Wedding Party
Taylor Harper
Maid of Honor
Taylor and Sam met in High School and have now been friends for 12 years. Taylor was a pitcher on the High School softball team and Sam was the catcher... which if you are sports fan, you know that forms an unbreakable bond. They have remained really close friends and the friendship really blossomed after college. The two have lived together, got matching tattoos (Bad Boys For Life), and talk about every little thing going on in their daily lives. Sam could not imagine getting married without Taylor by her side. As Sam says, Taylor is the Marcus to her Mike Lowry.
Cassandra Barefield
Maid of Honor
Cassandra "Bare" and Sam have known each other for 3 years. They work together at Magnolia Jr. High, which happens to be where they met and where there friendship started. Bare in Sam's words is one of the most selfless and caring people she has ever met... when Bare is not busy being a best friend to Sam, she is usually watching the couples dogs. Which has given her the honorary title of "Auntie Bare" to Beau, Charley, and Duke. Sam would just like to say to Bare, "If you don't like it, there is the door Shannon Beador!"
Katie Kucera
Bridesmaid
Katie and Sam met at Sam Houston State University their junior season. They were the only two of their class on the team, and became roommates their senior season. They faced many trials throughout that season, but found great friendship in one another. Entering the real world and life moving fast, Sam stood by Katie's side on BOTH of her wedding days. Not for two different marriages, but for postponing one for the famous February Texas freeze. Sam couldn't imagine life without staying up all night before a fall shuttle conditioning test with Katie, but actually she could. Just not life without Katie!
Sarah Shepherd
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Sam met on their first select team when they were 13. After that team was dismantled, they played for the Father of Bride's team, "Texas Blackout" for several years. They became good friends through softball, and became even closer once she moved in Sophomore year of high school after Sarah's accident, bringing Sam to Coldspring, Texas. Although, as they got older and grew apart, they were meant to be sisters (in law) through the Shepherd family. Sam wouldn't want to wash her hair in a pool with anyone else!
Jessica Alexander
Bridesmaid
Jessica and Sam met a couple months into Bryce and Sam dating, when the couple took a trip to Atlanta. The trip of course included a trip to The Battery, Chopping it up at a Braves game, but best of all meeting Jess and Jeremy. Since the trip, the couples have gotten together every few months, to outdo the time before. From Jess dragging Sam to a Packer bar in Cypress, Texas to watch them crush the Cowboys, to Saturday morning farmer's markets in downtown Acworth, Georgia. They share a friendship that pours into the other. Sam would let Jess rock her Packers gear any day!
Crystal Zela
Bridesmaid
Crystal and Sam met at one of the many family gatherings at the Shepherd's home in Coldspring, Tx. Crystal has always welcomed Sam into the family with open arms and immediately told her daughter, Jayde (flower girl) that she is "Aunt Sam". Both Sam and Crystal enjoy spending time with family and try to get together as often as possible for breakfast at "Paradise Grill" with Memaw and Papa Zela. Sam wants Crystal to know that the only reason they haven't been on the boat, tubing, again is because she is still sore from last year.
Katherine Trapp
Bridesmaid
Kat and Sam met at a Randy Rogers concert, while Jay was having a good time and she was battling morning sickness. Their friendship grew roots because the groom and her husband can't go any longer than a few weeks without seeing each other. However, what really caused their friendship to grow was their common beliefs and senses of humor. Since then, the couples have tried to get together as often as possible. The two really enjoy their red wine, bold personalities, and letting Katherine's mom tell them stories. Sam will always be Kat's biggest cheerleader when she has to drive in the dark.
Liz Trapp
Bridesmaid
Liz and Sam have known each other since high school. Sam has always admired Liz's work ethic, the way she treats people, and how humble she is. Their friendship has grown through being at a number of outings celebrating milestones amongst common friends. While Liz was busy one evening talking about her travels to Egypt, getting hit by a firework, and casually throwing in that she's close to getting her Pilots license, Sam decided Liz would be a perfect addition to the wedding party. Liz can take the spontaneous trips, and Sam will make spontaneous choices!
Blayne Shepherd
Best Man
Bryce's life was all peace and quiet, just Bryce, Mom, and Dad, ready to conquer the world. Then two short years after that dream began, Blayne came along. What looked at first to be a wrinkle thrown into the mix resulted in the best thing that has happened to Bryce. There is not enough space in the description box to describe the friendship that Bryce and Blayne have. For the first 10 years of their living together, they seemed to fight pretty much every day, all day, remote controls being thrown, and there was even a broken leg in there at one point. However, as the two got older they became a packaged deal and spent every single day together. A favorite moment the two often discuss is when they got to turn a double play in High School while playing SS and 2B. Blayne is undoubtedly Bryce's best friend and the two spend as much as time as they can together. From Blayne making trips to Dallas when Bryce moved, trips to Torrey Pines to re-enact Tiger Woods on 18, playing TPC Sawgrass just because, to texting every day about the Braves, trips to Utah to watch the mighty Bearkats play BYU, the two do everything they can to see each other as often as they can. There is no one else Bryce would rather have as his Best Man, and he wants to say to Blayne that, "You didn't even throw that Patty Melt that hard, that's why you played second base". Also, "I didn't have to search very hard for a best friend, God sent you right to me"
Jay Trapp
Groomsman
Jay and Bryce met "officially" in Jr. High. Jay was known as the guy who could run for a long time and could do it very quickly, he also tried to be a pole vaulter, and that decision would start a friendship. Jay didn't quite get to the mat and hit his head while vaulting, he later chose to wear a bike helmet to school the next day and Bryce had to talk to the dude in the "bike helmet". This lead to a friendship from that day forward and the two would hangout every day even to the point that Jay had it timed from Bryce's house in the cape back to his parents house for his 10pm curfew. The description of this friendship would be a disaster if the 8am hangout session was not mentioned. The two thought if they got up earlier they would have more time to hangout, there happened to be a cold front that day which resulted in a single lap around the Cape, followed by naps until noon, and the 8am hangouts were then canceled from that day forward. Jay has been a key piece of Bryce's life since their "official" meeting in 7th grade and Bryce is thankful for the friendship that the two have. Jay, Bryce is forever sorry for hitting you square in the head with a golf ball while you had your halo on... he hopes all is forgiven.
Colton Zela
Groomsman
Colton met Bryce shortly after Bryce was born. Growing up the two were inseparable, doing pretty much everything together. Riding to school together, playing basketball in the driveway when they got home, College Football video game on Papa's television which resulted in dances during the news and Papa chasing them with a newspaper. As they got older, the two slightly went in different directions, but very quickly rekindled their friendship after graduating High School. Colton would make weekend road trips with Blayne to catch any baseball game they could, and Bryce was there to see Colton graduate from the Marine Corps. They went full Roll Tide at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans a few years ago so much so that a picture with Big Al was taken. (Kids may have been pushed out of the way to get the photo) Colton and Bryce were roommates for a few years and enjoyed figuring out how to make meals for themselves, which mostly resulted in trips to Whataburger, Dairy Queen, and the ever so random Burger King trip (neither have been back since). The two were there for each other for some of the best of times and some of the worst times that has formed an unbreakable bond for the two. Bryce would like Colton to know that Sammy B does now take the Toll Road so they do get places much quicker.
Tanner Zela
Groomsman
Tanner and Bryce met shortly after the day Tanner was born. Growing up it was always Tanner & Bryce v. Colton & Blayne that usually resulted in a win for the good guys. Tanner has always been one of the strongest people that Bryce has ever met and they enjoy every single moment they get to spend together. Reason being, Tanner usually laughs at any little joke, sound, grunt, chuckle, so that usually feeds really well into Bryce's ego. Growing up, they spent nearly all of their time together as they are both known as, "Momma's Boys". As they've gotten older their relationship is centered around time with family, whether it is a breakfast at the Grille with Memaw and Papa, time on Tanner's boat tubing that leaves Bryce unable to lift his arms for three days, or a bbq where Tanner makes a mean, mean brisket. Bryce enjoys being an uncle to Jayde and can't wait to have Tanner stand next to him on his wedding day with Jayde throwing the flowers. Bryce wants Tanner to know that he is extremely thankful for him always having his back, and he's super proud of the man he is today!
JC Fishback
Groomsman
JC and Bryce met in Coldspring, Tx on the baseball fields at the Coldspring Dixie Youth League. JC was a speedster who could swipe bags and Bryce's Dad, "Coach Brian" really liked that about him... The two spent nearly every weekend together along with their good friend, James Trapp. There were many lake weekends, pretending the golf cart would run out of gas (battery powered) to meet people, scooter accidents (way to go kid), pick up basketball games, bike trips from JC's house to Brookshire Brothers (a few miles) and many, many nights playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. As the two went on to college, JC would make trips as often as he could to watch Bryce play a few games at UIW, multiple at Texas A&M, and even a Tuesday night game at the University of Houston. Bryce would make trips to College Station when possible and enjoyed an evening or two on Northgate along with an Aggie football game. The two have remained close after college and see each other as often as they can. Bryce is extremely thankful for all of the years of friendships and moments that JC has been there for him when needed. Bryce would like to say to JC, "To this day, you still have the single greatest bottle throw in the history of this planet" and I hope your your mom still keeps pre-cut Toll House cookie dough in the fridge.
Zach Thomas
Groomsman
Zach and Bryce met through work. Since then, the two have been friends first instead of work colleagues. Bryce often refers to Zach as the older brother he never had and being someone he can rely on to give him honest advice, a therapist, shoulder to complain on, etc. They share many common interests, such as baseball, golf, college football, and parking on the 5th floor of a garage right next to Minute Maid. They've enjoyed many golf rounds together that always take place after working hours, a trip to the US Open, World Series games, and an evening game at Fenway that put a checkmark on both of their bucket lists (Sweet Caroline was sang loudly, and proudly by the two). Zach would also like to tout that he is the reason Bryce no longer has the shanks, there were many rounds that were tough to watch but some elbow advice helped fix the issue. Bryce is grateful for the friendship that he has with Zach and it's always a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moments that are happening currently. Bryce isn't sure if there is a bigger fan of Sammy B than Zach and he is looking forward to having him stand next to him as a Groomsman. Bryce wants Zach to know that he won't put their golf wins/loss record on this description of their friendship.
Jacob Meadows
Groomsman
Jacob and Bryce met in 4th grade after Jacob moved to Coldspring, Tx. The two did not have a ton in common but Bryce always was impressed with Jacob's handwriting (true story) so much so that he modeled his handwriting after Jacob's. This eventually sparked a friendship, the two were always in the same classes and always seemed to be in the same group for projects. They are famously known for their "desk graffiti" that landed them 1600 yards of tire flips in one of their math classes. During their senior year, Jacob and his brother had an upstairs "apartment" above the garage that they all would all stay in and stay up way to late in working on projects that were due the next day. Since school, the two have remained close and have pictures spanning from floor seats at Rockets games, to game 6 of the 2021 World Series which resulted in the Braves first World Series title since 1995. Jacob also helped officially move Sam into the couples home and they are forever thankful. (He was given free pizza and a few cold ones for the move) Bryce would like to say, "To one of my oldest friends, cheers buddy!"
Will Triebes
Groomsman
Triebes and Bryce met each other at their first official "Team Meeting" as members of the UIW Baseball Team. They bonded over grueling 5am runs, and running to touch the fence together as the infield couldn't get through a session of 27 outs. Loss after loss their friendship grew and eventually Triebes moved on to better himself at the University of Texas. The two stayed in touch long after college, always having a mutual respect for one another. After Triebes graduated he landed a job on the PGA Tour and has invited Bryce out multiple times to enjoy a round at TPC Sawgrass. Which has become a trip the two look forward to nearly every year. Triebes has been one of the few teammates Bryce has stayed in contact with since college and it's for good reason as Bryce has always appreciated the person that he is. Triebes will one day beat Bryce at golf, we just don't know how soon that day will come.
Matt Garza
Groomsman
Matt and Bryce met each other in college at the Dirty Word. They had many mutual friends and spent nearly every Wednesday evening together (IYKYK) and every weekend watching college football in the fall even if it was never to support the school they actually went to. As life went on Matt and Bryce stayed in touch through their shared interests of country music concerts at multiple Texas dancehalls and struggling to get through a round of 18. They've played at the home of the 5th major, spent a weekend in Tuscaloosa watching the "Game of the Century Part 2" and have walked around an entire golf course following the one and only Tiger Woods. Bryce is extremely thankful for the friendship that they share and is still waiting on the day that he gets to see Matt break 80 in person... Bryce would like Matt to know that, "That ____ saves lives" Also... There is a piece of a tooth somewhere in this world that needs finding... one day...