Alyssa Janss

Maid of Honor

Alyssa and I met back in our sophomore year of high school and have memories spanning across many different seasons including playing on the same high school basketball team, working as veterinary techs together in college, and lots of late night college study sessions turned sleepovers. One time during a sleepover I rolled in my sleep and nailed Alyssa in the face with my elbow, and a black eye soon followed. Life has changed a lot since high school, but Alyssa has consistently been a priceless friend, one who seeks to see people deeply, encourages others with what she knows, and has a certain dry sarcasm that I find quite charming. Honored to have her up there with me! 

Bryan Vander Zouwen

Groomsman

Bryan is one of my longest friendships on this list, and has been one of my dearest for the past 8 or 9 years. We met when I first moved to Louisville back at the end of 2014, and were sort of brought together through the happenstance of being the only people approximately our age at church for a while. What a gift that has been. We’ve shared countless late 2AM walks (the best time for a good conversation), we’ve hiked sections of the Appalachian trail, and we’ve slept along some pretty sketchy hotels & highways in Colorado. Bryan was also my co-conspirator in many an elaborate prank and party in Louisville, and his friendship has played no small role in the person I am now.

Keily Meador

Bridesmaid

I met Keily freshmen year of college and proceeded to misspell her name for a couple months after. One time Keily and I went on a hike, my directional abilities led us on a 4 mile loop as opposed to a 1.5 mile hike. She’s been a friend that has taught me how to fight for rest amidst life not going according to plan. Our friendship has been a meaningful bouquet of enjoying creation together, prayer walks, and long ranting phone calls. Keily showcases steadfast hope in long suffering and that has been something I have learned from and deeply respect in her. My wedding day wouldn’t make much sense without her there!

Luke Sees

Groomsman

I’ve know Luke pretty much my whole life, so he takes the award for oldest friend in this lineup. We did a lot of growing up together, figuratively and literally. From the spider hunts and building projects in our Cedar Rapids basement, to learning about conflict resolution on our living room stairs, to basketball courts and new high schools, we’ve shared some pretty formative experiences. Luke is intentional, faithful, and one of the most creative people I know, and his songwriting abilities make me equally jealous and proud. I’m so thankful to call him my big brother, and to have him beside me on my wedding day. 

Kat Randall

Bridesmaid

Beth has been a present influence and encouragement in my life since day 1. Being 10 years older than me I feel lucky to have grown up always with the shelter and advice of someone who has gone before me. I remember the phone call where Beth asked me outright if I had feelings for Ethan. I denied it, but a sister always knows. Beth is someone who is both highly capable to accomplish juggling the responsibilities of life and is also deeply loyal to the commitments she’s made. She taught me how to say yes to things and when to say no. I admire her character, her parenting, her creativity, and her faith. Thanks for doing this with me sis 

Matt Bradford

Groomsman

Matt & I met when I first joined the Well back in 2020, shortly after I moved to Arizona at the beginning of Covid. I remember feeling like Matt was someone I could just feel comfortable around from the start, and he made me feel welcome when I needed it most. We took a last minute photography trip to Telluride that fall, and I got to see just what a quality human this guy is. Years, lots of coffee, and a couple particularly romantic Valentines Days later, Matt took the brunt of my intense monologues & turmoil just before the start of my relationship with Gracie on our drives to and from work. He’s been a faithful friend through it all, even spending days off driving 6 hours to help plan my proposal, then photographing the real thing weeks later. Matt is to credit for this wedding as much as anyone, and I’m so grateful to have him in my life. 

Emily Marble

Bridesmaid

Roommate situations change often in your 20’s Emily holds my longest standing roommate contract of 2 years only to be broken by her getting married. Our friendship has been marked by going to the grocery store, debriefing our days in the kitchen, watching New Amsterdam in the living room, and coffee shop devotional times. Emily has taught me a lot about life and how to faithfully steward responsibilities while still holding abundant joy. Emily exemplifies hospitality and her deep relationship with the Lord fuels the way she loves others. If you’ve ever had Emily cook you a meal you know what I’m talking about. I’m thankful for the years of friendship we’ve had together and am honored to have her be a part of my wedding!

Mike O'Rangers

Groomsman

I think Mike O’Rangers has been one of the easiest close friendships I’ve ever had. Mike is endlessly positive, deeply servant hearted, and just simply a joy to be around. I don’t even really remember how we became friends; it just happened. Mike’s inexplicable ability to not take life too seriously, but get entirely fired up about a new idea with me, is just kinda my favorite, and has been super fun in the recent development of us becoming coworkers in marketing at Showit. Those shared projects and daily carpools have been a blast. Getting a front row seat to his relationship and marriage has been a lesson in sacrificial love, and the counsel, listening ear and accountability he’s offered in my relationship with Gracie has been invaluable. 

Jordan McGeehon

Bridesmaid

Growing up I always prayed that whoever married Timo would become a best friend of mine. The Lord is kind. Jordan joined our family a little over a year ago and I’ve been continually blessed by her care for others, her desire to know the Lord more, and her skills of negotiating a Facebook marketplace deal. Getting to be both sisters and neighbors during this season of my life has been such a gift. Jordan is someone who thinks deeply about life, people, and the Lord. She is thoughtful when she speaks and quick to offer a helping hand or a listening ear. For Thanksgiving this past year she made a key lime pie, and it may be my new favorite thing. She’s a sister I am truly thankful for and can’t wait to continue doing life together. 

Timo McGeehon

Groomsman

When I first visited Desert’s End Church, Timo was the first person I remember approaching me. He immediately made me feel like I had a friend, and consistently helped me get connected in a uniquely genuine way. While I immediately respected Timo’s thoughtfulness and kind way he sees those around him, it’s been so fun to get to see this friendship grow, and over the past year he’s made me feel like family. I can learn a thing or two from Timo about generosity, dedication to scripture and appreciation for beauty in the world, and I can’t wait to call him, officially, a brother. 

Annaliese Storto

Bridesmaid

Annaliese is someone that in a short amount of time has quickly become one of my best friends. She has consistently been someone who affirms and draws out the parts of me I’m not sure of, both ministering to and celebrate with me. So many of my memories with Annaliese include sitting on my bedroom floor praying, crying, talking, or laughing. She engages with the friendships in her life with intentionality and kindness. I got to be her roommate when she started seminary and watching her tackle it with her gifting for language learning and commitment to the word was so encouraging. I’m so excited for your life and where the Lord will take you and Gage and your growing family!