Wedding Party
Sam
Matron of Honor
Sam and Erin met in college, where they spent about a year both trying to be the “mom friend” before realizing they could, in fact, be friends—and just different kinds of moms to the group. These days, they’re a little less “responsible adults” and a little more Thelma and Louise, and have been inseparable ever since. Sam is the kind of friend you plan life around—whether that means a quick visit or coordinating trips six to eight months in advance like it’s a full production. No matter the distance, Sam is always there, and life is a whole lot more fun with her in it.
Mike
Groomsman
Mike—also known as “The Stork,” part bird, part man—met Matt in C Company, where the group initially made fun of him for being a cadet before eventually adopting him. Whether it was peer pressure or friendship, we’ll let you decide—but he’s been stuck with them ever since. Over the years, Mike and Matt have spent countless hours tackling home improvement projects together (or more accurately, Mike calling Matt whenever something needed fixed). If you get the chance, ask Mike about the time he and Matt moved a fridge out the back door, around the house, and down the block—it’s a story. Mike is reliable, kind, and endlessly good-natured, and one of those people you’re always glad to have around
Ashley
Bridesmaid
Ashley is Erin’s sister—just a year and five days apart—and for most of their lives, they were mistaken as twins (until puberty humbled them both a bit). She’s Erin’s ride or die, built-in best friend, and the one person whose opinion she trusts without question—especially when it comes to anything aesthetic. Ashley has an incredible eye for style and design, and has fully stepped into her role as the unofficial creative director of this wedding, making sure everything actually looks as good as it does in Erin’s head. She’s the wild to Erin’s reserved, the level-headed to Erin’s temper, the left to her right—and the reason Erin doesn’t make questionable style decisions.
Steve
Groomsman
Matt and Steve go way back—college days, where Matt generously let him park at his house to avoid giving California University of Pennsylvania another dollar in parking fees. From there, they somehow managed to train as blacksmiths together, serve side by side as a machine gun team, and spend more hours than anyone could count out in the woods. Steve is Matt’s closest nerd friend—they can (and will) nerd out over just about anything—and he’s absolutely nasty at Magic: The Gathering. Life’s been a lot more interesting (and a lot more competitive) with Steve in it.
Jamie
Bridesmaid
Jamie and Erin became fast friends in the Army, but not before Erin spent months hearing Matt talk about how great Jamie was during their time on COVID orders. Turns out, he was right. They survived the 1-110th together, got into their fair share of adventures, and somehow made it out the other side (mostly) sane. Jamie is a full-on ball of fire—the kind of person who brings the energy, the chaos, and the best stories—which somehow makes me look like the level-headed one. Life is a lot more fun (and a lot less predictable) with her in it, and the wedding wouldn't be the same without Jamie standing by Erin's side.
Jonny
Groomsman
Jonny—better known as “Jonny Rambo”—is another proud member of the C Company crew and a good old country boy who would do just about anything for anyone. He’s exceptionally talented at picking things up and putting them back down—or “powerlifting,” as he calls it—and perfected that skill as Matt and Steve’s ammo bearer. Somewhere along the way, he became part man, part titanium, earning his reputation as the bionic man. A fellow car guy through and through, Jonny lives by the rule that anything can be a hammer in the junkyard. Strong, dependable, and always ready to jump in, Jonny is exactly the kind of person you want on your team.