Wedding Party
Emma Balmer
Matron of Honor
Em and Annalise go wayyy back 😉 Emma has been Annalise’s role model, teaser, adventure buddy, confidant, and best friend since day one. Annalise has followed Em in lots of way—from high school ceramics to a career in nursing. Nowadays, they love spending time chatting while shopping, poolside sitting, going for walks, and impromptu meals together. She’s the best big sister a girl could ask for 💕
Lindsey Esquirell
Bridesmaid
Lindsey’s first impression of Annalise was less than desirable… they were new roommates and Annalise essentially rearranged all of Lindsey’s belongings without asking. Somehow, they’ve been roommates ever since! The fact that they remain close friends is a testament to Lindsey’s patient, strong, and forgiving nature! Lindsey works as a teacher and loves spending time outside.
Madison Brande
Bridesmaid
Come September 10th, Madison and Annalise will officially be sisters! That hasn’t kept Madison (married to Dawson’s brother Riely) from always treating Annalise like family. Madison has a knack for making people feel seen and welcome. She enjoys reading, games, and quality coffee. She is a wonderful wife, mother, hostess, and friend!
Lauren Holland
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Annalise had the bonding experience of going through nursing school together, which involved many late study nights and hurried paper writings. They have sweet memories of sharing a good cup of tea, singing in the car, and staying up late chatting. Lauren is a ray of sunshine! Annalise has always admired her gentle and joyful spirit.
Autumn Carlson
Bridesmaid
Autumn and Annalise became close during their junior year of nursing school. Autumn is a supportive and loyal friend and is always ready to offer a listening ear. She works hard as an ER nurse and is passionate about helping people. She and Annalise share an appreciation for pretty drives, london fogs, and cats.
Lucy Cameron
Bridesmaid
Lucy and Annalise met freshman and got close by attending Bible Study Fellowship together. They would swim laps and go for walks in their free time, or grab meals together on campus, switching easily between deep conversations and goofy laughter. Lucy is gracious, understanding, and wise beyond her years. She now works as a teacher.
Riely Brande
Best Man
Riely and Dawson have known one another for quite some time. Growing up as brothers, they enjoyed lots of imaginary games and adventures together. Riely was known to be a bit hardheaded and stubborn, but he was a natural leader and taught Dawson many good lessons, despite their brotherly fighting. After Riely left to study engineering at the Coast Guard Academy, his absence caused their connection to grow even deeper. Since then, Riely is considered one of Dawson’s greatest mentors and friends, and they share unique humor that can bring both of them to tears of laughter.
Benjamin Dowd
Groomsman
If Dawson were to write a personal memoir, it would be titled “Life in a Giant’s Shadow: a story of inferiority.” That giant’s name is Benjamin Ladd Dowd. When Dawson ran, Ben ran faster. When Dawson kicked, Ben kicked further. When Dawson scored a 99, Ben scored 100. Dawson’s legacy at liberty University will forever be known as “that tall guy’s friend.” And Dawson couldn’t be prouder to walk in any other shadow. In all seriousness, Ben Dowd is one of the most generous, sincere, talented individuals of our generation, all while shining the love and humility of Christ. There’s not an ounce of pride in those abnormally long bones. Ben is part of a small circle of people who can regularly make Dawson laugh until he’s weeping, and will easily be a lifelong friend.
Timmy Johnson
Groomsman
Dawson and Timmys friendship is an enduring one. From the moment Dawson saw the long haired ping pong master of the common room freshman year to this day, the two have overcome more together than most friendships. They shared a room together for a long time in college, and Dawson has spent more than a few nights on Timmy’s futon since. Despite some very foolish mistakes on Dawson’s part, Timmy has shown immense kindness and forgiveness to preserve their friendship. He was there for countless hilarious and ridiculous stories through college, and will hopefully be part of many more.
Tyler Nickel
Groomsman
Tyler Nickel is a steady and disciplined man. Dawson has never known a man more able to stick to his convictions and set an example for others than Tyler. At the same time, he is one of the goofiest and most “wobbity wobbity” humans on the face of the Earth. He is also phenomenally musically talented, and he’s capable of moving his body in dance in ways that Dawson could only dream of. They have spent countless hours fasting together, praying together, laughing together, and encouraging one another to seek Christ daily. The friendship has endured over time and distance since Tyler started chiropractor school in Florida. Being in his presence also guarantees immense laughter. There are very few leaders like Tyler Nickel in our generation.
Joshua Coudeyre
Groomsman
Josh Coudeyre is one of very few men who give Dawson incredible hope about the young men of this generation. In the short time Dawson has known Josh, he has seen a maturity and self-discipline that few men in their late 20s or even 30s possess. Josh is an undistracted man. While he is a fun and easy person to spend time with, he is also constantly thinking of how to maximize his time and develop himself into a more Godly man, leader, brother, and friend. He sets his whole heart on whatever person, task, or hobby presents itself. He will pick up unicycling or free skating like nobody’s business just for the adventure of doing so. This world needs more men like Josh Coudeyre, and Dawson is blessed to call him brother.
Gage Payne
Groomsman
You’ll be hard-pressed to meet a man who is more passionate about making goals and more capable of meeting them than Gage Payne. Dawson met Gage during a difficult and lonely college summer in Lynchburg, and Gage immediately became an easy friend, bringing Dawson into his Church small group, which would become a significant place of growth and friendship for both Dawson and Annalise in the years to come. Not only does Gage embrace massive leadership roles with excitement, but he thrives in them, and is always seeking to serve the Lord even better in every opportunity he’s given. Gage was one of the few men who met regularly with Dawson throughout the entirety of his relationship with Annalise, providing accountability, encouragement, and necessary guidance. In days of discouragement and difficult life transition, Gage was a primary voice pushing Dawson to lean into the Lord and continue pursuing Annalise, as well as a consistent source of laughter. Dawson and Annalise’s relationship may look very different without the firm and Loving voice of Gage.