Rewind back to the early years of our childhood and beginning of our friendship. We never had a hard time finding something to do. Did we always make the best choices? No. Did they create the best memories? Absolutely. For instance tobogganing, great idea. Tobogganing in the summer where there are rose bushes … not so good. A lot of laughs and life lessons.
~ Karley (Bridesmaid)

I could tell many wonderful stories of friendship, some very silly stories of girls night and cute lil double dates. But there’s one story that is my favourite to date. On October 13th, Mel and Jessie shared with Tyler and I, the exciting news that their sweet family of two was going to become three. We were so excited for them, but the excitement for big moments in their lives continued. On the 14th and 15th, Jessie decided he needed my help.. He was working on his plans to get down on one knee! Bundled up on the 16th of October, I scouted out the location where I would photograph my two best friends, tricking Mel along the way, before stopping to take photos at the spot of their engagement! Being able to help prep for such a moment, take the photos and cue the moment for Jessie while I had Mel checking in one of the decoration baskets for a license plate reading “M Sanden” we had hid prior. It was absolutely beautiful, caught on video on one camera, captured in images on the other, I was so happy for them! I couldn’t have been happier to have been there to see the love in Jessie’s eyes and the happiness in Mel’s and then the ring!! Cue the tears and the “do I need to go sit in my car so you can take in the moment alone for a bit?!” That’s my favourite story so far, here’s to the new one awaiting of standing by while you say “I do!”
~ Abigail (Bridesmaid)

I could write a novel of all the memories Mel and I have had. One of my favourite things to do with Mel when we were little was sleeping in the tent in the yard. One time Mel thought it would be funny to sneak up to our parents window at night when everyone was asleep and start growling. She started off quiet and got louder and louder. Hearing moms comments of what the hell is that, and it’s getting closer! To her finally freaking out so she had turned to dad and said “bill that’s a fucking cougar…. Go get your gun”. We had lots of adventures together growing up and even into adult hood. You could say my first impression of Jess was a good one . we all were going to play in a volleyball tournament together (Mel, myself, Jess, and his cousin Tyler and a few of there buddies) and decided to meet up a couple days before to introduce our selves and discuss how the tournament was scheduled and who plays what position etc. we decided to meet at a pub, well Mel and I were not even out of the building when I said without even thinking “ man those Sanden boys are ... if I was 10 years younger I would be all over that”. Needless to say it made things pretty funny when Mel started dating Jess. Now here we are counting down the days until they say I do. All creepy things aside, Jess has been an amazing friend and uncle to aaron. Im truly blessed to have Jess in my family’s life.
~ Nicole (Maid of honour)

I have tons of great memories growing up with Jessie. Some of the best moments were spending time out at their family farm.
Starting at a young age, we were always doing things like pretending to be army dudes adventuring around the corrals. Or playing tag on their hay bales.
Years later and we were all about sports. Throwing a baseball, playing basketball, the list is endless.
Fast forward a bit more and then it was constantly playing our video games.
Sharing so many hobbies and interests with Jessie, spending time together was effortless, and the weekends would always fly by.
~Tyler (Best Man)

If I show up late to the wedding, it’s not my fault. The last time Jessie invited me out for an event, it was to go to a movie with him and Brian. I drove all the way to Moose Jaw and met up with them at Boston Pizza. When it was time to go to the movie however, it turns out Jessie had got the start time wrong, and it was half over already. Well at least we got to have supper. Don’t ask me what movie it was, I can’t remember the movies I don’t see! I think I better just ask Mel what time this wedding starts….
~ Evan (Groomsmen)

Melanie and I met when we were both working as E.A.’s at Prince Arthur school. It was like a magnetic connection. From the moment we introduced ourselves and began getting to know each other, Melanie and I have been drawn to one another for so many reasons. Melanie has been an absolute bright light in my life, that I believe came into it for an incredible purpose. We have been through some hard things together that has created a bond that time nor distance could ever disrupt.
Zeb and I love spending time with you both, from crazy nights out bowling to the best nights in, rolling on the floor laughing and eating popcorn , we’ve had a million beautiful memories. It’s always been easy to see that Jessie and Melanie are the BEST people and friends to have, and now we celebrate their perfect marriage. Zeb and I love you both and I could not feel more proud to have been asked to stand up here with you both today. Congratulations, and we wish you all the love and happiness in the future!
~Alanda (Bridesmaid)

The older I get the more I think about childhood memories and back in the day playing at Jessie’s farm, running on the bales. Movie nights and theyre heard of cats! Those were the good days. No phones. Just having fun!
~ Brian (Groomsmen)

As the oldest of 4 girls, I spent a ton of time babysitting my sisters. Many laughs and memories were made, but one stands out for me. Mel was about 7 months old - and definitely still on bottles. Mel was a bit fussy when I was watching her one day for my parents - she was likely teething. After many attempts to calm her and distract her with toys, I resorted to laying on the couch with her. I was laying on my back and decided she might like a game of ‘baby airplane’. I held her up like an airplane - her adorable owl eyes looking down at me. To my surprise, she loved it! She started laughing especially hard when I started making airplane noises. We were both having a great time until - the bottle she had drank came back up and landed directly IN MY MOUTH. To this day, the bitter, sour smell of formula is not one I can stomach!
~ April (Bridesmaid)

My favorite memory of Jessie is not one game of basketball or volleyball but all the games throughout high-school watching him grow and mature into the man and father he is today.
~ Dillon (Groomsmen)

Mel and I’s friendship in a phrase:
“To the grave”.
I would say our journey is more my favourite than a single memory. We have laughed and cried, and then laughed some more. We had moments we thought we would never recover from, and then celebrated coming out the other side.
She is as sweet as pie and yet can turn the most innocent comment into a sexual reference. If you know Mel, you agree.
If you don’t know Mel, try saying you had a banana for lunch. And see what happens.
Every girl deserves a guy like Jessie, but especially Mel. Cheers to the next book of memories.
To the grave 🤍
~ Chelsey (Bridesmaid)