Madison & Brendan

Madison & Brendan

May 23, 2024 • Redlands, CA
Madison & Brendan

Madison & Brendan

May 23, 2024 • Redlands, CA

Wedding Party

Quincey Carter
Quincey Carter - Maid of Honor, sister
Quincey is my sister and my best friend in the whole world. Q is loved by everyone who meets her, she makes everything seem effortless, and her jokes make me laugh more than anyone else. Many have noted that she is the only funny person in the Carter family; she's smart as a whip and incredibly witty. Some of my favorite moments with Q are our sleepovers, giggling in bed together, and sharing updates on life. She has been there to support me through some of my most difficult moments and has loved me at my worst. Quincey is four years my junior but I will always look up to her for her wisdom and tender heart. She is working in her first year as a Registered Dental Hygienist and is very adept at giving painless injections (I have first-hand experience). To no surprise, all her patients request to continue seeing her as their primary hygienist. There is no one else who could fill the spot of Maid of Honor as I get married.
Mei Carter
Mei Carter - Bridesmaid, sister-in-law
Mei is my sister-in-law, but the term "sister-in-love" might more accurately depict the endearment and affection I have for her. She is my brother's better half and perhaps the most athletic person I know. She might be renowned from Georgia to California for her basketball skills and her running/swimming/biking prowess, but the thing I most admire her for is the way that she empathizes with people and the kindness she exhibits to every person she comes across. I have never heard a negative, mean, or judgmental word cross her lips. Mei is in her second year of medical school and has found an incredible sense of meaning through her time volunteering at the hospital, praying with patients, and listening to their stories. She has also been enjoying her frequent work in homeless ministry. I'm so thankful for her presence in my life and the example she sets for me.
Melissa Lee
Melissa Lee - Bridesmaid, cousin
Growing up, Melissa was the leader of our cousin trio (along with her sister Nicole). I revered her as the coolest person I knew and wanted to be just like her when I grew up. Melissa is a "Jane of all trades" and can seemingly do anything, whether it's a sewing project, help with organizing a dinner party, growing show-stopping dahlias, or a myriad of other things. After many years of working as a nurse at Loma Linda University Hospital, she recently decided to go back to CRNA school. She has exhibited such dedication to honing her craft. She's had to put a pause on her Etsy shop where she sells hand sewn surgical scrub caps because studying demands quite a bit of time! Melis continues to be the wonderful oldest cousin of our clan and ensures that she is a soft place to land for each of us. I know she will always provide a listening ear and sound advice. She's fun, resourceful, and introspective and I'm honored she will be standing with me on my wedding day.
Nicole Lee
Nicole Lee - Bridesmaid, cousin
Nicole was my first best friend. I grew up following her around as we played imaginary games in the shoe closet, made potions with leaves and dirt in the backyard, or sat under the kitchen table with our baby dolls. Some of my favorite articles of clothing were the hand-me-downs I received from her. I would wear those t-shirts, shorts, and dresses until they were threadbare because I always wanted to dress exactly like my Nicole Unnie (older sister in Korean). She continues to be a dear and cherished friend. Instead of playing with our baby dolls, we now share wedding planning resources, bounce ideas off one another about beauty treatments, and send each other pictures or videos of floral arrangements that are particularly inspiring. Nicole is currently working as a pharmacist and will be getting married later this year! She is fiercely loyal and will go to the ends of the earth for those she loves. I am so blessed to be the recipient of such strong love.
Jordan Collins
Jordan Collins - Best Man, brother
Loyal, devoted, personable, gregarious, life of the party. Jordan and I are close in age so naturally, we have a special brotherly friendship. But it wasn’t always this way. If you had told me when I was 12 that he would be my best man someday, I wouldn’t believe you. I grew up with my older brother constantly annoying me, I didn’t like to be bothered and he liked to bother me. Whether it was pushing my buttons, always touching me, or just physically fighting with one another, we were constantly at odds. However, around junior high, we both matured and suddenly, we became great friends. As if overnight, the days of fighting were finally behind us! Going into high school, I was worried about being in the shadow as Jordan Collins’ younger brother since he was a big personality. But as I grew into my own, I didn’t have to worry because he actually paved the path for me in so many ways and taught me so much. Most importantly, he has shown me what it means to be a loyal and devoted friend, husband, and father. He is the life of the party and whether there’s one person or a crowd, Jordan is the funniest person around. Although Jordan isn’t a gifted golfer, he was gifted in his ability to not take himself too seriously and takes our cheap shots in stride. I cherish the time we have spent together as roommates, playing intramurals together, golfing with one another, and third wheeling his dates with Michaela over the years. He has a special knack for making me laugh about anything. Jordan and Michaela have been there for me through all the ups and downs of the last few years, offering words of encouragement and a place to laugh, cry and be myself. I look forward to all the future memories we will create together.
Bryson Collins
Bryson Collins - Groomsman, brother
Resolute, jokester, kindhearted, unwavering, a man of integrity. Bryson is a large individual, with most of us standing in his 6-foot 5-inch shadow, he is intimidating. He packs a punch and is one of the strongest people you will come across, but once you know Bryson, you realize he is incredibly kind. He has a soft side. He is not weak but rather extremely kindhearted and meek, exerting strength under control. Bryson is not only a physical presence, but he is also a man of conviction who stands for what he believes in. I value this in him dearly. As you will see, golf is an important thread our lives. We all grew up playing against one another, played in college at Walla Walla University, and now have a group chat where we think of ourselves as the most important and best commentators the sport has to offer. As much as I hate to say this, Bryson and his twin brother Jamison are better golfers than me. And with his strength, Bryson plays a different game than the rest of us do. The year I got to coach him, I saw Bryson be a leader and a positive presence on the team. As a coach, you want your players to succeed, but you also hope they continue to develop as integrity-filled, productive men. Bryson is each of these and as his coach and older brother, I couldn’t be more proud. Bryson is currently working in the construction industry in the Pacific Northwest, continuing to learn how to lead and develop himself. I am excited to have him stand by my side on my wedding day (even though him and Jamison now tower over me).
Jamison Collins
Jamison Collins - Groomsman, brother
Hard-working, committed, driven, understanding, lighthearted. Using the term hard-working to describe Jamison is a bit of an understatement. As I was going through each of these bios, I knew from the beginning I would have to reserve this adjective for Jamison. He brings another level of meaning to the word. Since he was a young kid, Jamison embodied this term in every pursuit he chased. As his brothers, we incessantly nagged him for not being very long off the tee when golfing and not as good as the rest of us. Little did we know, this lit a fire in the young guy. By the time he was in high school, Jamison was not only routinely beating his twin, Bryson, but his older two brothers as well. On vacations home, I would always be shocked at the work Jamison put in taking his golf clubs to the range at all hours of the day. However, it didn’t just end at the golf course, Jamison’s hard-work, drive, commitment, and understanding personality carry over into everything he does. I saw it in his studies, I see it in the way he treats his amazing fiancée, and I see it in all his interactions with others. Jamison will be getting married later this year and I couldn’t be happier for him and Leah. I’m looking forward to visiting them up in the Pacific Northwest in the near future!
Davis Carter
Davis Carter - Groomsman, future brother-in-law
Wise, ambitious, disciplined, fun, steadfast. These are terms many would use to describe Davis. Ever since first meeting Davis, or “Brother” as his sisters call him, I have always had an immense amount of respect for him. He cares so much about his wife, parents, and sisters, and is so disciplined in every goal that he sets out to achieve. Madison often remarks how she looks up to him as a brother, friend, man of God, and amazing husband to Mei; he will sacrifice anything for his family. Davis and I first got to know each other well on a long run by the beach this past summer. During this run we talked about his time at Southern Adventist University and how he started dating Mei. He also told me about Madi and so many of her amazing qualities- only making me fall in love with her more. I have always had a deep respect for Davis’ discipline with his studies as a medical student, the hard work he put in while training for a half-ironman, and for the upstanding man that he is. Although I cannot say, “Davis is the brother I never had” because I already have three brothers, I am looking forward to adding another brother to my family. I am so glad to have Davis stand by me on my wedding day as a friend, groomsman, and soon-to-be brother.