Amanda & Gus
Wedding Party
Abby Herene
Maid of Honor
Gosh, I don't know where to start. Abby and I have been partners in crime since day one. We were always getting in trouble for something that was usually my idea, but Abby would execute the plan. For example, Abby let me play "beauty shop" and I cut off her beautiful curls- with Playskool scissors that weren't really supposed to cut anything- but there I was, scissors in hand and Abby's hair all over the floor. We were 4 and 5 years old. Our parents had a lot to look forward to. We were best friends growing up although our personalities couldn't be more different and are still closer than ever today. Today, I look up to her as a mom, wife, sister, and friend.
Austin Franklin
Best Man
Where do I begin? Austin and I have been best friends/partners in crime for thirty years. We met through little league sports, where our fathers coached our soccer, basketball and baseball teams. In addition, we played inline hockey, thanks to the movie Mighty Ducks, and were in Boy Scouts together. We've made many great memories on family vacations to Lake Texoma, Destin, FL and Fun Valley, CO. Post-college we were roommates for over six years and almost common law.
Jill Mishler
Bridesmaid
Jill is by far my longest friend. We became close when I was 13 and she was 15- she took me under her wing and never looked back. To this day I am in her phone as "Amanda Lil Sis". She is definitely the big sister I never had. We have been through it all- breakups, weddings, divorces, promotions, cross country moves, kids, relationships- basically most of the big life moments. And now, I get to have her stand by me in my wedding to the best person I have ever known and I couldn't be more grateful.
Shelby Staffel
Groomsman
Shelby "Sherman" Staffel and I have been close friends since our early days at Lakeview Elementary. Shelby has always been the comedian/class clown and the computer wizard/IT consultant of the group. The first time I slept over at Shelby's, was the first I toilet papered a house and Desiree, Shelby's mom, was the get away driver. One of my favorite Shelby memories is when he purchased a "No Limit Soldier" tank necklace in middle school. He has been rocking a "Hustlin' 24/7" shirt and other motivational shirts ever since.
Michele Watts
Bridesmaid
Michele and I met through our current jobs at Red Bull North America. We were on the same team, but she managed Kentucky and I managed Indiana. We became work besties that turned into real life besties. I moved to Dallas for a promotion in May of 2017 and she got promoted to Houston in November of 2017. Although we have never lived in the same city, we chat every day and make an effort to stay long distance best friends. This picture was taken over holiday break in Indianapolis 2019. Michele drove over from Columbus, Ohio (where she recently got promoted again) because not only does she love me, but she loves Gus too.
Matt Bootenhoff
Groomsman
As I entered Mrs. Vardell's class on the first day of fourth grade at Lakeview Elementary, I was immediately flagged down from across the room by Ms Cyndi, to meet her son, Matt. Little did I know that Mathew Eugene Bootenhoff aka "Booty" would become one of my closest friends. My favorite "appropriate" Matt story occurred when Austin, Shelby, Matt and I went up to Lake Texoma. As we stopped to fill up and grab snacks from a dingy Potsboro, TX gas station, Matt naturally (he's from Oklahoma) decided to proceed in the gas station shoe less to use the restroom. Once he returned to Desiree's (Shelby's mom) Suburban, we noticed his were freshly stained socks. He has since been dubbed "No Shoe McGoo."