Abigail & Matthew
Wedding Party
Samantha Fye
Maid of Honor
AKA the sister that I never had. All throughout grade school, we still managed to spend more time with each other than we did our own families, even though we went to different schools. You were the main reason I looked forward to spending countless hours in the gymnastics gym and the one I would constantly watch in the mirror during dance to figure out how the heck to gain at least a little bit of rhythm. Samantha, you have always brought a vibe different than the rest. One that boosts the mood wherever, whenever. From numerous made-up choreographed dances, to hangouts in tents, to playing "house," to contemplating life when holding a wall sit for what felt like 10 hours, you bring out the best in me. I am not one to be shy, but you are the one that really allows me to be myself. How is it that we used to be SO boy crazy and made up names for our middle school boy toys and now I have one forever?! From the minute we met, we just clicked. I remember telling you at a party that you would be my maid of honor when the time came. Whether you believed me or not, I knew the big day would not be the same without you. We met when we were just six years old and I cannot wait to have our kids follow in our footsteps and be the best of friends. Cheers to a lifelong friendship, "Cherries"! I love you longtime.
Kayla Polen
Maid of Honor
Although you may not be my sister, there is no bond like that of family and you really are my built-in best friend. The one that will listen (or pretend to), the one who can say it like it is and the one who I can always go to for anything. You truly are the one that keeps the family spirit high. One of my favorite memories is playing "store" in G and Pa's bath tub (empty … not sure how we came up with that). We had great plans to live next door to one another as grown-ups. From the Luddington trips, to the Villages trips, to the College visit trips, you have never failed to be the life of the party. While we grew up with our brothers who always found a way to "bully" us, having each other made it a lot more bearable! Although we may not always be close by miles, blood runs strong! Having you as a maid of honor was a no brainer. I have said it once, and I will say it again: Brown and Bean forever! Get ready to welcome Matthew into the family...whether you like it or not! First wedding . . . with more to come. P.S., thanks for always agreeing to never steeling my "rob your neighbor" gifts. Some might come in handy when I re-gift them for "rob your neighbor" events with our own families ;) I love you for the way you are, never ever change.
Alexis Hitchens
Bridesmaid
100% the mother of the group. Whenever I told my parents I would be hanging out with you, they knew I would be in good hands. They figured if you were around, I would be (somewhat) behaving myself. You were the consummate “voice of reason” and always kept us in line. You are always there to answer my many questions (especially throughout this wedding process). Oh, and you were always the one with the most "smarts". It was no surprise you were the first to get married and the first to have your stuff together. I continue to look up to you, now more than ever, and never stop learning from you. Being able to witness you marry the love of your life was a feeling I will never forget. And, I cannot wait to have you by myside to experience the same kind of love that I did as I watched you change your life for the better. Since you remember every dang floor routine we all had, I expect to see them on the dance floor! Although this stage of life can bring about the nerves, I know that I will always have your footsteps to follow. I love you forever, Lex. P.S... you will always be the oldest triplet ;)
Chloe Whittington
Bridesmaid
Chloe: The only person I know who would go to one of the largest music festivals (Lollapalooza) by herself. Girl, you have a heart of gold and a "go get em" spirit like no other. You are the one to tell me whether I am acting like a fool, have food in my teeth, etc. I still remember walking out of the bathroom on New Years Eve in my outfit and you telling me "nope, I don't like that at all." Chlo, whether you like it or not, being that "sister" in your life of three brothers is truly an honor. I always told Matthew I would make a trip to Oklahoma with or without him just to see you. Having you as a bridesmaid and sharing this day with us is truly a gift. I am glad that I have lived up to your standards for the person your brother would be spending the rest of his life with. From the many trips to the lake, to your visit with Mathew and I at our first home, to now standing by myside on the best day of my life...what more can I ask for? Although you have only met our son (Miller) a few times, he loves you and I cannot wait to have you on speed dial for nanny duties / tips when it comes time to start a family of our own. I hope to take some pages from the Chloe playbook and be half the strong and independent woman that you are. I know you will do amazing things. To my sista from another mista...let's get this party started. Love you, chlo_jobro. P.S... I will try not to fall asleep in the chair looking for Barry on my wedding night.
Katie Gebhardt
Bridesmaid
When I was just a lil' thang, I spent more time with you, my coach, than I did my own mother. You really are my second (younger) mom. You started coaching me when I was five years old and continued to through part of high school. Whether it was hanging out at the gymnastics lock ins, you putting me in separate corners from the rest of the girls so that we would focus, or you giving me a SINGLE skittle for winning in Beamopoly, you have taught me so much. From an athlete standpoint, but also from an overall life perspective. I remember meeting you for dinner to just catch up after we haven't seen each other in years...little did I know that one meet up would turn into such a strong bond. What an honor it is to have you standing next to me on my big day. You saw me at my worst and saw me at my best. You are the reason my love for the sport is so big. Even after the hard days with blood, sweat and tears in the gymnastics gym, you were a big influence on my athletic career. However, I could have done without the “Insanity” workout videos at 7 am, brutal rope climbs, over-splits and handstand holds. I never thought that I would be so close with my former coach, having some drinks with you, let alone my soon to be Fiancé having you as a coworker. You are not only going to be standing by myside, but you will also be standing by four of your other past gymnasts. What an opportunity it is to be able to all raise our glasses together . . . cheers!!! Love you, KT!
Jada Jones
Bridesmaid
Oh the model, the model, the model. I swear every time I see you, you not only get taller but you get prettier. Being able to compete gymnastics with you all throughout grade school and then high school was a blast. I have always thought of you like the big sister that I never had. My parents would always say (and still say) that I need to be more like you. They are not wrong. Your heart is one like no other and your courage and motivation to conquer the world is something that does not go unnoticed. Girl, the world is yours and your on way to do anything and everything you have ever wanted. Although I always thought you should have been a model, being able to grow up doing flips with you is something that I will never take for granted. Not only have we remained close friends but our parents have remained just as close. It seems like just yesterday we were in your basement with the girls painting our faces like different animals or playing numerous rounds of Mario Kart. Sometimes I wish to go back to those simple times but then I remember how special it is to still have our strong friendship and have you with me every step of the way throughout this new chapter of my life. It is time to party and I cannot imagine dancing my heart out with anyone else. Let the festivities begin, Jay! Much love to you forever and ever.
Molly Blanke
Bridesmaid
No matter the distance, no matter the days we would go without texting or seeing each other, you and I could always pick up right where we left off. You were my very first best friend. From meeting in second grade and competing for numerous years in club and Barrington High School gymnastics but going off to different colleges, we still managed to remain the best of friends. When I got real sick in middle school with MRSA and was hospitalized for a week, I remember Katie telling me that you were at the chalk bin at practice crying because you thought your best friend was going to die. It was at that point that I knew you were truly one of a kind and "my person." You were the first to come see me after the hospital and you were always the first one to run up and give me high-fives and hugs after competing...sometimes before I even had a chance to solute. No matter the circumstances, you always know how to bring the party --- from Disco night at school to hanging naked Barbies from the car window. Looking back at how crazy we were in the gym – we were quite the pair. Never in a million years would I think you would be a real estate agent, but let me tell you...that job is for YOU. You have truly shown me what it takes to give something your all, be yourself and make yourself KNOWN. Now I have someone on speed dial for any house needs ;) While most people would say they loved us but hated us at the same time...I would not change a darn thing. Love you, girly!
Ellie Kaufmann
Bridesmaid
It is funny how people come back into your life after many years. Ellie and I met when we were both gymnasts as kids. We have reconnected by chance through her boyfriend, Hasib, who is a groomsman and a great friend of Matthew's. Over this past year, we have gone on several double / group dates, shared many glasses of wine, and started to make new memories. On many occasions, Ellie and I are the stand-outs in what they call a "sausage fest" and tolerate numerous hours of dudes being dudes. Ellie and Hasib have come to the rescue when Miller needed a break from his parents...or was it the other way around? As Ellie is now recently engaged, I cannot wait to see her experience all of the emotions, events, and fun times that Matthew and myself have had throughout this phase of life. I tell Hasib this all the time: finding someone like Ellie is extremely hard and he found the best. My girl, I cannot wait to have you stand by myside...cheers to renewed friendships!!!
Robert Whittington
Best Man
To my youngest brother, I have experienced life for two minutes longer than you have...and I will never let you forget that. From the moment you entered the earth and mom had us three boys in her arms, I knew I had two built-in bestfriends. You and I always played the same sports, had the same friends and although you were always bigger than me...I was and always will be your "big" brother. The fact that you were the one that was able to do a backflip before me blows my mind to this day. All the time we spent causing trouble and just being dudes has created a bond that can never be broken. Whether it was on the basketball court, playing King of the Hill, or just at home while mom and dad yelled at us, you always had my back. We have gone from sharing the womb together to now sharing the main stage on my big day. As I have watched your whole life develop, you have truly turned into someone who I am extremely proud to call my brother. While we don't spend as much time as we used to together, we always make the most of the time spent each time I come home. Thank you for being you and for being the littlest brother. It has been an honor to experience two more minutes of life than you. Love you, Robbie!
Taylor Whittington
Best Man
To my other little brother, I have had 4 minutes on this earth longer than you and I will never let you forget that. We have been through it all, from fighting over the littlest things to growing up and realizing that us being triplet brothers is actually really special rather than being a nuisance. We have shared countless things in our lifetime and now we get to share another big milestone by you standing by my side as my other best man. I would not be the person I am today without some of the life lessons I learned from you Taylor, you made better decisions than I did as a kid and you were without question the a role model to me. Something I will never forget about you is one time we were at the lake playing cards against humanity and you blurted out something that was one of the funniest things I've ever heard. You truly are special to me and although we don't spend near as much time as we used to together you will always be one of my two best friends. I am looking forward to your future as you have grown into a goal oriented man and I will support you every step of the way. Love you Taylor!
James Strevey
Groomsman
From Freshman dormmates, to college teammates, to living together in our apartment for three years, to you now standing next to me on my wedding day...we have been through it all, my friend. Whether it is on the golf course, playing Call of Duty, making pit stops in St. Louis on my journey to and from Oklahoma, or the numerous trips down to the lake, we are always sure to make the most of it. It blows my mind to think that we went from competing against each other in Region 3 gymnastics to a friendship that will last a lifetime. Here is to you being one of the best dudes I know...love you, man!
Bryan Hasanov
Groomsman
When I found out I was meeting you for the first time, I knew I had to make a good impression...given you are the brother of my beautiful bride! Having you as a next door neighbor for over a year was truly something special and pretty dang fun. However, without you being there, I am not sure our house would still be standing. The growth I have seen in you since the first time I met you is unbelievable. You have developed into an impressive young man. One of the best memories I have, that I will cherish for a life time is the fact that as soon as I proposed to Abigail on Lake Michigan, you immediately came up to me with a beer and said "good luck dealing with my sister for the rest of your life" and...we proceeded to shotgun a beer. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. I look forward to adding another brother onto the triplet clan!
Seth Cannon
Groomsman
You and I met back in my early gymnastics days. You were the older brother that I never had (given that I am "the oldest" of my triplet brothers) and the one that I constantly looked up to. You were not only a teammate of mine growing up, but you have a been a role model. I always knew that I wanted to be just like you when I grew up. You not only paved the way for my in my gymnastics career, but also in life itself. It was an honor to have gotten the opportunity to stand up in your wedding and I am beyond excited to turn the tables and have you at mine. Cheers to you, Seth...one of my dearest Oklahomies!
Gorgis Yelda
Groomsman
Gorgeous Gorgis, my forever beer dye partner. My newest friendship of this group of fine gentlemen. It is crazy to think that we met working at the same gym, and little did we know, we took the same classes together in college and graduated within the same ceremony. You have made me feel at lot more "at home" living in the Chicago suburbs and you have always been the one that never fails to be sure we all have a good time. From our late night conversations outside of Mrs. P's to being the best beer dye tandem in the world, I appreciate you being the one that I can always count on. I have said it once and I will say it again, there is always a spare bedroom for you at our place. Cheers, brother!
Anthony Hardin
Groomsman
Aj where do I even begin with you. Aj was one of the first guys I met at UIC on one of my visits and lets just say it was not best performance for a first impression given the activities that took place the evening before. You and I bonded very quickly because we had very similar interests and it was always a pleasure to give you a beating in Madden playing Xbox. I hope you can make it to dinner at our wedding because in 4 years taking a trip down to Oklahoma I believe you have attended a single dinner sleeping beauty. Aj and I trained the same events in gymnastics in college so we spent a lot of time debating who was better at floor.... I think we know who the better tumbler was. Aj and I roomed together at every away competition we ever had and those are memories I will never forget. I have watched you grow from a freshman in college until now and I am very proud of the person you are turning into. Although I haven't seen you in quite sometime we still talk basically everyday and you've always supported me. Here's to a lifelong friendship!
Hasib Nabi
Groomsman
If we are ever looking for a night out at Coopers Hawk or going for Brunch, Hasib is our guy. While only knowing Hasib for about 2 years, it feels like a lifetime. He has become one of my best friends and someone who has and continues to always be there for myself, as well as Abigail. Sharing similar professions as Hasib is a cheer/tumbling coach and myself a gymnastics coach is an added bonus. From the numerous late nights spent playing spike ball at the gym to the beers drank at Chasers, Hasib knows how to have a good time. Hasib and Ellie (one of Abigail's Bridesmaids) recently became engaged and we could not ask for a better couple to walk through this phase of life with, experience the many different emotions, and share countless laughs. I have said it before, and I will say it again: Hasib is truly one of a damn kind. Let's get this party started, love you!
Miller Whittington
Ring Bearer
Miller baby, also known as Squish, was our first child. Our first big responsibility. The one who has made a major dent in our wallets. But, we can both say that we would NEVER EVER change a darn thing. Miller has brought so much joy and entertainment into our lives. With both of us working different hours and only getting about 30 minutes face to face each night during the week, it is always comforting knowing that we can at least come home to someone, and that would be our Millie. Whether he is 2 or 10, he will always be our baby...the goofball that we both needed. From eating his own poop, to chewing the dry wall, to his obsession with kitchen towels, we will never truly understand him, which is why living life with him is the absolute best and keeps us on our toes. From the minute we became engaged, the first thing that came to both of our minds was the fact that Miller NEEDED to be in the wedding...one way or another. When we picked our venue, that was our first question: were dogs allowed. Although we may be emotional when we get married, having Miller be a part of our big day will be the biggest reason those tears are shed. Squish can be the biggest pain in the butt but we will forever cherish the long walks, talks, cuddles, and play sessions. Matthew might say otherwise, but Miller is and will always be a Mommy's boy! Get ready for your big debut, Millie! Mommy and Daddy love you. Forever and always.