The Bridal Party

Justine Phillips

Bride

Michael Heiner

Groom

Rachael Lees

Maid of Honor

Chris Heiner

Best Man

Mike and Chris have one thing in common: they are both lazy, unemployed leeches who still live with their parents. When Mike's mother and Chris's father marry and move in together, it turns the overgrown boys' world upside down. Their insane rivalry and narcissism pull the new family apart, forcing them to work together to reunite their parents.

Jacey Phillips

Bridesmaid

As I've gotten older, I have realized that my sisters will always be my best of friends. I'll miss Justine coming into my room to lay on top of me when she doesn't want to do actual work, entertaining my constant craving for takeout Chinese late at night, jamming out with me on the couch, being there to plan spontaneous songs to sing at church within 14 hours, and having her clothes and makeup to borrow from. I'm so excited for her and Michael and the new chapter of their lives that they are stepping into. My hope for them is that they let God lead the way, always seek to serve and love together, and keep a soft blanket on their couch so I can stay the night sometimes.

Jayla Phillips

Bridesmaid

Justine is my oldest sister and she has always been.. hahaha. I have gone through the years looking up to her. She has been one of my bestest friends through everything. We may not always get along but we can always bond over our enjoyment of the game “Clue” or our need for our rocky beach and our ice cream trips all the time in the summer. Justine is always there for advice and for laughter. When I was younger I always used to think she was the craziest person ever, especially when one day she told me she was doing “logs” in math class, but now I understand that that craziness was what she needed to get through life and get her to be the most amazing and beautiful bride to be. As for Michael, he will have to deal with her craziness for awhile longer but I have gotten close to Michael and I know he is one of the most sarcastically funny guys out there and will take great care of my best friend.

Joseph Phillips Jr.

Groomsman

The bride's brother

Gabbi Bracke

Bridesmaid

Over the years, through dozens of letters that have crossed America, Justine and I have learned so much about each other, shared struggles, chatted about life, and talked about the many passions and dreams we have; no distance, no matter how far could keep us from writing each other. Growing up and having someone by my side as encouraging and loving as Justine is an amazing blessing and I am so grateful for all the amazing life lessons I have learned from her. I was ecstatic and honored to be asked to be a bridesmaid and I cannot wait to see Justine marry the love of her life which will be a truly wonderful moment.

Spencer Miller

Groomsman

There are actually three things that are certain in life. Death, taxes, and laughing when I’m with Mike. We’ve known each other for ten plus years and there has never been a time where we’ve been together and haven’t spent most of it laughing. Whether it’s a stupid character we’ve created in a game or one of us telling a story a little dramatically, we’ve always been able to make each other laugh and always find a way to have a great time.

Olivia Flint

Bridesmaid

Little did I know that upon praying for a friend that God would bring me one who was so authentic, honest, and so dang hilarious! Justine and I met when we both found ourselves in a Youth Ministry course together. I knew immediately from what she shared in class that she was passionate, kind and courageous. I learned so much from conversations with her, and we knew quickly that ours was not a friendship meant to stay shallow but that we could entrust every detail of our lives to each-other. I am so overjoyed for Justine and Michael and cannot wait to see the incredible things they do together with God as their lives flourish.

Luke Grumbine

Groomsman

I met Mike as a friend of another individual (that shall not be named) but always bailed on us becuase he wanted to stay in his room and play Arc. One of the times on our way home after a night of partying we ended up walking back to the same dorm. He lived just down the hall from me. Me and Mike pretty much had everything in common but what we really became friends over was our extremely unconventional sense of humor and pseudo homosexuality.

Tori Noller

Bridesmaid

I first met Justine my freshman year at college. She had been rooming with another friend of mine, so I saw her here and there, but we never really got to know each other. Fast forward to my junior year and her senior year. We became housemates by coincidence and fast friends! We bonded over makeup and clothes at first (and still bond over this!), but soon we became even closer and she became one of my best friends! I consider myself lucky to have found a best friend like Justine- someone who is thoughtful, caring and loyal to her core. I someday hope to help fulfill her life in even half the capacity that she has already filled mine. To stand up with her at her wedding to Michael will be one of my proudest moments. I love them both so much and wish them nothing but the absolute best. They enhance each others lives in so many ways and they compliment each other so well. I am so happy that they have found each other and hope that they live a long life full of love, adventure and happiness!!

Benjamin Miller

Groomsman

Rebecca Hunter

Bridesmaid

When I started my first day at a new school at the beginning of the 5th grade I had no idea that my desk would end up being next to a lifelong friend. Justine has been one of my very best friends since we were 10 years old. Our mutual love of ho(r)ses quickly turned into a decade of sleepovers, softball games, and Taylor Swift jam sessions. As dorky tweens we would turn the department store dressing room into our own personal fashion show, trying on every sequined and vibrant party dress we could find. Eventually the department store dresses turned into homecoming dresses, and then prom dresses, and then graduation dresses. And now the dresses have changed again.

Ashley Miller

Groomswoman

Emma Steele

Bridesmaid

Justine & I met at the beginning of my second semester at Houghton College when she transferred in & we became roommates. When I think back on this, I can’t believe our luck in that random room assignment. I had been on my own my first semester which was a little lonely after moving to a new state & new stage of life with no roots. Justine was coming in with negative experiences & we were both able to be consistent, caring, walk-through-freshman-year-together kind of friends. We frequently got meals together. Justine solely ate hamburgers, fries & ice cream, & simultaneously was in far better shape than I’ll ever be.  I also remember doing homework one night, & Justine randomly asking me what my ideal wedding colors were- 20 minutes later she had planned out the details of my future wedding ceremony/reception perfectly tailored to my preferences (I was not engaged).  Throughout school we continued our friendship & we eventually served in student government together.  Justine is incredibly talented, intelligent, a wonderful friend, & I’m thrilled for her & Michael!

Mark Donato

Groomsman

Mike and I met working on the Millersville help desk together. There, between our shared animosity towards our boss and the games of IT help desk Bingo and other ridiculous ways to stay sane working a job like that, our friendship grew. From there I was lucky enough to be able to be the one to introduce Mike to a good friend of ours who shall not be named and was first hand witness to their peculiar..... interests and activities.

Nicole Fata

Bridesmaid

Justine and I met 4 years ago during our move in day at Houghton College. We lived on the same floor and got along extremely well being extroverted introverts. We played softball together, were catching buddies, and always sat close to each other during bus rides. We spent a lot of nights staying up late, talking and snacking! We grew so close is such a short time and we were most likely to break out in song and dance together. Although we only lived close to each other for 1.5 years out of our 4 year friendship, Justine and I keep in constant contact and are still a part of each other's lives. I met Mike in the summer of 2019, and I could not have handpicked a better man for Justine. I'm so thankful for her as a friend and can't wait to be apart of her and Mike's big day!

Mikalah Lytle

Bridesmaid

Justine and I met... Well I don't know if I can pinpoint an exact moment we met. We have just known eachother for a very long time. One of the first memories I have of us becoming close friends was in middle school when we started passing notes in history class. We always had something to tell eachother whether it was about our new phones, classwork, or who our crush was at the time. We always seemed to find our seats next to eachother after that. Fast forward to high school we joined the cheer team together and it brought us even closer, with long hours of practice, sweat, pain and tears. Justine was always there to catch me when I would fall both figuratively and literally. She's an amazing person who would do anything for those she cares about. Michael is a lucky guy to have found her and I cannot wait to share in this moment with them and to watch them grow together even more than they already have.

Ashley Carroll

Reader

Justine-- ever since I "met" her, she has been nothing but kind and intentional. I first "met" Justine in Facebook messenger when she was in Spain and I had just transitioned to Houghton from Kenya! She was so kind and open about softball and traveling that I immediately trusted her. She is a great encouragement, her attention to details impresses me because she wants the best for whoever & whatever the situation is & her heart is so honest. I love that & others are drawn to her because of that honest, truth-seeking and telling heart. Love you loads, Justine.

London

Dog of Honor

Michael and Justine adopted London on 2/21/2020. They drove out to the SPCA just to get to know a different dog who ended up not being a good fit for them. The plan was never to adopt a dog that day, but the staff mentioned another dog who may be better suited for their fledgling family. so London was brought out to meet them and she immediately demanded attention and charmed them with her clumsiness. The adjustment into their lives wasn't easy, especially with momma Justine living in NY and not with the family, but it's been a great journey and they are all excited for the adventures that lie ahead.

Josie

Puppy of Honor

The Phillips family welcomed Josie into their hearts December of 2018 when she was only 2.5 months old. She captured Justine's heart immediately with her fluffy butt, high energy, and fear of everything at first. Josie and Justine regularly spends afternoons cuddling, sneaking around mom and dad, chasing each other around the yard, wrestling in the sitting room, and going on adventures around CNY.