Maid of Honor
Little Sister Oh man, Caroline and I go way back. One early memory I have of us as we shared a room: the night before the first day of school we would hop out of bed, get changed out of our pajamas and into our first day of school clothes to sleep in them to make sure we were ready for school! We had so many slumber parties over the years too, typically me stealing her bed in her room and making a pallet for her to sleep in on the floor haha. But then we matured and made memories scuba diving in the caribbean, climbing volcanoes in Bali, watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, and hanging out at the stonehenge. I love this girl to the moon and back!!
Matron of Honor
Big Sister Mary was the big sister of 3 girls + 1 boy and definitely lived up to her role. We had a lovely time baton twirling side by side in high school and marching together in the University of Arkansas marching band. I'm so proud of her accomplishments as an OBGYN doctor (*finally*!). An early memory I have with Mary is taking square dance lessons in Washington in homemade skirts from Mom:) Mom always wished that one of her 3 girls would be a dancer, but she got 2 baton twirlers instead. Mary has always shown a great example of integrity, dedication, hard work, and positivity. Even though we're miles apart now, I hope it doesn't stay that way!
Bridesmaid
Anna and I have been friends since the 5th grade - the longest friend I have ever had! She is the definition of a true friend: selfless, always there in a heartbeat, a crying shoulder, and the kind of girl you eat gummy worms and drink cheap wine while sitting out on the roof. We went to the same elementary, different junior high school, same high school, but different colleges, same medical but different residency programs... So based on the pattern, we're bound to end up working alongside each other sometime in our lives and how lucky I would feel if that could happen!
Bridesmaid
After having only a 30 minute conversation on the phone during lockdown in 2020 and feeling sad that we were starting medical school in a pandemic, little did we know about the friendship that would grow over the next 4 years. It was already off to a great start during our first few weeks of school when we co-diagnosed her with appendicitis, confirmed our suspicions at the hospital haha (later getting surgery). Lauren and I would study alongside each other in our respective coves in the attic of our house. We would crunch through our anki flashcards, joke about Sketchy (cartoon resource to help us learn pharmacology and microbiology), and then join Anna on the roof to eat iced animal crackers and ponder our life choices. Trauma bonding is how friends are made!
Bridesmaid
Friend Elise was always there to have a good time. My going out girl who would crash before the night was over:). But she was also a fantastic study buddy and support system throughout college, medical school, and now residency. She is that kind of friend who is down to do anything... even going across the world to see komodo dragons in real life. We have been on too many adventures to count - Bali, Arches National Park, Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, island of Komodo, Vegas, and not to mention the memories in college:) Despite all the wild memories, she's always been just a phone call away and I know it will remain that way for years to come.
Bridesmaid
Groom's Sister Anna is the type of little sister a big brother could only dream of. She is smart, funny, hardworking, and tough. She also makes cookies. Truly, she is the real deal. Anyway, for those of you who don’t know Anna, she is a little bit competitive, and because of that she always tried to beat me growing up. She would see whatever I was able to accomplish and try to “one-up” me. She would then remind me of her triumphs in subtle ways like the middle of her valedictorian speech. It was all a friendly rivalry, though, and I have cherished our laughs and playful banter over the years. I’m also not saying that I am ready to concede the competition to an ex collegiate all-American athlete and surgeon, but I find myself comparing each other less often these days. In all seriousness, I am proud to be one of her big brothers, and I can’t wait to have her at such a special day for me.
Bridesmaid
Laura was my partner in crime in college. We met in the marching band as I was a mellophone player and she a piccolo player. We bonded over the hot, gruelling days under the sun of band practice and football games. She supported me endlessly as I practiced to become a Razorback Twirler. We had plenty of nights talking about all the cute college boys and watching chick-flicks. She introduced me to my love of swing dancing when I spent spring break with her family in St. Louis! Not only was she an incredible friend during some of the best years of my life, but now she's a professionally trained singer, mother of 1 sweet boy, wife of her sweetheart, and an adored teacher of elementary music. Every time I hear the song "One Call Away," my girl Laura is who I think about!!! Although we were only at the University of Arkansas for a finite amount of time, our memories are endless:).
Bride's Best Man
Little Brother I didn't know I could find a man I loved more (well just as much but in a different way) than this guy. I thought it was impossible. I remember the time when Mom and Dad told us we were going to be getting a little brother: Easter of 2004. I had no idea what my life would have in store! Brides don't typically have a Best Man, but that's exactly what Christopher has always been for my whole life. We have such a playful relationship from our Sunday evening calls to getting into a fight and apologizing <5 minutes later, he is truly my one of a kind friend. I start to tear up thinking about the day where we can't be there for each other. I can remember designing GeoTrack in his room, singing Thomas the Train together, raising frog eggs from our pool cover into tadpoles then into frogs in his fish tank, kayaking, burying each other at the beach, downing some Fireball while camping, hiking up and down the Grand Canyon in a day after which he lost the bet and had to buy 4 scoops of overpriced ice cream, teaching him how to dance, having a sleepover in my college dorm room, watching him cheer for me as I twirl my baton, hearing about his first date, musing about life, teaching him important life lessons, fighting over who gets to hold Maggie (family dog), visiting our special tree, taking shots of soy sauce, and so many more. I am so proud of him for joining the United States Navy and I can't wait to see more of the man he's become. I love you Little Breadstick!
Best Man
Groom's Twin He’s a pretty cool guy. This may come as a surprise to many, but I have actually known Thomas for quite a long time. As it turns out, we have been at each other's side since the beginning of (our) time. We quickly bonded over a shared love of kicking each other in the head and inconveniencing our mother (a pastime we continue to this day). We have had our ups and downs over the years, but I honestly couldn’t be more thankful to have such an amazing built-in battle buddy. Together we have always formed an unstoppable duo, and I couldn’t think of anyone else to be by my side on such a special day. He is a one of a kind man with the biggest heart I have ever met.
Best Man
Groom's Brother He’s a pretty fun guy. Patrick is the oldest of the Benton siblings, and it shows. He is the ring leader of our family, and it would be impossible to count the innumerous smiles and moments of laughter he has brought to all of our lives. He has one of the most infectious personalities that I have ever met, and his smile can light up a room. I have learned countless lessons on how to have fun in life and brighten the lives of others through his actions. My siblings and I are forever grateful for his actions, and the circus has become quite a productive crew since to our fearless leader. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him at my side for such a special day.
Groomsman
Groom's Friend He’s a pretty jolly guy. Aaron “Svid” Svidunovich became one of my roommates in college after being referred to Tom and I by a mutual friend. We wouldn’t know if upon our first meeting in the stairwell of our dorm (which is still the weirdest place I have had an hour-long conversation), but we would go on to become exceptionally close friends. I have always admired Svid’s willingness to help others and his unique perspective on life. He has a kind soul, and I have always considered myself fortunate to call him my friend.
Groomsman
He’s a pretty smart guy. Fun fact, Derrick is an engineer and a physician. What a nerd, right? Who would do such a thing? In all seriousness, though, Derrick is an incredible guy who was always there to make sure I made it through med school. From our long days studying together to our nights escaping to play volleyball, he made life in medical school enjoyable. Derrick also helped broaden my horizons by taking me to Tiawan. He is truly a great chaperone and a better friend, even if he convinced me to eat the hottest pepper of my life!
Groomsman
He’s a pretty energetic guy. One thing that you should know about Josh is that he doesn’t pursue hobbies halfway. This man will follow his passions with the energy of a caffeinated golden retriever, and I couldn’t be happier than to come along for the ride. Ask him about bourbon, watches, and smoked meats, and you’ll get a taste of what I mean. But on a serious note, I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him with Kathryn and me on our special day. He and his wife have been an integral part of Kathryn's and my journey from the beginning, and I couldn’t imagine this monumental day without them!
Groomsman
He’s a pretty guy. Behind this one of a kind smile is one of the funniest guys I know. Perry has been one of my closest friends since kindergarten, and he has a book’s worth of stories to prove it. We have had some pretty great memories from our “accidental” Valentine’s date at Steak N’ Shake to the countless times we made fools of ourselves for a ten second gag. I honestly cannot remember any s with Perry where my mood wasn’t improved. It is an honor to have him in the wedding party, and I cannot wait for him to be an important part in the next chapter of my life.