Halfway around the world, we met & later realized that we were sorority sisters! That kicked off years of long-distance friendship with a few seasons of time sprinkled in where we were only a few minutes from each other- including the year her husband landed a job in Spartanburg for a year & their first daughter was born. It was that year that solidified our friendship that feels so much more like sisterhood.

Heath doesn’t remember meeting Jared for the first time, but he does remember many trips on the church bus traveling back to Bob Jones chanting “nug day” together the whole drive back. Their relationship transformed from church bus buddies, to coworkers, to close friends and roommates, and being in each other’s weddings. (I had to have him, he knows too much)

The very first Sunday of college, Katy skipped her freshman orientation activities at Furman to go check out a new church- there was Erin. Rest is history - from weekly lunch dates while she worked at Furman to her being my realtor for my first home, there's been a lot of life done together that can't be summed up in a tiny text box. Even now she and her husband, Will, are mentoring us through pre-marital counseling!

Zirkle is Heath’s actual partner in crime- from running on rooftops or swimming in fountains on campus, they’re still finding ways to get themselves into trouble together. Somehow they’ve never gotten caught? Since college, Zirkle has been one of Heaths closest friends and confidants. And one day, when he finishes ENT school, he’ll finally be able to finally fix Heath’s broken nose once and for all.

Katy had been asked to start a small group well over a year ago through church and through literal divine intervention Megan was one of those random phone numbers who I texted & then she actually showed up to group! Many, many meetings later, I can't help but appreciate how much joy and laughter Megan has brought not just to our group, but to me. I can't help but mention that she is also 1/2 of the Formula One chaos....see below

Nathanael lived across the hall from Heath in the dorms at BJU making him one of his first college friends. Heath states “our friendship was always much less mischievous and more cerebral.” Notwithstanding spring breaks and other various adventures, the relationship with Schaal flourished in deep conversations. Between yard work that somehow turned theological discussion, to rides to church together and many Sundays in small group, and eventually standing with him on his wedding day.

...and here's the other half. Lindsay & I also met through starting that small group - she brings such authenticity and genuine connection to my life. Both she and Megan continue to hold me accountable to pursuing a life with Jesus. She is constantly serving - whether unloading the dishwasher or working me into her busy schedule, she is an example to me on how to love in a very practical way. If you're looking for the party on our wedding day, look no further than these two!

Scott and Heath grew close their sophomore year. Living right next door to each other they kept each other up countless nights. The relationship quickly moved past the chaos of the pair, and morphed into deep conversations and involvement in each others lives. Even across the world they have kept up through Reels and Wednesday night game night despite the 9hr time difference.

High school flashback!! It was a guy that brought us together...well technically that's true- she was trying to help her friend out by seeing if I'd go to prom with him. That was an incredibly awkward night, but hey! I gained a best friend through it, so totally worth it! There’s so much that could be said about those years, but what is so unique is that despite physical distance, we can always pick up right where we left off in our friendship even years later.

Jon & Heath met through their dorm small group sophomore year, but their relationship really grew Senior year when Jon and Heath started going to church together. Being in small group every Sunday, and then post grad figuring out adult life together, many many (many) games of Root, and eventually standing by his side at his wedding, the relationship flourished to what it is today.

There isn't a day I don't remember not knowing Maleah - no really. The day her parents adopted & brought her home (aka next door to my family) our friendship was instant despite only being 2 yrs old- the tale goes that upon meeting Maleah instantly pulled me by the hand to sit down on the curb next to her and play with chalk...and so many other childhood memories. Thankful to have it come full circle and have her stand with me on our big day!

Chase came to Gateway for a girl. But he met me. (And his fiancée, but that’s not the point). The friendship grew through shared Fantasy Football league, Sundays at church, and watching sports with friends. Now we have been blessed to have Chase and Sarah as some of our friends that we share this season of life with.