Samantha & Benjamin
Wedding Party
Alex Bianco
Best Man
Alex and I go way back... because he is my brother. That I had no control over. However, he is not only my brother, he is my best friend. This is by choice. We share almost all of our core memories together. Alex and I can hear a certain song and it will take us both back to the time and place we first heard it. Growing up with your best friend can make life a whole lot easier and a lot more fun. We got to skip school together, throw party's at our parent house together (sometime we got caught, most times we didn't), ride dirt bikes together and of course... do yard work together. We also got to go through the hard chapters of life together and the good ones alike. There has always been someone to talk to and help lead me down the right path. AB is a true example of a leader. He as always stood by my my side and defended me when need be. He has pushed me, supported me and has ALWAYS wanted the best for me. When we were young, he was a role model while our Dad was deployed and always made me feel safe. Now that we are older, that has not changed and it never will. Although we no longer live close, I know I can always rely on my big brother. Which is why I am honored to have him standing by my side on the most important day of my life as my best man. Cheers to AB everyone! - Ben
Madison Butcher
Maid of Honor
Madison and I met in high school and ran with the same rowdy crowd. Throughout the years our friendship has grown to a level that I consider her my family. Once we moved away for college we still remained as thick as thieves, making weekend trips to visit one another in San Marcos and Corpus Christi. We eventually became roommates in 2020 and spent A LOT of time together. My most favorite times being at home, watching movies and talking until the early hours of the morning. We grew together, made stupid decisions together and even greater memories. From stupid teenagers to BOTH getting engaged, I couldn't imagine anyone else standing by my side during this special day. I love you Madison <3 -Sam
Jimmy Kilroe
Groomsman
Jimmy is the true example of bond being thicker than blood. Very few people can say they have been friends with someone nearly their ENTIRE life. But I can. We have been bestfriends since were three years old and I have the pictures to prove it. Jimmy has always been a brother to Alex and I and a third son to my parents. When my grandparents were still with us, he treated and loved them like his own. When Alex and I moved away, he was always there to help our folks when they needed him. Jimmy is the type of man that will do anything for anyone that he loves. Don't lets his hard shell fool you, he is more bark than he is bite. But still... proceed with caution. We had a lot of fun growing up and we also got into some tough situations. But through it all, Jimmy has always held me down and been the voice of reason. Although at times he can be quite unreasonable, when it really counts, Jimmy is the guy. All my greatest stories are with him. I couldn't imagine this day with out Jim. I am thrilled to have him standing along side Sam and I while we commit to this next chapter of our lives. Cheers to Jimmy y'all (he hates when I say ya'll). - Ben
Mari Soza
Bridesmaid
Mari and I have known each other since our very awkward days in junior high. We became fast friends and she is still one of my strongest relationships. We have seen many different phases in each other's lives and been there through many of our personal ups and downs. We stayed close throughout high school, eventually moved to the same city for college and ultimately became roommates. Having someone so close made moving so far feel so safe. I always had Mari to lean on in an case of doubt or uncertainty. She has been a constant in my life. I am blessed beyond belief to have her by my side on my wedding day. I love you Mari! <3 -Sam
Dan Ladas
Groomsman
When I think of easy-going; I think of Dan. For over a decade, Dan and I have been incredible friends. While Dan can be carefree, laidback and reckless, he is also extremely understanding, loving and well-rounded. Growing up, if there was something serious happening in life, that I didn't want to talk to anyone about, I would still talk to Dan. He will listen, understand and offer amazing advice. All-the-while reassuring me that everything is going to be alright. But enough corny sh*t. We also knew how to have a lot of fun. If we weren't throwing parties in the woods, we were at Dan's. And those late nights will always be memorable. We traveled to Pittsburg together when our favorite musician died, we took trips skiing and trips to the Dominican Republic together, and have done so much more in life that doesn't seem suitable for this platform. Dan is a core member of our friend group and is a true friend, which is why I couldn't be happier to have him as a groomsman on my wedding day. Raise you glasses to Dan Ladas, cheers! - Ben
Cole Hughes
Bridesman
Cole and I met in college, I can't tell you exactly when because I have no idea. He just kind of showed up and became a massive part of my life. Cole instantly was someone I would do just about anything for because I knew he would do the same for me. We became roommates in college and LOVED sharing a bathroom lol. But we grew closer as the years have gone by and I wouldn't trade that time for anything. Cole is a ball of energy and is always the life of the party. If you don't know Cole now, you will never forget him once you do. He is someone you want to have on your team and I am incredibly lucky to have him on mine. I love you Draven! <3 -Sam
John Beatson
Groomsman
Every now and then, you come across that person in your life that everyone loves. Someone that is easy to get along with and someone who can always make great conversation, no matter the crowd. That is John. I was extremely lucky to be able to grow up with a man like John Beatson in my life. If he realizes it or not, he has taught me how to be accepting of everyone and how remaining positive will bring the greatest outcomes. John has always seemingly had similar morals to myself when it comes to faith and family. He recognizes these things as the greatest importance. With that, he always treated his friends like they were his own blood. He is one of the most loyal people I know. You should know, that although John has grown into a very successful and driven person, when we were young, we still had too much fun. For every great adventure, every good moment, and every tough time, John has been there. So its only appropriate that he is here for my greatest moment yet, the day I say "I do". Take a sip for John Beatson, cheers! - Ben
Emily Capps
Bridesmaid
Emily and I met in junior high. We lived down the street from one another and were constantly together. Her family became my family. We took more walks around the neighborhood and took so many cringey pictures to last a lifetime. As the years have gone by, we have been able to maintain our friendship no matter how much time has passed since the last time we spoke, picking up right where we left off. Our friendship is a true testament of time and I am so fortunate to still have her in my life. Emily is now a mother to a beautiful baby boy name Barron. She is the most incredible mother and friend and I am so incredibly honored to have her with me on my freaking wedding day! I love you Emily! -Sam
Pat Rowan
Groomsman
Pat remains one of the most important people in my life. It is never easy to up and move to a new city. To leave home to try and make it someplace you hardly know. Pat made this easy for me. When I decided to move to Austin, TX, Pat had already been here for some time. When I got here, he was there with open arms and was like a small piece of home. He showed me the city, introduced me to his friends (some of which who would become life-long friends), and guided me in my career and personal growth. Growing up with Pat was almost competitive. With both of us trying to put ourselves in the best possible position and with both of us being a bit too stubborn, life was like a game. But it was also crucial in my development as a man. We developed a great system of accountability. He is someone who always lets me know if I am wrong or if I could do something a more effective way. Pat is someone I can always be entirely transparent with and know that at the end of the day, there will be no judgment being passed. Living close to each other, Pat has been one friend that I have stayed the closest with and I believe he and I share a special bond of friendship. This is why it is my honor to have him as a groomsman on my big day and to be up there by my side at our wedding. Cheers to Pat! - Ben
Angie Dormer
Bridesmaid
Angie and I have been friends since college. When we met I knew that we would be lifelong friends! She and I always have a good time, whether it be partying in Cancun or having Game of Thrones watch parties. Angie is an amazing partner to her husband Kevin and I truly admire their relationship. We have experienced so many fun times in our short lived friendship and I can't wait to make even more memories as time goes on. Angie is loyal and dependable and I couldn't be happier to have her be apart of one of my greatest days! I love you Angie! <3 -Sam