Maid of Honor
Emily is my older, and only, sibling. She has taught me many lessons in life, mostly by observation ;) This is by far the best thing about being the youngest. Growing up with an older sister like Emily, I was taught to be tough, independent and most important loyal. Living in Phoenix, AZ, Emily worked hard over the last couple of years and received her Master's Degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. She has always been very modest, yet hard working. I am so proud of her accomplishments! Even with our distance, she has always and will always be there for me if ever needed without question. Emmy, thanks for learning to put up with me! I know that whatever life throws my way, you've got my back! XOXO
Best Man
Pete is my best man and brother. He certainly needs some recognition after dealing with me for the last 24 years. Growing up we spent most of our time playing together, and our play ended with tears as often as laughter. On more than one occasion I did something to make him mad, and then Mom and Dad found out about it. Instead of gleefully watching as justice was served, Pete would talk to our parents to try and get me out of trouble. That's Pete. He has a heart of gold. Two years ago he moved in with Carlie and me, and we have often said that we don't ever want him to leave. Living together now as two adults we have grown to have a mutual respect that I will always cherish, and he and Carlie have become great friends. I love you, Pete. Don't lose the ring.
Bridesmaid
One of the first things that I noticed about Hailey was her cute Bohemian style and laid back personality. She is very easy going, kindhearted, a wonderful mother, has an amazing laugh, and great taste in movies. How could you not love this woman?! Hailey and I met a couple of years ago through our mutual group of friends and we linked up pretty quickly. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her grow as an entrepreneur! I respect and admire the work she has put into both building a career path for herself in Health and Beauty, AND watching her and her husband Kyle raise their precious little girl Emery. This little family has become such a big part of our lives. And we are privileged to be even a small part of theirs.
Groomsman
I met Kyle because he and his wife Hailey were neighbors of our friends. Kyle is a teacher, and I have always enjoyed hearing the crazy stories he has to tell about school. Initially I liked Kyle for his wisecracks and dry humor, but over time I really came to see that he is a guy who cares deeply about people and he's tremendously loyal to his friends and family. Carlie and I have watched their little girl, Emery, grow up in her first years, and we really admire the Toyras' parenting style. We have had plenty of great times laughing over a dinner table, taking winter trips, and yelling at the other team in our softball league. Carlie and I know that this family will be in our lives for a long time, and I am excited to have Kyle with me up there on the big day.
Bridesmaid
I have known Brittany since she moved to my High School our Junior year. We were around each other a lot while playing Volleyball at Heritage High and also during club season. We did not become close until we started our Statistics class Senior year. Once we found a mutual love of Watermelon Sour Patch Kids, we were besties ever since! After that, we both attended Washington State University for our Bachelor's Degrees. Even though we created different paths for both our education and social life, we were always able to easily blend our worlds together. Brittany received her Bachelor's in Elementary Education which is such a great fit for her, as she is so thoughtful, creative and organized. Regardless of the distance between us or time spent apart, we can always count on each other.
Groomsman
Andrew and I met while we were in college. We were both cashiers at Safeway, and we would sit on the cement wall in the parking lot, trading thoughts. It's funny, we have had plenty of fun times together at parties and events, but my best memories with Andrew are our conversations. Hours will glide by while we talk about our jobs, politics, science, people, and he is someone who I can be completely open with. We have accumulated quite a collection of memories together after all this time, and he has become another brother to me. Andrew was there when I met Carlie, and they have also been great friends for the last 6 years. He has been promised the title "Uncle Andrew" when we have our children. Those poor kids will have no role models.
Bridesmaid
Abby is Gabe's youngest sibling and only sister. I met her when she was just a Freshmen starting High School. It has been so much fun watching her grow into the wonderful and beautiful woman that she is. We quickly became close, filling the sisterly role that neither had (her being my younger sister). We have always bonded over clothing, style, and what Gabe likes to call our "baby syndrome". Abby is currently attending Idaho State University with her husband James and their two fur babies. She is working hard to pursue her career goals in either Dentistry or Physical Therapy.
Groomsman
James is my little brother! He married my sister last year and joined the family, whether he likes it or not. I met James about 6 years ago when I was one of his track coaches. He clearly cared for my sister and he treated her well, but I kept my distance because I didn't want him to be too comfortable yet. Years went by and they stayed together. Every time he came around I enjoyed seeing him a little bit more. Then one day he asked her to marry him. He is quiet and kind, and every once in a while under that smooth surface, you will see his competitive fire and unshakable loyalty. I look forward to the years ahead. We'll be uncles to one another's children, and then we'll be old and fat, yelling to each other from five feet away because someone lost a hearing aid.
Bridesmaid
Marsha and I met during College as we had the same aspirations to become Designers. We were introduced during a Textiles class and were immediately attached at the hip. Our love for clothing, style and design were unmatched. She took a huge leap a couple of years ago and moved to LA to pursue her dreams. She has been working at an incredible clothing company as a designer. I could not be more PROUD! It was so nice to have a roommate who understood the stresses and struggles of test taking and project deadlines. Her energetic, bubbly personality has always been refreshing and I could not have hand-picked a better friend. Gabe was our next door neighbor and we all became good friends that year. Marsha was able to know us as individuals and see us grow as a unit.
Groomsman
I met Joel when I got my first education job at Yelm Middle School. He was a math teacher there, and we immediately clicked. Joel works hard to be his best self. He is always pushing to be a better teacher, athlete, husband, father... and it is inspiring to watch. Joel and I have spent quality time talking about teaching math, running obstacle races, and working out. I was honored to be in Joel's wedding last year when he married Maggie, and Carlie and I have been so happy to meet their baby girl, Amelia, who was born this year. Joel and Maggie have been to every birthday, we have taken multiple trips together, and have played countless games. I can't picture my wedding without Joel there, encouraging me to push myself. We need to have at least one good person up there, Joel.
Bridesmaid
Leah and I met about 5 years ago when her husband Jordan and Gabe first started teaching together in the Yelm School District. While the love affair between these two boys grew, our friendship also blossomed. Living only a mile away, our mutual group of friends always make a point of coming together frequently. Leah and I have always bonded over our mutual love of Ciders, our fur-babies and creative talents. We have had many great experiences watching each other grow through the beginning of our adult lives. Leah has been an inspiration for me, while she pursues her dream career path of becoming a Veterinarian through WSU's program in Pullman, WA. Leah is one of the most loyal people I know and is someone that would drop everything to help a friend, even if she is 300 miles away!
Groomsman
Jordan was a teacher at Yelm Middle School when I got my first job there as a paraeducator. Jordan usually had a bow tie, and he always had terrible dad jokes. Of course I immediately liked him. Carlie and I have had many late nights drinking beer and playing games with Jordan and Leah, helping one another move, working on home improvement, or working out at the gym. Our friendship has been something that I have come to count on because it has not just been fun trips out. Jordan has always been there if we needed anything. Carlie and I are honored to have Jordan in our wedding party. Also, I expect a wedding pun at some point.