Ben & Quinci

October 7, 2023 • St Joseph, MO

Ben & Quinci

October 7, 2023 • St Joseph, MO

Wedding Party

Ethan Hedrick
Ethan Hedrick - Best Man
“Ethan and I met while in the Army together in Hawaii. After spending one weekend together, Ethan quickly welcomed me into his “family” of friends that he had made in Hawaii. At the time I didn’t have many friends over there, so I was very grateful. Ethan and I built a bond while in Hawaii that I soon realized I had gained a lifelong friend and brother. We can spend years apart, but as soon as we see one another it’s like we just hung out yesterday.” - Ben
Tiffany White
Tiffany White - Matron of Honor
"Tiffany is my best friend. She is patient, understanding, and the BEST homemade pizza maker. Her loyalty is unwavering. When we met working at One Step Ahead it took us a whole year to figure out just how cool the other one was. Tiffany has always been by my side with solid advice and even better perspective." - Quinci
Josh "Bookie" Stewart
Josh "Bookie" Stewart - Groomsman
“Josh, or Bookie as many know him, is my real brother so we have know each other since forever. He is my only sibling. Even though we live hours away from each other, when we are together it’s like we were never apart. We may fight or argue sometimes, but at the end of the day he’s my brother and we love each other….well at least I do anyways.” -Ben
Alli Steele
Alli Steele - Bridesmaid
“ Alli is my longest friend. We met in college. She’s been there by my side through my growing up phases of adulthood. She is spunky and adventurous. She throws the best themed parties that you can ever imagine! She also never hesitates to give her raw advice.” - Quinci
Brandon Sorrentino
Brandon Sorrentino - Groomsman
“Brandon and I met in high school through his oldest brother, Scott. If you ever need something he will be there. I’ve seen Brandon go through some battles as a father and come out relatively unscathed. Brandon is one of the greatest friends a friend could be, to me he is better than a friend he is family!” - Ben
Kelsey Andrews
Kelsey Andrews - Bridesmaid
“Kelsey and I have been through some wild adventures together. We initially met through her sister Alli. Our friendship has grown so much over the years. I can always count on her! She is the BEST middle of the night breakfast maker, and always down for fun.” - Quinci
John Sorrentino
John Sorrentino - Groomsman
“John and I met in high school through his older brother, Scott. We have been friends, roommates, and of course brothers. John is the wild and crazy one that hasn’t settled down yet, but I hope he finds someone that loves him as much as he deserves. I am also proud of the father that John has become. It’s an honor to have him stand beside me on the special day.” -Ben
Marah Gauthier
Marah Gauthier - Bridesmaid
“I met Marah through her sister initially but eventually worked together at One Step Ahead. Marah and I have had so many great times together. She laughs at all my stupid jokes and never hesitates to give me the hard truth. She’s a great support system for Ben and Averi and I!” -Quinci
Scott Mullen
Scott Mullen - Groomsman
“I met Scott over 15 years ago in high school in Bethany. Everyone knows Scott as the funny guy, and he is one of the funniest guys I know. Scott may not be blood but we will always be brothers.” -Ben
Holly Mullen
Holly Mullen - Bridesmaid
“I met Holly through Ben. I got so lucky when Ben’s best friend happened to have a wife who is also amazing! Holly and I became friends over the years that Ben and I have been together. She listens without judgment. Always has a quirky dark response to life! She’s kind, helpful and always there when I need a hand! You can count on her for her hospitality.” - Quinci
Bryan Bartling
Bryan Bartling - Groomsman
“Bryan and I met in Nebraska. Every year our families camp together at Grove Lake. It’s always a great time when we are together. I’m so happy to have him standing up there with me when I get married to the love of my life.” - Ben
Ashley Trainer
Ashley Trainer - Bridesmaid
“I met Ashley at my current employer Community Action Partnership. Ironically enough, she’s also my neighbor! In our short time of knowing each other I’ve learned how compassionate, encouraging and fun she can be. I’ve been so lucky to spend so many fun nights doing one of my favorite things! We both share the passion of live music! She puts up with my wild ideas and takes me on random adventures. We keep each other young!” - Quinci
Braxton Booth
Braxton Booth - Junior Groomsman/Ring Bearer
"I met Braxton when he was around 3 years old. I knew him then as Scott's nephew. This kid over the years has become so much more than that. I am very proud of the young man he has become. I can't wait to see all of the great things he will achieve." - Ben
Averi Shepherd
Averi Shepherd - Junior Bridesmaid/Flower Girl
"Averi is my one and only. In life, all I dreamt of was being a mother to a beautiful little girl. She has far exceeded my expectations in her 14 short years of life. She is so bright, thoughtful, hilarious, and such a joy to be around. I couldn't imagine this day without her" - Quinci
Jake Wilmes
Jake Wilmes - Usher for Groom’s Side
“I was introduced to Jake by John about 8 years ago in St Joseph. Jake is the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. Jake and I have bonded throughout the years over video games. He is the one that got me started down the path to owning my own business. We’ve both grown a lot in the short time we’ve know each other. I can’t wait to see where the rest of this life takes us, both as friends and in life in general.” - Ben
Bill Gauthier
Bill Gauthier - Usher for Bride’s Side
“Bill and I met through his beautiful wife, Marah. We got lucky enough to spend many evenings on my porch discussing the wonders of life. Bill and I have random “date nights” where we hash out our common sense and stuff our faces with endless tacos! Bill is a great man and an even better friend.” - Quinci
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Casey Steele
Casey Steele - Usher for Bride’s Side
“Casey is my first friend in St. Joe. He and I have had some really great times together. From float trips to slip and slides, we’ve experienced some exceptional stuff. Casey is always there for me with solid “get it together” advice. He has been a constant in my life for many years and I can always count on him.” - Quinci
Michele Duncan
Michele Duncan - Guestbook Attendant
“I met Michele while working at Dave’s Auto Sales. Michele is thoughtful and caring. She has been someone that I can bounce ideas off of or come to with problems I may have and I will receive honest advice. I miss working with her since it was always very fun. I’ve always enjoyed our back and forth banter. I’m very happy that she is able to be a part of our wedding and wedding party.” -Ben
Mike Walker
Mike Walker - Guestbook Attendant
“Mike and I met about 10 years ago. We quickly became loyal friends when we realized we were the same person just in a different body. His hilarious sense of humor and hard worker demeanor makes me proud to call him friend. I can always count on him to “man make fire” or meet me on the fly for a random adventure.” - Quinci
Brian Stewart
Brian Stewart - Father of the Groom
“Brian is my dad, I met him 34 years ago when I was born. Brian is the kindest and most genuine man that I know. He is a very hard worker and is always busy helping others. I strive to be even half the man that he is. I am so grateful for the love that he and my mom have shown to Quinci and Averi. Also, his love for my mother, Monica inspires me to be a better spouse. When it comes to relationships, my dad has always had this one piece of advice, never go to be angry with your spouse, I try to instill this in my relationship as best as I can. I feel blessed to be able to get married on his 40th wedding anniversary to my mother.” - Ben
Tony Hammes
Tony Hammes - Father of the Bride
“Tony is my dad. Tony and I met when I was around 4 years old. He married my mom and took on a tough role as dad to me. He adopted me when I was five. I was quite a turd as I grew up! I am so appreciative of the guidance and love he gave me as I pushed and tried everything under the sun. He has continued to love and support me through all life’s challenges and I love him and my step mom Lisa so!” - Quinci
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Jeff Laughlin
Jeff Laughlin - Father of the Bride
“Jeff is my biological father. Circumstances in life lead us apart, but also brought us back together in my late teen years. I am so fortunate to grow to know him in this new season of life and am blessed for our relationship. I am lucky to share experiences with him and my wonderful step mom Kelley. Life happens for a reason and I’m so honored to get to do it with their love.” - Quinci
Monica Stewart
Monica Stewart - Mother of the Groom
“Monica is my mother, so she is the person I’ve know the longest other than God. My mom is my rock and my friend. She is always there when I need her even if it’s late at night or inconvenient for her. She has been married to my dad for almost 40 years, and if you know my dad that takes a lot of strength to put up with his antics. The strength of their relationship has shown me that what many people nowadays consider impossible, being married for even 10 plus years, is possible. I can’t wait to celebrate this special day with my mom, especially on her 40th wedding anniversary to my father.” - Ben
Tiffani Danielson
Tiffani Danielson - Mother of the Bride
“Tiffani is my mom. She’s literally been there since day one. She’s seen me in all my different seasons and loves me through them all. Our relationship has grown and flourished in my adult years. I can always count on her to listen to my troubles and give me advice when I need it the most. As I get older, I appreciate her more as I navigate my way through motherhood. I have a much greater understanding and am blessed to have her has a friend through this season.” - Quinci
Jacob Taylor
Jacob Taylor - Wedding Officiant
"Jacob and I have served together on the Neighborhood HOA for over two years. Jacob is also Averi's youth pastor and Word Of Life Church. We are very happy that he agreed to be our wedding Officiant." - Ben