If being best man means the man who has encouraged, supported, and guided me the best, then I can't think of a better man for the job. Phillip has been a steadfast friend for as long as I've known him. After meeting our first year at Boyce College, we became fast friends—bonding first and foremost over our love for all things Lord of the Rings. As I've gotten to know him better, it has been such a blessing to see him grow in his faith, even through some incredibly trying seasons. And yet through all of that he has remained a funny, encouraging, and convicting friend who laughs with me at our mutual stupidity, but is unafraid to call me out when I'm out of line. One could not ask for a better friend, so of course, I'm making him—an introvert—give a speech in front of all of you.

Tulia and I have been roommates for two years. My first memory of rooming together was looking at her one evening and asking, "What is your opinion of rugs?" Since then our friendship has grown into one of the sweetest unexpected blessings I've ever been given (after salvation and Nathan). We are not just roommates: we are friends and confidantes. She makes me laugh so much (especially after 9pm) and is the most gracious, sweet, unselfish person I've ever met. She might be my maid of honor, but I feel I have been the one honored to know her.

Bailey was my very first friend at Ninth & O and has remained one of my favorite people to do anything with. It's because of him I've had some of the opportunities to grow in my abilities as a worship leader. He has been a constant source of encouragement and levity (especially in the frequent moments that we're basically the same person). And he has been phenomenal and humble example to me of how to date and marry a Godly woman well.

Lindsey's genuine enthusiasm and love for the Lord is unparalleled. She brightens every room she enters. Even when life is hard, she is always smiling and seeking to encourage those around her. She has taught me so much about life, dating, managing chronic pain, and trusting the Lord. I am so thankful to call her my friend and to know I have her support and encouragement both now and going forward.

Parker is one of those people where you know exactly what he's going to do for the rest of his life from the moment you meet him. Parker's gonna preach. And boy will he do it well. The amount of theological knowledge, insight, and encouragement I have received from this man is unparalleled. To have someone in your life who can deftly switch from singing the stupidest pop songs with you one moment, to encouraging you with the truth of the Gospel the next, is something I wish everyone had. And I'm so honored to have him next to me as I move into this new season, still supporting me and encouraging me to pursue the Lord.

Sure, Rachel's my oldest sister, but she's more of a built-in mentor who happened to watch me grow up. She's smart, relaxed, and yet capable of getting anything done. And also has a rare and priceless silly side. She has counseled me about friends, buying cars, and more recently, about dating and planning a wedding. I can't count the number of times as I was growing up that she chose to spend time with me and my friends instead of going out with her own group. Those times are some of my favorite memories, and remind me how much I appreciate her and the love she shows me.

Zeke is...well, he's just Zeke. And I absolutely love him for it. I would not have nearly the level of optimism and laughter in my life were it not for Zeke and the ways he can, constantly and with ease, bring levity to any situation. But, like any good friend, when the moment has called for seriousness, he has always been a source of earnest help and heartfelt advice—whether that's advice on how to have a hard conversation, or how to build a DnD character...some things are more serious than others...

Bethany is the life of the party. My whole family knows that time together isn't the same if Bethany isn't there. She makes me laugh, hosts pretty great movie nights, and is so incredibly caring. She doesn't mind when I end up talking for a half hour, but truly wants to listen and help and encourage. She's my #1 supporter when it comes to music, and also owns the second cutest Golden Retriever in Louisville. I'm so thankful God put her in this world before me - I wouldn't want to look up to any other older middle sister.

Alex is one of those guys when, as soon as you meet him, you know you're gonna have a good time. Always ready to make a joke, down to play any sort of game, and an expert on all things Spider-Man, Alex is just fun to be around. If you know Alex you know all of this already. But if you know him you also know that all of that is far surpassed by the fierceness with which he supports and cares for those close to him. He is a loyal friend, and I'm so blessed to celebrate this event with him alongside me.

Anna is the sister closest in age to me, meaning we were always partners in crime. Or maybe not crime, but dressing up, playing Barbies, or watching movies and eating pizza while Mom and Dad were on a date. More recently, we worked at Chick-fil-A together, sang together on the worship team, and wrote a worship song just cause we can. Anna encourages me by the way she seeks the Lord, invests in others, and hits absurdly high notes. I'm so thankful to have her by my side at my wedding and can't wait to celebrate with her!

What an absolute whirlwind and total force of nature. Nothing more needs to be said.