The Wedding Party

Katie and I met while playing soccer in 8th grade. We got to go to the same high school two years later and became the best of friends! I even followed her to college our freshman year. Katie is the selfless, generous, kindest person I know. I am convinced no one has a bigger or more genuine heart. I am beyond blessed to have her in my life. Katie is resilient and despite life not always being easy, she is still the most compassionate and generous person I know. Katie has a gift of making people feel celebrated, special, and loved. Katie is marrying the love of her life a few short weeks before Stephen and me; so, at our wedding she will be Mrs. Rice!

Zach and I met, well, the day he was born. While he’s my brother because he has to be, he’s my best friend by choice. When I reflect upon my childhood, it’s hard to find a favorite memory where he has not been a part of it. And even though we no longer share the same room like we used to, we’ve never felt far apart. Zach has always been a loving, supportive brother and I’m extremely excited to have him be my best man at the biggest day of my life yet.

Stephen and I have fought over whose side Jamie will stand on at our wedding. We ended on her being Matron of Honor but standing on Stephen’s side. There isn’t anyone who knows us better as a couple. We often joke that she is the female version of Stephen, and if you have spent any time with them together you will instantly see how similar they are. Which is so lucky for me, because they are my two-favorite people. Jamie lives 5 hours away, which is hard. Instead of Stephen and I texting each other we end up just talking on our group chat with Jamie. Jamie is hilarious, kind, smart, hard-working, loyal, easy-going, and the best friend anyone could ever wish for.

If I’m being honest, I knew I wanted to be Tyler’s friend pretty much instantly. Whenever I hit a rough patch, Tyler was always there to remind me of what I needed to hear most: relax. Tyler is by far one of the most easy-going people I’ve ever met and it’s extremely refreshing. Whenever I find myself struggling, he’s one of the first people I talk to. It’s an honor to have him as one of my best friends and a part of our wedding.

Our parents have told us that when I was born, Sara wasn’t too fond of me. However, as the years passed I believe I grew on her. Our relationship went from her throwing objects into my crib to us bonding over tying Zach down to a chair while the parents were out. While we didn’t get heavily involved into each other’s personal lives, we always knew that we had each other to talk to and seek advice from. In fact, Sara was one of the first people I talked to when I decided I wanted to propose. I’ve always admired and respected her opinions and she’s turned into one heck of a wife and mother. She’s been there for me throughout my life and I know she always will be. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better sister.

Josh and I met while attending CSU but didn’t really become friends until years later. At a point in my life where I felt lost, I reached out to him. I quickly found out that Josh is one of the best men you’ll ever meet. At first I was a little skeptical as I thought that no one is actually this sincerely friendly and loving but, the more you time you spend with Josh, you’ll realize he truly is that amazing. Josh helped me find purpose and his friendship has been unending—I’m extremely blessed to call him a friend.

Ashley and I have been friends since 2nd grade. Ashley has been there through the best and worst times of my life and has never faltered in standing by my side. Everyday when we got home from junior high, we would call each other, make bagel bites, and watch Gilmore Girls together over the phone. We would sing karaoke in her basement and gush about our crushes. In high school we walked through heartbreak, life struggles, girls’ trips, and growing up. Ashley makes me a better person; she is my favorite person to go out on the town with and will always be there for a phone call or a movie day. Ashley is hilarious, fun, wild, caring, brave, and a wonderful friend.

You often hear of horror stories when moving in with a roommate you didn’t previously know but that wasn’t the case at all with Zach. Almost immediately after moving into an apartment with some mutual friends, Zach and I became best friends. Throughout our remaining college years, I knew I had someone I could rely on and someone who I could talk to. College wasn’t the easiest ride for myself personally and I don’t know where I would have ended up if it weren’t for him. I will always be grateful for his friendship (aaand for putting up with the non-stop shenanigans we’d pull on each other).

I met Rachel while leading YoungLife at Webber Middle school. It wasn’t long after we met that I thought, this girl is someone I must be friends with, at that point she couldn’t have been more than 14 years old. Since 2011 we have laughed, walked through several tough disappointments, dealt with heartbreak, and went on a 7-day backpacking trip along the Continental divide (crazy for me I know). We have also celebrated many victories and milestones; I graduated college, she moved from middle school to high school then graduated, she got into nursing school, I transitioned to several jobs, and she has grown into one of the most incredible people I know. When I was her youth group leader people often thought I was a mentor to her, however I would say that without a doubt Rach taught me more than I ever could’ve taught her, she loved me in such a genuine pure way and it made all the difference. There were many times when I would call her for advice, and she would approach me with love and truth. She is kind, loving, wise, intelligent, hardworking, genuine, and a woman after God’s own heart.

Jordan and I met while playing in a local inline hockey league on Sunday nights. At the end of each season I would announce my rankings of my favorite teammates and Jordan averaged a solid ranking of #2 throughout our multiple seasons—very impressive. He quickly became part of our usual crew and started joining us for our Traditional Thursday outings. His deep voice will deliver unexpected one-liners guaranteeing a solid laugh every time. Jordan’s continuous generosity and willingness to help has always blown me away. He truly is a great friend.

I met Liz Rillo when she came to a small discipleship group that I was in. She was the coolest girl, with awesome style, hair, and a stellar laugh. She instantly made me feel loved and has a way of making anyone feel welcomed and cared for. Liz has impacted my life, she provides wise counsel, always there to listen and support, and she works to be exceptional in every facet of her life which is very inspiring. Liz enters everything with the mindset to give 100% and bless others while doing it. She is a blessing to her workplace, friends, church, and anyone she encounters. I feel so grateful that both Stephen and I have Liz as our friend.

When we were kids, I was told that Jon was always looking up to me and, therefore, I needed to make wise choices. Considering the lack of such choices I made as a child, I have to say I’m impressed with just how far Jon has made it. Jokes aside, it’s hard to believe but the cousin I spent all those prank-filled Missouri summers with is not only a husband but also a father. I was excited to be a part of his big day and I’m equally excited to have him be a part of mine.

I had a friend crush on Camille before I even met her. I was putting together a small discipleship group with a dear friend and wanted to invite Camille. I remember being so excited when I heard she was coming. From the beginning Camille instantly treated me like a close friend and now she is truly someone I can count on to love me and tell me truths. Camille is a nurse and a marathon runner… not just any marathons, this year she is running the Leadville 100. Holy crap. She is so inspiring not only in the way she lives her life but in how she supports and lifts up others. She also has an amazing marriage and I am lucky to have her for advice in this new journey we are about to embark upon.

Tory was one of the handful of Elizabeth’s friends that I met early on at the Rockies game. I say “the” because this was no ordinary Rockies game. This was the game where I had agreed to meet over ten of her best friends… at once. After a while, we realized that us four (Elizabeth, Jamie, Tory, and I) created the dream team for couples’ game night. In fact, it simply became a given that we’d have a game night each and every weekend. And while that tradition did fade when Tory and Jamie moved to Meeker, our friendship has not. Having spent so much time with Tory, I’ve been able to witness some of the best qualities a husband should have. Besides my mother and my beautiful soon-to-be wife, he has more patience than anyone I know (which is a must with Jamie).

I met Kristina in college because she was roommates with my friend Ashley. Our junior year of college Kristina and I would hang out every weekend, sometimes twice in one weekend. She was always up for a shopping adventure, a night on the town, a casual Sunday brunch, or a glass of wine and an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. I have so many great memories with Kristina it is hard to know where to begin. Since then she has gotten married to the love of her life, which I got to stand by her for, has had two beautiful children, who Stephen and I adore, and has really grown into such a strong wonderful woman.

Garrett and I met at Medical Sales College, during a 9-week Spine, Joint Reconstruction and Trauma course where we learned all about the Medical Device Industry. Once we graduated, we both pursued jobs with DePuy Synthes Spine, earned the positions, went to spine school at the Johnson and Johnson Institute in Massachusetts, and now we are in the trenches together at work. Garrett saw me through so many breakdowns, both personally and professionally. Garrett and I talk on the phone almost everyday and I truly do not think I could get through my job without him. Our job is a lifestyle and truly so hard. Garrett is the smartest person I know, so funny, gracious, humble, and kind. I am so lucky I found one of my best friends while pursuing my dream career.

Brittany and I met when we were placed onto the same WyldLife team, which is a young group that is specifically geared towards middle schoolers. I can honestly tell you that I never would’ve thought I could’ve loved someone so much who is so incredibly different than me, but Brittany is living proof. We laugh all the time about how we are complete opposites but such great friends. Brittany challenges me in the best ways, she helps me become a better version of myself all while accepting me 100% for who I am. She has been there to shake my shoulders when I made poor decisions and cheer me on when I needed it. For years I got graced with the presence that is BQ and it truly did change my life. I am so blessed to have her there on the day I get to marry the love of my life.

Kyle is my oldest friend, we met in Kindergarten! In high school he got me through physics, and he was the brother I never had. In college we lived together, and it was one of the best times of my life. Kyle is the most authentic person I know, he is transparent with who he is, loyal, kind, and such a good man. Kyle was there for me in a time in my life where I pushed everyone away, he was a persistent friend even when I did not deserve it. This year we get to be in each other’s weddings only 8 days apart.

We met Heather because she started dating one of our favorite guys, Tyler. When I first met her I remember thinking how she was so nice, enthusiastic, and excited. I thought at first that maybe she was just trying to get Stephen and I to like her. As the weeks went on I discovered that Heather is always nice, and excited/enthusiastic. Not only about Star Wars, Tyler, and a solid scoop of ice cream, but about life, and loving people around her. Heather is the real life example of “give you the shirt off [her] back” type of gal. She fights for those around her, and loves so tangibly and intentionally. I am so blessed to be able to see Heather every Thursday night, and usually Mondays too, during football season when all our boys get together. Heather is the friend I never knew existed, and one I know will last forever through all the ups and downs. Big shout out to Heather as well because apparently on her and Tyler’s first date he told her that Stephen was going to propose to me, and Heather did an awesome job of seeing me a lot and not blowing the surprise. Love you Heather, you are a one in a million type of gal and friend.

Crystal and I met… probably at an inline hockey game? I actually don’t think I remember the exact moment. I do remember hearing about Crystal before I met her. Crystal is dating Jordan who played hockey with Stephen (you can read his bio above). Before I met Crystal she was already friends with Stephen, I would see them snapchatting, and snapchat chatting(?), and thought she was way too pretty and maybe felt a little jealous…worried… I don’t know, but come on, just look at her! Anyways, once I met Crystal I was in love, she was so easy going, funny, kind, and beautiful on the inside and out. Crystal is part of the Thursday night crew as well and it is just the best to have a friend like her. She is always there to listen, support, and build you up whether you knew you needed it or not. I doubt I have ever spent more than 15 minutes with her without hearing her laugh, she is so joyful and lighthearted and man is it refreshing to be around her. She took me and Heather out for her birthday the night before Stephen proposed, and like Heather was a solid secret keeper! I am so thankful to have a friend like her. She also bought herself, Heather, and I matching rings this year which I never take off.