The CrewThe Crew
Grace ReitherGrace Reither
Maid of Honor
Ah, let’s throw it back to 9th grade when the Erney fam moved in next door. Grace was the “cool new girl” at school and I was so intimidated to talk to her. It wasn’t until a super bowl party held by a neighbor where we bonded over our hatred of human geography. Before we knew it we spent A LOT of evenings in the Erney media room doing IDs for class (shoutout Jake for your assistance). While we may not live next to eachother anymore I am honored to have her stand next to me on my big day! Love you long time Grace Marie!
Tre' SmithTre' Smith
Best Man
For those that may not know, Tre' is my older brother. Even though somehow everyone thinks he’s the younger one. I’m not sure if it’s his face, his energy, or just my maturity, but we’ve stopped trying to correct people at this point. As my big brother, Tre' has always been someone I look up to (even if I don’t always admit it). He’s been there for every stage of life with advice, support, and just the right amount of brotherly competition. I couldn’t imagine this day without him standing by my side as my Best Man.
Alyssa HousemanAlyssa Houseman
Bridesmaid
I met Alyssa in middle school choir where we definitely didn’t start out on the best of terms. A little rivalry and a shared crush didn’t help things. But it all changed when we joined the HS swim team and we realized we were better as friends. After many early mornings, swim meets, and a little mischief , she became one of my closest friends. I know can always count on a good time when we’re together.
Caleb ChapmanCaleb Chapman
Groomsman
I met Caleb back in little league baseball, and we’ve basically been teammates ever since. From those early days on the field to growing up playing just about every sport we could, we’ve always kept the competition going. When we weren’t outside playing, we were inside playing video games, which somehow became just as intense. Caleb has been one of my oldest friends and a constant through every stage of life. I’m grateful we’ve been on the same team all these years and especially glad he’ll be by my side for this one.
Kelsea MortonKelsea Morton
Bridesmaid
Kelsea and I didn’t start out as friends (thanks to some bad intel from a suitemate). We finally met through a class and were forced into a group together. We bonded over our dislike for statistics and not knowing what in the hell was even going on. I know what it sounds like… I hate every class. But this one was different and I still don’t know how we passed. Our friendship was pretty instant and before I knew it, Kelsea was coming over to my apartment every day inbetween classes to hang out with Tito and Mojito. Now she’s married and is a mom to the sweetest boy in the world, Lincoln. And I’ve been upgraded to Auntie Brie (AKA best title everrr).
Anton SimieouAnton Simieou
Groomsman
Anton and I met while playing football together at UT, where we were both preferred walk-ons. He originally came in as a linebacker, but after a wave of injuries in the running back room, he transitioned to be a RB. Where we grew our friendship on the field. Anton is one of those genuinely great people you’re lucky to have as a friend—when he met Brie’s parents, they instantly loved him (which is a pretty good test of character). Now, Anton is in Georgia pursuing his PhD in Biomedical Engineering through Georgia Tech and Emory. Not only was he a great athlete and an even better friend, he’s also insanely smart.
Jill DavisJill Davis
Bridesmaid
Jill was actually my CL (or RA for normal people to understand) in college. We started as mutual friends. Somehow all of my friends at TAMUG were Marine Biology majors. But I don’t actually remember when Jill and I became friends. I like to imagine we both woke up one day and were like “yep that’s my best friend”. Maybe it was our mutual interest in survivor or maybe it happened before then. But watching survivor every Wednesday in college was one of my best memories (now we watch on Thursdays because we are working adults). “There are good ships and bad ships but no ships like friendships.” - Johnathan, Survivor 42
Marty JohnMarty John
Groomsman
I met Marty back in middle school through our friend Joe and a few others. Marty and Joe were the original founders of the “Biracial Brothers”, and I graciously had the pleasure to become a member. Joe is sadly not with us anymore, but the friendship he helped start will last a lifetime. Over the years, Marty and I have shared many nights playing video games until the sun comes up, and laughing over Key and Peele skits. These days Marty is a husband, proud father of two, and a police officer, which means he’s traded middle school mischief for real responsibility. So if the dance floor gets a little too wild … don’t worry, we’ve got law enforcement on site.
Lili BrockLili Brock
Bridesmaid
I met Lili in 6th grade English class, and from the very beginning, we were clearly destined to be partners in crime. That year, we happened to be on vacation the same week. When we came back, we were immediately greeted with a pop quiz. Naturally, instead of relying on our very questionable middle-school knowledge, we decided to “collaborate.” Unfortunately for us, neither of us had any idea what was going on — which made our brilliant plan not so brilliant. What began with a failed attempt at teamwork turned into a lifelong friendship. From middle school mishaps to every stage of life since, Lili has been by my side through it all.
Gabe WatsonGabe Watson
Groomsman
I met Gabe at UT when we were both running backs on the football team. Gabe’s biggest contribution to my life wasn’t on the field, though. It was convincing me to download Hinge. And since that’s how I met Brie, you could say he’s the real MVP here. These days, Gabe has taken his talents into strength and conditioning, which basically means he now doubles as our personal trainer. From teammates to lifelong friends and occasional fitness accountability coach, I’m grateful for all the roles he’s played, especially the one that led me to her.
