Crystal and Lara met back in the year 2000 while taking a test to get into their high school. Their friendship grew as the years progressed eventually becoming not just best friends, but sisters. They both had a strict upbringing so they would bond in studying and studying, and studying…. Lara really loved going to her family home and enjoying her mom’s amazing food. They both went to college in Massachusetts and continued to remain close. Their friendship stayed strong regardless of distance whether it be across the US or on the other side of the word. They have been there for each other throughout the ups and downs in life including getting kicked out of a Step Class due to lack of overall skill. They are both Leos and are as loyal as they come to each other. There are so many moments that are too embarrassing to mention on this platform!

James and Patrick met through church shortly after college. They quickly bonded as friends over theology, board games, and eating pies made by James’s wife Becky (she makes really good pies!). As Patrick's bible study leaders for many years, James and Becky became role models for Patrick first as a married couple, then as parents as they raised their 3 kids. James has often been there for Patrick as a sounding board about life, especially around dating. James also played a pivotal role many times over pushing Patrick's theology towards love - both for himself and for others. With a level head and wise discernment, James has always had the right words for Patrick at the right time, words that have been shared in trying times, over a board game, and one of their favorite activities: eating wings!

Matt or “Mattie” as Lara calls him met Lara in the year 2001. They both got accepted into the same high school and had to attend a class prior to the start of the school year. They immediately bonded over Star Trek and had many long discussions such as the origins of the Borg and how it relates to the Daleks. They instantly had a brother/sister relationship and with that came a lot of shenanigans. Mattie was and is an epic napper. He would frequently wake up with make up on his face or nail polish on his fingers. Over the years, they have matured (slightly) and are so happy that they have remained close to this day.

Patrick’s sister Rae is a genuinely caring person. She is authentic, animal loving, a book nerd, and a great mother. She has welcomed Lara into the family with open arms. Lara cannot wait to continue to get to know her as her future sister and maybe go on some horse-riding adventures together! Rae has also been a great support to Patrick. Rae was one of the first to see just how special Lara and Patrick are to each other and immediately threw her support and advice behind them helping them become a closer and stronger couple. He is so proud of the woman and mother she has become and for the wisdom she has given them.

Lara and Asia met in graduate school in London back in 2010. They were both in the same master’s program or in the UK, "programme". They bonded and became close friends while living in the land of rain. Lara has always appreciated Asia’s creativity, humor, and wit. Asia was Lara’s closest friend while living abroad where they had many fun nights of spicy food and laughter. Asia convinced Lara to look into jobs in Seattle and Lara ended up relocating there for work. They lived in the same neighborhood just blocks from each other. Asia moved to New England with her husband, however their friendship has remained strong even if they do not see each other as often as they used to.

Outside of family no one has known Patrick longer than Jeremy. Their relationship began in elementary school and continued strongly through college. It was largely through Jeremy and his family that Patrick came to have a full understanding in his faith in Jesus. Jeremy's faith has always been as solid as a rock and he helped Patrick solidify much of his theology and putting it into practice and life.

Josephine married Mattie in 2010 and is one of the most kind, patient, smart, and loving woman. She is great in keeping people (Mattie plus three children) organized! She is generous and authentic. She has an inner strength that Lara admires. She has even got Mattie to speak French which was one, if not his worst subject in school. Lara is so blessed to have Josephine as a part of her extended family.

Jason & Patrick met while working at Village Theatre and were coworkers for over a decade building all manner of set pieces together. Jason’s skill as a builder and constantly positive and supportive attitude have always been a great support to Patrick professionally and as a friend. They share a love of movies, dungeons and dragons, and goofing around at work.