Matron of Honor
Susie's been my right hand woman since we were in diapers. I'm not sure many people knew Susie without knowing me or me without knowing Susie while growing up. We used to spend so much time together that people thought we were twins! Susie is the person I've always gotten into and out of trouble with, she seems to break rules in the most classy and admirable sort of way. One summer she smuggled illegal candy contraband into summer camp in a box of tampons and a stuffed animal, I'm telling you she's a role model above role models. Better yet, she's been a constant source of smiles, reassurance, laughter, love, and wild adventure for my whole life. There's no one I'd rather have right by my side!
Best Man
He's the elder — nuff' said. Nicest guy you'll ever meet and wise. We've been through many moves around the state and he taught me all my street knowledge. As with any brother, he started with tough love breaking all my toys then transitioned to love-love, but protected me along the way and even let me hang out with his friend group when he was in high school. We bonded over many books and games and movies , and could probably quote any entire Indiana Jones, James Bond, or Die Hard movie between us.
Bridesmaid
There are photos of Jill and I together in preschool, so it's fair to say our friendship started early. I have to thank her for always being a social butterfly in school, because being her friend has always made me cooler just by association. You'll know what I mean as soon as you meet her. I also have to thank Jill for playing a critical role in executing my 17th surprise birthday party. Jill has a tendency to be a bit on the tardy side, so I didn't question why she was late for our plans to go out to dinner for my birthday. Turns out that delay allowed for the perfect, and terrifying surprise. Well played Jill, well played. Jill is the most kind, loving, encouraging, and thoughtful person you will ever know and I love her for it!
Groomsman
Fren and I met in graduate school, we were in the same lab at Montana State University, and were roommates in Bozeman for several years. We had too many a night and drink out on the town in Bozeman while griping about school and anything, and looking for love in all the wrong places. Fren taught me everything I know about fly fishing and we have had many adventures on the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone, Missouri, and Tenderfoot rivers with dog Calvin Anquan Buttouchington Jones Junior (#riverlyfe #riverrats).
Bridesmaid
Sarah's an almond - a real health nut! Sarah and I met in kindergarten, us two shy-bees quickly became friends. Our birthdays are three days apart so our childhood was a swirl of coordinated birthday parties with our own themes and our own weekend, but always with each other. I still remember the time she had a Disney princess party and seriously hit it out of the park! Sarah has always been creative and crafty - we won a competition for best gingerbread house once, constantly created iron chef challenge cook-offs with Jill and Susie, and I'm pretty sure we tried to invent a flavored water fountain in 5th grade. Sarah is a constant friend, support system, and source of good health and food wisdom. That girl keeps me happy and healthy!
Groomsman
Slip is one of my oldest friends, we met in fourth grade at Maple Elementary when I first moved to North Olmsted from Mentor, Ohio. I enjoyed many birthday parties at Slip's house several blocks away where we drank too much soda and played video games all night (he had ALL the systems) and we lip synched to lots of Green Day. When Slip went away to college at Bowling Green, I was there every weekend I could and lived there for weeks on end one summer when I was working at Put in Bay—their landlord was none too happy. I still sometimes live at Slip's house when I'm back visiting Cleveland...and Erin's not around to quell my wild side.
Bridesmaid
We met in Montana during graduate school where Stacy was SO EXCITED to have someone else from New Hampshire enter the department that she sent me a welcome email with no less than 15 exclamation points scattered throughout. The granite state definitely formed our bond, but Stacy quickly became my go-to person in grad school. In fact, on our first night out, bay breeze in hand, DJ music blaring, she confided in me asking for relationship advice, it showed how easy it was for us to be friends. Stacy is my moral guide. She has all the answers, asks all the right questions, and is always supportive of my crazy, my wild, and my Erin-ness!
Groomsman
Panny and I met in middle school in North Olmsted, probably in Mr. Babbits class wondering if he wore diapers (we think he did). Panny and I and a group of other miscreants made trouble in high school and thereafter, spending lots of time in the metroparks and the bars around Lakewood after his return from Carolina. I practically lived at Panny's apartment in Lakewood while I was finishing up my degree at Baldwin Wallace, and between jobs, before moving to Montana.
Honorary Bridesmen
I met these boys freshman year of college. I spent most of my four years eating sandwiches and drinking copious amounts of alcohol with them. Peter and I had every environmental science class together so our entire college career was spent sitting next to one another. Devin was practically a second roommate of mine so we quickly became best buds over "good nights", "good mornings", and "you wanna go to the d-hall and grab some chicken nugs". He was also a quick bestie of Peter's so, no surprise, the three of us would spend late nights in the library drinking too much mountain dew and pretending to study. These boys have hearts of golden retrievers and cry-worthy humor, they're the truest and dearest of friends.
Honorary Groomsmen
I met RP and MP at aforementioned birthday parties at Slip's house in elementary school because they're Slip's cousins. My earliest memories of them are me wrestling MP, and RP getting mad at me for it. Probably gave him a sick choke slam though. I practically lived at their house at Westwood Studios, then in Lakewood with Panny, throughout my undergraduate and we enjoyed many nights there and throughout Lakewood until I moved to Montana. One time I drop kicked RP down a flight a stairs, but we still remained good friends. I then jumped with a yoga ball down those same stairs and went through the wall. We placed a picture over the hole where it remained until Big D (the Dad) found it many years later. Wild times.