Sara & Mike Retie the Knot
Me Hearties
Mandy
Maid of Honor
Amanda, Mandy, Manderson, Mandylin, Pearl, Rose (Rose Mode), her favorites Sara's Sister and The Middle Child, and now Sara's Maid of Honor. This woman of many names and talents has been by Sara's side through the thick and thin. Mandy endured Sara's late night childhood games, attended just about all her Soccer games and Track meets, and even "timed her thoughts". Together, they survived the lava barefoot and made an adventure out of every opportunity, even grouting. Mandy comforted Sara through her romantic breakups, which usually involved overplaying and singing along to "Heffalumps and Woozles" - from Winnie the Pooh and "Bad Day" - Danial Powter. Words can never describe the sisterly love that these two share. It's only fitting that Mandy would be Sara's 1st mate/MOH on her big day.
John Meade
Best Man
A bond made trough a couple of old broken scrap vehicles turned out to cross decades. Mike first laid eyes on his friend driving a antique Cushman scooter to High School. The sight of a large person on such a small scooter reminded him of the song "fat man on a little bike." As Mike followed John in his orange Jeep to school all he could think was "who is this crazy dingbat." Later he learned, they both had similar interests and a unique love of strange vehicles. The friendship turned out to be able to weather time, distance, and turmoil to culminate in a friendship that quite possibly will span a full lifetime. Mike will never forget the camping trips, 4x4 trips, and general bad ideas they both embraced as they terrorized all of Albuquerque.
Becca
Bridesmaid
BecCAA!! (always pronounced as if you were a bird.) is also one of Sara's sisters. What started as an introductory Red Rover game evolved into a relationship that could never be broken. Not even by Red Rover himself. Becca is a woman of stubborn perseverance and unwavering bravery. She is the only one of us sisters that NEVER had to leave the group to go inside for a potty break, which would inevitably result in the group hiding from the one that "broke the seal" (long before we truly understood what "breaking the seal" meant). She also endured many a "questionable" ride to school with Sara, who was ALWAYS tardy to zero period. From the tub, to the lake, to the hose, then the pool, and now to the alter, Becca has and will always be one of Sara's most trusted crewmates.
Dave
Groomsman
Butterballs!!! Yes, Dave was actually not a friend of Mike's to begin with. One of Mike's best friends, Lauren, started dating Dave in college. Mike remembers meeting Dave and knowing he was a winner when he walked up, shook Mike's hand, then proceeded to help Mike install a window in a Toyota. Many times Mike has tried to scare him away with no avail. Dave has had to endure Mike bathing in the stream naked, twisting his nipples repeatedly, and generally harassing him. Mike knew he met his match when they pulled up to Mexico in Epcot and ordered the tequila flat... They didn't remember much of Epcot. Dave has moved into being one of Mike's best friends and is a great compliment to Mike's crazy antics.
Samantha
Bridesmaid
Sammy Joe, The Cat Lady, Pinky, PPK, is also a woman of many names, who rounds out the Sister Squad. Sam and Sara have always been two peas in a pod. They have a shared love for cheetah print, temporary tattoos, Goofy, and acting goofy. Growing up with sisters like Mandy and Becca, who liked to pretend they were superior (which is just Malarkey), they had to band together and put them in their place. "Papa always said turn that frown upside down" was always the phrase that would eventually reunite the sister squad after a childhood tiff. PPK always kept a eye out for Sara through high school, making sure to keep those annoying, pesky boys at bay. It's that kind of loyalty and protection that makes Sam essential to Sara's bridal crew. Just don't ask her to do a puzzle.
Jake
Groomsman
In Sara's words: Jakie poo. Jake the Snake. Jake the Bull. Zake or Jack? William Jacob did not have it easy growing up with 2 sis's who ganged up on him, made him play girlie games, like Pretty Pretty Princess, & convinced him that it was cool for boys to paint their nails. He's also one of few boys in an extended family of many women, & if you ask Sara he's better off for it ;). Jake's tender heartedness & thoughtful personality have always drawn the attention of women. Just ask the mom's from his pre-school classes, whom he swooned with compliments like "you're pretty". Jake's always been an advocate for the defenseless. It only took 1/2 day of kindergarten for Jake to get in trouble for the 1st time, but his only offenses were ever "talking to much" or defending a classmate from a bully. Jake is independent, paves his own way, & has a great work ethic, which has set him apart in his diesel mechanic career. Mike & Jake share many interests & hobbies, & Mike sees how very special Jake is to Sara. Mike is honored to have such an outstanding man stand beside him at the alter.
Bill & Kristin
Parents of the Bride
Bill & Kristin. Captain Bill of La Mer-kat & The Queen of the Kristin Klub. Sara's parents taught her EVERYTHING. Sara attributes her character to their personal lessons: love unconditionally, compromise in relationships, & give without expection. Sara attributes her academic, athletic, & work career successes to their life lessons: output is only as good as its input, practice as if you're performing in a game/meet, don't fear failing/losing that's where you learn the most, & never stop learning. Lastly, Sara attributes her attitude & faith to their spiritual lessons: God loves you unconditionally - in the truest sense of the word; therefore, you have the capacity to do the same, you are never alone, surrender your burdens to God, & remember you can do ALL things through Christ who gives you strength. Sara is beyond blessed for her parents & how they continue to serve as both her role models and best friends.
RJ & Pam
Parents of the Groom
Oh take pity on these two... Mike was a handful in his younger years. It was a full time job just to reel in Mike and get him to mold to society. Mike is grateful for his parents' patients, love and understanding. Mike was blessed with parents who were able to pass down knowledge, morels, and was able to use these tools to better himself and grow into what he is now. Mike can never repay the love and support his parents have bestowed upon him but is grateful that they are extrodinary people.
Ye Hearties!
Honored Guest
Each and every one of you is so incredibly special to us. We extend our greatest gratitude for the impact you have had in either or both of our lives. We absolutely cannot wait to celebrate this very special union with the very special YOU!