This is Maya! We met at Ballet Magnificat’s Summer Dance Intensive in 2018, and the rest is history. We have been mistaken for sisters, twins, or even the same person on multiple occasions, and has been one of my strongest supporters and sweetest encouragers. She knows me better than most, shares half the credit for this relationship, and she’ll never let me forget it :)

Will and I have known each other since 2019, and he’s actually been friends with Janie even longer than that. Even though it’s only been six years we’ve definitely had enough memories and adventures to last a lifetime. We’ve been roommates, we’ve destroyed ourselves in the gym, we’ve pushed each other to grow as men, and as Christians, and we’ve been there for each other through both the good times and hard times. He makes the choice for best man an easy one. He’s even one of the only two people who can rightfully take credit for setting Janie and me up in the first place. Overall, I couldn’t ask for a better man of God to be there for me on the big day :))

We met when I was around 7, and was the daughter of the pastor of the church my family attended. We were best friends, and not even moving to another continent could change that. We still talk about the best Barbie movies, now mixed in with the ups and downs of adulthood, books, and Star Wars. She is the definition of a friendship that time or distance can’t touch.

Cherie is one of my newest friends, and one of those people that God just sends you when you need them most, and you click immediately. She is a deep, intentional, and beautiful soul, and someone I can always rely on to have a listening ear. She keeps me sane and always laughs at my jokes :)

My first memory of Marguerite is when she was like 5, and we were dolls together in our studio’s Christmas performance. She is one of the few people in my life who can bring out my wild side, and most of the memories where I have laughed the hardest is when I’m with her. Our paths separated when we graduated high school, but she is one of those friends where we just pick up where we left off, even if it’s been awhile. And I still laugh just as hard. :)

The Janie of the past had no idea how much this person would mean to her when she and younger Ellie put sheets on our heads and ran around the dormitories of Ballet Magnificat’s Summer Dance Intensive. She inspires me with how she serves the Lord, and those around her. She is smart, and sweet, and also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. She is also Isaac’s honorary twin, and she’ll spontaneously jump in a lake just because. What’s not to love?

Conrad is the quintessential Florida man! Where else would you be able to find a plumber, blackbelt, mechanic, ballet dancer, man of God, and tumbling teacher extraordinaire? Honestly when I put it that way, I don’t think you could find anyone else like him, even in Florida. He’s truly one of a kind. He and I have been friends since 2021, were roommates together in 2022-23, and have been housemates even up until now! He’s the kind of guy who you can laugh (or giggle) with until your stomach aches. But also the kind of guy who would answer a call at 3am to come and lend a hand if needed. A true friend that I’m lucky to have!

Timothy and I have shared many stages together across the U.S. and even internationally. On the stage, he’s ruthlessly hunted me down to kill me, been responsible for my descent into hell, and even been my dad (one of these things is not like the other lol.) Off the stage he’s helped me grow in my relationship with the Lord, helped me move houses twice, been there with me through thick and thin, given me so many wonderful pieces of advice, and been a faithful friend. Whether onstage or not, I know that with Tim we’re always in for an adventure, and no matter where that adventure leads I know he’s got my back. He’s a great man, and I couldn’t be more pleased that he’s one of my groomsmen :)

Branden is one of those guys that it’s hard not to get along with. I’ve lived with him for two years and my respect for him just continues to grow and grow. He is also such a renaissance man. Whenever I think I’ve found the last of his talents, he does something else incredible. Beyond that he’s a man of character, and a man of God. We’ve had some pretty great times together, and whether we’re on a secret stealth mission to drop off doors, pizza boxes, or “astronauts”, or if we’re getting work done together, I can always count on him to do what’s right, and to also have a blast doing it!

Jacob and I met in 2021 when I came to visit Janie in Fort Worth for the first time. As Janie’s self proclaimed older brother/protector, I had to pass the vibe check before I was cleared to date her. However, it didn’t take long for me to start considering him as a friend of my own. One thing you can always count on while hanging out with Jacob is that he’ll be real with you, and that you’ll have a blast and a half while you’re at it. More than that, he’s always there to talk if you need someone to listen, he’s there to make sure you’re not neglecting your future, and he’s always ready to give the best tips for trick ballet steps and/or pas de deux too. He’s a great guy and a great friend!!