Austin & Molly
Wedding Party
Ingrid Beardsley
Bridesmaid
A close hometown friend of Molly’s. Ingrid is an adventurer at heart, just like Molly, though their life adventures have led them to different sides of the country. Over the years, they’ve made an effort to keep their adventure flame going by getting together for a good soirée here and there. Ingrid dabbled in the south and the west coasts but ended up back on the east coast. Since the kiddos came along, she keeps busy scouting out beautiful places and fun activities for her and the family, though the ‘adventure radius’ has shrunk quite a bit. Ingrid can tell that Molly has met a ‘kindred adventure buddy’ in Austin so she can’t wait to see what they’ll get into next!
Gabriel Garcia
Groomsman
Austin and I met about 10 years ago while working in the ER in Dallas. I can’t express how much I look up to Austin and how brilliant, kind, perfect, attractive, and mesmerizing he is. I may or may not be the person actually writing this blurb but you can bank on the unwavering accuracy of the words within. In order not to make Austin’s head too big, I’ll say more about “myself”. I was born in California, some life happened, and then Austin and I grew close on a backpacking trip in Colorado with Sam. After both working at Baylor Univ Med Center in Dallas for years, Nancy (my now wife) and I moved to Colorado in 2014 and was followed shortly after by Austin in 2016. We were able to travel to Patagonia with friends in 2016. Now I'm back in the military life working with the Army here in Colorado for the time being. Looking forward to Austin & Molly’s wedding and being able to tell everyone else there how much I like him.
Becki Brotze
Bridesmaid
A roommate in their home on Moore St (aka The Moore House) I met Molly at a fundraiser, sat across the table from her, and thought "that girl is cool and I want to be her friend." Then asked her 100 times to be our roommate until she caved. My favorite things include good wine, good friends, good books, and my dog Toby. I’m outdoorsy as in I love sitting on our patio, but will entertain camping if my real outdoorsy friends make me, such as Molly and Austin. So excited for you both!!
Jared Goodwin
Best Man
The number of stars in the sky, the number of grains of sand on a beach, the number of times I have done something stupid with Austin… What are things that numbers cannot describe due to the magnitude, Alex? After running about a million miles together in high school and nearly killing ourselves several times (those warnings before episodes of Jackass not to recreate stunts were merely suggestions), Austin and I shared bunk beds together in college (embarrassing but true), unintentionally grew mushrooms on a carpeted bathroom floor in a house they shared together after graduating (not embarrassed about that one), and then roomed together for a year after I got married (at least we had our own rooms this time). Although I like to think of myself as an endurance athlete, I spend more time chasing my kids around than riding my bike these days while trying to get Cocomelon songs out of my head; I pray Austin has to endure that suffering one day. As an ordained minister, I'm not-so-secretly hoping to make an extra 50 bucks by officiating Austin and Molly’s wedding.
Natasha Fish
Bridesmaid
Another member of the Moore House- If Natasha had a memoir, it would be called, "Are You Done with That?" because she has a passion for food and beverage, including what's on your plate. She loves to share what she's making with whoever's in the kitchen, as well as explore the latest eateries in the city and around the world. Her advice to Molly and Austin is to keep feeding your love (literally, emotionally, and spiritually) because "the couple that sautés together, stays together"!
Ben Kirk
Groomsman
William ‘Ben’ Kirk- I’m Molly’s baby, but bigger and better brother. Also only brother. Athletics have been a huge part of my life and career. I had no choice but to excel in sports following 2 valedictorian sisters in school. I’m married to a feisty Italian woman with 2 beautiful kids. I’m truly excited to add more testosterone to the family and even more honored to walk Molly down the aisle!
Jessica Petzel
Bridesmaid
Jessica's moniker should be "The Boss", not only because she gets ish done, but because she is the fearless leader/owner of the Moore House, where Molly lived with 4 of the best roommates in the world, until Austin swept her off her feet (and we all know it was going to take a superhero to entice Molly to move out!). In true home owner fashion, Jessica likes to think she loves hiking best, but really loves house projects and gardening more. She's also funniest when she's not trying to be (and boy is she funny), so you'll just have to hang around on her back patio long enough to witness the magic.
Nick O'Connell
Groomsman
I met Austin when my family moved to Melissa, TX into the same neighborhood that Austin lived in. We used to go out at night into houses under construction and we'd <redacted> and then run for our lives. Sometimes we’d leave little <redacted> in planted pots, or climb up to the 2nd floor and <redacted> from the rafters! We would make 8mm home action movies like using the truck to <redacted> but we told my parents the windshield broke while playing basketball. SO HAPPY FOR AUSTIN!!!
Melanie Royston
Bridesmaid
Melanie is the "senior roommate" of the Moore house. My roommates would say I love to laugh, (re)arrange furniture, and create beautiful things/spaces. Three things most associated with my personality: An obsession with New York City (any day now I might announce I'm moving to Manhattan), My nose is always stuck in a book (with a reading goal this year of 50 books), and I never stop singing Broadway show tunes (I've gotten of my roommates on board with several of my favorites). I love all things big city: The old buildings, the food, the rooftop cocktail bars, the theater, even the navigating of buses, side streets and subways. My idea of outdoors matches Becki's: if there's a patio and a glass of wine-count me in!
January Rowe
Groomswoman
When Austin was born, God sent me not just a brother, but also a best friend. I’ve been so lucky to walk through life with this guy as my ride-or-die. To see him with Molly makes my heart complete- the Goodness of God evident in their love for each other. (Yeah, I’m the sappy sibling.) I am a high school credit recovery teacher in Texas, and I spend any extra time I have wrangling my Rowe-men: husband Pasco, and my sons Pasco (15) and Saxon (12). When they give me an extra second to breathe, I love to travel and read and study the Bible. Advice for the lovely couple: Work to be like Christ in your relationship and you will, by default, always treat each other with the utmost respect, gentleness, and adoration.
Jamie Sherwell
Bridesmaid
Molly and I have known each other since prior to the fifth grade. We have shared many seasons of life together, and almost moved to North Carolina to start a new season of life together in spring of 2020. And then well, you can guess what happened next. My friends would describe me as reliable, resourceful, and wise. I mean, I give advice to high schoolers for a living. As such, I know the latest lingo the kids are using these days, the latest fashion, and I’ve always been your go-to girl for the latest on Hollywood updates. After years of deep and heartfelt conversations about our lives, futures, and whether a spouse would be a part of it, I could not be more honored to be a part of Molly and Austin's big day.
Colin Schreck
Groomsman
A few years ago, Austin had the opportunity to move from Texas to Colorado and spend his first year there with the best roommate anybody could ask for, me. To my suprise, I actually learned many valuable life lessons during our short time as roommates that I still cherish to this day. I have learned that it's totally acceptable to order pizza almost every night, a bottle (or two) of wine is most definitely not meant to be shared, and screaming at the top of your lungs playing video games with the windows open will, in fact, get the cops called on you.
Emily Slay
Bridesmaid
Hi! I'm Emily, Molly's sister. I love to make art! Thrift shops and yard sales are my jam and often where I find fun pieces to transform with paint or glue or fabric. I enjoy podcasts, audio books, and music turned up LOUD so that it gets you tapping or swaying. I camp frequently with my husband, Jason, and our dog-son named Crockett. And, though I'd love to live nearer to the beach, I gotta say, the dry Colorado air does wonders for my curly hair!
Samuel Stone
Groomsman
I met Austin while we both worked in an ER in Dallas, TX. After finding our shared joy for climbing and the mountains, you could say it was love at first... err... height. We spent the next few years tearing across the US, crammed into vehicles too small to fit two grown adults and dogs, and made our way to the highest point in numerous states. If I had any advice to give to Molly and Austin, it would be to play hard, love fully, and forgive unconditionally.
Donna & Joe Gworek
Mother & Stepfather of the Bride
Hi! I’m Donna, the very proud and very happy Mother of the Bride. Joe, (Molly’s stepfather) is looking forward to taking the spotlight on the dance floor (not so much) and greeting all of the guests (very much). Joe is a golfer, and I’m a devoted pickleball enthusiast. He’s from the North. I’m a Southern gal. He loves chicken wings. I’m seafood all the way. Together, we’ve broadened our horizons by traveling far and wide. Opening our home to others, providing a safe place to minister to troubled hearts, and engaging in meaningful conversation is our passion and delight. We’re READY to share this much anticipated wedding with this lovely couple!
Beth & Don Parker
Mother & Father of the Groom
We come to Austin’s and Molly’s wedding day with full and joyful hearts. Our Austin has found the love of his life. Austin has always been our mountain climbing, adventuresome, thoughtful, and loving son. Yet, when he met Molly, he seemed to come alive in a new way with an obvious spark and a sweet peace. Molly, we have prayed for you all of Austin’s life. Prayed that God would bring true love to Austin through a sweet, amazing, fun-loving, and God-fearing wife. You are without a doubt the answer to that prayer. Austin and Molly, we love you to the moon and back! Take care of each other and always remember to say, “I love you”, every day!
Joanna ‘Jojo’ Kirk
Flower Girl
Molly's niece. Ben Kirk's daughter. Jojo is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. She loves shoes, chocolate, and shares in her brother’s affinity for the show ‘spidey.’ She has the brightest smile you’ve seen, and the pipes to go with it. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s thrilled to walk down the aisle with a basket right before Aunt Molly.
William ‘James’ Kirk
Ring Bearer
Molly's nephew. Ben Kirk's son. James is full of energy. He is constantly on-the-go, kicking or throwing a ball, but he is and also equally sensitive, caring and thoughtful. He loves writing notes, chewing gum, watching or playing sports and is obsessed with all marvel super heroes. He may be shy walking down the aisle, but put a bat in his hand you’ll see a true competitor. Mom says his motto in life is- “if you ain’t first, you’re last.”