Wedding Party
Jakob Shafer
Best Man
I met Shafer all the way back freshman year of high school. Both of us decided to try out for the baseball team at East High School. We made the team, but unfortunately we did not really play all that much. We made sitting on the bench and hanging out at practice a great time though. After that year, we decided baseball wasn't for us so we began to hang out during school, sneaking off campus to get lunch at Burger King and Casey's Pizza. After high school, we went our separate ways but still found times to hang out. Whether that be cruising around Bloomington and Indy or going up to Fort Wayne to have some fun. Either way, he has been a real one since that first baseball practice.
Coleen Davis
Maid of Honor
I met Coleen in seventh grade through cheer, and we quickly became friends. Our bond grew even stronger when she became my back spotter, and I knew there was no one I trusted more for this responsibility. Later, we became roommates, and our friendship only grew closer. Coleen is loving, caring, and so much fun to be around, while always being empathetic and supportive. I’m incredibly grateful to call her my friend and to have her as one of my maids of honor.
Ryan Collins
Best Man
I met Ryan by sheer Facebook luck when I was searching for a house up in Indy since I was moving to finish out college at what used to be IUPUI. I still remember the day I pulled up to the house to get a tour. When I walked in, I saw a case of Modelos and I knew this was the place for me. After I moved in, Ryan and I began to talk about all the random engineering things you can think of. One of these was Magic the Gathering: a trading card game. I had no idea of what I was getting into. I told him I remembered having a little collection that was handed down to me. From then on, we began playing Magic all of the time and having a ton of fun trying out all kinds of different things. All the while finding the meaning of life (lol jk). On a serious note though, we got to know each other some more and I never knew that I would find one of my best friends out of the blue in Indy.
Taylor Young
Maid of Honor
I met Taylor at the end of sixth grade thanks to my mom inviting her over after a field day at Southside Elementary — and we’ve been inseparable ever since. She is now my longest-standing friend! We cheered together and shared the same interests in school, especially biomed. Taylor is incredibly smart, grace-filled, and empathetic, always showing kindness to everyone she meets. I am so thankful to have her be my second maid of honor but most importantly, one of my best friends.
Leyton Shaw
Groomsman
I met Leyton before Carly and I actually began dating when she asked me if I could take him and his brother, Rylan, to Taco Bell. Once we got to Taco Bell, he asked "So who's this Tyler guy? I heard he is hot". Ever since then, we basically became brothers and have gone out hunting, riding dirt bikes or whatever he has cooked up in his garage. We have also gone out and camped in near 0 degree weather with some of his buddies. Leyton quickly became one of the best brothers that I could have ever asked for.
Sierra Botts
Bridesmaid
I met Sierra during my senior year of high school, and I always thought she was beautiful — but after getting to know her, I realized she was even more beautiful on the inside. Sierra may be quiet, but she has a heart that cares deeply for others. While her soft-spoken and reserved nature may sometimes cause her to be overlooked, behind it is an incredibly talented woman whom I truly admire and aspire to be more like. I am so grateful to share one of the most special days of my life with her.
Rylan Shaw
Groomsman
I met Rylan the same way I met Leyton: on the way to Taco Bell. However, I remember a different memory of him earlier on. I am a passionate powerlifter. One day, Rylan told me he wanted to start hitting the gym more seriously and stop focusing on soccer as much. Of course, I told him that would be the best idea because I loved the gym. Fast forward about 3-4 months, and this dude got jacked out of pure dedication to the grind and love of the gym. Another memory we have is all of the times we would sneak off while at his house and kick on Overwatch or some random game. We would have a blast hanging out while Carly was off doing something upstairs lol. There are many more memories Rylan and I have made, but he is another brother that I am so thankful to have been blessed with in my life.
Sydney Dickey
Bridesmaid
I met Sydney the summer before my senior year, and we bonded over dancing and clicked instantly at Holiday World (lol). Our friendship has always been effortless — no matter what I’m going through, Sydney is steady, reliable, and someone I can always turn to without judgment. Weeks may pass, but our connection always picks up right where we left off. She’s fun, easygoing, confident, and non-judgmental. When I need serious advice, I know I can go to her without hesitation. I’m so grateful to have her by my side to dance the night away and support me every step of the way.
Neal Shaw
Groomsman
I met Neal, shortly after dating Carly, at a family dinner. Neal and his best friend, Levi, came to join the fam for dinner and I just happened to be there. Immediately, I knew we would be great friends. Neal's energy and competitiveness had the whole room moving and laughing. As we got to know each other from the holidays and what not, Neal and I became close. It was always a blast whenever I heard he was coming up or down to Columbus to visit. We always ended up playing some kind of game like Pickleball and just having those fun summer nights. Neal has grown to be like the older brother I never knew I needed, but am so thankful I got in my life.
Ary Ryals
Bridesmaid
I met Ary in college. We realized we had both grown up in the same town when we recognized each other in our first chemistry class, but it wasn’t until our second chemistry class that our friendship truly solidified. That semester was very challenging, and Ary was there for me during the hardest time of my life — never judging me and supporting me through it all. This friendship was unexpected but has become one of the best I’ve ever had. Ary is hardworking, understanding, and a total boss babe. She always listens and never judges, even when you need to rant or cry. I’m so thankful she said yes to being one of my bridesmaids and for being there for me in both the hard times and the most special moments.
Nick Hodapp
Groomsman
I met Nick one day while working at the Chipotle in Indy. I was pretty new to this Chipotle at the time, but was working my usual night shift and Nick had just been hired on to be another closer. I began to work with Nick a lot over the next year, and we began to find that we had a lot of things in common, like gaming and our love to DoorDash lol. The following summer, one of my roommates at the time had decided he was planning to move out and we needed another roommate to fill the spot. So I tossed the idea to Nick. Basically the next time I saw him, he was ready to move in. He is now one of my roommates and one of my closest friends, who is always down to try a new game out with me.
Abby DeTray
Bridesmaid
I met Abby at a Cru gathering, and she has been a true friend throughout my college years. When many college friendships fell through, she was always there — joining me for Bible Study, church, and just being a supportive friend. Abby cares deeply for the people she loves and always finds a way to put a smile on my face. She’s positive, fun, and down-to-earth. I’m so thankful to have found a forever friend at Ball State and to now share one of the greatest moments of my life with her.