Bridesmaid
Dani and I met the day we moved into our Clemson dorms; we both were assigned to live in utility closets as a part of the overflow housing program. Dani and I quickly bonded and she has been my other half for 15 years. I've learned lots of life lessons from her (for instance, cheese fries are not an acceptable dinner meal). Dani and I always seem to get ourselves in some sort of predicament together, #misadventuresofDandK, but I wouldn't be where I am today without her friendship.
Bridesmaid
Lindsey is part of the "Clemson girls". We lived in an apartment in Clemson for two years and because we weren't ready to live away from each other after college we made a group move to Greenville, SC. Lindsey is a sister to me who is always a phone call away and ready to swap stories about the ridiculousness of our daily lives. She has a heart of gold and keeps me laughing whenever we are together. Being 1500 miles away from her is tough but I cherish any time we get to be together!
Bridesmaid
Kim is also a "Clemson girl" (see the theme?). We lived together for 2 years in Clemson and another 2.5 years in Greenville, SC. Kim is the friend who drops what she's doing and will travel to see you whether it's surprising me in NC at Grad School or traveling across the country so she could be there when Mike got down on one knee. I couldn't have survived my college and after college years without Kim's friendship!
Bridesmaid
Katie is Mike's sister but more importantly I am SO excited to get her as my sister. Since the moment I met Katie, which was a month into dating Mike, I have felt a comfort and ease whenever I am around her. Katie lives in OH although I keep hoping she and her husband will move to CO. She is the person Mike and I go to for advice often to settle a debate between us. She is someone I look up to and look forward to having many many more adventures with in the future!
Bridesmaid
Steph and I met almost 2 years ago when I started working at my current job and she has quickly grown into one of my best friends. Steph is someone I do life with on a daily basis whether it's riding our bikes downtown, watching each other's dogs, or simply laying in the grass decompressing after a long day. I couldn't imagine life without her! Steph is also one of my biggest cheerleaders whenever she's convinced me to do something athletic whether it's spin class, yoga with goats, rock climbing, or most recently surviving a triathlon together.
Best Man
Jordan and I met over 3 years ago when our better halves signed us all up for a co-ed softball league. We quickly bonded over being the Co-All-stars of the team and our season long home-run competition which Jordan barely won by hitting 23 more. Through days spent at the lake, board game nights, tennis outings, and brewery stops, our friendship became closer than the results of the home-run competition. Jordan is the friend that will drive 1.5 hours both ways just to spend an hour keeping the friendship close. Seeing his success with his family is what made me realize I was ready to begin my own.
Groomsman
Patrick is one of my oldest friends since moving to Colorado over 4 years ago. We met when we joined the same small group at our church and from the start of our friendship I felt a kindred soul in him. From our analytical discussions about religion, politics, or odds of winning casino games, to our lighthearted talks about the outdoors, camping gear, and cars, Patrick has always been able to meet me where I need it the most. When you hear the advice "surround yourself with good people" Patrick is one of the first people who come to mind. I'm thankful that God puts people my life who truly get me and Patrick is certainly one of those people.
Groomsman
I've had the chance to get to know Nick over the past several years watching him tame the wild stallion also known as my sister, Katie (also in the wedding). Nick is one of the most generous individuals with his time you will ever meet. He is always volunteering or thinking up ways to give to others in his community. Nick will know your name and find a way to genuinely make you feel like one of his oldest friends within 5 minutes of meeting you. Whether it's running after wild turkeys through the mountains, or belting out karaoke with friends, he is always finding ways to let his infectious child-like enthusiasm shine. I've been lucky to get to know Nick as my brother in law and am happy to have him stand by my side and support me on the big day!
Groomsman
When Kaitlin and I started dating, Josh was living with Kaitlin in their apartment. They shared a living room and kitchen so we got to know each other rather quickly. While I was trying to impress Kaitlin and trying to convince her that I was a catch, I was probably trying to convince Josh even more. It's not easy to watch your sister fall in love while trying to protect her from a new guy at the same time but Josh was able to do that with grace and acceptance. The fact that we share the wild adventurer gene of our families helped us know each other on a deeper level and Josh was probably the first person to make me feel like one of the Merchant family. Knowing Josh means I'll always have someone who sees the good in me and who will support Kaitlin and myself through anything.
Groomsman
I met Nick after Kaitlin and I had been dating for a couple months and in that time I had begun becoming friends with their other brother Josh who lived with Kaitlin. Nick lived an hour away and is a little more guarded with his heart than Josh and it took longer to really get to know him. However, once I got in I was able to see the depth Nick has. You'll never find anyone who cares deeper for his family or who will give more of himself toward the joy of those he holds close. Through the years I've been lucky enough to share some of the most meaningful conversations of our pasts and futures, and have seen the best example of a man who will do anything for his Wife's betterment. I'm lucky to have Nick stand in support of Kaitlin and myself.