She was the answered prayer of our matron of honor and best man, Bethany and Derek Burnett. This little surprise decided to sneak onto the scene of things right before Brian and I got engaged, and all of us are so excited to meet her. (Becoming a wife and an aunt at the same time is pretty amazing, I must say!) Although she has yet to enter into this world, Emery is already loved more than she will ever know. Her life already has proven God’s unfailing love in the lives of her family, and she has represented both to Derek and Bethany His promises to them. Emery will lay within her mother at this wedding with me, reminding Bethany and the rest of us of one more reason to celebrate on this special day. The joy of her existence and future arrival will overflow into the joy we will share together in ceremony.

Not only is she the one and only sister of my fiancé, but she’s also been a sister to me: a sister in Christ and a sister by friendship. While a wife to Derek Burnett and mother to her little bundle of joy that is still on the way, Bethany is always kind to those around her, willing to help with anything that she can. She is genuine in her person and in her desires, unashamed to shine her truest colors and unafraid to pursue the things she loves most. She loves the Lord and shows it through her worship, but she also loves her family and friends, willing to defend them at any cost. She is persistent and doesn’t give up easy, and she has inspired so many people through her unwavering faith. “Bethy,” as we all call her, has made me feel the most at home since I’ve moved to Arkansas, through each of her laughs and giggles. I couldn’t appreciate or love her more.

She was my first best friend, in every late night conversation and heartfelt secret we shared as siblings. As we played with our dolls or created homes for birds and squirrels outside in the backyard, Jordan and I grew up together as two peas in a pod. Even though we both had our fair share of framing the other person or fighting over who gets to sit in the front seat of the car, we were always there for each other at the end of the day. Now at 18 and 20, Jordan and I are still best friends, in a sense that only we as sisters can understand. Who else would know what I mean when I say, “That smells like a color” or “What animal would this person be if they were an animal?” Probably nobody besides my sister! Jordan expresses her thoughts freely and loves to hang out with friends. Her greatest desire is to please the Lord, as well as bring joy to those around her. She loves to talk about the Bible, and she loves to discover new ways of doing things.

She didn’t expect to have the role, but she’s always played the same part a maid of honor would, growing up alongside me, keeping me company, and helping me with whatever I needed. Ellie, my youngest sister, has never failed to stand by me, through the good and the bad. She is loyal, confident, and spontaneous. She aims to make everyone feel included and spends her time finding friends in need. She doesn’t meet a stranger, and she loves to keep the mood lighthearted with her jokes. Ellie is an artist and loves to express her thoughts and feelings through the pictures she draws. She loves singing and listening to music, and she’s even taken it upon herself to write a couple songs. She loves to create things, not only because it brings her joy, but also because she hopes to bring joy to others. If giving happiness to others was impossible, she would have no reason to draw, paint, write, sing, play the piano, or even bake. Ellie loves everyone, and I love the fact that I get to have someone as sweet as her as a part of this special day.

If for some reason you ever need a good cook, a barista, an event planner, a praise singer, and a media woman all in one person, then Rebecca is your gal! Wife of Austin Parrot and my soon-to-be next door neighbor and college buddy, Rebecca has been more than a friend to me. She’s always been that chit chat partner who just gets what I’m talking about or that bearer of the latest exciting news that just makes me gasp. Out of everyone I know, Rebecca is the one that’s probably the easiest for me to get along with. She is passionate in her beliefs, especially when it comes to the Lord. She is willing to defend the Truth, or at the very least, bring up God in her day to day conversation. She is adventurous, and her adventure stories from her previous home in Brazil never disappoint. She always puts forth her best efforts in any task, and I appreciate her for that in every moment she’s been there for me. Rebecca can see the humor in any situation, making it easy for people to have a good time around her. She will play a special role in this wedding, bringing that same joy and love to our special day.

She was the first girl for me to meet in Arkansas, and I don’t know how I would’ve adjusted to my new home in this state without her. Sister to Austin Parrott and newly-wed wife of Bryce Seigrist, Gracie fulfilled one of the first prayers I ever prayed here: “God, send me a female friend.” She has played this role for me beyond what I can describe, always being there to support me and throw in a few laughs along the way. Whether she knew it or not, the Lord most certainly used Gracie to keep my crazy emotions under control, amidst the stress of leaving my old home behind. She is kind, enduring, a planner, and a peacemaker. You’ll never see her not smiling on any normal day. She has inspired me, as well as others, in her love for God and church. She is one of the most passionate worshipers I’ve ever met, and it’s always been a beautiful challenge for me to praise God more. She doesn’t give up on people, and she’s never given up on me. Gracie has been one of the sweetest reminders to me of this one little saying: “Once a friend, always a friend.”

I feel like life kind of lied to me when I first met Emma, because I’m pretty sure I’d already known her for years before our first conversation. She at least makes me feel that way! Emma is kind, funny, and daring. She loves to take risks, and she loves to know everybody’s having a good time. She solves problems through plenty of hugs and I-love-you’s. Whenever I’m having a bad day, Emma is always there to cheer me up, whether I ask for it or not. She loves to sing, she’s creative, and she can always find another new, inventive way to do pretty much anything. Emma is special to me because she’s never allowed me to be in a bad mood around her. Any burst of anger I wanted to shout out, any shiver of anxiety I wanted to stress about, and any tear of sadness I wanted to cry out has always been laughed, hugged, loved, and dried away by her enduring presence in my life.

If I’ve ever met a girl who was just the perfect combo of a country girl and city girl, it would be Josie. She’s a lover of animals, when it comes to her horses and when it comes to her education. When it comes to “cowgirl” and “trends,” she always brings both worlds of fashion to life. She is smart, kind, considerate, and lady-like. At the same time, however, she’s also brave, bold, and a go-getter. Josie is always there for her friends and family, and she’s been so quick to include me in that list. She doesn’t forget details easily, and she always gives her best in everything she does. “Jo,” as we all call her, is the truest definition of a godly, friendly, beautiful, Apostolic, southern belle. Her sense of hospitality has blossomed in her love for people. She is curious and loves to learn new things, but she’s also very self-aware, sure of her desires, beliefs, and opinions. I couldn’t be more excited to have her in my group of bridesmaids, but more importantly, in my list of sisters-to-gain.

He’s a walking dictionary full of knowledge and intelligence, ready and able to fix pretty much any problem you could think of. Husband of Bethany Burnett and newly-discovered father who awaits the birth of his little girl, Derek is my fiancé’s best friend. He and Brian have known each other for years and have never failed to unendingly support and stand by one another. Their mesh of good laughs and heart-to-heart conversations have connected them in a way I’ll never understand. Derek was truly Brian’s brother-to-gain when he married his sister, but he was also a faithful saint for Heber Springs Apostolic Church to gain. He has gone above and beyond in helping in whatever way he can for the church, whether it was through media, music, teaching, or preaching. It is his life’s goal to serve the Lord and to serve his family, and we are more than honored to have him as a part of this special day.

A husband, a father, a minister of the Gospel, and a friend to everyone he meets, Bro. Goldman is the perfect example of what companionship should look like. He and my fiancé have known each other for years, ever since he received the Holy Ghost in Heber Springs around 20 years ago. Their relationship began through Brian’s dad, Bro. Anthony Laster. The friendship was then extended to Brian as he grew older, and it has lasted ever since, being founded upon God, honesty, respect, and integrity. Bro. Goldman doesn’t get by without a sprinkle of humor in every moment’s conversation. He is lighthearted and enjoys seeing people have a good time. He is stern in his belief of the Truth and in his willingness to defend it. He doesn’t give up easy, but he’ll easily give up himself to serve God and others in whatever way he can. Bro Goldman is greatly loved by his friends, family, and Prevailing Word Apostolic Church. It will be an honor to both my fiancé and me to have him as a part of our special day. We are grateful and appreciative for his friendship and for all he has done.

He’s determined, spontaneous, and hardworking. Husband of Rebecca Parrott and big brother to Gracie Seigrist, Austin is a man who desires to learn new things. He loves people, especially his family and the men who’ve mentored him throughout his life, including his pastor Bro. Anthony Laster, Derek Burnett, and Brian my fiancé. Austin seeks out a new challenge in life the moment he fulfills a previous one, as he desires to continue to grow in his person and in the Lord. He lives life with a special appreciation for laughs and friendship, knowing those things make life just a little sweeter. He is involved in his church and serves in playing the drums, in singing, and in simply answering any call to help at a moment’s notice. Whether he believes it or not, he’s a rapidly evolving preacher as well. That’s not just because he can think of something to say behind a pulpit, but it is most importantly because he knows how to represent God, defend the Truth, and explain spiritual concepts on the fly to almost anyone. Austin and Brian are almost like family, even though they aren’t blood related. They are always there for each other, but it’s a support that is founded upon respect for each other as men. It’s an incredible friendship to see, and it will be an incredible friendship that continues even after this ceremony.

He’s played the role of “best friend” in Brian’s life, ever since the two went through thirteen years of school together as kids. Seth Templin, the finished product of a friendship-trio created among himself, Brian, and Derek, holds many memories of his life spent growing up with my fiancé. The two cousins have attended church together, preached together, and now, after the wedding day, will share the same title of “husband.” Seth married his beautiful wife Cynthia (our engagement photos photographer) back in 2019, and together they have had two children. His family is engulfed with love, laughter, and happiness, keeping God and church at the center of it all. Seth enjoys small talk, making it easy to throw in plenty of jokes and laughs. He is hard-working, friendly, and easygoing. Brian and I are honored that he has accepted our request to be a groomsman on this special day. His presence among the wedding party will mean the world to us, because of his enduring friendship to us and companionship to Brian. His blood-relation of cousin (family) will forever hold true to us, because he is certainly loved and appreciated just as much as that bond loves and appreciates — and even more so.

He is lively, full of energy, and loves to have a good time, yet at the end of the day he’s still a hard worker, loyal to his family, and serious about serving the Lord. Newly-wed husband to Gracie Seigrist, Bryce is a persistent individual and doesn’t give up easily. He’s most certainly a go-getter and puts forth every ounce of effort into whatever it is he’s doing. Even though he is very firm in his thoughts, Bryce will always listen to your words and consider your opinion before stating his own. He is a defender of the Truth, even if it means doing something crazy to represent His God well. Bryce makes up for stress or hard days through his jokes and getting people to laugh. He loves life, and as long as there’s other people loving life along with him, then he’s got a reason to keep loving life. Bryce has changed a lot in the past year or so he’s attended my fiancé’s church, the biggest change being receiving the Holy Ghost. It’s the type of change that’s obvious to a person because of the spirit he carries with him. The Lord has humbled his life through that change, and now my fiancé and I are the humbled ones, getting to have Bryce as a part of this wedding party.

If I’ve ever seen a man truly let God turn his whole life around, I saw it in Trey. He came straight off the devil’s menu, hungry for the Bread of Life. Certainly, what once had been lost has now been found. In the past year that Trey has attended my fiancé’s church, he has repented of his sins, been baptized in Jesus name, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. From the moment he met the Lord, he was sold out to Him, and God’s already using him greatly through the sharing of his testimony. Now standing where he is, you would’ve never thought he came out of what God delivered him from. Trey is a faithful person, not just in a spiritual sense, but also in the fact that he believes in people. He is positive, spontaneous, hard-working, and loyal to his family and friends. He enjoys sharing laughs with the people he loves, and he enjoys finding new people to love, as he invites people to church. Brian has stood by Trey throughout this entire journey of meeting God, and it is now Trey’s turn to stand by Brian, as he and I both enter into this new chapter of our lives.

The little boy I once knew who was always getting into trouble has now turned into a young man seeking out the will of God in His life. Caden, our all-time, favorite “brother of the group,” is passionate about serving the Lord and seeing others saved. He is heavily involved in his church and serves through music, singing, media, and even church social media. He is actively working a P7 Club at his high school in Heber Springs, offering food, merchandise, and most importantly Bible to young students. Caden has recently developed a love for photography and has already gained picture-taking experience in his church, a wedding, and various on-the-fly opportunities. Caden is the kind of person to jump head first into whatever it is he’s doing. He loves to take risks, he loves to make people laugh, and he loves to create images of his imagination (whether it’s through church fliers, photography shots, or social media posts). He is positive, spontaneous, and loyal to his friends. In his attempt to maintain excellence, he loves to share his ideas with others, desiring for his work to be criticized and polished. He will be a special part of this wedding, not just because he is a groomsman, but because we know he will aim to be the best groomsman he can possibly be — just as he has aimed to be the best version of himself in every situation.

She is bright, fun, and full of love and happiness! Azaleigh, sister to Caden Burger and friend to all she meets, is the sweetest six-year-old girl you’ll ever come across. She loves all people around her, especially her best friends “Mommy” and “Sissy.” Her desire to nurture and care for others has melded with her dream to be a “Mommy” herself one day. For fun, she loves playing with her dolls or drawing and painting. Even though applesauce outweighs her love for chicken nuggets, she still agrees with our mini groom (Nathan) that McDonald’s is the best place to go. Nathan and she have been friends for the majority of the time since my family and I moved to Arkansas, always playing together after church. Azzy, as we all call her, will play a very special part in this wedding, walking down the aisle with my little brother as our mini bride. We all love Azaleigh and can’t wait to have her forever embedded within our hearts’ memory of this special day.

On the outside he appears to be a gentle, handsome, young boy who is loving to every person he meets, but on the inside he is a little monkey who takes risks and plays so hard his cheeks turn red. Nathan, my little brother, is, by far, the cutest six-year-old boy you’ll ever meet, and we love him to bits and pieces. He loves to play with his toys, specifically any toy that roles, opens, closes, and can be taken apart and put back together. He is obsessed with Minecraft and Legos and can make up any game that includes those two things. If you ever want advice from him on where to find a 5-star rated restaurant, just go to McDonald’s and order “chicken and fries.” Nathan solves problems through tickles and kisses, never forgetting to ask “You okay?” and say “I’m sowwy.” He spends his time playing with his friends at school, playing games like Mario Kart on the Switch, and going to Sunday school at church. Nathan will escort one of his best friends, Azaleigh, as my mini groom on this special day. They two will play a special part in the ceremony, reminding us of all the joy and laughter we have to be grateful for.