Meg is my younger sister. It is unreal to have two sisters who you admire and respect deeply! Even though she is my younger sister, I have looked up to Meg throughout my life. She is compassionate, gracious, and intelligent. Without a doubt, Meg embodies grace in her interactions with people and encourages them to be who they are. Through her gracious actions, she has taught and reminded off who Jesus is to all of us -- gracious, honest, and a lover of people. She speaks truth, even if it's hard to hear, and listens with intentionality. Not only that, but she is a fashion queen and has helped me get to where I am today in that regard! Meg is one of my best friends and I'm so thankful I can say that about my sister.

Zach is my younger brother. Naturally, I spent a lot of my childhood picking on him and trying to get under his skin. Thankfully there is (almost) no resentment on his part these days! We have always been connected. From sharing a room much of growing up to crashing at each others apartments during college, we've always managed to be involved in each others lives. He inspires me with his fearless attitude, determination, and great compassion for others. I couldn't ask for a better brother and am honored for him to be my best man!

Emily is my older sister. Throughout our lives, we've gotten to share a room, clothes, and most recently an apartment! Emily has always inspired me since I can remember. She is intelligent, driven, and creative. In all our living situations, we've shared outrageous laughter and hilarious memories. Not everyone gets to have their sister be a best friend, but I'm lucky enough to have that be true! Em is willing to listen to any ideas I have and support the passions of my life. Not only has she invested in me personally, but has influenced my walk with the Lord too. Whether it's been talking about the joy of the gospel or wrestling with what to do as believers, I have grown from Em's spiritual investment in my life. She is an exceptional older sister. I'm so thankful I got to grow up with her as an example and leader in my life!

Austin and I have been friends since the early days of rec league basketball. He is one of the most honorable, driven, and grounded people I know. We have been in the same school since 7th grade all the way up through college. We lived together from 2016-2020 (college/post college) and were able to share lots of life experiences in this time. Getting to live together for so long has left us with a great bond, and left him with more undesirable photos of me than any other person on the planet! I'm very thankful to be able to have him beside me as a groomsmen!

Rachel and I have been best friends since we were 12! When we were really young, we started homeschooling together and almost ten years later we reconnected. From the moment I've met Rachel, she has been intentional, consistent, and passionate. Through my friendship with Rach, I have learned what it means to follow Jesus, love others, and live life passionately. If I have a wild idea about writing a book or want to dye my hair light pink, Rach is always willing to listen and encourage. Her energy is contagious and her love for people is big! If anything needs to be celebrated, Rach is absolutely your person. She has celebrated me so well, both big and small moments. I am so thankful for my friendship with her!

Tanner and I first met playing basketball at the rec center in 7th grade. We've competed against each other a lot since then but also supported each other, especially during college when we were pursuing the same undergraduate degree at MSU. We went to just about every MSU sporting event together. We have lots of memories to hang onto from those days involving ticket stubs, game day cookies, and pizza boxes. Tanner is ambitious, caring, and one of the most approachable people I know. I'm very excited to have Tanner at our wedding as a groomsman! (Tie credit in photo: Austin Bruns)

Maddie and I have been friends since freshman year of high school. Maddie is humor, wisdom, and passion wrapped up into one person. She is strong and intelligent, constantly willing to ask difficult questions to wrestle with and pose to those around her. Because of this gift, she has helped me know what I believe and think about new ideas. Mads has helped me understand who Jesus is in a real and tangible way, encouraged me to be who I've been created to be, and be fearless in the pursuit of what makes me passionate. After meeting our freshman year of high school, I knew we'd be friends for a lifetime! Knowing Maddie is a gift and I'm so thankful she is in my bridal party!

Brandon and I have been friends since I first started public school in 2nd grade. In the countless hours we've spent together we've produced some below-grade YouTube content, played a lot of sports, and shared a lot of laughs. Brandon spent his college years at Northwood, but he's a friend that you feel like has never left your side even if you spent months apart. He's extremely thoughtful, loyal, and his friendship is reliable. I am so glad to have Brandon as a Groomsman!

Em and I have been friends for over a decade, and we're currently roommates. She is ridiculously generous, extremely humble, and the hardest worker I know. Even before living together, she gives her time and resources for the betterment of others. It's truly inspiring! Since we became friends, we've had many ongoing inside jokes...from Barbie to PI Investigators to 5 Minute Patrol...we are almost always joking or laughing together. Em cares deeply for her people, which I have been lucky enough to learn from and feel personally. I'm so excited she will stand with me on October 3!

Alex and I have know each other for an extremely long time. Neither of us remember a first instance of meeting, so that remains a bit of an enigma! What we do know is we have countless memories of laughing together and just genuinely enjoying being around each other. We played in band together in high school, played rec basketball together, and spent lots of time hanging out outside of school. Alex has a tremendous sense of humor, selfless attitude, and a worry-free presence that is a blast to be around. I am thrilled to have Alex stand as a Groomsman!

Christina was my very first friend at Hope College! We met during transfer orientation and immediately hit it off. Being the new girl, I was feeling pretty nervous about orientation, but Christina befriended me right away. Christina has an exceptional work ethic, a compassionate spirit, and the ability to make any situation fun. Through all of college, we had many late night conversations about following Jesus and future dreams. She is someone who just gets it...there's no better way to say it! Her love for the Lord compels her to love people well, listen fully, and respond with great enthusiasm. I have learned so much from her!

Kevin and I met in the early days of high school. We met through Austin when he put together a Gus Macker team consisting of myself, Kevin, Tanner, and Austin. Since then I have grown to greatly appreciate Kevin's friendship and respect the man he is. We have shared some great memories together such as winter road trips with the windows down (enjoying candy along the way!) , open gym basketball, and of course spending every summer getting together for a Gus Macker. I am very happy to have Kevin as a groomsman!

Lydia and I met during summer camp about seven years ago. When we were playing volleyball one day, we both melted to the ground in response to the obnoxious gnats that wouldn't leave us alone. From then on, we knew we'd be great friends! Even though we've lived at a distance for most of our friendship, Lydia is someone who will always have my back and vice versa. We've walked through some intense life changes together, made decisions about our futures together, and encouraged one another when we couldn't see through life's fog. Lydia has continually pointed me back to the Lord in every life season, which I am deeply thankful for. I wouldn't be who I am today without her!

Emerson is Julia's youngest brother. He and I both enjoy fishing, playing sports, and spending time with family. I'm looking forward to moments in the future that we can spend sharing laughs and doing things we enjoy like trips to Boyne Highlands, fishing trips, and camping, amidst other things! Emerson is extremely caring, thoughtful, and has a great head on his shoulders. I am excited to see what the future holds and am looking forward to Emerson being a groomsman and us becoming brothers!

Megan and I have been friends since we met! Megan is full of life, passion, and enthusiasm for almost anything. If you're excited about something, she's as excited or 3x more than you are! We've bonded over a deep love for coffee, online shopping, and late night talking. Having the opportunity to become great friends over the last year has been an incredible gift. Not everyone can say their future sister is one of their closest friend, but I am so grateful I can!

Cal is Julia's oldest brother. When I first met Cal, I could feel what a supportive, down to earth person he was. He won't hesitate to help a friend in need, and truly has the best interest of others at heart. It is awesome to hear him talk about the projects he's working on around his house in Grand Rapids and the creative ways he finds to complete them. Visiting him in GR is always a great time, whether you're just hanging at the house or spending a night out enjoying the town. It is wonderful to be able to have him as a groomsman and I am very excited to continue bonding as brothers!