Gabby wanted to be friends with Karisa as soon as she met her during their first week of college at Trinity! When they were suitemates the next year, they were also the only two English Communication majors at the school . . . Trinity friends get it. Highlights of their friendship over the last several years include laughing in sync countless times (it's a little uncanny), many weekend sleepovers, a trip to Florida + Alabama, and bonding over an affinity for fashion, nail art, and all things pretty. Karisa was also Gabby's wingwoman when she first met Josh!

Annie and Gabby became unexpected and fast friends when they shared a suite during their senior year of college in the fall of 2022. They both were involved in voice lessons, choir, and even a Film class! Gabby was a bridesmaid in Annie's wedding, and their anniversaries will be one day apart! Their senior year was filled with many sweet adventures, including many visits to coffee shops to "study," a choir trip to Michigan, Annie's bridal shower and bachelorette weekend, and a musical they were in together.

Siobhan and Gabby were English majors together at Trinity and became closer friends during Gabby's senior year, when they were vertical neighbors (Siobhan lived in a suite directly above her). They bonded over many shared English classes and often had cozy tea + study nights together. Gabby was part of a scheme to get Siobhan's nails done for her engagement! Gabby and Josh flew together for the first time in order to attend Siobhan's wedding in June.

Lauren is Gabby's earliest friend from the bridal party! They met at youth group in early high school and instantly clicked. They share an artistic creative streak; Lauren is an incredibly talented baker with a small business, and an amazing watercolor painter! Lauren and Gabby spent many hours on long distance calls and texts during college. One of Gabby's favorite memories from that time is being part of Lauren's surprise 19th birthday party!

Sydney is the sister of the groom, and Gabby has enjoyed getting to know her during many trips to Iowa! Some highlights are the Coffman family trips to Texas during the Christmas season, and to Missouri in the summer (during which Sydney became engaged to Brandon, a groomsman and long-time friend of Josh's!). Sydney and Gabby are both bridesmaids in each other's weddings, and share a love of dogs, cosmetology, and fashion!

Deborah and Gabby were freshman year roommates at Trinity. They bonded over some very key shared interests: writing, the MBTI personality system, and Harry Potter! They reconnected during Gabby's senior year and have since been better friends than before. Deborah taught Gabby how to drive, went with her to pick up her first car, and played a major role in her becoming a Swiftie!

Skylar and Josh met as roommates their freshmen year at Trinity. They were the only freshmen in the five-year BA/MDiv program, were both involved in student leadership and men's ministry, and had just about every class together for two years. Four years later, they still talk daily. Skylar has been a source of life advice and support; he and Josh enjoy listening to eclectic music, disc golfing, and discussing philosophy, theology, and life's big questions.

Ben and Josh met at a men's bible study at Trinity. They share an affinity for music; they were in choir, worship, and a musical! These good times, along with many study nights and coffee runs, led to them becoming close friends. Ben and Josh have had many meaningful times of prayer. Ben played an instrumental role in Josh and Gabby's story -- he encouraged Josh to "go for it" and ask Gabby out. Ben and Gabby are great friends too, and have lots of fun memories from being English majors together!

Daniel and Josh became friends through church. They have been part of a pastoral training cohort (CPTC) for the past couple years. They enjoy playing off each other's wit and ironic humor. Daniel is a graduate of the five-year BA/MDiv program; he and Josh have bonded through study sessions and grabbing meals to talk about theology, ministry, and life. Josh and Gabby have gone on some fun double dates with Daniel and his girlfriend, Nancy!

Mark also started with Josh as a freshmen at Trinity in 2021. They quickly found out they have some almost uncanny similarities: they are both EFCA pastor's kids who grew up in Midwest suburbs, were homeschooled through high school, worked in a grocery store, and play acoustic guitar. They also sang the same part in choir and enjoyed leading chapels and worship events together at TIU. They share a passion for gourmet spaghetti.

Brandon is Josh's oldest friend in the party and is his brother-in-law! Josh was in Brandon and Sydney's wedding in December. They met in eighth grade when they were assigned to the same volunteer schedule at their tumbling group. They quickly became good friends and taught in tumbling for four years, often found learning new tumbling tricks or gaming. They went on a camping trip with their dads during their senior year.

As Brandon's younger brother, Nathan and Josh became friends over the years through many shared experiences in tumbling, basketball, choir, and their homeschool co-op. They have enjoyed playing Nintendo, poker, and Xbox many times late into the night while competing for who could drink the most Mountain Dew. Other fun pastimes include late-night Kwik-Trip runs, racing four-wheelers, and pickup basketball.