Matron of Honor
I'm Jill’s little sister and the matron of honor. I could not be more excited for Jill and Ryan's big day! They are so deserving of a wedding season full of love and celebrations. I have absolutely loved watching both of them grow over the past 7 years and cannot wait to watch them grow into the role of husband and wife and eventually parents. Jill is her best self and at her happiest when Ryan is around. Their love for each other is so evident when you are around them. They are constantly laughing and enjoying each others company. They have filled the last few years with so many fun memories and adventures and I am so excited to be a part of the fun memories and milestones to come! I'm so excited to be gaining Ryan as a big brother- I love you both &can't wait to celebrate The Grants!
Best Man
Ryan has been my best friend for over a decade. From nights spent dancing at Red River, to couples photo shoots (Ryan & Jordan or Ryan & Jill?) at the arboretum, to talking late into the night about our dreams for the future; some things look different now but the best parts never change. We've been there for each other throughout our many highs and lows. I'm excited to bear witness to one more high come October, when Ryan (finally) marries Jill. She is truly a perfect complement to Ryan, bringing joy, laughter, and challenge whenever they're together; making Ryan a better brother, friend, husband, and man in the process. Much love to you both! Fun facts: We both started dating our fiancees on the exact same day Both our fiancees were in the same sorority Jill & I have the same birthday
Bridesmaid
Jill and I met sophomore year, when we thought we’d try joining a sorority. Little did I know, I’d find a life long friend on Kappa Delta’s bid day. We just clicked. We spent the rest of our college years as roommates, crab Rangoon eaters, and bar hoppers. I loved watching Jill and Ryan fall in love. Ryan saw Jill for all of her best qualities. It was so fun to see how crazy he was about her. They were friends at first (that was NOT Ryan’s first choice)! But he was patient. It wasn’t long before they were inseparable. And the rest is history. I couldn’t be happier for Jill and Ryan. They’re going to have a beautiful marriage, one day be loving parents, and I know will always be my friends that may not be close location-wise, but will be close to my heart. I love you guys!
Groomsman
I am Ryan’s younger brother. Let that speak for itself. Any unorthodox or alarming behavior I demonstrate should be traced back to his influence on my childhood. His future children with Jill will likely share a similar fate. The family will love them with the same patient tolerance with which we love Ryan.
Bridesmaid
I met Jill through our friend, and other bridesmaid Megan, our sophomore year of college. We bonded over our love of Texas but our bigger love of Arkansas and being single. These two girls taking on the Sig Ep house were unstoppable. We spent many weekends building friendships but ultimately finding our future husbands. After college we became even closer when we realized we wanted to go through even more milestones together. Watching Jill and Ryan meet, fall in love, and help each other grow has truly been a blessing. Their love is built on honesty, hard work, acceptance, and deep true love. It’s the type of love you know they will be prioritized for the rest of their lives. I am so thankful to celebrate this next milestone standing next to my best friend, Jill!
Groomsman
Ryan might not have been such a late addition to the friend group if he had 1) played in a harder basketball league than the homeschooled association 2) not quit distance running in the first mile of his first practice. So as one of the later joining members he tried different ways to earn our respect and acceptance like lying about his height or bball skills. So when he claimed to have a “beautiful, cool girlfriend” that conveniently could never meet me, I assumed it was just another case of the “Ryan who cried wolf”. Turns out I was right, he ended up hiring an actress for Jill, but honestly, he could not have hired a better choice for his make-believe dream girl; she’s awesome. I just hope she ends up staying around on her own accord before Ryan runs out of funds to keep the charade up.
Bridesmaid
The moment I met Jill I knew I had met a lifelong friend. Jill has become like a sister to me, from standing by my side on my wedding day, always being the friend to encourage a good shopping binge, too many fun nights to count, understanding the life of a forever student, and being there for some of life's biggest moments. I am truly blessed to have a friend like Jill in my life and I thank God for the rarity of finding a pure hearted soul like hers When they met, Ryan was beyond swooned and she was the end game. They have been each other's biggest fans and never let one another give up on their dreams. I love Jill and Ryan's story and the growth I have seen from them over the years. I am beyond excited to see these two finally tie the knot and watch this power couple conquer the world!
Groomsman
I consider Ryan and Jill two of my best and closest friends. Jill’s kind-spirited, empathetic personality matches perfectly with Ryan’s fun-loving and energetic attitude. Ryan is there to build you up, while Jill is there to make sure you don’t fall. Whether it be arguing about the true GOAT status of Tom Brady with Jill or watching Ryan go acapella on his favorite Whiskey Myers song, their relationship is non-stop fun. Living with Ryan during their first year of dating, I saw first-hand how much he cared about Jill, not necessarily in what he said but in how he said it. Jill and Ryan will always have each other’s back and will challenge each other to be a loving, caring couple.
Bridesmaid
Jill and I met our freshman year in college, and she quickly became one of my dearest friends. From organic chemistry and all night study sessions to Disney World trips and medical school admissions, Jill has been go- to for it all. She's the kindest person you will ever meet, and the kind of friend we should all strive to be. I am grateful for you always, and so excited to watch you become Dr. Jill Grant!
Groomsman
how can I introduce myself in 800 characters? shall I recount my life's adventures? perhaps offer a few definitive adjectives? nay, this shan't suffice. alas, these are the limitations with which I have been shackled. although... soon we shall be in attendance of an event that could provide the proper occasion for a true introduction... a celebratory event at the proper venue, with accompanying libations? yes! this is how we must meet one another, as beer meets hand. a blessed union. -ben
Bridesmaid
Medical school brought Jill and me together. We especially got close competing on our school’s simulation team (along with Kelley Grant!) and being the underdogs who were beating teams of upperclassmen. Jill and I then continued to bond over our love for the Dallas Mavericks, Lizzo, going to church together, and always being down for a dance party. She’s definitely one of those people who brightens up the room, and she makes med school a blast. Can’t wait to celebrate her on her big day!
Groomsman
Ryan and I have been friends for a very long time now, but it took until senior year of high school for our group of friends to find the one and only Ryan Grant! I am so glad that we managed to become friends that year before we all went our separate ways in college. Ryan brings an awesome energy, mediocre karaoke singing, and hilarious dance moves to our friend group. Whenever Ryan enters the room, we know it and are all happier to have him there breathing life into the party. As we have gotten closer, I have also noticed and appreciated Ryan's strong desire to continue to grow friendships through understanding and loving everyone around him. I am so proud to call Ryan my friend, and I cannot wait to stand next to him and Jill on their wedding day.
Bridesmaid
Groomsman
Refined and polished for his age, Phil is the ultimate prototype for today’s brand of groomsman. He has better improvisational talent than many others that have come through the wedding circuit. There are some areas of concern, though. Phil’s poise and decision-making took a hit in 2020 when he was forced into quarantine. He’s generally a smooth operator, with an abundance of experience and tape from 5 previous weddings. I met Ryan and Jill sophomore year of college. Since I've known them they've embraced every hurdle and every success together. I've seen them in times of anger, pain, happiness, and joy. Through it all their unwavering love for one another has always been apparent. I'm both proud and excited to be witness to the celebration of their love on October 1st.
Groomsman
Ben, a close high school friend of Ryan, Jordan, Brendan, Eric, Niels, and many others, and a passionate outdoorsman, tragically passed away on October 3, 2020 in a climbing accident in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. He is missed always, but especially at milestone life moments that we had hoped to share with him, including our wedding. Below is a link to the Ben Brownlee Memorial Fund, where you can learn more about Ben's significant impact on the many people who knew him, as well as the Fund's contributions to supporting local search and rescue responders, and to the ongoing development of a new park near the area where Ben was hiking. https://www.benbrownleememorialfund.com/