Let's try this again, shall we?
Wedding Party
Sarah Rogers
Maid of Honor
Sarah will never forget leaving for freshman year college orientation and her mom saying "who knows, maybe you'll meet your sister and best friend." Low and behold, standing on the steps outside the LMU chapel, Sarah sees Sam, a familiar face from Lamorinda. From that moment on they were inseparable. They figured out how to take every single class together in their teaching program at LMU. They lived together for 5 years, and took on post grad life together in Manhattan Beach, where they spent countless days at the beach. They've skied at Squaw Valley, gone on trips to Greeze, Australia, and Mexico together. Sam and Sarah have been the sisters to each other they never had. They have been through the highs and the lows of life together. Sarah is beyond honored and thrilled to stand next to Sam and JD as Sam's Maid of Honor.
Niko Lachman
Best Man
Niko and JD went to middle school together and got closer during high school, starting on the freshman baseball team. At Valencia High, JD and Derek were famous for their pranks i.e. saran wrapping teacher's car's and photoshopping Niko at the scene of the crime, or convincing Niko that he needed to spit on the baseball mound to prep it when a hose was perfectly acceptable. Niko really enjoyed living vicariously and following JD's college and professional baseball journey. JD, Derek, and Niko are part of a friend group that still remains to this day in the form of a fantasy baseball league that does yearly destination reunions.
Paige Dobon
Bridesmaid
16 is a special number for Sam and Paige...It's the age in which their friendship blossomed from middle school acquaintances to high school best friends. It's approximately the number of houses they would TP (yes, toilet paper) each year of high school (also, yes, high school). It's the 'grade' they graduated together as they received their undergraduate diplomas at Loyola Marymount University. And it's the number of years they will have known each other when Sam marries her partner forever, JD. Through the highs and lows of each year, Paige could not be more thankful and proud to have had Sam by her side. In what will be their 16th year of friendship, Paige is honored to stand beside Sam on her most special day yet!
Derek Johnson
Groomsman
JD and Derek met at Valencia High School, where JD would constantly be the recipient of blame to some of Derek's high school pranks in Mr. Klinger's science classes. The two both enjoy sports, fantasy baseball and stats, and have enjoyed growing their friendship through adulthood with fun trips across the country.
Madison DeFrees
Bridesmaid
It all started when Sam and Madison were introduced by Sarah, Sam's MOH, at the move in day welcome BBQ at LMU. Turns out, they lived across the hall from each other and the rest was history! While college brought endless fun memories- from dorm life, to becoming sorority sisters (and basically real sisters), to roommates, and best friends- that was only the beginning! Living in Manhattan Beach together has been the ultimate dream where some of the best memories have been made along with the many girls trips skiing in the Rockies, surfing in Hawaii, frolicking through Australia, and everything in between. never a dull moment! It is exciting to think about all the upcoming chapters they will get to experience together! Sam is truly the most thoughtful, kind, FUN, loving, amazing friend, and Madison could not be more honored to stand by her side on her special day as she marries the love of her life! Cheers to Sam and JD, and to a lifetime of happiness!
Julian Reisch
Groomsman
Cheers to two of the best people tying the knot! JD you're one of the most generous people that I know with your energy and time. Love you and Sam endlessly! Countless beach days, basketball mornings and therapy sessions for our doomed baseball fandom on the horizon. Love you both and let's celebrate!
Kendall Rolfe
Bridesmaid
Kendall and Sam first met at Joaquin Moraga Middle School entering 6th grade together. They became fast friends and grew even closer through the following years of middle school and high school, navigating everything their teenage years has to throw at them: prom, boys, drama, friendships, bad outfit choices, the list goes on. As Sam ventured off to LMU for college, and Kendall to Boulder, they became closer than ever through their adult years, especially post-college. Kendall is beyond honored and excited to stand by Sam's side as she marries the love of her life!
Tucker Clark
Groomsman
Tucker is Sam’s brother and is honored to be a part of the wedding party to help welcome JD into their family. Tucker and Sam have always been close, with some rough years in childhood to really help them appreciate their relationship. Tucker and Sam spent years and years of time in the car together going to and from Tahoe where they would play mindless car games, argue over who could make their Reese’s cup last longer, or sing along to old rock with their dad. When Sam first introduced Tucker and JD, Tucker knew instantly that he would be a great life partner for Sam. Tucker and JD have bonded over the years through card and board games, even though JD wins literally everything. Tucker truly believes Sam and JD are a perfect match and is so excited to be in his first wedding!
Sophia Pruett
Bridesmaid
Sam and Sophia met in the teaching program at LMU. They have random fun photos and memories from college, but didn't go past acquaintances until Sophia moved to Manhattan Beach, taking over Sam's old room when she moved in with JD in the apartment right below. Since becoming neighbors, Sophia and Sam have realized that they are more alike than they ever knew. They relate on their passions for teaching, playing cards, and emotional beach conversations. Sam quickly became one of Sophia's favorite people to be around. Sophia is honored to stand by her side and cheer her and JD on throughout life!
Corey Schrimpl
Groomsman
JD, aka Diesel. JD and Corey's friendship has been fueled by competition. Corey feels that it has been a joy to be around someone who cares about winning as much as Corey does. Corey is excited to watch JD win as a husband!
Monica Busfield
Bridesmaid
Monica first met Sam when she was 16 years old when her brother, JD, introduced Sam to the family at one of his college baseball games. Since then, baseball has taken Sam and Monica all across the country together, and allowed them to explore places like New York, Kentucky, Florida, and even a last minute road trip from Kentucky to Michigan (never again). They've also traveled along the East Coast together, facing any weather challenge that got in their way, and made the most out of every situation, making amazing memories along the way. Sam has been through so much with Monica, and has been such a big part in helping her grow over the past 6 years, and Monica has been excitedly waiting for the day Sam becomes an official part of her family. Monica couldn't be more honored to stand with her on her big day, and officially become sisters!
Kevin Busfield
Groomsman
It was a warm and sunny morning on May 29th, 1997 when Kevin first met JD. Not that he remembers that day, but since then he has collected a plethora of awesome memories with JD. From wiffle ball games against JD in the front yard to their incredible home movies that they would film with their friends that should have earned an award at the Sundance festival. Not to mention the day Kevin always regrets, when he started catching in baseball because it meant that JD always had a catcher ready to go when he wanted to practice pitching, and he did always throw some major heat. Stinging and bruised hands aside, Kevin still does cherish those awesome memories even now as they have progressed to their adult lives, and moved from baseball in the front yard to mornings on the golf courses, and the way Kevin can always rely on JD to confuse him with his professional business lingo. Kevin is and always will be proud to call JD his big bro, JDizzle.