Taylor may share a last name with the bride, but that is not where she gets her title of Maid of Honor. She has been the bride’s built in bestie since day one. The sisters grew up being quite different from one another, but as they got older they found many common passions. While they have not always agreed on how tidy their room should be or if they should watch a hallmark movie vs literally anything else, they both can settle on the fact that science rocks, that Iowa does not, and that Colton and Hailey are meant for one another. She moved out to Sioux Center for a year to come spy on Colton just to make sure (if you ask her, she will tell you she moved for grad school).

Isaiah met the groom during their sophomore year of high school and they proceeded to start driving motorcycles. The groom elected for the Bullet Bike as Dry Bones and Isaiah drove behind him in the Magikruiser as Koopa Troopa (MarioKart Wii of course). Driving has maintained a key part of their relationship from delivering for FedEx to constantly living in a different state after high school. Despite Isaiah’s text response time and the necessity to always miss at least 1 turn while driving he is someone the groom connects with when they are in the same city.

Sofia and the bride have been friends since 5th grade recess. As you may imagine, they have experienced a lot of life together. From crushes and breakups to writing college essays and stressing over physiology exams, the pair have walked through the highs and lows. Even though they are fundamentally different human beings (with Sofia loving all things reading, singing, and indoors) their friendship has only thrived over the past 13 years. They went from getting in trouble for being too loud at 2 am during their sleep overs, to going to the same college so they could chat as late as they wanted. This relationship was built on and has been sustained by so much laughter, plenty of goofing around, and a few tears along the way.

Ben and the groom got to know each other during their engineering homework sessions freshman year, however a year earlier during their senior year of high school, they first met each other on the soccer field. Even though Ben’s team won, the groom wasn’t too upset because he scored a goal. Who would have known since that day their rivalry would continue, except this time on the racquetball court. Unfortunately, Ben also won the high stakes match saving his long locks from being cut and required the groom to shave his legs. Ben has tested the groom’s late-night stamina as they dove into many deep conversations when they should have been sleeping their senior year of college.

Grace was an unexpected gift in the bride’s life the past few years. Starting out with roomie status, she and the bride became quick friends. They share a passion for helping others and the Spanish culture. Grace is both a friend that can make everyone cry from laughing so hard, and one who is always ready to listen and encourage. You’ll be able to recognize her at the wedding, but not her last name because that will be changing earlier in the week! Her and her soon to be husband were fierce competitors in pool and bowling. (Well the boys were, these two enjoyed the quality time and laughs more than the competition).

Seth first met the groom as one of his advanced college math tutees. What a saving grace he was. The two grew to know one another during the study sessions, but quickly transferred their problem-solving skills into late night (or early morning) strategy games such as Villainous and Evlerdell (some of their favorite board games). Seth and the bride have some beef as he introduced the groom to one of his favorite pastimes, disc golf. Over the past few years of their friendship, the duo have talked discs for hours, played in numerous tournaments together, and shared excitement about the new discs they’ve bought.

Ellie moved to Colorado shortly after her and the bride became friends, but no matter, that was not the end of this friendship. This girl will light up your day with her enthusiasm for life. She kept the party rolling during the 26 hour drive from Iowa to Washington last summer (which she thought was only 7 hours when she signed up for the task). Ellie is down for whatever whenever, whether it’s a spontaneous visit followed by a Colorado adventure or a much needed FaceTime to catch up. She is a busy busy human being, but will always make time for the things that are most important to her.

Cody and the groom first found compatibility in the downstairs library at Dordt grinding away at homework for their engineering classes. Later they became roommates (despite their different sleep schedules). In their junior year at college, they began to excel in Spikeball matches at C^2, but their truest passions were found in the kitchen as they both enjoy creating and eating their masterpieces. Some of their most memorable dishes include parmesan chicken, cheesecake, and a crème brûlée that involved stealing a blow torch from the engineering bay to burn the sugar on top.

You may notice that Emily has the same last name as Colton’s best man. That is due to the fact that she came into the bride’s life because of Colton (with the help of his best man), and what a blessing it has been. She and Isaiah have been one stage of life ahead of the couple in dating, engagement, and marriage. She was so excited to hear that Colton had a girlfriend that she bumped up his rizz level. Emily welcomed the double dates and the spikeball/ cribbage competitions that ensued. Along the way, she provided support and encouragement that has had a lasting impact.

Micah was the last of the Ten Pas family members that the groom met, but that didn’t hinder them from connecting. He was quite easily won over by the groom’s knowledge of technology because he finally had someone in the house he could talk about Apple with. Micah has enjoyed having someone around who is willing to be as spontaneous as he is. He and the groom enjoy an Edaleen ice cream run with the dogs whenever the craving arises despite whether or not dinner is almost ready.