Semaiah Kierstead Rye - Maid of Honor
Semaiah’s name means Happy’s Miracle because our mom couldn’t have kids after me. I prayed for 8 years to have a younger sibling and God healed my mom and gave us Semaiah! She is one of the biggest blessings in my life as she brings her spunky and fun personality into everything we do which is one of the reasons she is one of my best friends. We love teaching taekwondo together, traveling and game nights. Semaiah has been a huge help in planning this wedding!
Trinity Kierstead - Maid of Honor
Trinity is the youngest of the Kierstead’s but a very important part! She completes the Kierstead girls trio (hints the name Trinity). Trinity is my traveling buddy! We love taking adventures together, including flying to New Mexico to move Garret to Florida. Though we are eleven years a part (which allowed me to be her history teacher her 8th grade year) she is one of my best friends!
Rachel Kierstead - Bridesmaid
Rachel joined our family in 2017 when she married my brother Isaac. We have loved having her in our family! She is incredibly talented and it is amazing to watch her use her gifts for the Lord!
Hayley Mowatt - Bridesmaid
Hayley and I met in 6th grade choir at First Baptist Merritt Island. Our friendship blossomed as we traveled the country with the Jubilation Student Choir. We were always roommates and always had the best time together! Over the years, our bond has only deepened as we’ve navigated life’s milestones. Hayley is one of the most loyal people I know. She has stood by my side through middle school, high school, college, and into adulthood—and now, she stands by my side as I get married.
Taite Cowart - Bridesmaid
e and I first met at VBS at First Baptist in elementary school, bonding over our inside scoop on the snack of the day, thanks to our families volunteering in the kitchen. Our friendship grew stronger through youth events and cherished Independence Day traditions. Taite is the friend I turn to for wisdom—the one who’s always there to cry with me, celebrate with me, and support me through every moment.
Nicole Wong - Bridesmaid
Nicole and I met in Jubilation, the youth choir at First Baptist. We grew closer as we traveled across the United States and served as youth leaders in college. Nicole loves board games, and we’ve shared so many laughs as she’s taught me countless games (Ticket to Ride is definitely a favorite!). I always enjoy discussing God with Nicole because of her incredible wealth of knowledge. She is such a kind and thoughtful friend!
Elizabeth Cambell - Bridesmaid
have been so blessed to have Elizabeth as my cousin and to grow up alongside her! Some of my favorite childhood memories include her—from dressing up as shepherds in the Living Christmas Tree to playing on the Chick-fil-A playground, we’ve always had the best time together!
Sarah Fishbaugh - Bridesmaid
Sarah and I met in elementary school—or maybe even earlier. There are few holidays or special events we didn’t share together. I’ve always looked up to Sarah for her talent in basketball and volleyball, and I’ve admired how she always seeks God in everything she does. I’ll always cherish how she took the time to play those sports with me.
Annika Thomas - Bridesmaid
Annika and I met in the U.S. Chung Do Kwan Association and share a deep love for Taekwondo! We enjoy serving in the USCDKA together and spend many events laughing and kicking alongside each other. Annika is always so creative, making Taekwondo parties and any event so much fun with her unique touch and energy!
Amelia Kemmerling - Flower Girl
Amelia’s older brother started at Courageous Kicks when she was 2 years old, and she soon joined her siblings when she was 3. Amelia, along with her siblings Eli and Brynlee, trains hard and brings so much joy to me! Amelia is known for being a talker, and some of my favorite conversations happen when she’s riding in the car with me from Taekwondo to dinner. This sassy little girl has a heart for people, and I’m so thankful I’ve had the opportunity to be part of her life!
Hadleigh Cowart - Flower Girl
I will never forget the day I got to hold Hadleigh for the first time! It has been such a joy to watch her grow up. I love when she sees me and yells my name (I worked really hard to get my name as one of her first words!). It’s so fun watching my best friends become moms and getting to be part of their kids’ lives. Hadleigh is such a blessing to me!
Greyson Howell - Best Man
My brother Greyson has always been by my side, from childhood adventures to countless rounds of golf. Whether we’re competing on the course or just enjoying the game, he’s been my best friend through it all. I couldn’t ask for a better Best Man.
Isaac Kierstead - Groomsmen
Isaac is Happy’s brother, and they grew up as best friends! From countless games of basketball and volleyball to conversations that could last for hours.
Cameron Rye - Groomsmen
Cameron officially joined the Kierstead family when he married Semaiah. He and Garret instantly hit it off and have enjoyed many rounds of golf together ever since.
Tyler Cooper - Groomsman
Tyler is Garret’s cousin and the brother of another of Garret’s groomsmen, Ryan. Garret, Greyson, Ryan, and Tyler spent a lot of summer days together when Ryan and Tyler lived in Phoenix. It was always fun having the cousins close by!
Ryan Cooper - Groomsman
Ryan and Garret grew up as the “older” cousins. They always enjoyed family gatherings together, usually at Grandma’s house. They had fun swimming, playing tag, dodgeball, and any other games with the other cousins.