Ellen & Matthew
Wedding Party
Sara Al-Mutawa
Maid of Honor
Sara and I have known each other since kindergarten. I remember I made sure to invite her to my birthday party when we were in 3rd or 4th grade because I loved her hair! After that we were on our middle school dance team together, The Cougarettes! Her Mom drove me home everyday in Middle School. We spent weekends making up dance routines, working on school projects (we were always in the same group) or prank calling anyone we could think of! We danced together in studio classes and spent our high school years on the same dance team. This meant about 4 or so summers of UDA camp together. We have always been besties! I love Sara-May dearly!
Keith Reinstetle
Best Man
"Tell me stories." My Dad would always ask me to share with him my latest updates on my day as I grew up. He still asks me this whenever we talk. I never told him "no" because I always appreciated having a father who cared about what was going on in my life. That's why I never grew tired of his company watching football, traveling, or sitting by the lake. My Dad is the hardest working person I've ever met. Someone who sets high goals and always finds a way to make it happen. I'm proud to call him my Dad and my Best Man.
Rachel Keller
Matron of Honor
Rachel and I became fast friends in when we were both in middle school. We both danced at the same studio, were involved in the same youth group, and ended up spending many summers together on mission trips with our church. We really became best best buds during high school! We were on the same dance team and I found such a sister in her! We later ended up becoming room mates when I was in cosmetology school and Rachel was a Sophomore at USF. I actually approached her while we were both at Olive Garden and asked, "Hey! Do you want to be room mates?" She immediately agreed! She taught me all about roomie life. We still talk every. single. day. I stood by Rachel as she married the love of her life, and I can't wait for her to stand by me!
Nathan Reinstetle
Groomsman
When I was a little boy, I remember my mom asking me, "Matt, do you want a baby brother or a baby sister?" I said, "brother," naturally. My wish was granted. Over the years, as much as Nathan and I are different, we are a lot alike. When we love something - whether it being music, sports, or movies - we both throw ourselves into the deep end. When Nathan and I get talking about a subject we both like, the conversation can last for hours without a dull moment.
Ashley Hightower
Bridesmaid
Ashley and I have been friends since the day we were born! No kidding! Our Mom's were in the same Sunday school class. Ashley and I went to the same preschool, and grew up in church alongside each other. She has been a constant positive influence on my life and relationship with God. Growing up all of my summers consisted of Ashley and I at various youth group camps and mission trips. We always got bunk beds next to each other! There is no one who can make me laugh as hard as Ashley!! Ashley is a true forever friend. No matter how long we go without chatting - it's like no time has passed at all!
Zachary Barr
Groomsman
Out of all of Ellen's brothers, Zach was the one that I clicked with the quickest. We both have a vast knowledge of pop culture, movies, and obscure internet trends. What's funny is that we had a lot of mutual friends but never met until after Ellen and I started dating. I feel confident that we would have ended up friends somehow on our own, but now we're about to be brothers.
Ashley Kelley
Bridesmaid
Ashley and I first met in a "manners/cotillion" type course at our local church. We went to the same elementary, middle and high school! We became close friends during middle school where we spent many hours together at our dance studio and youth group. Ashley and I were also on the same high school dance team. When our county implemented "half days", I vividly remember Ashley and I always making lunch plans together - just the two of us! I got to stand beside her and she married her husband and now she'll stand by me! Our friendship continues to grow each year!
Phillip Barr
Groomsman
Things were rocky between Phil and me during the beginning. I was some dude trying to date his sister, and he quickly stepped up to be the man of the house by making sure I was there for the right reasons. Things are better now as we both chat about sports and YouTube videos. We also share a bond as the only people to win Barr Family Holiday Olympics. Over the years, I've seen Phill grow immensely as a person, taking on a level of responsibility rarely seen by someone his age. I'm looking forward to calling him a brother.
Laura Kreiner
Bridesmaid
Laura and I have been such fast friends! We work less than a few feet from each other and spend over 40 hours a week together. She has been such a mentor to me both at work and in life. As our friendship has grown we now spend way more than 40 hrs a week together! We share a love of shopping, fashion, food and martini's. She's as smart as they come and has a heart of gold! Laura is a treasure and a forever friend.
William George
Groomsman
Billy and I first met in the third grade when he volunteered to show me around my new elementary school after moving to Florida. Back then, we bonded over movies, pro wrestling action figures and video games - a recipe for a successful friendship. We remained friends as we attended the same middle school, high school and university. He once told me that raising his hand to offer to show me around was one of the best decisions he ever made, and I remain thankful to this day for it.
Jeffery Barr
Officiant
Jeff is special. It takes an extraordinary individual who has a massive heart to commit to becoming a school teacher. Over the years, I've seen Jeff interact with his family as a fly on the wall and witnessed him do so much for his Mom and siblings. He loves all of them dearly, and I'm looking forward to officially joining his family.
Kevin Mora
Groomsman
Kevin and I knew each other through mutual friends before getting to know each other. The first time we talked was when we were paired together in a high school weight training class. We were paired because we both played team sports and knew our way around a weight room. Our friendship started to strengthen once I got to UCF and started hanging out. Kevin and I bonded over sports, movies and obscure memes on the internet. During an uncertain time, we both were able to grow as people and depend on each other. I'm thankful that we're still not that far away.
Jennifer Barr
Mother of the Bride
My Mom is my favorite thing. As a daughter I had everything I could have ever wanted in a Mom. She's always made sure I have everything I need, even if that meant she would have to go without. She is equal parts compassionate, funny, and patient. No obstacle or feat has ever been a match to her level of fierceness. She would go to the ends of the earth for me and my siblings - and I would do the exact same for her. I love her beyond measure!
Lisa Reinstetle
Mother of the Groom
Some of my favorite memories of my mom are the quiet ones at night. We're both night owls and seem to keep going while others go to bed. In addition to sleeping patterns, other traits I've gained from my Mom are her resilience and perseverance. Over the years, I've seen my mom attempt and succeed in a variety of fields and overcome adversities while others in her industry struggled. Whenever I've stumbled, she's been there to help me pick myself up. I am always thankful for her being my Mom.