Brianna’s Wedding Party

Hannah: Matron of Honor- I have been friends with Hannah since our first few days at William Jewell College. Starting off living down the hall from each other, we got to know each other quickly. It wasn’t long before we had meals together, went for walks together, and started going to Jewell events together. She has been my best friend since then, simply because of the kind of person she is. She was intentional about getting to know me, and sharing in the things that I enjoy. Hannah’s ability to know someone and care about them so deeply is unmatched. She is intelligent, thoughtful, hilarious, and a fellow nature-lover. She has taught me how to be my true-self, and to never feel guilty for being who I am. I have always been able to tell her anything, and know that she is listening, regardless of what it is about. She also recently just became a mother, and it has been incredible to see her step into this new role. I am incredibly thankful to have her standing beside me on my day, and her continued support through my life.

Courtney- Courtney and I became friends my first season at Pingree Park/CSU Mountain Campus. She is so sweet and fun that I dare anyone not to like her. She is willing to jump in and help in anything you ask her to, and would be there in a minute. Courtney and my’s biggest (but not only) bonding experience came from our 7-day trek through the Wyoming wilderness in 2016. We learned our own strengths and weaknesses, and had only each other to rely on (me relying on her more than her on me). We have been on many adventures since, and I have continued to rely on her to lend a listening ear, pick me up when I fall, and continue to carry me when I want to give up. I can’t wait for the more adventures that are to come. She is, what I like to call, my soul sister.

Addy-I was intimated by Addy at first. I had heard so much about the things that she had done-hiking and running and climbing-wise. What I didn’t know at the time, was that she would so open to allowing me to share in those experiences with her. She taught me about nature and being prepared, but also sometimes not being prepared for what life throws at you, and how to adapt. Addy taught me that you don’t always have to know what you’re doing or where you’re going to be okay. She quickly became one of my best friends after we met in 2011, and through the years, our relationship continues to grow and change. She continues to help me see the world in a different light, and to experience things I wouldn’t have otherwise. I am now, and continue to be, inspired by Addy. She has such a freeing, caring, and wise spirit, and know that I can look up to her and her own marriage in the years to come.

Jess-We became friends my first week of college, living on the same hall together. I soon realized our mutual love of basketball, good food, our same major of nursing, and love of the Lord. We started going to our classes together and sitting by one another, and really were intentional about getting to know each other. The next 3 years at Jewell, we lived together as roommates in the dorms. Through the trials of nursing school, and both of us moving away from MO, we remained close friends. Jess is an incredibly selfless person, and continues to showcase this to everyone she meets. She is a wonderful friend, in being there for me when I have needed it the most, just needed to speak my mind, or needed advice on what to do. I have watched her flourish into an awesome wife and mother, and I will continue to seek her guidance with becoming a wife. I am so thankful to have had her support alongside me for many years and transitions, and look forward to our continued friendship!

Maria-Through a weird connection of mutual friends, I had known about Maria since high school. Lo’ and behold, Maria ended up coming to Jewell a year after I started there. Also involved in the nursing program, and becoming friends with Hannah, we established a friendship. Maria continued to reach out to me and we were able to catch up when we could, talk nursing, or go rock climbing. Her parents and I both moved to CO around the same time, and since then, I continue to look forward to the days when she will be visiting CO so that we can meet up. Some things that I really value in Maria are her loyalty, her quiet humor, and the way she knows me without me having to say it. She is the kind of person that has a great memory about what’s going on in my life and always follows up on those things. I feel lucky to get to have her stand alongside me as this true friend who continues to be so present.