Sara & Kennedy
Wedding Party
Emily Murray
Matron of Honor
Kennedy and Sara met Emily when she was the school psychologist at Murray Hill. Technically, she was friends with KCP first and Sara stole her. The first time Kennedy and Sara hung out with her and her husband, Tim, Emily thought it would be a great idea to meet at a brewery...where only glutenous beer was served. They've been friends ever since! Emily is always there and ready to listen when Sara needs her. Quarantine brought the couples even closer together through game nights, Facetimes, and sleepovers. Unfortunately, The Murrays moved to Las Vegas with a wonderful 3 hour time difference (time math is hard for Sara). Fortunately for Sara, Emily always picks up the phone and knows when to offer (the best) advice. Sara couldn't ask for a better best friend! #MurrayMargs4Life
Christine Rael
Bridesmaid
Sara has known Christine for her entire life...because she is her older sister. When Sara was a baby, Christine took it upon herself to change Sara's name to Rachel. She believed that Sara was a gift to her just like a new baby doll. Growing up, Christine taught Sara many valuable life skills-like burping! Everyone can thank Christine for Sara's incredible ability to burp on command. She also taught Sara how to get away with anything and everything in front of mom and dad! Now Sara gets to continue that tradition with Christine’s daughter, JuJu (our Flower Girl). It was always nice having a big sister to steal makeup and clothes from, but more importantly, to be there when times got tough. I am so happy that Christine will be standing by my side on this special day!
Rachel Holmes
Bridesmaid
The first time Sara met Rachel was the opening game of the NFL circa 2016. Little did Rachel know, Sara thrives on completing menial tasks. Imagine Rachel’s surprise when she jokingly asked anyone at Kennedy’s party if they wanted to help stuff envelopes for her job. Challenge accepted! Rachel is one of the most thoughtful people on earth. She always makes sure to bring yummy treats and never lets you drink tequila alone. When Sara needs anything, including someone to help try on dresses, she is all in. Rachel brought snacks, champagne, and legit made it an amazing day despite having to do it virtually. Who knew stuffing envelopes and drinking tequila was the foundation of a great friendship!
Emily Belden
Bridesmaid
Sara's known Emily for basically her entire life. They've been through it all together; kindergarten, the ever-glorious middle school years, high school and beyond. Sara cannot count how many soccer teams they've played on together. Sara still talks to her students about Emily's siblings "Brother" and "Sister"...which were in fact not human siblings, but a dog and tarantula, respectively. At one point, they even shared a bunny, creatively named “BEST” by combining their initials (it even lasted a full week!). Sara is so thankful for their long-lasting friendship. Our day wouldn't be complete without you Em!
Megan Tolson
Bridesmaid
Megan is a goddess. That sentence deserves its own line. Sara met Megan through Craigslist while looking for roommates. The story can only go up from there! From house warming parties gone wrong (is it funny yet?), to classy drinks for classy people, to binge watching reality TV while Alissa rolled her eyes at us, Megan has been through it all with Sara. Megan is one of the most driven people Sara has ever met and she is constantly in awe of Meg’s life accomplishments. If you ever need someone to say it like it is, Megan is your girl. Sara can't picture a world without Megsies! SJP is so happy she responded to that Craigslist ad.
Alissa Gulin
Bridesmaid
Alissa is the craziest girl Sara has ever met-in the best way possible! Sara and Alissa lived together with Megan for two fantastic years. Sara still laughs about their housewarming party and the great times they had at the lake. Alissa is kind to each and every person she meets and her bubbly personality makes you feel joy no matter how low you may be. She is always there to lift you up when you need a hand and is always down for an adventure. Sara can't wait to tear it up on the dance floor with Lissy Bears!
Rick Paynter
Best Man
Rick met Kennedy approximately seven and a half months before he and Kennedy were born. Kennedy was born first-by two minutes (suck it, bro). Rick has been Kennedy’s best friend, teammate, and advocate since the day the pair were born. On their very first day of school, Rick set the tone for the twins’ relationship moving forward; as Kennedy was pensive approaching the bus, Rick grabbed his hand and said, ‘Come on Kennedy, wet’s go!’ Rick has always shown Kennedy unfailing empathy, kindness, trust, and patience. Kennedy looks up to Rick in every way and is thankful for his brother’s constant presence in his life.
Bob Shirmahommadi
Groomsman
Kennedy met Bob at orientation before freshman year at Maryland. Bob stole the ball from him while playing basketball. The audacity! The pair met again when Bob…had stomach trouble…one night in the hall of their freshman dorm. Clearly destined to become best friends, Bob and Kennedy bonded over…passionately…contested NBA 2K games and hot sports takes. Bob is possibly the most loyal, unconditionally loving human being on earth, and his ‘momma knows’ hugs cannot be equaled. Kennedy has always been in awe of Bob’s ability to relate to, love, and support every person in any situation with reckless selflessness.
Addy Holmes
Groomsman
Kennedy met Addy at Maryland, possibly at Cru and also possibly through someone at Cru and also possibly through playing sports either at the gym or intramurals. Addy became quite fond of Kennedy’s extremely accurate opinions when it came to sports (most notably, ‘LeBron sucks’) and, naturally, Addy’s…realistic?...mind meshed well with Kennedy’s. Addy is a loyal friend who Kennedy credits with pointing him in the right direction. When Kennedy asked Addy which direction to go in life, Addy (astutely) said, ‘probably neither.’ Jerk!
Ethan Paynter
Groomsman
Ethan entered the world during the toughest time in Kennedy’s life and breathed new hope into him. Kennedy took care of Ethan every Monday for most of the first two years of Ethan’s life, but Ethan taught him more than he ever could’ve offered in return. Ethan was, and is, a light in Kennedy’s life from the day he was born and the quickness with which he picks up on…well…everything…often left Kennedy scrambling for answers. Ethan is a special little boy that helped ready Kennedy’s heart to find ‘Miss Sara.’
Tim Murray
Groomsman
Another fan of Kennedy’s level-headed sports takes, Tim and Kennedy’s friendship began when the Murrays invited Kennedy and Sara (who is gluten-free and can’t drink beer) to a beer-only brewery. The foursome quickly blossomed into best friends that grew even closer as chosen quarantine couples over the pandemic. Tim is a loyal, kind friend…but most of all, he excels in talking smack to Sara Jane-no matter the stakes.
Jordy Paynter
Groomsman
Man’s best friend is a ridiculous understatement. Jordy has been with Kennedy every step of the way, and is more loyal, kind, and perceptive than any of the above (sorry, guys). Jordy is a special pup who follows every rule-except for eating ranch dressing and butter off the table (apparently those are OK)-and is always there when you need him. A 95-pound black lab, Jordy is now an awesome big brother to a much smaller black lab, Pippen. For those that aren’t taking us seriously-Jordy is, factually, the best dog on earth.
Tallulah Rael
Flower Girl
Tallulah (JuJu) is our incredibly cute Flower Girl. She came into this world, making Sara and Kennedy an Aunt and Uncle just a few short years ago and life has never been the same. As you can see, she may very well have the most adorable smile on planet earth. JuJu will be starting out Sara's walk down the aisle in full 3 year old style. We couldn't ask for a more perfect Flower Girl!
Landon Paynter
Ring Bearer
Landon, Sara and Kennedy’s youngest nephew, was born when Sara and Kennedy first moved in together. ‘Lando’ is all about adventure. He loves animals and he thrives in any social interaction with anyone who wants to play. Landon (4) is Ethan’s (6) little brother, and watching the two grow up has been one of Sara and Kennedy’s greatest joys. Watching Sara interact with his nephews was one of the reasons Kennedy was so drawn to Sara early in their relationship. The Paynter couple loves their ring-bearer!