Christina & Austin
June 26, 2021 • Big Arm, MT
Christina & Austin
June 26, 2021 • Big Arm, MT
Wedding Party
Bridesmaids
Miriam Bender - Maid of Honor
My younger sister Miriam has been in my life for as long as I can remember - and I wouldn't have it any other way! We are really close in age, very different in looks, and contrasting in personality. Yet this is part of what makes her so special to me. Her strengths are my weak points, and I can always learn so much from her. Though we constantly butted heads as kids, Miriam has always been here for me through thick and thin — and she was always going to be my Maid of Honor.
Katie Cleven - Bridesmaid
Katie was one of my very first friends at college — we lived on the same floor and were both placed in the infamous Foundations class our freshman year. College life took us different directions after that year, but we clicked back together in the middle of our senior year (following a sports injury). God really does work all things out for good — Katie and I restarted our weekly tea/coffee dates, and we've grown ever closer over the years. She's one of my truest friends, and she's helped me overcome during some of my darkest days. I'm a stronger and better person with her in my life.
Alyssa Buzzell - Bridesmaid
I find it too funny that Alyssa's and my first impressions of each other were along the lines of, "This girl is so cool! I want to be friends with her." She and I met in college, and we both came to Wisconsin from the Pacific Northwest. I love how open, honest, and chill she is on just about anything. ("My name is pronounced "ah-LI-shah", but it's spelled like Alyssa... I don't know what my parents were thinking.") She is the one gal who really helped me come out of my shell and become more spontaneous. We've laughed and cried through the years together, and I can't imagine my life without her.
Bekah Ungemach - Bridesmaid
My one and only ginger sister! Bekah and I becoming college roommates our senior year was totally a God thing. I was an RA for single housing dorm rooms, and she was going to be one of my residents. Suddenly, the college converted that floor to office space, and we were ousted from the floor! I was assigned to some campus apartments, but I now needed a roommate. Fortunately, Bekah and I had great bonding time during Superbowl XLV (Go, Pack, Go!) and campus ministry retreats, and I knew we'd get a long swimmingly. Since then, our special ginger bond has only grown stronger, and I'm delighted to have her as a bridesmaid.
Kailyn Larger - Bridesmaid
My new little-sister-to-be, I have loved getting to know Kailyn during these last 2 years! She's a college student and spends much of her time now in Savannah, Georgia. When she and I get together, you might see us taking pictures of whatever strikes our fancy, popping into local shops and boutiques, or diving into one creative project or another. She and her mom, Lori, introduced me to paper making this past year, and they've gotten me completely hooked! Kailyn is such a soft, warm ray of sunshine in my life. Our life experiences have had many parallels, and I feel close to her despite the gap in our ages. I look forward to our relationship growing even more.
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Attendants
Lauren Willitz - Attendant
Lauren is a breath of fresh air— my best Montana friend. She and her husband had just moved to Montana when I moved back from Japan in 2018. (Lauren is the wife of Pastor Noah Willitz, the man who will hopefully be officiating this wedding! They are expecting their second child this June. If the timing is right, you'll be able to meet all four of them.) Lauren has given me the freedom to be unabashedly myself, especially with the personal growth and challenges I've faced since returning to Montana. She has given me boundless grace and understanding, always meeting me with an open door and an open heart. She's also one of the funniest people I know; you're bound to hear her bust up laughing, and getting others to laugh with her, at any gathering. I treasure her deeply and will miss her terribly when I move out to Ohio. I can't wait to see where God takes our friendship in the future.
Alejandra Acosta - Attendant*
If it weren't for Alejandra, I don't know if I ever would have met Austin. She and I met in 2015, not too long after I arrived in Toyohashi, Japan. We were part of a really great group of local expats, and she broke through my occasional shyness with wild abandon. She eventually convinced me to model for her photography, and it was one of the most rewarding and fun experiences I've ever had — this woman makes me look incredible! She quickly became one of my best friends in Japan. Because of her, a dating app somehow wound up on my phone, Austin's profile somehow got sent to my inbox, and I had many more fantastic reasons to come see her in Hamamatsu. I wouldn't be here today without her sweet friendship! Unfortunately, Alejandra will not be able to attend due to travel restrictions to and from Japan. We will truly miss her on this special day!
* Couldn't attend the wedding.
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Groomsmen
Benjamin Borton - Best Man
We've been best friends since middle school and have done so much together, from winning a Halloween costume contest or a corn hole tournament to participating and leading many of the same clubs. Ben was one of the few friends to visit me whilst in Japan and I daresay the only one whose primary purpose was to genuinely enjoy time together. I'm truly blessed by his friendship.
Alex Kroger - Groomsman
Friends since freshmen year at OSU, we lived on the same floor and were in the Engineering Scholars progam together. Sophomore year forward we had a shared house, and later an apartment before graduation. Alex has always been a kind and cheerful guy. He and his twin, Dan, both came in kluch at the last moment surprising me by being able to attend the wedding and happily stepping up to be groomsmen!
Dan Kroger - Groomsman
Dan is Alex's twin and an equally amazing guy. We became friends freshmen year at OSU and later lived in the same shared house. It's honestly hard to find him or Alex not joking or smiling. We attended church together on campus and would have good discussions together about being a son of God. What's better Dan, Alex, Christina, and I are all currently attending CSG church in Troy, OH!
Andrew Bender - Groomsman
Brother-in-law to be, Andrew and I see eye to eye in a number of areas. He's a man of God, son of logic, and a caring older brother. We had the pleasure of touring a sake brewery in Japan and taste testing to our heart's content! I look forward to sharing more drinks together as family.
Fausto Rivas - Groomsman*
Friend and brother in Christ, Fausto has always had my back. We got to know each other through Awaken Church and men's study in Columbus. He helped me to get a job out of college, always graciously opens his doors to me when I visit, and continually sets a godly example of what a husband and father looks like. His fellowship is humbling.
Alexander Appell - Groomsman*
"Zan" is the man! We met in Japan, and he brings such levity to life. Outgoing and determined, he draws out and complements qualities I sometimes lack. Whether teaching university students or celebrating a local festival we've had some really good times. Most importantly, without him I wouldn't have met Christina. I'm forever thankful.
Sven Zurek - Groomsman*
Can you guess he's German? Yet, he'll be traveling from Japan to make this wedding (hopefully)! His girlfriend, Alexandra, was pivotal to Christina and I meeting. I enjoy our cultural discussions and I'm so happy we've become friends. You couldn't ask for a more chill and earnest guy.
* Couldn't attend the wedding.
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Flower Girls
Kaitlyn Carpenter - Flower Girl
Cousin of the Bride; Daughter of Chris and Melissa Carpenter.
Opal Buzzell - Flower Girl
Little Friend of the Bride; Daughter of John and Alyssa Buzzell.