Maid of Honor
Claire was my first friend (and likely also my first enemy). We could not be more different, and that is one of the things that I am so thankful for. For every hot-headed, emotion driven comment I make, she has a very logical, level-headed response. There's no one else I could imagine taking care of details on the big day, not to mention keeping my hanger at bay!!! I am so lucky that Claire also happens to be best friends with Cooper too, them nerding out about engineering is the funniest thing (and I am grateful to not have to listen lol).
Bridesmaid
Hannah and I have been best friends since we got into a fist fight in kindergarten. Growing up around the corner Hannah is more sister than friend, and one of the very few friends who knew me before Cooper. She is a forever friend, and has given me an entire second family over our 18 year friendship. It is more than luck that we have managed to remain such close friends from elementary school, to adulthood. Having Hannah by my side on this day is a playground-dream come true.
Bridesmaid
Keya and I became friends in 2013 while partners in French class. Over the past 7 years Keya has been a steadfast friend through every phase of life, even while attending Harvard Law School she has time to be a long distance friend like no other, always there to share a good laugh. There is no friend quite like Keya, she is funny, accomplished, and always pushing me to be my best self. There is no better person to share a plate of sushi with as you discus every detail of life.
Bridesmaid
How many people are still best friend with their freshman year roommate? I am so lucky to be one of those people. Carlee is the only roommate I have ever had - after her I just couldn't try again no one could live up to her standard. She has been there for all the good and bad of SMU, and is the strangest, sweetest fashionista. From our Just Dance parties to learning how to live on our own together there is no friend who made long distance easier over those 4 years. Grateful is an understatement!!
Bridesmaid
Everyone needs a Carol in their life. No matter how your day is going, a text from her will either have you laughing until you cannot breathe, or feeling more loved than ever. She is the ultimate hype girl and my time at SMU would have been waaaay more boring without her by my side. I am thankful for every laugh, every adventure, and every piece of advice she has ever given me.
Bridesmaid
Getting to know Melissa was one of the best things about my time at SMU. She is a shoulder to cry on, a friend to go to church with, and most importantly the kind of girl who is always down to spend $8 on an iced coffee with me. Getting to go from SMU to Houston with Melissa and also getting to be engaged at the same time has been one of life's best blessings so far.
Bridesmaid
Earlier I mentioned that Hannah gave me an entire second family - part of that family is sweet Sheridan. I have known her since she was 2 years old, and have grown up with her. She is the most put together, amazing, organized person I have ever known and I consider her a sister not a friend. Sheridan is the kind of person you meet one time and want to get to know better, she is funny, a realist, and as authentic as it gets.
Bridesman
It isn't often you like your parent's friend's kids, probably even rarer to love them as family. I am so lucky that Evan has been like a cousin to me since he was born, and he is the ultimate rule-breaker to my girly squad. He is family and has known me my entire life, I know that one day our kids will find it hard to believe we aren't actually cousins. Summers at Evan's house in Calgary are some of my absolute best memories of my life, I am so thankful to know him.
Best Man
Joel has been my best friend since the day I was born. In fact, once when I was 5, I said that I would marry him one day. It didn't make sense even in context. Turns out you're not supposed to marry your cousin, so he'll have to settle for best man on the big day! As part of our marital vows, I've had to ensure Laura that Joel and I will not play video games for the entire honeymoon.
Groomsman
You don't get to choose your siblings - but I sure am thankful to have Parker as an older brother. When he's not making everyone smile with his infectious laughter, he's informing us on every topic with his extensive Wikipedia knowledge.
Groomsman
Don't be fooled by his height - Grayson despite being 6'4" is in fact my little brother. Grayson has perhaps third wheeled with Laura and I the most over the past 8+ years, and I am so thankful to have him by our side this day and every day. While he didn't get the +10 he asked for, we think he is excited to celebrate with us!
Groomsman
Yes, he is in fact the littlest Carnahan. Tyler was 7 years old when Laura and I started dating, so it is very fitting to have him stand by us on this special day! He has lived more of his life with us together than not, and he will be the first to make me laugh at the altar, lest he be forever banished to the slump! Believe it or not, Tyler was originally planning on sporting a mullet to the wedding and chauffeuring us in his beloved minivan for our post-wedding getaway.
Groomsman
While I already have 3 brothers, I am so lucky to be gaining another! I have known Evan since he was 12 years old and he's been tasked with chaperoning Laura and I on all of our dates since. All three of us are glad those days are over!! We can't wait to celebrate with the original gluten free influencer himself.
Groomsman
Ben and I may look like the least likely pair, but God (and Rusty Teeter) knew what was best for everyone when the two of us became discipleship leaders together! Ben and I have spent hours together both talking about the big stuff, singing fast food jingles, and having Ben explain the brilliance of Kendrick Lamar to somebody that just learned what 'Snapchat' was (me). If you have a pulse, you'll almost certainly leave the wedding with a secret handshake that's unique to just you and him...unless he decides to copy his handshake with Palmer, thinking you two will never find out. We found out, Ben.
Groomsman
Spence and I met in our freshmen guys Bible study at UT. Ever since we have caused chaos at the Chili's on 45th and Lamar and the Texas Wesley. Spencer was tasked with taking Laura to get her nails done before I proposed, and is the kind of friend you can always count on to tweak you in a pinch!
Groomsman
Oh Jakey Jakey Palm Palm! Jacob was one of my first friends I made at UT and is someone I can always count on. When he's not watching movies which feature extensive shots of wheat fields, Jacob is probably captivating an audience with his incredible hair. Despite not having memorized the entire 3 for $10 menu at Chili's and being "time blindness" denier, Jacob is someone who I know will be a life long friend!
Flower Girl & Ring Bearer
Avery and Nash are Laura's Cousin Shannon's two children. When we thought of who we wanted leading our party down the aisle they came to mind immediately! Not only are they the cutest, but Laura was a junior bridesmaid in Shannon & Ryan's wedding, and Shannon was a flower girl in Laura's Parent's wedding!! 30+ years of history !!!