Ellen & Sam
Wedding Party
Sarah Brinkmann
Maid of Honor
Sarah is my sister, my supporter, my encourager, and my best friend! It was a no brainer that she was going to be my Maid of Honor. She and I are so blessed to be so close after all of these years! From living together, to living thousands of miles apart, we are so lucky to still be so close, and I couldn't imagine anyone else standing next to me on my big day!
Alyssa Brinkmann
Bridesmaid
Alyssa is my brother's wife and the absolute best sister-in-law that there ever was! She is always so calm and collected, and just the best person to be around. I am so happy she is going to be there on my big day, and there for the rest of our lives!
Caitlin Erickson
Bridesmaid
Caitlin is Sam's cousin and they grew up together. She has always been so supportive of Sam and I over the years, and instantly made me feel like I was apart of the family! She is the sweetest person ever, and I couldn't be more excited to join the family!
Taylor Barnes
Bridesmaid
We met in San Diego and quickly became best friends by bonding over our love for workout classes, wine, and Bachelor Mondays! She has the biggest heart and I know that I can always count on her for a good laugh!
Haley Keterson
Bridesmaid
Haley and I also met in San Diego and over the years have grown super close through brunches and Bachelor Mondays! She is a smarty engineer by day and a yogi master by night! She is so brilliant and will always brighten your day!
Taylor Sugars
Bridesmaid
Taylor was my first roommate, and my first friend in San Diego. We met through a random app, but quickly became super close over the years! Fun Fact: she is also a big reason why I met Sam!
Erica Reeg
Bridesmaid
Erica is one of my oldest and dearest friends! She is so smart and so sweet! We met in middle school and have been friends ever since! She has always been there for me, even when we were 2,000 miles apart! She is someone that I know I can always count on!
Olivia Hahn
Flower Girl
Olivia will be our flower girl! She is my 2nd cousin (Jen & Charlie Hahn's daughter). She and I have always been close and she is as cute as can be, and has the kindest heart ever! It has been amazing getting to see her grow into a young lady! I am looking forward to her being there and being apart of our big day!
Dave Fortenbery
Best Man
Dave is Sam's dad and has been his mentor throughout his life. Dave helped teach Sam everything except for how to properly dress and clean a kitchen after cooking. Dave is the reason Sam has an affinity towards UNC Chapel Hill, fine European sports cars, and never outsourcing handyman work.
Arthur Brinkmann
Groomsman
Arthur is Ellen's baby brother. Sam and Arthur quickly bonded over their beard growing ability and their love for downward trending sports franchises; Chicago Cubs (Arthur) & Carolina Panthers (Sam). Sam now affectionately refers to Arthur as "Artemis Gordon". Sam is excited to finally have a little brother he can teach the secrets of life to.
Bret McCormick
Groomsman
Bret and Sam are cousins. With only three years difference in age, Bret served as Sam's pseudo-big brother. Sam and Bret spent copious hours watching PPV soccer matches and reenacting every goal in the backyard. Bret also served as Sam's first landlord teaching him the importance of budgeting your monthly finances. Bret and Sam both served as Co-Founders of the Basement Hockey League (BHL) from '96-'02.
Matt Manning
Groomsman
Matt and Sam met while attending Appalachian State and both decided to transfer to their dream school; UNC - Chapel Hill. Sam and Matt were roommates at Chapel Hill. Notorious for their late night shag carpet dance parties and darts. They both enjoy a good day party and smooth glass of fire water!
Anthony Casper
Groomsman
Even though not recognized by the State of North Carolina, Anthony has been Sam's baby brother since 6th grade. They have spent many a wild nights celebrating state championships, Thanksgiving bond fires, and debating the greatness of both Justin Timberlake and Eric Church. Anthony was the first person to show Sam the value of a good country concert and the amazing power of Goody's Headache Powder.
Jason Fedell
Groomsman
Jason and Sam have been the best of friends since kindergarten. After meeting on the playground at Huntingtowne Farms Elementary they have been inseparable. They are the first set of friends to win back to back "Best Teammate" awards and a State Championship on the Charlotte Catholic High School Tennis Team aka Jason beat Sam in tryouts to take his spot. From many wild nights in high school and college to consistent style advice; Jason and Sam have always played a part in each other's lives.
Harold Alfred Bowron IV -- Hal
Groomsman
Hal was the first person Sam met when he moved to San Diego. They quickly connected on their similar Southern upbringings and love of a good Mexican lager. Hal and Sam began playing golf together on the weekends. It has been decided that Sam will be Hal's caddie when he earns his card on the PGA Champions Tour.
Andrew Geuss
Groomsman
Andrew was Sam's first friend when he made the transition to Catholic School in the 3rd Grade. They have been the closest of friends since. They both love spending time discussing basketball, popular sneakers, and the last hip-hop album.
Jordan Sugars
Groomsman
Jordan is Sam's brother from another mother. Jordan and Sam met when Sam visited San Diego prior to going to Coachella. They quickly became inseparable once Sam made his way West sharing a love for basketball, goofy pranks, and Bojangles. Jordan was also Sam's co-star and teammate on Team Gain Squad during their stint on the famous Netflix Original: The Floor Is Lava.