Krystal Sydow - Maid of Honor
Krystal and Skylar met in college when they were in the same sorority. After Krystal shortly joined, she became Skylar’s Little. They became not just sorority sisters because of Greek life; they became more than that. Krystal brings the sun when the skies are grey. They’ve been through the worst of times and the best of times; however no matter what, they come out each time stronger than before. From thousands of miles away, they are always by each other’s side. They also love the occasional surprise trips to see each other. Skylar is so blessed to have such a light in her life. They were meant to be sisters. Krystal is starting an apprenticeship to become a professional dog trainer! Skylar can’t be anymore thrilled with all of Krystal’s successes and to be one of her biggest cheerleaders.
Mairead Boland - Bridesmaid
Skylar and Mairead met through Tanner, Skylar’s little brother. If you ever ask Tanner, he’ll take full credit for how close Mairead and Skylar became instantly. They don’t give him the credit. Mairead and Skylar don’t just act like best friends; but act like sisters. One minute they will be boosting each other’s confidence, then the next minute they will take embarrassing photos of each other. Though Mairead and Skylar have only known each other for almost 2 years, they’ve learned a lot together. From learning how to play a confusing board game to trying new foods; their friendship will always be an adventure. They’re truly partners in crime. That’s ironic because after Mairead is finished with school, she wants to work for the FBI… Oops.
Alexa Cortes - Bridesmaid
So many memories come to Skylar when she thinks of Alexa and their journey. Skylar and Alexa met on set of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Season 2. During breaks, they did nothing but laugh. After the first day of filming, they extended filming hours so Alexa couldn’t drive back to Texas that night. After knowing Alexa for only 12 hours, Skylar invited her to room with her in the extra bed. Little did they know, they’d become the best of friends. After that, they were roomies for the rest of season 2. Skylar couldn’t ask for a better roommate to spend season 2 with. Alexa was the ball of light that Skylar didn’t know she needed. Alexa tries to see the positive in everything; especially when Skylar thought it was a good idea to use coal for a bonfire… it’s a long story don’t ask. Since Skylar now lives in Norfolk and Alexa now lives outside of DC, they’re only 3 hours apart. They plan on having girls weekends (featuring Brendan) and blaring Taylor Swift.
Juliet Keller-Dabner - Bridesmaid
Juliet and Skylar met when they founded Chi Omega in college. Going through that unique experience brought them closer and closer. Juliet always thinks of others before herself. When they were in college, Skylar had to look for an apartment; Juliet dropped everything and found Skylar an apartment that had the most amazing roommate. That roommate and Skylar are still friends to this day. Juliet truly has a heart of gold. Skylar and Juliet have been through pretty big stepping stones and miracles throughout their friendship and Skylar wouldn’t trade those for the world. Though Juliet lives hundreds of miles away, she always checks in not only with just Skylar, but her family as well. Skylar is so proud of all her successes and can’t wait to see what a wonderful nurse she will become.
Kelli Shoemaker - Bridesmaid
Kelli and Skylar... What isn't there to say? Though, they weren't able to meet in person long, that didn't matter because they became sisters instantly. They bonded over their mutual love for animals, and the relationship grew from there. She is truly the second big sister Skylar didn't know she needed. When Brendan and Skylar were able to visit their home, they welcomed Skylar with open arms as if she was part of the family. Skylar still remembers the moment when Kelli went out of her way to sit with Skylar who was sitting by herself, and started girl talk instantly. To this day, Brendan still doesn't know what they said about him; and like sisters they both will make sure it stays like that. Kelli is a world renowned German Shepard breeder and Skylar can't wait to see was God has in store for her.
Avery Richards - Junior Bridesmaid
Avery is truly the sweetest social butterfly you will ever meet. Skylar and Averys first encounter was at Averys sister's wedding. Skylar and Avery randomly started to dance to a Taylor Swift song; though they didn't know each other, they started dancing together (Gotta love the Swiftie community). During the annual summer family camping trip, Avery and Skylar got closer. Almost every night, Skylar and Avery would look at the stars and spot the constellations. During one of the beach days, they spent the whole time building objects and food with sand. Skylar is so blessed to have gotten so close to this intelligent Curious George.
Nate Huene - Best Man
Nate and Brendan have been through many adventures together. Nate and Brendan met freshman year of college through a club on campus. They weren't close at first; however, a club trip to Washington, DC would change that. In the van, Brendan randomly sat next to Nate, and they spent the whole time talking. They learned they had a mutual love for country music, doing red neck activities, and both had a passion for triathlons. They were so passionate that they started a triathlon club together. Fast forward to COVID, Brendan decided to stay in Grand Rapids, and their friendship flourished even more. Who knew joining a random club and picking a random seat, would lead to a life long friendship?
Tanner Banks - Groomsman
Tanner is the younger brother of the bride, Skylar. Tanner met Brendan on the same day as Skylar did; Thanksgiving 2022. Though, Tanner kept his distance, he still welcomed Brendan into the house. On Tanners defense the Bills were playing (Go Bills!) and he's a major fan, so the Bills were top priority. Though their first meeting was brief, the other interactions were not. Brendan, Tanner, Skylar, and Mairead have spent hours playing different games together, going to eat, Top Golf, so on and so forth. Brendan and Tanner acted like brothers almost immediately with smart aleck commentary and a mutual care for one another. As Skylar watches their bond to continuously grow, it warms her heart more and more.
Tyler Shoemaker - Groomsman
Jonathan Maybray - Groomsman
Mike Shanahan - Groomsman
When Skylar asked Mike how he met Brendan, Mike replied "So, one day when I was 10 years old, Brendan showed up in. my room, pooped his pants, and started crying. He didn't leave. That's how I met him." Surprisingly, Skylar was not expecting this response, but she knew it was too good not to share. Thank you Mike!
Matt Shanahan - Groomsman
Cassin Shoemaker - Junior Groomsman
Blayden Shoemaker - Ring Bearer
Lucas Mallery - Ring Bearer
Caroline Mallery - Flower girl
Burt and Korina Banks - Parents of the Bride
Ron and Sandy Shanahan - Parents of the Groom
Trenton and Mary Katherine Banks - Brides Big Brother and Sister In-Law
Saint Magnolia - Bride & Grooms Furbaby
Hi I’m Saint! I know Mommy and Daddy were only doing these for the wedding party, but I wanted to be included since Mommy won't let me come to the wedding. Rude, right? Anyway, I met Mommy when I was only 8 weeks old; I’m 3 and a half now, so that is a long time ago. Mommy spoils me all the time with tons of loving, treats, and gives me her food like all the time. Daddy asks her to not spoil me as much, but everyone knows I have Mommy wrapped around my paw. Daddy became my Daddy on January 27th, 2023; I gave him presents and even wrote a letter telling him how much I loved him and how I wanted him to be my Daddy. When I first met Daddy on Turkey day, ooh I love turkeyyy! Don't you love turkey? It's soooo good! Wait what was I saying? Oh yea! I somehow knew he was going to be my Daddy; so I let him give me pets and I even laid next to him on the couch after dinner. I know right? Crazy! Though, Daddy hasn’t known me as long, he loves me unconditionally; even when I tore up one of his favorite shirts. I really tested his patience that night. I’ve been a part of Mommy and Daddy’s story from the beginning and seen the different chapters in their relationship. I for one think they were made for each other. I’m so excited to have them as my parents. I wouldn’t ask for any other people who could love me as much as they do. Here’s to playing house forever and secretly having Daddy wrapped around my paw even if he denies it. I love you Mommy and Daddy!