Matron of Honor
Hannah and I met in college at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. We had a class together and one day admitted having friend crushes on each other. No shame—shoot your shot! We went our separate ways after graduating but stayed in touch, until we later both landed back in the suburbs in Wheaton to pursue a job and grad school. We eventually became roommates and lived together in a home we affectionately referred to as, The White House, which held some of the sweetest years of friendship I’ve ever known. We have processed most of our greatest joys and sorrows together (plus everything in between), tend to have epic adventures in nature, and she is the keeper of most of my favorite conversations about life and faith. In fact, these are all true of the entire Cosper family, who have always treated me as one of their own. I was a bridesmaid in Han’s wedding a few years ago and couldn’t imagine getting married without her standing behind me, as she’s done so faithfully all these years.
Bridesmaid
Julie and I became fast friends while attending the same church in Wheaton. She is still one of my favorite evidences of the Lord knowing exactly what I need exactly when I need it. Hannah had just moved to Oregon, and I was feeling a heavy void in the local friendship department. Enter Julie. The Anderson's house became a place of true comfort and retreat for me, especially during those crazy COVID years while I was living alone. I can truly say I've never been made to feel more comfortable in someone else's home. I can always count on them to have my favorite soda and insulin in the fridge! True friendship. Julie also graciously invited me to family gatherings with The Jacksons—who I often refer to as my midwestern family—and they have included me with their crew ever since. A few years ago, Julz and Oliver moved to the Carolinas, and they're a big reason why I considered relocating here in the first place. I couldn’t be more thankful for Julie's listening ear and cheerleading in my life. She’s threatened to change outfits at least 12 times during this wedding, so look alive! She’ll be the one wearing multiple different dresses throughout the night.
Bridesmaid
Steph and I go way back. Like, to the womb. We went from sharing absolutely everything (we fought a lot) to taking two completely different paths after high school that have had us living apart ever since. But we talk most days, and I still tell people there’s no one who instinctively and intuitively knows me better than her. She’s been a wife for 12 years now and a mom for 9, and has modeled both for me so well. She's my twin sister and one of my best friends. We still know how to get under each other’s skin, but I wouldn’t have it any other way and there’s no one I trust more. We love Steph, Joel, and our nephews, August and Sawyer.
Bridesmaid
My older sister, Kristin, has always been the steady peacekeeper when it comes to us three Barber girls. She is patient, reasonable, and helpful…traits that have been crucial with twin sisters, I'm sure. She, too, has gone before me in marriage and motherhood and models both with ease. She is the best big sister anyone could ask for and from the start has been one of the biggest fans of my relationship with Anthony. We love Kristin, Mick, and our niece and nephew, Annie and Shay. Go Bills!
Bridesmaid
Jamie is my oldest and dearest childhood friend. We met at church when her family moved to Arizona when we were 5 and 6, and she and Stephanie and I have been like the three amigos ever since. We got into all sorts of fun (and trouble) as little girls, from making music videos with our parents’ camcorders to participating in church musicals, backyard swimming, playing softball, and slumber parties on the big red mattress. The fun continued throughout middle school and high school serving as student leaders and on the praise team in youth group together, going on mission trips, and even visiting one another multiple times during our college years. She’s still one of my favorite catch-up phone calls and a source of great wisdom for me. Jamie is more of a sister than a friend and having her as a bridesmaid will be a true full-circle moment. Our families have been connected at the hip since 1996, and still to this day she and Steph and I never laugh harder than when we are together.
Best Man
David and I met 11 years ago at a church New Year’s Eve party at his Grandparents’ mountain cabin. We instantly bonded over typical guy things like throwing axes at trees and splitting wood. Shortly after that we became accountability partners. David has consistently challenged me to be a better person throughout the years. He has always spoken the hard truths I have needed to hear. I’m so thankful to have him as my best friend, and now my Best Man.
Groomsman
I met Kellen in 2018 while sharing a hotel room on a mission trip to New York City. Let’s just say I saw many sides to Kellen on that trip. We connected over a similar vision and passion for leading our generation to the Lord. Together we helped our church lead a young adult ministry for several years. Kellen’s outgoing and positive attitude continues to inspire me to step out of my comfort zone and seek joy in all things.
Groomsman
Scott and I met at church in middle school. While we ran in different social circles then we became really close in high school. Scott is the guy I always call when I have questions about tools or cars. He’s always willing to help, has one of the most loving and caring personalities of anyone I know, and I'm so thankful for the 20+ years of friendship I've had with him.
Groomsman
Lucas and I met at church just a few months before that same infamous NYC mission trip. Back then he was pretty quiet and shy. But those who know him now know that is no longer the case. Lucas is the class clown of the group, and most of the time he's the one playfully getting picked on. But he’s a good sport, has a heart of gold, and cares so much about everyone around him. Through his example he has helped me see people the way the Lord sees them and not the world, which I'm grateful for.
Groomsman
Though I haven’t known him very long, Joel and I quickly bonded over things like music, smoking meat, and our love/tolerance for two crazy twin sisters who like to prank call us to test whether we can tell their voices apart. I’ve come to see the kind of husband and dad he is and I admire it. I’m pumped to have him as a groomsman and my future brother in-law!