From Victoria’s perspective: Grace and I met when Grace was born nearly 25 years ago. We grew up as sisters 6 years apart, which seemed like an eternity. Grace was only in 6th grade when I was graduating from high school. As the years went on and we grew up, Grace and I became best friends. We’ve been through so much over the years, experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Sometimes we argue like sisters do, but we always come back to each other. We love having sister time, when we can, doing the things we love doing together, which always includes watching any and all movies and shopping. I’m so proud of all Grace has accomplished over the years and the beautiful, strong, Godly woman she has become. It means so much to me that I get to stand by her side watching her marry the man of her dreams!

From Raylee’s perspective: Grace and I met in college at a time when we both needed more girlfriends, and from that moment on, we just clicked. Through endless conversations and heart-to-hearts, we quickly became each other’s go-to person. Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” truly reflects our friendship. Grace has been a constant source of joy and strength in my life, and I am so honored to stand by her side as her matron of honor. We've shared so many laughs, dreams, and milestones, and I couldn't imagine a more beautiful day than celebrating her as she begins this new chapter.

Michael and Chris first met in the Nursery at Immanuel Baptist Church in Newton Kansas. Ever since then their friendship has grown being in the nursery together, to playing backyard football at the church every Sunday evening, to being long distance best friends halfway across the country, to ultimately being brothers for life.

From Alexis’s perspective: Grace and I met at Wayland Baptist University during my freshman orientation, Koinonia 2019. What started off as a simple random grouping blossomed into a 5 year long friendship. There are many things that sum up Grace. She’s beautiful, she’s brave, she’s kind hearted, and most important a woman of godly character. I could go on and on. She’s helped pick me up when I’ve fallen, been a shoulder for me to cry on, and has been someone I can be weird and goofy with for as long as we’ve know each other. We’ve had our share of crazy stories, and our share of ups and downs, but that’s what makes it so beautiful. In Proverbs 17:17, it says “A friend loves at all times.” Grace loves wholeheartedly and unconditionally. And that’s what makes Grace, Grace. I am so beyond happy for her and Michael during this next season and chapter in their lives. I pray only blessings, peace, and love. I love you, Grace. In the words of Hannah Montana- You’re a true friend, you’re here til’ the end.

From Andrew’s perspective: Michael and I first met on the dance floor doing ballet together at Koinonia 2023. Later that year we got to go to Beach Reach and I got to know Michael a lot more. I got to see how much of a Godly man he was, and I soon began to see him as one of my role models. I saw how much he loves God and wanted to share the Gospel with others. I also got to know how much of a goofball he was! From mega beds to Fortnite W’s, being around Michael lifted my spirits and he has been such a positive influence on my life ever since. I am so happy and excited for Michael and Grace and their new chapter in life!

Michael and Austin first met during Michael’s freshman year at Wayland. They initially sparked a friendship. This friendship would reach fertile soil during a BSM trip, where it became an official bromance. Michael and Austin’s friendship continued to grow through countless chief games, moments of laughter, and many Bible studies. Distance has not hindered their relationship, as they now find time for spontaneous double dates, phone calls, and tons of Fortnite (where Michael carries Austin). Austin has had the privilege of watching Grace and Michael go from strangers to soul mates, and he will be excited to celebrate them both on the biggest day of their lives. 

Michael and I were in the same Old Testament class my first semester at Wayland Baptist University. What started off as classmates grew into friends and soon into a bromance. We shared many laughs (mostly in the back row of Dr. Roger’s Old Testament classroom). Soon we were the best of friends. I remember countless game nights, and many times dogging on the chiefs. *Cue Patrick Mahomes voice* “ I’M HERE” and ready to get Michael married off to his wonderful bride to be! Michael and Grace were instrumental in me and my wife’s story and now I’m excited to see their story reach its next chapter!

Michael and I met early into the 2021 school year at Wayland baptist. During a cookout hosted outside the jimmy dean dorms I saw Michael and his friends throwing the football around and asked to join. That moment was the start of a lifelong friendship that I will cherish forever. We have laughed together, cried together, had long nights driving to Lubbock for whataburger at 3am and even longer nights playing call of duty and Fortnite together. No matter how bad or gloomy my day was I could always count on him to raise my spirits whether it was by words of encouragement or by taking my mind off things trying to convince me year 4 Patrick Mahomes was already a lock for the HOF. Even though we are now half a country apart from each other Michael is still the brother ive always wanted. I truly am grateful to have a friend like Michael in my life.

From Jalee’s perspective: Grace and I have been inseparable since we were kids. I still remember the day we met in elementary school - she was the new girl with long brown hair and a bright smile that lit up the classroom. From that moment on, we became thick as thieves. Through the ups and downs of growing up, Grace has been my constant, my rock. We've shared countless sleepovers, family vacations, and even our first heartbreaks. Now, as adults, our bond is stronger than ever. Grace isn't just my best friend; she's like my 3rd sister. Our friendship is a testament to the power of childhood connections and how they can shape our entire lives.

My first impression of Michael was the hilarious guy who sat in front of me at BSM every Monday night. When we both signed up for the mission trip to South Padre Island, I did not realize the friendship that was to come. I soon found out Michael was more than just the guy with jokes at BSM, but he was one of the most genuine, caring, and God loving men I have ever met. I saw him not only as a friend, but as a role model for how to live in a way that honors Christ. Throughout the short time I have been able to know Michael in college, I can confidently say he has become one of my life long best friends. From mega beds, movie nights in Drew's room, and even being scared to death watching you sleep walk in the hotel room, we have made some great memories and I can't wait to see what God has for you in your next chapter of life with Grace!

From Kira’s perspective: Before even attending Wayland or even meeting each other face-to-face, Grace was in constant pursuit of our friendship. I was in the middle of trying to decide if Wayland was the place for me, and Grace was already inviting me to university hangouts at First Baptist Plainview and to coffee at the Brew. It is safe to say that those little invites 1) got me to First Baptist Church, 2) got me quite addicted to a good coffee shop, and 3) formed a forever friendship. Here’s to countless memories that we have made and to more that will come. To know Grace is to love her, and it is such a blessing and an HONOR to stand by someone who holds such a special place in my heart.

Michael has played several roles in my life from younger brother wrestling around the house and playing superheroes, to one of my students in my youth group. I watched him grow in his faith and pour out the love of Christ to his friends. He also came to Wayland to spend my senior year of college with me. He can thank me for meeting Grace because I came to Wayland first. Now, he is my best friend where I can go to him when I need someone to talk to, play video games, and just hang out.

From Megan’s perspective: Grace and Megan met through being future sister in laws. The first time she met Grace was in a Waffle House halfway from Kansas to Texas and they immediately got along. Growing up with all brothers Grace was the sister that Megan always wanted in the family! We can talk about anything and everything and have grown so close so quickly. Megan couldn’t be happier with the woman her baby brother chose to be his wife and to be a part of our family.

From Sara’s perspective: I first met Grace at FBC Plainview after Lori asked Grace to give me a ride back to the school. Not gonna lie, I was intimidated and scared. But Grace sought me out. We’ve had our ups and downs up she’s been a constant in my life. She is the first person I think of when I need someone to pray for me, she’s there always even when I’m panicking and my anxiety is getting bad, and she’s always willing to encourage. Grace has been with me through boy problems (although there has only been 2) and she always knows how to put me back in my place. I’m grateful that God put Grace in my life, I don’t know where I would be without my friend.

From Sarah’s perspective: Grace and I met in August 2020 in a math for elementary school teachers class during my first semester at Wayland. Some Instagram messages back and forth about assignment questions turned into deep conversations about our shared love of missions. Before we knew it, we became great friends and roommates in college! She even talked my now husband into reaching out to me and was a bridesmaid in my wedding. It is such an honor to get to stand by Grace’s side on her special day as she marries the love of her life! She is such a huge blessing in my life, and I am endlessly grateful for her!

Michael and Taylor first met in class, intro to sociology. Michael was a familiar face to Taylor from BSM. Taylor didn’t want to be alone and Mikey was there. This birthed one of the most flourishing friendships. Michael and Taylor now spend their time together destroying kids on Fortnite, enjoying meals, watching the greatest QB of all time, and encouraging each other in Lord.