Katriel was Katie’s first friend at Whitworth. A strong, intelligent, loyal, and honest individual, Katriel has remained a constant presence throughout college – from enjoying the great outdoors to surviving Scarywood, throwing Halloween parties to having tough conversations, frolicking in the snow to celebrating their last five birthdays together… They’ve been through it all. Katriel has a clear sense of reality and speaks candidly, something that is both refreshing and needed in Katie’s life. They’ve grown from girls into women during their friendship and have watched each other move from winter-filled seasons into summers of life and joy. Katriel is one of the most intelligent, creative, and driven people that Katie’s ever known. She daily exemplifies what it is to be firm in faith and relentless in trial. This is a lifelong friendship that inspires tenacity, hope and truth.

David met Ian when they were both living in Oliver Hall at Whitworth University in the fall of 2016. That year, they mostly saw each other during group hangouts, but the following year, they took a monasticism class together and got to know each other better. Ian quickly became one of David’s closest friends. They were co-adventurers, going on snowshoeing trips during the winters and backpacking trips during the fall and spring; coworkers in ministry, sharing an experience doing ministry in Scotland for a summer abroad and leaning on each other; brothers in Christ, talking with each other about matters of faith and spirituality and what God was doing in their lives; and the best of friends. Ian is one-of-a-kind, and David is honored to have him as his best man.

Amanda is a sweet, considerate, and playful person in Katie’s life. While enjoying years of laughter on camping trips, during road trips, and over holidays with Amanda, Katie also has a history of pushing all of her buttons, as any good younger sibling should. Through playing tennis, singing jazz, putting on makeup, or eating weekly dinners together, the two sisters have remained treasured and loyal friends amid tremendously difficult situations. Amanda is tough, gifted, both artistically and intellectually, and loving. While growing up, Amanda may have provoked Katie to learn patience, perseverance, and sass; however, these days Amanda provokes thoughtfulness, intentionality, creativity, and sensitivity in Katie. She is a cherished friend, devoted confidant, and amazing sister.

One of David’s first memories of Jake was when the Radi family came up to Seattle to celebrate David’s grandfather’s 100th birthday. At that point, being an immature 8th grader, David made sure to point out to Jake at each possible moment that he was “basically his uncle” (it’s a complicated family tree). Years later, Jake moved to Spokane to attend Whitworth at the beginning of David’s senior year. The two of them shared many car rides to Sunday night family dinners, and it was then that they really got to know each other. David remembers being impressed at how mature and insightful Jake was at that time, and the two of them quickly became not just cousins, but brothers in Christ. David is grateful to have such a funny, adventurous friend as Jake in his life and in his wedding.

Kathryn is both the sister of David, as well as the future sibling of Katie – but she’s much more than that. Kathryn is a person whose work and actions reflect deeply the person she is – tenacious, intelligent, considerate, and authentic. She goes above and beyond to show her love to those around her, whether that be in thoughtful gifts, a shared growler of cider, or a game of Swipe. The same is true for the manner in which she’s welcomed Katie as family, sharing her insight to help the couple grow in wisdom and devotion. Kathryn fights for others fiercely, and she continues to encourage Katie and David to dream big and be courageous. While David’s had a lifetime to enjoy his older sister’s wit, truth, and love, Katie’s just getting started.

David first met Reggie while volunteering at Washington Family Ranch the summer before attending Whitworth. Reggie was an intern in the camp’s kitchen while David was a server in the dining hall. Right off the bat, David could tell that Reggie was a supremely cool guy. David remembers Reggie telling him he should slow down and stop rushing everywhere - which may very well be the only time anyone has ever accused David of being too fast. Years later David got to know Reggie as his sister’s boyfriend, then fiancé, then husband. Reggie and David bonded over conversations about God and life, evening pipe smokes, and game nights with the Hendricks. David has been blessed to have Reggie not only as a brother-in-law, but as a true brother. Reggie is the kind of guy who will share deep insights with you, challenge you, love you, and make you laugh - a lot. David is honored to have Reggie as a groomsman in his wedding.

Emma could easily be described as Katie’s most faithful adventure buddy. So far, their friendship has survived much hardship and fun, including: almost getting electrocuted in a Nicaraguan rainstorm, Emma stepping on a tack that Katie left on the floor of their dorm room, hiking beside the beauty of Mt. Baker, serenading roommates throughout Whitworth’s campus on Valentine’s Day, traveling the state for choir concerts, and petting any and every cat to walk the planet. While Emma is spunky, hilarious and brave, she is also caring, thoughtful and steadfast. Their friendship is one that makes lasting and treasured memories.

David also met Nathan in their first weeks together at Whitworth. Nathan lived on Matt’s side of their residence hall, and within a couple weeks, they were all fast friends. Like David, Nathan had done Work Crew at Washington Family Ranch the summer before their freshman year, and the two of them soon bonded over shared experience, and began to bond over new experiences together. David found that Nathan was the kind of guy who - with a bit of convincing - was always down for an adventure. Whether that be traipsing through private property to get to a cool view, or driving to Canada and back in a night, Nathan was there (side note: David may not have been the best influence in Nathan’s life). Nathan is the kind of friend who sticks by your side through thick and thin, and David is grateful to have Nathan as a groomsman and a lifelong friend.

Val is likely the most loyal person to exist on the planet. Almost 10 years ago, Katie and Val struck up a friendship during homeschool co-op. While it may have started with goofy Snapchats and mall walks, the relationship went far deeper throughout the years. Val is a champion of Katie’s dreams and passions, being an ever-present companion and selfless supporter of Katie’s sometimes wild ideas. They’ve enjoyed plane rides, late nights, classroom speeches, mission trips, hikes, and Marco Polo conversations together. Even during what has been (and will be) a mostly long-distance friendship, Val continues to love dearly, pray earnestly, and listen closely. Don’t let her quiet demeanor fool you – Val is a smart, strong, and sassy woman.

David met Matt in their first week at Whitworth during an event put on by their residence hall. Matt was a funny, outgoing guy, and, David realized, the kind of person you want to have a real friendship with. Matt and David soon shared their testimonies with one another, and Matt became one of David’s best friends through their time at Whitworth and beyond. Matt is the kind of friend that you can have the authentic, sometimes hard, conversations with; he lets you in to the real stuff, and he’s always there for you. David is grateful to have him as a groomsman, a friend, and a brother.

It’s hard to believe that Lydia started as a random roommate needed to fill the fourth bedroom of Katie’s post-grad house. A native to Spokane, Lydia never should’ve crossed paths with Katie – but fate would have it. Lydia entered the scene in one of the most hectic, life-altering years of Katie’s life. A humble, sassy, and trustworthy person, Lydia remained a confidant and sweet prescence during a season of isolation. Before Katie and David’s first date, Lydia fielded questions and cries of anxiety and confusion. Wise beyond her years, she continues to surprise Katie in her ability to listen without judgement, understand a person without assumption, and love others with no strings attached. After living together for almost 2 years, the two have had their fair share of arguments, tears, and ultimately teamwork. Lydia is truly a remarkable person and helps Katie trust willingly, seek empathy, and love mercy. She’s the closest thing Katie has to a (barely) younger sis.

David and Aaron met during Aaron’s freshman year at Whitworth, at which point David was a community ministry coordinator in Aaron’s dorm. Aaron was one of the first students to join David’s ministry team in Baldwin-Jenkins hall. David remembers seeing what a kind-hearted, friendly person Aaron was that year as the two of them worshipped and served alongside each other. Two years later, David and Aaron became roommates when Aaron move off campus his junior year. Over the course of this year, Aaron showed David great love during one of the more difficult chapters of David’s life. David is truly grateful and blessed to have had Aaron as a roommate, friend, and now groomsman.

Brittany was the bubbly, fun-loving friend that lived a floor down during Katie's freshman year in Oliver Hall. She was the co-creator of the "Oli Sisters," a companion during late-night studies, and a continued source of laughter and fun. Over the years, Brittany has been faithful to listen, a source of unconditional care, and a trusted friend. She is a strong and compassionate woman to the core, and those close to her are often blessed by the light she carries within her. A passionate follower of Christ, Brittany carries a depth of wisdom and helps show Katie how to love others better, never ceasing to encourage her in grace.

David met Nick while they were both freshmen at Whitworth University. David already had a connection to Nick through his sister, Kathryn, who was in Young Life with Nick, but it was during their time at Whitworth that David had the privilege of getting to know Nick himself. Nick became one of David’s best friends at Whitworth - they roomed together, studied abroad together, and shared life together as they went through school. Nick is one of the most loyal, true friends that David has ever known. David is honored to have Nick in his wedding, and to have have him as a lifelong friend.