The Maids of Honor
Julia Blazev
Julia is my cousin, but it feels more accurate to call her my twin sister. Not only do we get stopped almost every time we are together and asked if we’re twins (sometimes we tell them that we are), but we can also finish each other’s sentences and know what the other one is thinking before she even says anything. Even though she lives in Arizona , every time we see each other it’s like no time has passed at all. Even though I didn’t have any sisters growing up, Julia and I couldn’t be any closer. I wouldn’t be who I am today, or ready to marry the most awesome guy I have ever met, without Julia’s input and presence in my life.
Becky Bohn
I have been Friends with Becky since before we would say full sentences. She has been my best friend and pretty much a sister to me for as long as I can remember. My dad used to call us the “giggle sisters” because we just couldn’t—and still can’t—be around each other without laughing. Becky has been my roommate, counselor, outlet for venting, shopping buddy, friend who will make cookies at 11:00 at night, dance partner, comedic relief, and shoulder to cry on. Above all, Becky has been, and will continue to be, the greatest best friend a girl could ever have.
The Bridesmaids
Anna Anderson
Anna is Drew’s sister, and soon to be mine...hooray! Anna is one of those people who is so comfortable to be around, so pleasant, and so patient. She always has a smile on her face and always knows exactly what to say. Other than being the mom to the world’s cutest little girl ever—and my soon-to-be-niece—she is an incredible sister and will be an amazing sister in law!
Tory Black
Tory is my best friend from high school, and I can honestly say that I have never had a more crazy fun friend than her. Who else would go through the Del Taco drive through at 1:30 in the morning with me because we couldn’t sleep? And then help me sing (in a horrible off tune voice) our order to the man behind the box? Tory and I have so many memories it would take up far too much space to write out all the reasons that I love having her in my life. However, the one reason I am so lucky to know Tory is that she is the friend who is always there for me. She is the only friend from high school that I keep in touch with and even if we don’t see each other for a couple months, when we do get together again it’s like no time went by at all.
Stacey Bradford
Stacey and I also met through Saddleback Church . In the summer of 2007 we were both interns with the Junior High Ministry. Having only known her for about 8 months, Stacey is one of the most grounded and most incredible girls I have ever met. Other than being one of the funniest people I know, her commitment to loving students, friends, and anyone else around her is amazing.
Elizabeth McCauley
Elizabeth moved in with Becky and me about 2 years ago. We met through Saddleback Church while we were both interning for the Junior High Ministry. We started a Bible study together and, as we learned more and more about each other, we knew we were going to be friends for life. Other than being hilarious and the best singing partner in the car, she has challenged me and helped me grow more spiritually than any other friend that I had before. I am so blessed to have such an awesome example of what loving Jesus looks like—no pressure Elizabeth.
Stephanie Petersen
Stephanie is married to Drew’s brother, Blake. She is the newest member of the Petersen family—although I will be taking that title very soon—and also one of the most solid people I know. As a new Army family, Stephanie and Blake have had to move around a lot and deal with a lot of uncertainty in their first year of marriage, but she has handled everything with grace, trust, and flexibility...she is not rattled by anything! She also has an amazing sense of humor and really knows how to knock people off their feet with it. I am so blessed to be gaining another sister with Stephanie!
