Fall 2006, I met Carson mid-conditioning circuit on the stall bars doing another brutal set of leg lifts at gymnastics practice. Shortly after, the depth of our pain was thankfully surpassed by that of our friendship. We grew not only as teammates, but also as sisters (oreo-siblings), becoming almost an extension of one another, attached at the hip, and a part of each other’s family’s. Throughout middle school, high school, infinite hours of blood, sweat, and tears at practice, laughter-filled sleepovers, wakeboard Wednesdays, sunburnt beach days, and countless trips to the mainland for competitions, we became increasingly aware of our underlying similarities, at first often overlooked by the volume of our apparent differences. We understand each other often before we truly know ourselves, and I marvel at the honest, genuine, rooted in faith, vulnerable, and filter-free characteristics of our friendship. The years since moving away from Hawaii have only strengthened our friendship and sisterhood in Christ, and shown us the importance of intentionally loving one another despite the distance. We’ve gone through every stage of life thus far together - either in person, flying across the country to visit each other in college or crashing each other’s family vacations, through emoji-coded text messages, or hundreds of hours of FaceTime. She’s the one that every friend in college and grad school knew because I always talked about her. Carson this, Carson that… and when I also visited her I felt I already knew her world, her friends, her triumphs, and her struggles. She’s bold and courageous in how she loves others, even at 2am when I mess up the time zone calculation yet again calling over FaceTime. Each summer, on our last day on island before leaving for another year of college, we would hike the pillboxes together to watch the sunrise between the Mokuluas - jointly delighting in the joys and uncertainties of the start of yet another chapter of life unfolding before us (pictured above). I am honored and filled with overflowing happiness to be by Carson’s side as the sun rises on this next wonderful step in life for her. One word to describe Dan and Carson's relationship: Introspective

Carson was my first best friend! (Don't tell Erik) She acted as my teacher and guardian since the day I was born, and I'm such a compassionate person because of it. She made sure to set the bar high when we were growing up, challenging me to be the best version of myself I could. And, of course, I wanted to be just like her, a gymnast, a scholar. Carson was my example and guide, and then, when I finally chose my own path, my #1 supporter and I owe her everything because of it. One word to describe Carson and Dan's relationship? Caring.

Loyal. Kindhearted. Spunky! Enough about me...this is supposed to be about how I kind of know Carson. And trust me, you would know if she was in the room. It is not hard to miss. If it’s not her loud “inside voice,” then it may be her good nature to connect, laugh and stealthily psychoanalyze with you. But that’s just it, she has the spirit of having an open heart and willing mind as she tackles through life. And you know this chick, she’s a Tabiolo. As her older cousin/sister, with the help of her siblings, she has the ability to handle a “playful” punch to the arm or a “painless” football tackle to the ground. She may be in tears at times, but she is also laughing. In spite of it all, she still has the ability to find the joy and goodness in life, even though she is still dusting the dirt and possible blood off her knees. I am overjoyed that she has found her life-partner, with Dan, who can handle this tough carabao (filipino water buffalo). She may be, at times, an untamed buck-wild carabao, but there is no doubt that she has the grace, compassion and love to share a beautiful marriage with Dan and all that they both bring together. Congratulations Carson and Dan. Much aloha to you two and all the extended `ohana. Carsy! Here is my word… Ho`oponopono. Everything in its place and everything has a place. That’s how my kumu taught us how for live. Mahalo nui, Lil Cuz.

Dang. Too many memories to really describe. On the one hand, we’ve had our shares of wild nights out and crazy memories, complete with our unique dance moves (can’t forget the pommel horse routine! LOL). On the other hand, I can always count on you to talk about life’s issues with, from work to relationships to coaching to the psychology of life. We’ve really had a well-rounded, well-built friendship. As I always tell you, I am forever thankful that God brought you to Oahu and brought you to HITs (Hawaiian Island Twisters), and made you like gymnastics more than soccer so that you’d come back even after being out of the gym for a few months. What started as you being inspired by all of us “HITs gymnasts” turned in to you becoming one as well, and being a huge inspiration for me both through the rest of our gymnastics careers and then into college and adult life. Reminiscing the times of our clubbing days, remembering August 16, 2016 when you left Oahu for Chicago to begin your doctoral journey to become a psychologist, and seeing you now, not only less than a year out from graduating with your doctorate degree, but also about to say “I do” to the perfect man for you, I am just so glad and honored to be by your side, and continue being by your side through this next chapter in yours and Dan’s lives. If I had to pick one word to describe yours and Dan’s relationship, it would be RESILIENT. I think both of you as individuals are very resilient, and I know from what you’ve told me both about yours and Dan’s personal struggles in the relationship, you’ve had to be resilient in approaching the relationship from a very rational and logical point of view, and to that, I definitely think you guys have succeeded. I know starting out with him wasn’t easy for you, calling someone a boyfriend and all LOL, but I think you’ve become resilient in moving past your fears and doubts and learning how to wholeheartedly trust and love him in a way that not only makes you feel loved and supported, but also helps nurture you and grow you as a human being.

On paper, Carson and I should never have become friends. She was loud, outgoing, cool, and athletic. I was quiet, introverted, nerdy, and…I like to cook. But as we both started off the first year of our graduate program, Carson set to doing what she does best, making friends. In those first months she befriended me and another nerdy introvert who comes into the story later. In that first year we solidified our friendship on a foundation of countless hours spent sitting in the common area of her apartment building, reading, writing papers, and studying together. In the second year of the program, we both went through some dark times and our friendship deepened to one of mutual care and support. Also in that year, she pulled me aside in a literal outhouse on a camping trip to tell me that the introverted guy from earlier had asked her out and she didn’t know what to do about it. At the beginning of our third year in the program we moved into a little basement apartment together where we survived a week without running water, three floods, and three bug infestations along with all of the other natural disasters inherent in the process of getting a doctoral degree. During these years I bore witness to all of the ups and down, laughter, tears, fights, and making up of Dan and Carson’s growing relationship. I also got to watch as Carson challenged herself daily to grow in her faith, love, confidence, and self-understanding. Carson was a witness and faithful friend to me as well through all of my ups and downs. We have seen the best and worst of each other and stuck together through it all. She is also a true woman of God and her friendship has strengthened my faith many times. I trust her more than almost anyone. She is a sister to me. Not only did I gain a sister in Carson, but through my relationship with her I gained a brother in Dan. My friendship with him developed from an acquaintance through Carson to a real family bond that can stand on its own legs. I always told Carson, especially during rockier moments in their relationship, “You know if I ever had to choose between you and Dan I would always pick you.” But secretly, I’m really glad I will never have to choose. They both mean the world to me, and I couldn’t be more proud of them or grateful to get to be a part of their wedding day! My word to describe Dan and Carson’s relationship: Passionate

Carson is not only one of my dearest friends, but she’s also become a sister to me. From the moment we met during our first year of graduate school at Wheaton, we instantly became friends. Carson embodies the abundance of life – radiating the fullness of joy and love. She has an infectious laugh and always cracks me up with her jokes. From rock climbing to my first-motorcycle ride to hip-hop dance classes, late nights at Slippery Slope, and endless sleepovers, there is never a dull moment when we’re together. I am amazed by her depth, vulnerability, and courage. Carson has walked with me through some of my most challenging seasons. With compassion, trust, and encouragement, she shows up with honesty and transparency. She is a REAL one and always made me feel right at home. I’m so grateful to stand by her side on her wedding day! Most importantly, with moves like ours, we will be the first and last ones on the dance floor at the reception ;) A word to describe you and Dan's relationship: *The first things that came to my mind* 1) If it can be a phrase then: "built to last" 2) If its only one word then: "intentional"

Carson and I became friends quickly. Or to be more precise, I was invited to become her friend quickly and I accepted the offer. Perpetually friending, Carson soon expanded the relationship beyond myself to include my children and spouse, embracing them in the form of post-bedtime hangouts as well as the occasional babysitting role. And throughout the time I have known her, she has always been that person: inviting others to connect, to play, to grow together. Quick to laugh, and to cry, I have grown to appreciate her zest for life in both serious and hilarious moments. Whether it be spontaneously serious conversations about the latest wrestlings that come with being spiritually reformatted in a PsyD program, or taking the night off from being a professional conference attendee and enjoying the opportunity to explore a new city, Carson was there ready to journey and explore. Through these experiences I have grown to admire her heart for justice, her boldness in choosing to speak up even when tactically unsound, comfort with perpetually learning and growing, and commitment to listen and speak with rather than for others. Although being friends with me is pretty great, I am so happy that her friendship with Dan has blossomed into something deeper and more enduring. The random phone-calls with Carson have always been a delight, however the one that transitioned from racially-discriminating housing legacies to wedding discussion was especially memorable. I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to be there for my friend, and humbled to be asked to stand alongside of her during this moment. To paraphrase a brilliant musical, life being friends with Carson is not just changed for the better, it is changed for good. I wanted to choose a word that was true in three senses: for you, for him, and for y'all. One of the improvements of Texan on the English Language is providing a term for multi-person units, that can double as the "third" in the relationship that is usually awkwardly named and described by psychodynamic types. So the word I chose is: Anchoring. I think you two have given each-other the gift of acceptance, of a firm foundation, unconditional positive regard, challenge, companionship, encouragement, etc. And it has been so great to watch you both move from simultaneously being (a) terrified of relationships and (b) attracted to each other, to growing comfortable accepting the love of the other and transforming that mutual approach-avoidance into a central truth of life that has been visibly transformational in both of you.

I met Carson when we both began grad school at Wheaton. Almost literally from day one of the program, Carson has been a sister. Whether it's giving each other a hard time, bickering over college sports, locating free food on campus, finding good trouble, or processing life and talking about Dan, the last few years have been a blast! Though Dan also began grad school in our same cohort, he chose to be a bit distant and mysterious for the first few months. This made it rather difficult to get to know him at first, but once more opportunities arose, I quickly found out what an incredibly high quality man Dan is. I happily recall the conversations when both Dan and Carson were trying to figure out how they felt about each other. By that time, I had well-established friendships with both of them, and got to talk at length with both parties. While I would like to think I offered a small nudge in the right direction, I don't think much could stop them from being drawn to each other. Whether it's racing each other on the front lawn in between classes to settle an argument, or constantly joking with one another, they just fit. I would describe their relationship as "emotive" as both of them have strong feelings that can lead to their greatest moments as well as their challenges. All in all, they are two of the greatest people I know, and are made even better by being together.

Carson and I met our freshman year of college at Michigan State University, where we became instant friends, teammates, suite-mates and partners in crime. *GO GREEN!* We bonded over the similarities of having the “gymnast life” and the new adventures we would soon endure together, but our bond was strengthened through our differences. Carson being from Hawaii and myself from Metro Detroit, you could say we had a lot to learn about each other and the cultures we were brought up in and exposed to. The more I learned about Carson, the more I knew we were meant to be life long friends. Our friendship throughout our time at Michigan State was more than I could have ever asked for. If I were to describe all of Carson’s qualities as a best friend, I might need another page or two, so I will just list a few. Carson is my sunshine on a bad day, an active listening ear when I need to vent, my boss babe role model I look up to, a shoulder to cry on, the bravest person I know, a future Doctor (so describing her as “smart” just doesn’t cut it), and the best belly laugh when I need it. We complimented each other in so many aspects of our lives and it became the foundation of our friendship. Friendship is also putting it lightly, too, because I would consider Carson more of my sister. Carson lights up my life like no other friend has ever done. Her smile is infectious and it is dang near impossible not to be happy around her. I am grateful that our paths crossed at the time that they did, and for the connection we’ve had ever since. I am beyond honored to be one of Carson’s bridesmaid (especially because Carson has the ability to make friends with everyone and anyone, so it means a lot that she chose me to stand by her side)! So many memories were created through our time at MSU and I can’t wait to create more. From fall tailgates at the stadium, study sessions at “Club Smith”, our trip to Hawaii, and all of the struggles we endured - thank you for being the lychee to my pineapple, the sour belts to our movie nights, and the Shaka to all of our pictures together. Cheers to you and Dan, I love you guys! One word to describe Dan and Carson: Evolving

Daniel and I met when I was sixteen and he was a newborn. He was the youngest brother in my family, and we all quickly adjusted to having a new gunslinger in town. Though he couldn’t yet form words, he had a lot of opinions and was not reluctant to share them. Over the years he solidified his role as the boisterous talker of the family, with his pronouncements and near-endless list of questions. But he also developed a more thoughtful, introspective side, and it was on that level that Daniel and I connected the most. By the time Dan was in junior high and high school, I had moved away from home and our time together fell over vacations and holidays. We spent many late nights playing video games and talking, or taking walks along the lake and talking, or sitting over a fire and talking. Talking—and more importantly listening—became the thread that bound us together, and it holds to this day. One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Daring”

Dan and I met the day I moved into Fischer Dorm for football training camp our freshman year at Wheaton. He was one of my suitemates. I remember his shaggy long hair and carefree demeanor. He didn’t seem like a typical football player. As I got to know him my initial judgments would be confirmed over and over again. I had never met anyone that played the tuba at halftime while also playing in the actual football game. I didn’t know people still played the accordion and I definitely wasn’t ever friends with anyone who was the lead role in their high school musical. Dan is one of the most interesting persons I have ever met. He has a unique ability to connect with many different types of people, and he is intentional at turning those momentary acquaintances into lasting friendships. We were also roommates our senior year in college. We definitely had some spats but our friendship grew deeper because of them. With 5 years passing since graduation and many more hours of conversation about life, love, and Jesus, I still consider Dan one of my closest friends and confidantes. He has and will continue to be a major influence in my life. I am very grateful to know him. One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Proven"

I met Dan at Wheaton College where we enjoyed rooming together, being a part of the football team, and eating dumpster doughnuts. Dan has been one of my closest friends and confidantes ever since college. We have shared countless meals, arguments, adventures, drinks, bonfires, motorcycle rides, frustrations, and plenty of celebrations. One of my favorite things about Dan is how intentional he is; Dan does not do things half way. One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Spicy”

Daniel was the very first person that I met freshman year at Wheaton College. We were roommates and played football together. Through the years, Daniel and I have had many absurd and fantastic memories together ranging from urban exploring and climbing through castles in Macedonia, to hiking in the mountains in Washington, to spending hours playing strategy games. I always love our in-depth conversations about life and a wide range of other topics, usually involving some combination of coffee, pipe smoking, and/or bourbon. One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Lively”

Dan and I started our relationship with Dan not liking me, so that's interesting all things considered. As you can guess, that changed when Dan decided to grace me with his friendship and we've spent the last 9 years trying to navigate life together. Dan and I played Wheaton football together until some injuries stopped me from playing and I became a trainer on the team. I believe that our real friendship began through me helping him do deep groin stretches Tuesdays and Wednesdays before practice. We developed a deep bond in those years, and it was through that bond that we got each other to do a lot of dumb things and have spent the majority of our time together laughing. Whether it is New Year’s trips or quick calls on the way to work, Dan and I have stayed close and I cherish our friendship as deeply as I cherished those groin stretching sessions. One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Thoughtful”

Daniel and I met at church and have been friends for as long as I can remember. As kids, we stuck together at church and went over to each other’s houses to play outside and play video games. As we grew older and matured, we never did outgrow our friendship—rather, our friendship grew right along with us. Our conversations became deeper as we were challenged by the circumstances of life, and thankfully we have always been able to share freely with each other—even the unsavory parts of ourselves. Despite the geographical distance that our paths have put between us since college, we have remained in touch and—though it necessarily looks different than when we were kids—we continue to have each other’s back and ear. One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Honest”

Dan and I grew up in the same church. We knew of each other’s existence for much of our childhood, but didn’t really become friends until high school. Since then, the farther we have moved away from one another, the closer our friendship has grown, and that has a lot to do with how intentional Dan is with his proximity. I’m grateful for his kind heart, loyalty, and well-attuned ears, which have made it easy for us to pick up where we’ve left off, ultimately setting a precedent for other meaningful relationships in my life. One word to describe Carson and Dan's relationship: "Advocate"

I met Daniel shortly after he was born at the Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. It was a convenient excuse to get away from school next door where I was finishing up in the 8th grade. I've known him ever since - first as a brother, then increasingly as a friend. I remember quickly realizing how much Daniel rounded out our family as the youngest and most exuberant of us (hey Bub!). It's been a blessing to watch him grow in stature, strength, spirit, and wisdom and to think about how much is yet in store. Over the years, we've shared an affinity for fine foods from bologna to Ethiopian to Army rations, enjoyment of outdoor adventure, and the sometimes passion of photography. One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Strong”

I am the youngest of Daniel's older brothers. Daniel was a pretty bad brother for much of his youth. Then I moved back home after college and found that he wasn't so bad. In fact, we bonded over playing a lot of Nintendo64 Mariokart. Daniel is now a great little brother and I'm very proud of him. I've watched him grow in maturity, confidence, and in his ability to gracefully lose at Mariokart. One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Vibrant"

For one to understand Dan and I's relationship, to truly grasp the deep complexities of it, historical context must be given. Dan and I met during summer of 2011; The United States had just shuttered the doors of the space shuttle program, Japan was celebrating it's hard fought victory in the Women's World Cup, and Reeths-Puffer High School was reeling from the loss of a player who had brought their program four wins in four mighty years. That player was Daniel James Barnhart, who decided in the midst of the worldly chaos he was placed to take his talents to Wheaton College. It was there that I first noticed this behemoth of a man. Although we played on different sides of the ball, Dan and I quickly became friends through a wealth of shared interests, including Star Wars, strange musical sounds from the 80's, anything made before 1940, fried meats, fried breads, fried cheeses, books, fried books (?), nature, but ironically not football. Thankfully friendships do not last because of interests, but because of what I like to think of as God-given brotherly love. Dan has been a great friend to me for the last nine years. Throughout college we got to walk with one another, challenge and encourage one another, and celebrate each other’s successes. In the years since, although the physical distance has changed I have been greatly blessed by his friendship that has only grown through the many life experiences we have been able to walk thorough together. One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Extroverted”

Dan and I met as freshman at Wheaton College where we both played football. I remember meeting Dan on the football field at 6am for extra running because we both failed our conditioning test. Although I hated running that morning, I would do it all over again to become friends with a guy like Dan. Aside from being one of the funniest people I know, Dan is one deeply relational dude. While his leadership tactics are a bit dated (see one of my favorite pics) his questions, intentionality, and candor are truly one of a kind. Carson, you are marrying a man who is gonna work harder every day to be a better husband to you. Through good times and bad, Dan has been a true friend that I am forever grateful for. One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Passionate”

Daniel James and I met playing football together at Wheaton College. We were both hopeful and clueless freshmen on the Defensive Line getting pummeled every day at practice by the upperclassmen. Our relationship truly blossomed during our first offseason when we were paired up together to be "weightlifting partners" for the entirety of the spring semester. Dan basically taught me how to not be "soft" since he was a physical specimen, and I was an undersized and weak Defensive End. This was just the start of a beautiful friendship. For the remainder of our time together at Wheaton, I played an integral role in our house as the "Instigator", and Daniel was typically the receiving end of these practical jokes. For example... I had the brilliant idea of waking the sleeping giant with a bright light and loud music after a long day of classes and practice since he was the first asleep in the house. He preceded to thunder after me around our small house where I ended up barricading myself in my room before I felt the force of the angry and recently awakened giant. Life is a bit different now for both of us, but we continue our friendship with thought provoking long conversations over the phone and seeing each other whenever possible. Dan is one of the most thoughtful and inquisitive human beings I have ever met. He is going to be an incredible husband, and my life would definitely not be the same without him! One word to describe Carson and Dan’s relationship: “Passion”