Wedding Party
Blair Rothrock
Maid of Honor
Emily and Blair met in 2011 as bright-eyed summer camp counselors, bonding over dodgeball, snack duty, and the chaos of children. Since then, they’ve been inseparable-except for that one time they "broke up" after making the bold (read: terrible) decision to live together. Spoiler: it didn’t go well. But, like all great love stories, they found their way back to each other before the credits rolled. They’re polar opposites in almost every way and often describe their friendship as “two ice cubes melting in a glass of whiskey.” That is, equal parts strong and smooth, but with a little burn. Blair knows all of Emily’s secrets, finishes her sentences, is the godmother to her dogs, and will probably be crying the hardest on the big day. Pray for her… she’s responsible for holding the bouquet, keeping Emily sane, and making sure she doesn’t trip walking down the aisle.
Chris Neat
Best Man
Chris is Cory’s older brother, lifelong partner in crime, and the reason Cory ever got into poker- which is ironic, considering they once almost got into a full-blown boxing match at PF Chang’s on the Las Vegas Strip over $1,800 in winnings. (Spoiler: Cory still thinks he was right.) Chris is known for being chronically late, so here’s hoping he makes it in time to give his Best Man speech. Around here, he goes by “Chris Donk” (short for Donkey… don't ask) and will forever be Player One in Cory’s eyes. From sharing a childhood bedroom to planning unforgettable trips, Chris has always been there with a joke, a flight confirmation, or a shove in the right direction.
Halie Gardiner
Bridesmaid
Emily and Halie originally met in college thanks to a mutual connection- Halie was besties with Emily’s freshman roommate. At the time, they were more like friendly acquaintances. Basically, they shared a few laughs at a couple of parties and borrowed each other’s hairspray. Fast forward six years, and fate (aka that same roommate) brought them back together in their "adult" lives…quotation marks necessary. Since then, Halie has become number one on Emily’s short list. She matches her freak and brings the energy wherever she goes. She’s Emily’s chosen “sis,” the walking definition of a hype woman, and the friend who will 100% cry and make everyone laugh in the same breath.
Darius Willis
Groomsman
Cory and Darius met freshman year of high school while playing on a summer baseball team coached by Cory’s dad. It was a season that included more bench banter than actual playing time, and the start of a long-standing friendship. These days, Darius goes by DWill and is best known for being a top-tier wingman and world-class bad influence. Case in point: while visiting DWill in Switzerland one summer, Cory was talked into jumping off a bridge into a river (something the locals do, apparently). The result? A bruised tailbone and ego, and a 20-hour flight home in pain. Even so, Cory wouldn’t trade the memories- or the bruises- for anything. DWill knows how to have a good time and makes sure everyone around him does too.
Samantha Laurnen
Bridesmaid
Emily and Samantha met in college through their shared major… though don’t ask them which year, because honestly? It’s all a blur-thanks, IU! What they do remember is consistently showing up late (or not at all) to class, and driving one specific professor halfway to retirement. Despite the chaos (or maybe because of it?), a beautiful friendship was born. Even after Samantha moved to Denver, not even 1,000+ miles could shake them. She’s the NYFW to Emily’s Adam Sandler sweatpants. Effortlessly cool, endlessly chic, and somehow still down to eat Costco brand Crème Brûlée. She’s a source of inspiration, unconditional love, and the kind of friend who makes everything feel like a little bit of magic.
Noah Neat
Groomsman
Noah is Cory’s older cousin and a lifelong partner in chaos. Growing up, they spent just about every other weekend together, which gave them plenty of time to perfect the art of messing with people. From sneaking hot sauce into drinks to salting the rim of an unsuspecting soda can, no one was ever truly safe- especially their fathers. And if there was a handheld taser in the mix? Someone's back was getting zapped, and it probably still hurts to this day. As adults, their hobbies matured slightly- mostly into playing a ton of golf (especially during COVID) and finding ways to let loose, whether it was on the course or a weekend spent in Vegas. Noah has always been someone Cory can count on for a laugh, a tee time, or a well-timed prank.
Brooke Breese
Bridesmaid
Emily and Brooke met sophomore year of college after joining the same sorority, and their very first "bonding" moment was when Brooke hurled a couch cushion at Emily’s head in a frat basement during Little 500. Ah, friendship. While they were always friendly, fate really sealed the deal when they both needed roommates after moving out of the sorority house. From there, it was fast and furious- sharing everything from Starbucks runs (Emily may have been officially listed as Brooke’s Significant Other to receive free daily coffee) to bravely battling nightmarish bugs in their terrifying basement. Two years of living together created enough memories to last a lifetime (and a few they’re still trying to block out). Brooke now lives in Chicago, but distance means nothing when someone has a heart of gold, a laugh that can cure anything, and a sense of humor that belongs on a stage. Brooke is truly one of a kind, and Emily loves her more than Brooke loves O’ Brother, Where Art Thou.
Eric Sandefur
Groomsman
Cory and Eric (aka E-Rock) go way back to middle school, where they shared two classes together. They both ended up playing linebacker in high school and have been tight ever since- bonding over football, bad decisions, and (eventually), the shocking realization that neither of them would, in fact, be lifelong bachelors. Against all odds, they each locked down incredible women and welcomed baby boys within a year of each other. E-Rock has always been a loyal friend, a steady presence, and a guaranteed good time. Just mayyybe not as wild as it used to be now that there’s a bedtime and lullabies involved.
Nina Combs
Bridesmaid
Emily and Nina go way back to their small-town Fairland roots, but their friendship officially kicked off in high school when fate sat them next to each other in Chemistry class. The bonding began over their mutual love for emo music (because they’re millennials, so of course it did), and it’s only grown stronger ever since. They reconnected later in life thanks to a solid trauma bond -as adults do- and the rest is friendship history. Nina is fiercely loyal, dangerously witty, and always armed with a one-liner sharp enough to slice through any awkward silence. She’s the friend you want in your corner when things get real...or when someone needs to be put in their place.
Jake Weir
Groomsman
Cory and Jake can’t quite remember how they met, but it probably had something to do with FedEx and the fact that Jake worked for Cory’s cousin (and fellow groomsman) Noah. What they DO know is that they now talk on the phone every. single. day during Cory's commute home from work (and occasionally before bed) it’s become a sacred ritual. If you’ve ever heard Cory answer the phone with a dramatic “Jaaaaaaakkkkeee,” you know exactly what’s going on. Jake is a big reason Cory now inexplicably cares about NASCAR, and their conversations are usually full of inside jokes, brutally non-PC banter, and the kind of stuff that definitely wouldn't make it into a wedding toast. He’s funny enough to be a professional comedian... assuming the audience has no kids, no filter, and a minimum of one drink in hand. Despite the fact that Jake never drives further south than 65th street, the friendship works. And Cory wouldn’t trade it for anything.