Sophia met Carrie 20 years ago when she became her big sister. Growing up, Sophia spent lots of time trying to be just like Carrie. Although they turned out very different, Sophia wouldn't be where she is today without Carrie's advice, support, and clothes. Sophia met Jansen four years ago when he became her big sister's first boyfriend. Jansen quickly became like a nerdy big brother. They bond over college basketball, music, and Jansen doing Sophia's math homework. Sophia is studying neuroscience at the University of Virginia and in her free time loves playing the violin and thrifting. She is very excited to cheer on Carrie, welcome Jansen into the Yoder sister trio, and celebrate the two older siblings she loves very much.

Josh and Jansen became friends during their time at Eastern Mennonite University and their semester abroad in Thailand. During their cross-cultural, Josh remembers immediately bonding over their love of ranking things in an unnecessarily systematic way. Josh has also been friends with Carrie since middle school, and as such, considers himself to be an honorary bridesmaid (unbeknownst to Carrie). Josh is currently a graduate student at Penn State where he studies morality, empathy, and artificial intelligence. In his free time, he enjoys reading psychology and philosophy, coffee shops, board games, and playing jazz guitar. Josh is so thrilled to be able to celebrate such a special day with two of his favorite people in the entire world.

Hey everyone, I'm Leah, the proud sister of the beautiful bride, Carrie! I'm beyond thrilled to be standing by her side on her special day. From childhood adventures to late-night chats, we've shared so many amazing moments together. I can't wait to help make her wedding day unforgettable. Let's celebrate love and create some memories! -ai generated

Ben Alderfer (one of Jansen’s favorite groomsman) reigns from the backcountry, quaint town of Broadway, VA. Ben and Jansen met in 2020 as they lived in the same residence hall where Jansen was Ben’s CA. They quickly became friends because of Ben's insistence on having sleepovers in Jansen’s room as one of his beds was open. The two have continued their friendship bonding over disc golf, movie watching, and wildly intense games of Fortnite. When Ben is not dropping triple-doubles in Church League basketball or crushing old people’s spirits on the pickleball court, he can be found playing his guitar or hanging out with friends. In addition to his roles as a groomsman and assistant DJ at the wedding, Ben has accepted the position of backup Groom, in the case that Jansen is unable to attend the wedding. With these roles in mind, Ben is incredibly excited to celebrate this special day between two persons whom he loves dearly.

Hollyn is Jansens younger sister and Carrie’s future sister in law. Hollyn is thoughtful caring and doesn’t take things too seriously. In her free time, Hollyn enjoys doing art, singing, and thrifting. In fact, she got her bridesmaid dress for $15. Hollyn is a sophomore at EMU studying psychology and peace building. She and Carrie ran a half marathon together in September and is so excited to have Carrie join the family!

Michael and Jansen have known each other since they were merely waist-high, but it wasn’t until 5th grade that they became close friends. The two were unapologetically (and probably annoyingly) disinterested in other people as long as they were enjoying a mutual interest in European soccer, certain British social media personalities, an arguably unnatural infatuation with statistics, and a methodical approach to anything and everything. Michael is currently pursing experience in pharmacology and neurology after graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Neuroscience last spring. Although Michael strongly believes that his calling of ‘dibs’ on Jansen is being willfully ignored, he’s overjoyed to see his long-time accomplice meet someone else who will put up with him indefinitely, and he feels infinitely lucky to share their special day alongside them.

Sabrina and Carrie's friendship began while students at Eastern Mennonite University. They quickly bonded over their shared love of reading, thrifting, and board-gaming. Sabrina lives in Harrisonburg and works as a health educator at the local health department. She finds joy in laughing with friends, running, biking, and journaling. Sabrina is thrilled for Carrie and Jansen's special day and is honored to call two such beautiful, genuine, and kind people dear friends.

Shawn lives in Newark, DE with his partner, Gabby, and dog, Sado. He is currently a Program Manager at a nonprofit called Mighty Writers, and in his free time he enjoys cooking, watching movies, listening to music, and picking up hobbies for two weeks at a time. Shawn and Jansen first formed a bond in Mr. Bournelis' homeroom. What started as a tiny spark between two souls spent listening to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis in the sixth grade eventually blossomed into a passionate affair in high school spent listening to Macklemore. With a combined 11 years of study, German language experts Shawn and Jansen have evolved over the years. Through chorus practices, school projects, music video analyses, long drives, concerts, and emails, they have seen that spark of friendship turn into a flame that flickers with the wind but always remains lit. When it comes to Jansen and Carrie, Shawn knows their flame will burn so bright and keep their loved ones warm for years to come. He wishes them good tidings for their next chapter.

Maggie met Carrie in college after her friends kept telling her that she had to meet their best friend who was away in Thailand. On Carrie's first day back, in the cafeteria, it was confirmed - Carrie was as cool as they said. Maggie quickly saw why Carrie is adored by her many friends. Since meeting Carrie, the two have had countless days laughing, exercising, watching any and every sports game, or reality TV show, and just enjoying time together. Maggie is so happy to have Carrie as her friend and godmother to her cat. Maggie is grateful to get to support Carrie and Jansen on their wedding day and cheer the happy couple on.

Zach and Jansen met during their sophomore year when Zach transferred to EMU from Goshen. They immediately struck up a friendship, bonding over their shared passion for disc golf and Nathan Longenecker. Countless hours were spent together playing night disc golf on EMU hill, watching the Australian Open at 2 am, and getting overly excited during movie game sessions. Lately, Zach has relished the opportunity to deepen his connections with Jansen and Carrie through survivor nights, game nights, and downtown explorations. Zach eagerly anticipates celebrating the special day of Jansen and Carrie.

For most of her life, Ellie Showalter has known Carrie -- as her neighbor, fellow traveler to Thailand, coach, and teacher. She's no stranger to Jansen either, and even regularly drew his face on students' hands throughout the Thailand trip. Ellie enjoys running, violin, gymnastics, cleaning out Shadow's litter box, Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir, and crafting miniatures. If you ask her, there's a good chance she'll make you miniature food. Ellie is honored that Josh Wenger referred to her as one of his two favorite people in the world.

Katie, a.k.a. Munchie, also spent 14 weeks in Thailand, where she hung out with Carrie and Jansen on several occasions. These days, she sometimes stops by Carrie's place to feed her cat Shadow. Katie is passionate about crocheting, gymnastics, plushies, and playing piano. She likes animals and is in the Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir. If you want to get to know Katie better, ask her about her crocheting projects or her orangutan BoBo.