Lily is Belle's older sister. She has been a space where Belle has learned that love is both a commitment and a place of rest. Lily has been a faithful friend, celebrating Belle and her dreams from a distance. She always finds a way to include Belle in her family life. When they’re together, you can usually find them trying a new restaurant or getting sushi. Loyalty is the grace Lily holds and extends to those she deeply values.

Eric and Drew met their freshman year through the college speech and debate team. They have driven from New Jersey to Spokane in three days together, played many board games both with and against each other, and have discussed innumerable books, movies, and series. Eric and Drew routinely chat about theology, life, and plan their next adventures. *Update: April 16th*- Their next adventure will officially be as doctoral students at Baylor, Eric in Philosophy and Drew in Theology.

This woman was basically assigned to watch Belle do seminary, both up close and from afar. Thank God for Rebecca connecting them! Laura has been a treasured companion in the whimsy of faith and fidelity to the Church, even when it isn’t always easy. She taught Belle how to bake vegan and gluten-free treats, as well as how to prioritize self-care and advocacy.

Asher and Drew became good friends during the 2020-2021 school year. They bonded due to Asher's incredibly funny one-liners and their shared love of fantasy, sports, and hijinx. Together, they put a pinata on the roof of one of the dorms, played too many rounds of frisbee golf to count, and even won an intramural championship playing volleyball.

Friends since 6th grade, though their relationship was initially forced, it grew year by year to be easy and fun. Aliyah has become a lifelong hometown friend, always ready and eager to hang when Belle ventures back. A faithful friend of many years and many trials, Belle is blessed to have had Aliyah by her side and to celebrate her through so many life changes from afar.

Eli is Drew's one and only younger brother, which allows him to remind Drew that he is thusly the favorite brother. Despite being almost eight years younger than Drew, Eli is "Stronger and better looking" or so he says. Eli and Drew enjoy playing games together and watching movies. Eli's favorite thing in the world is when Drew tries to snuggle him...

Abbey loves fiercely. From the first moment Belle stepped into Abbey's college dorm room and asked her where she got her piles of sweaters, Abbey did not hesitate to offer them to her liberally. "We have an open closet policy," is what she said. From there, they lived together for three more years. They had a habit of going on walks on Sundays and getting bagels whenever they could. Abbey taught Belle how to love without restraint, a love without boundaries. (Even though sometimes, hopping on Belle first thing in the morning wasn't exactly what she wanted.)

Sean and Drew also met in their first year in college through the speech and debate team. Their friendship truly blossomed when Drew moved into the same dorm as Sean and the scheming began. The two have planned haunted houses, played water polo, facilitated nerf wars, betrayed each other in board games, and eaten a lot of good food together. They even managed to score an entire Jan Term's worth of free badminton classes together (Sean destroyed Drew)

Belle's cozy friend who lets her love her sweet babes up close. What a joy it has been for Belle to meet Caroline during her time in Holland at Western. From bachelor nights to wondering if Drew and Belle were a thing, to letting them nanny together for a summer. Together with their sweet friends Tom and Ruth, they formed what they call "The Family"—wonderful people who have loved Drew and Belle into a playful and honest relationship with one another. A gift for Belle to have another Caroline in her corner.

Nick and Drew met through seminary when Drew sat down for his first class next to a guy playing speed chess online in the final few seconds before class began. Don't worry, he won. Nick is an avid Survivor and Detroit Red Wings fan, a great conversation partner, always ready for a good time, and the two have had fun serving as each other's biblical language TAs (Drew for Greek and Nick for Hebrew).

From TEDS to Waco, Lanie and Belle have stayed connected over their love for baking, thrifting, decorating, and the Midwest. They’ve had so many sleepovers filled with late-night writing and baking—the kind of friendship they told Belle was only for college, but somehow, they've found it many years later! Σε αγαπώ.

Marni Rae, or Marni, or Marndawg, or Marnacle, or Marnyard has been friends with Drew since their junior year of college. After undergrad, Marni and Drew lived together for two years along with Sarah, a time that Drew dearly cherishes. Marni and Drew have watched a ton of good shows and movies together, eaten a lot of delicious food that Drew had never tried before, and worked alongside each other for three amazing years.

The friend who lived next door. Thank goodness. Upon Belle's move to Waco into the lovely Partridge House with the most wonderful women, she was also blessed with this sweet companion. Caroline would come and ease long nannying days by helping to play with the girls or taking them on magical walks. They also consumed many, many, many cups of coffee together at their favorite haunt.

Drew and Sarah became friends when they were hired as Graduate Assistants for the chapel, along with Marni, and were told they would be living in the same house for two years. They connected through eating late-night snacks after worship services, planning retreats, and stacking too many chairs to count after chapel. Sarah is a truly goofy lady, an insanely talented chef, and a dear friend.

These sweet friends of ours told us they wanted to be involved in our wedding. They suggested they could be "junior bridesmaids," and we were informed that they didn’t "care" either way. But truly, we are so honored by their joy and their presence. These wonderful friends have been a light in our lives this season, bringing spunk, honesty, and reminding us that we should take time to play.