Harley & Austin
Wedding Party
Haley
Maid of Honor
My four-year-old self was more than slightly disappointed to learn that my newborn sister, could not in fact, play Barbies. She's grown on me since then, however. (One is bound do so after 19 years of sharing clothes, swapping the local school gossip, and countless whisperings of "don't tell mom.") I well remember dragging a large, industrial grade wagon up a equally large hill. I told her to jump in, and in she jumped with unwavering trust and full abandon of her own safety. I jumped in behind, and we tore down the hill at speeds fast enough to rival Dale Earnhardt Jr. In retrospect, it is a great honor to have one who trusts you so completely. It's an honor to have a sister. So in respect of that honor, she is now my maid-of-honor.
Kaila
Bridesmaid
On the first day of the first semester of college, I was sitting in the biology lab that smelled of cadavers and indeterminable other delicacies. When in walks some Asian with a flower-print back-pack, and plops down beside me. And thus began my two-year long annoyance with her. Several semesters and mutual classes later, I look around the room in nursing school orientation to once again, see her face. My annoyance reached a crescendo as I envisioned begin stuck with her for another two years. However, in a twist of fate, she forced her friendship upon me. Since then, we've been stuck in a Jeep somewhere in the Utah desert, stuck laughing so hard we pulled muscles, stuck crying together (least I admit to that), and now, she's about to be stuck next to me in this wedding. Jokes on her.
Emma
Bridesmaid
To be quite frank, I am uncertain of the details surrounding our meeting. I do know, however, that we were lanky, prissy, pre-teens that I would slap without hesitation if Me-Now was to meet Me-Then. I also know, that I did more growing-up with Emma, than with anyone else. She navigated the treacherous waters of adolescence and young-adulthood with me. At times growing apart, but always rekindling our friendship. After all, there's something binding about two young girls wandering the streets of downtown Denver at 1 am, realizing somewhat too late that just maybe this wasn't our wisest ideas. But, by the Good lord's grace we made it out unscathed and I'm certain it was for the reason we were meant to be in each other's weddings. I'll be her bridesmaid in June!
Nicole
Bridesmaid
At the time I'm writing this, I am unsure if Nicole will be in the wedding or not--for a good reason though. She's popping out a baby! So whether she's with me in person, or in spirit, here's a tribute to my twin. I first knew Nicole as the chemistry professors' pet. Now imagine you see this teacher's pet in your nursing school orientation. Your annoyance grows exponentially. And that's how my relationship with Nicole started, but thankfully, did not end. One day she made a joke regarding the anatomically correct medical manikin, and I knew we were going to become dear friends. Since that bonding experience, she's been an ever-ready listening ear, always welcoming me to come lay on her plush living room rug and sip tea from her llama mugs.
Brian
Best Man
Brian started as one of Austin's Sargent back in Colorado. Shortly after Austin moved to North Carolina, Brian became a drill Sargent in South Carolina. While they may not live 10 minutes apart anymore, they're still close enough to maintain their beer-pong partnership.
Curtis
Groomsman
Nothing like trekking trough the North Carolina wilderness to kindle a friendship. Austin and Curtis--Ness as I more often hear him called--became friends during the Q-course. Now, they venture through the North Carolina wilderness by choice on bike or in hunt of frisbees.
Zac
Groomsman
Again, nothing like a state of misery to form friendships. Austin became friends with Zac during the Q-course as well. When not rucking or sitting in class, they might be found at SoPies Pizza or escaping an Escape Room.