Bilynn & Austin
Our People
Carissa
Matron of Honor
We met in high school through a mutual friend who bailed on our group sleep over. This wouldn't have been a big deal except we both thought the other hated us. AWKWARD. It turned out to be the best thing because somewhere between the honest conversations and the countless bows that were tied (inside joke, sorry) we became besties. I was there when Carissa got her first car (it had some fun Hawaiian print car seat covers!), stood next to her when she got married, and get to see her be the best mom to three seriously cute kids. She's pretty much my other half. Don't tell Austin.
Ryan
Best Man
Ryan and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. As kids we were in the same Sunday School class and went to CedarS camps together in the summers. But it was when we were a couple of Texas teenage boarding students attending the Principia Upper School in St. Louis Missouri that we became more like brothers. Being away from home and having a friend who loves, Dr Pepper, Country Music, and Dallas Sports as much as you makes missing home much easier to handle. After highschool we both went to the Principia College, spent a couple summers at Camp Owatonna (now as counselors) and spent one awesome winter as ski bums in Taos, NM. I was honored to be the Best Man at Ryan and Jamie's Wedding and there is nobody else Id rather have at my side on my big day than him.
Pie
Maid of Honor
In the 5th grade I moved to a new elementary school (again) and at some point met the female version of Austin. We mostly ended up in the same group at recess playing the double dutch game, Chase. At some point I realized that she was actually pretty darn cool and decided to make her be my friend. I'm actually really good at talking her into things. Like going to Disney World (fun), being my running buddy (less fun), and spontaneously running a 10K and Half Marathon back to back at Disney World multiple times (maybe fun?). In return she got to witness my most hilariously embarrassing moment.
Murph
Groomsman
When I moved back to Dallas after college my main group of friends was a group of four single women I attended church with, affectionately referred to as my harem. As the only guy in the friend group I (unnecessarily) felt I had to be the protector. So when Stacy first introduced me to Murph at Buffalo Wild Wings, I instinctively wanted to be critical, but that did not last. We became friends faster than Brennan and Dale (Step Brothers 2008 film) after they realized they had common interests. Murph is my golf / drinking buddy, but is also someone I know I can count on. Murph has been there for me through some pivotal moments in my life (both good and bad) and for that I was honored to officiate his marriage to my other great friend Stacy.
Sarah
Bridesmaid
Remember the school I transferred into for 5th grade? I "met" Sarah there, too. Except we actually went to kindergarten together at a whole different elementary school! We were in the big kindergarten production known for such classic hits as "Splish Splash" and "Lollipop" where we had big cardboard lollipops as props while we sang. Fast forward to the 5th grade and we reconnected (although the kindergarten connection wasn't realized until much later) and roped Pie into a three-way friendship there's no escaping.
Tim
Groomsman
Every heist and wedding party needs a tech guy and a driver and that is why its always good to have Tim around! "To be faaairrr" my friendship with Tim is much more than a mutual passion for cars. Tim and I became friends very similarly to how Murph and I became friends, he dated (and married) one of my good friends. Like the Murphy's, the Nellie's (Tim and Nellie) are friends that have been there for me over the last decade. There is nobody Id rather race down I-35 on Saturday afternoon or share a $90 cheeseburger with.
Erin
Bridesmaid
Where do I start with the Ketchup to my Mustard? We met at Paul Mitchell when I was teaching and she was a Student Instructor. Since day one (which was June 21 if you want to get real specific) we've recognized the absolute ridiculousness in each other and have created many memorable moments by just being ourselves together. After we both got laid off during the lockdown (rude, BTW) we made sure to FaceTime each other an unhealthy amount to stay connected. Honestly, we still FaceTime an unhealthy amount and I love it.
Tyler
Groomsman
Tyler and I met our first day in college as his dorm room was across the hall from mine. We became friends quickly thanks to my weekly Smallville watching parties. But we became great friends during our summers as counselors at Owatonna and random Syl dance parties. The attached photo of us is from the top of Mt Washington taken the day after the Mavs lost the 2006 NBA Finals. That day could have easily been one of the worst, but hiking down the mountain with Tyler is one of my favorite memories from Owatonna (even if AFA was there too). Tyler is one of the most genuine, intelligent, and kind people I know and is a true man of integrity.