years ago! "My favorite memory with Miranda is an ill-fated hike to Sharp Top. During finals week a few semesters ago we had decided to go on a sunset hike to escape from the stress for a few hours. We made it to the top, took all the cute pictures, and sat and talked as we watched the sunset. However, while we were sitting there, we both realized we'd forgotten to check the weather. A thunderstorm was rapidly blowing in, and as the sun went down, the downpour started. We spent the next hour and a half walking down the mountain in the pouring rain, in the dark... When we finally got to the bottom we took off as many soaked layers as possible, and laughed about our adventure most of the way home."
Nathaniel Brown
Groomsman
When I think of Jonathan I think of him making cinnamon rolls and monkey bread. I remember making crispy bread together when we were on vacation in Tabarka. Jonathan is an adventurer and loves everything outdoors. I remember on our vacation in France we would go down the hill, and there was water that was always running. The water was nice and cold and fresh and delicious, and we would fill our water bottles up. I am honored to stand up with my big brother.
Moriah Rader
Bridesmaid
Moriah has been a mentor and a friend to me for the past four years, and through her influence, I have grown in the best possible ways. I'm very thankful for this strong woman I get to call friend! "My favorite memories with Moriah are all of the nights I would end up in her dorm room drinking tea, playing worship music, snacking on chocolate, and painting canvasses while we talked about life, relationships, Jesus and everything in between. So much growth and so much laughter!" :)
Zachary Brown
Ring Bearer
Brother of the groom and officially the cutest guy in the wedding
Rachel Roberts
Flower Girl
Cousin of the bride and one of the cutest members of the bridal party! :)
Sarah Kathryn Allison
Flower Girl
Sister of the Bride and one of the cutest members of the bridal party! :)