Rachel Runyan Maid of Honor
Rachel has been a friend since the beginning, no really...she was my friend before I was even born. Our mothers were great friends and when I was brought into this world, I automatically was gifted my best friend. A sister from another mother, Rachel has been a part of every season of my life. In high school I would call her and ask for math homework help, in college I still called and ask for math homework help, and after graduating from APU in 2010 I moved up to Redding, and I think that was one of the best days of our lives. Being back in the same town was a thrill and finally I had a GREAT running partner. That was awesome! Rachel and I have completed many marathons together, laughed a ton, and have had the pleasure of living together my last year of singleness. I am so excited to have her as my maid of honor and am blessed by the woman she is. Rachel is faithful and loyal, and is always willing to help other with such grace. I love you Rachel.
Hannah Droll Bridesmaid
Hannah, my bosom buddy. As I mentioned, I was born into amazing friendships (Rachel and Hannah are sisters). Hannah has always been more than just a friend, she is a sister. I remember being younger, telling people about Hannah, and I would get so frustrated because saying she was my "best friend" just didn't describe the love and depth of friendship we have. Hannah, being only six months older than me, has from the start been my closest friend. From spending summers at the pool and reading on the lawn, to celebrating her wedding day and visiting in Texas, we have logged many happy memories. Hannah has only continued to grow into a role model for me. I have always looked up to her, and as I have watched her grow into a beautiful wife and an outstanding mother, my love and admiration grows. I am honored to have Hannah standing with me, you are my bosom friend.
Jenna Zint Bridesmaid
My Redding gift, Jenna Zint. She truly is a gift. I am blessed beyond words to get to know this girl up close. Jenna and I have only been friends for a little over a year, but it feels as though we have grown up together. We have spent most of our friendship talking, we are never at a loss of words. Jenna and I quickly became friends because...well I thought she was really cool and pretty so I thought I would get to know her. She totally is cool and pretty, but she is also funny, adventurous, and so creative! Jenna has been an amazing example to me of a woman after the Father's heart. She knows how to love people intentionally while also calling them to their full potential. I can't wait to continue growing in friendship with Jenna and building on our sweet memories together. You are a true treasure and I am so thankful for you.
Margie La Tondre Bridesmaid
Margie deserves her own drum roll...she is AMAZING! This girl and I met just a few weeks into our first semester at APU and I will never let her out of my life. We practically lived together three out of the four years of college, and I say "practically" because my last year we didn't live together, but you would never know that because of the time we spent together. My best college memories were made with Margie: dancing when we should have been studying, playing when we should have been taking online tests, and laughing the hardest I have ever laughed before. Our little C-44 apartment will go down in history has the best year in college history. Margie and I are often mistaken for sisters which is totally fine with me because, Margie is beautiful, smart, kind, and so funny. She is one of the most genuine girls I have ever met and loves others so well. I have loved our friendship and am beyond blessed to have her in my life. XOXO A&F
Laura Thompson Bridesmaid
Laura is the life of any party she attends. Laura is the fun! She is so full of joy and brings excitement and laughs wherever she goes. Laura was a God send. We met the semester before I moved to New Zealand for school and she was a direct answer to prayers. Laura and I would skype, mail packages, and text often during my semester, many times she just wanted to let me know that she was thinking of me. She believed in my dreams and heard my crazy life plans. Laura was often the instigator of the dance parties, playing and non-studying that I mentioned I enjoyed so much with Margie. The three of us were the "three best friends" and did life so well together. I am excited to have her standing next to me on my wedding day and am especially looking forward to dancing with her at the reception. XOXO A&F
Sara Oliveira Bridesmaid
Sara is my favorite thing about Sonora, CA. Sara and I met sophomore year of high school. She was a guitar playing, band t-shirt wearing girl that I just HAD to be friends with. When I met Sara, she hadn't met Jesus yet and I knew that He was after her heart. I prayed that the Lord would open the doors for me to talk with Sara about God and little did I know He was already in the works of bringing her to His heart. I was delighted when Sara asked me "Why are you always so happy?" and how she could experience that joy. That night my dad and I got to lead Sara in asking God to invade her life. She is a rockstar for Him and it is amazing to see what He has done in her life. Sara and I spent many hours laughing, crying, and just learning how to do friendship together. She is a shining part of my family and always will be. I am blessed to have such a talented, passionate, God seeking woman with me on my day. You're cute Sara!