Since meeting in kindergarten, Kim and I have stuck together like PB&J. No really, I don’t know many friends who can say that they have been BFFs since grade school. We’ve been running around together for years. Our memories and experiences could fill an entire library of books. What I love most about Kim is how she stays true to herself, those around her, and most importantly, to the Lord. She is my earthly rock during the storms of life. She is the most selfless person I have ever met, and she has a passion for life that not many can match. There is truly nobody I feel more comfortable around, whether I am sharing what’s on my heart or laughing with her until my sides hurt. I am so privileged and deeply grateful to have Kim stand up for me as my Maid of Honor.
When I get the urge to embark on an adventure, Halley is the first person I call. From hiking Harney Peak, to geocaching in the middle of the night, to taking a summer long road trip to Yosemite National Park, Halley is my partner in crime. She is the most honest and loyal person I have ever met, sticking by me through some of the hardest times in my life. I have always thought of her as the best listener I know, as she knows when to offer advice and when to just let me vent. Her optimistic attitude and zeal for life continue to inspire me to pursue a journey of adventure and beauty. It is evident that her devotion to Christ is at the center of everything she does. I am honored to have Halley stand up for me as one of my bridesmaids.
Through the years I have seen Emily take on many roles – a kind daughter and sister, an author and poet, a devoted wife, and an excited new mother. But to me, Emily has been the most wonderful companion and friend. Our friendship is one of the most fulfilling that I have. We can be totally goofy and crazy one afternoon, and the next we can be having one of the deepest, most gratifying conversations. She lends her advice to me in the most articulate ways, especially when I need it most. I love her creative edge, whether she is writing, cooking, or sprucing up her new home. She continually inspires me to look at life from a different perspective. An unconditional love for the Lord is woven through every aspect of her life. It is my joy to have Emily stand up for me as one of my bridesmaids.
I first met Jaynee a couple summers ago at a music festival in Sioux Falls. After a short conversation we realized that we’d be going to the same university in the fall, so we exchanged phone numbers. And, like the saying goes, the rest is history. We instantly became lifelong friends. Her understanding and encouragement have no limits, and she greatly cares for those she loves. Jaynee is perhaps the only person who knows me completely. From my passions and desires to my deepest secrets, I can honestly tell her anything. She is a woman of God, full of life and devotion. Her love for music can only be matched by her love for Christ. I am so blessed to have Jaynee stand up for me as one of my bridesmaids.
My favorite place in the world is Yosemite National Park in northern California, and it just so happens that I met one of my favorite people here. Actually, the truth is that Yosemite found a very special place in my heart because of one girl, Miss Allie Litton. Since meeting on our first day of work at the Lodge swimming pool, Allie and I were literally inseparable. We did everything together, from backpacking and climbing, to floating down the Merced River and biking around the Valley. We worked the same days, had all the same days off, and even lived together in a tent cabin our second summer in the park. Allie is the most kind and generous person I know, always putting others before herself. Her laugh is contagious, and she is always up for any adventure. I have never gotten so close to someone in such a short period of time, and I am so thankful for such a beautiful friend. It is truly my pleasure to have Allie stand up for me as one of my bridesmaids.