Maid of Honor
Sarah and Hailey’s friendship began in 6th grade at Springman Middle School and has only grown stronger with time. From movie night sleepovers and creative crafting sessions to binge-watching the latest reality shows and exploring new sushi spots, they’ve shared many memories filled with laughter and love. Through every milestone and moment, Hailey has been a constant source of support and joy in Sarah’s life. Sarah can’t imagine saying “I do” without her by her side.
Best Man
Jake and Zack first crossed paths in high school, both being part of their high school wrestling teams. Their friendship took off when they recognized each other during a move-in day event at Eastern Michigan University in 2013. Over time, they became best friends, roommates, and fraternity brothers. They’ve shared countless Lions games, laughs, and life moments, and Jake is honored to have Zack by his side on his wedding day.
Bridesmaid
Ally is Sarah’s cousin, but more than that, she’s a best friend and soul sister. While they have many sweet and funny memories from childhood, their bond really grew after they spent a few weeks together in Cincinnati during the summer of 2015. When they’re together, Sarah and Ally are two peas in a pod, just like their beloved grandmothers, Ann and Karen (affectionately known as Gran and Geester), whose own close friendship and sisterhood has set a beautiful example for them to follow.
Groomsman
Brian, Jake’s stepfather, entered Jake’s life when he was in 2nd grade. From the start, Brian embraced Jake as his own son, providing support throughout the years. Together, they’ve shared countless family vacations, enjoyed many laughs, had deep conversations about life and perspectives, and savored numerous Guinness stouts. Brian has been a role model for Jake, teaching him how to treat a woman with respect and how to be a devoted husband and father.
Bridesmaid
Brittney and Sarah first met as coworkers at the University of Michigan in 2017, quickly bonding over the long days and late nights that came with planning student programs. Their friendship eventually led to them being roommates during Sarah’s senior year - a time filled with football games, grocery runs, and Bollywood movie nights for the film class they took together. While they may not miss their cozy (and slightly questionable) basement apartment, the memories they made on Greenwood Avenue will always hold a special place in their hearts.
Groomsman
Duncan, Jake’s stepbrother who is a few years younger, initially formed a bond with Jake that began with a shove and some tears but eventually evolved into a strong friendship and brotherhood, which they also shared with Gabe. The two spent countless vacations together and Duncan was Jake's first travel buddy going to Jamaica, Cabo, and Cancun. They also spent a year as roommates after Jake completed his bachelor’s degree in 2018, spending their time relaxing, attending concerts, and enjoying each other’s company.
Bridesmaid
Regina and Sarah first met through high school yearbook, where their friendship began in a fun and unexpected way: when Sarah drew Regina’s name for the yearbook Secret Santa. From that moment on, their friendship was set. They've spent years exchanging pop culture hot takes, trading music and movie recommendations, and proudly being (what feels like) the last two people still using Tumblr. Some of Sarah’s favorite memories with Regina include getting ready for prom in the yearbook room and visiting her during her freshman year at Mizzou.
Groomsman
Kolby and Jake were roommates at Louisiana Tech University in 2015 (where Jake transferred after Eastern Michigan) and worked together as equipment staff for the La Tech football team. Kolby, despite being younger and a freshman in college, was the hardest worker and set an incredible example of dedication. Kolby and Jake spent countless nights at the football field house, working late into the night and many early mornings, with Kolby always helping Jake with tasks. Their time together was filled with hours of conversation, discussing obscure sports facts and debating whether Barry Sanders or Emmitt Smith was the better running back (It’s Barry), watching movies, and more. Kolby was always inclusive, introducing Jake to his friends and even inviting him to Thanksgiving one year, making Jake feel at home, even though he was many states away. Go Dawgs!
Bridesmaid
Olivia and Sarah first met in high school yearbook, where they worked side by side as graphic design editors. Their friendship truly blossomed beyond the yearbook room, built on a shared love of live music and stand-up comedy shows. They’ve been to so many concerts, shows, and festivals together, they’ve lost count - and if Sarah’s ever told you a story about one, chances are Olivia was right there with her. More than just a concert buddy, Olivia has been a mentor and guiding voice that has shaped who Sarah is today.
Groomsman
Kyle and Jake first met in high school, as Kyle is Zack’s twin brother and was also part of his school’s wrestling team. Kyle and Jake grew close when Kyle would frequently visit Zack and Jake at Eastern Michigan. Over the years, they kept in touch, with Kyle being a great example of working hard while still finding time to celebrate his friends' successes. He is always reaching out with kind words, inviting others to do things, and making sure everyone feels included. Kyle, along with Zack, introduced Jake to their other two childhood friends, Tommy and Spencer, who will also be present at the wedding!
Bridesmaid
Carolyn and Sarah met in third grade in the hallway of their elementary school, Pleasant Ridge. Who knew that noticing their similar face freckles would spark a friendship that’s lasted nearly 20 years and counting? From school plays and sleepovers to college visits and life milestones, they’ve been there for each other through every chapter. The same laughter, thoughtful conversations about the world, and genuine care they shared as pre-teens continue to define their friendship to this day.
Groomsman
Alex, Sarah’s brother, has become a great friend to Jake. From the start, Alex has always made Jake feel incredibly welcome, making an effort to get to know him and include him in any way possible. Known for his kindness, Alex goes the extra mile for his family and friends, such as inviting Jake onto his video game team and providing support and patience, even when Jake wasn’t very good at the game. Both Jake and Alex share a love for video games and Japan. Jake is grateful and proud to call Alex a brother.
Bridesmaid
Samantha and Sarah met in third grade and quickly became inseparable friends. They have many cherished memories, which include their gifted reading & writing classes, high school frosh-team softball practices, and holiday celebrations spent as a trio with her twin sister, Carolyn. In recent years, Samantha and Sarah supported each other through the wins and challenges of grad school, thesis writing, and academic research, and they now cheer for each other across continents as Samantha resides in Germany.
Groomsman
Nick is Jake’s cousin on his mother’s side (Lisa, Jake’s mother’s sister, and Nasser’s son). Growing up, Jake and Nick were inseparable, spending many summers together. They did everything together, from going to Great Skate to spending countless hours at Macomb Mall, Oakland Mall, or Gibraltar Trade Center, driving around Metro Detroit, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Jake and Nick also lived together the year before Jake moved to Chicago in 2019. Their nights were filled with deep talks about life, laughing until they cried, and playing Halo.
Groomsman
Jake and Zack met in high school and always had a good relationship, but it was during their senior year (2013) in electronics class that they became incredibly close friends. It was there they spent time talking about the colleges they were considering and where they would go the next year. Zack inspired Jake with his drive to chase his dreams, especially when Zack began drawing in their electronics class and eventually got accepted into the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Though they never lived in Chicago at the same time, Jake visited Zack several times while he was in the city, and later, Zack and his family visited Jake when he lived there. Now, the two engage in friendly rivalry over who makes the most accurate UFC predictions every few weeks.