Best Man
I owe SO much of who I am, and the things I have been able to accomplish to you. There are many situations that I would not have gotten through without the thought of you. For many years, the reason I picked myself up and kept going was because I wanted you to be proud of me. I am your father, but I strive every day to make you and Baker proud to have me.
Groomsman
Man, oh man, where does it even begin? If you meet us separately, we are an unlikely duo for sure. For years you were my rock, and we both helped each other through hardship, and we were always there to pick each other up. It is wild to think about all the connections we made through Domino’s, but I am very thankful for all of them, especially you. Thank you, for always being the best friend that I needed, I love you.
Groomsman
Of all my friends, you have always, always tried to help me learn and grow. You always knew when I needed some tough love, and you have always asked me to be better. Like a few of the other groomsmen, we also met at my first place of employment (I refuse to involve that place any more in my wedding than I already have) and we also started hanging out when one of us was in a time of trouble. Thank you for always steering me in the right direction (and for buying all my beer) and for being the father figure of the friend group.
Groomsman
Although we have known each other for 10 years, and we have been friends for almost that long, we have been closer than ever these last few years. You have been one of the most consistent and reliable friends in our lives, and in Baker’s. I know you hate this stuff, so I will keep it short. Thanks for being there for our family bud, it means a lot.
Groomsman
Out of the groomsmen, I have known you the longest. We have come a very long way from high school track and letting you move into my first apartment sleeping on an air mattress. We have both grown up and grown old, but when it came down to it, we have both been there when it really counts. We may have our disagreements, but we always seem to work it out. Neither of us are the same kids playing in Lowe’s parking lots and climbing Waffle Houses that we used to be. I think 2012 us would be immensely proud of the people we are today. Thank you for being a great friend for all these years.
Groomsman
When we first met, I thought you were a douche because you wouldn’t talk to me. Now I just know you’re socially awkward and you were also distracted somehow. You and Jess have been amazing friends over the years, and I will be sad to see you both leave when you move. Thank you for lending me a vehicle when I needed it, and for helping me with all the random stuff around the house. I know that when I call, you two will show up with eager hands to help.
Maid of Honor
One of the things I love most about having a sister is having a built-in best friend. That is exactly what Emma-Lleyton is to me. Of course, she would be my maid of honor. She is one of the strongest and most determined people I have ever met. She is most definitely Baker’s favorite, and she has been at my side for every moment. Being 8 years apart can make things very interesting sometimes. Like when I send her a snap of jeans I like, and she says they are “horrendous.” But there is no one I would rather have beside me than my first baby doll, EL.
Matron of Honor
Abigail was one of my first friends in college. We pledged the same four-year social club and have been connected ever since. I think the route we use to say: Sisters – Friends – Cousins – Roommates. We still call each other “roomie.” Abigail has the kindest heart, and I have always said she is the nicest person I have ever met in my life. As we continue to embark on new life paths (wife, mother, etc.), it just makes our relationship that much sweeter. I am honored to her friend, sister, cousin, roommate, etc.
Bridesmaid
Audrey and I first met when she was a pledge in my four-year social club. My first impressions were that she was a little fake. But, as I got to know her more, especially when she started pledging my other club, I got to see how amazing she truly was. Audrey is fun, supportive, caring, and just an awesome individual. Her laugh is infectious, and I cannot wait to see what memories we will make at the wedding.
Bridesmaid
Alexa and I met my junior year of college when we were both recruited to join our two-year social club Blacklist. Right off the bat, I really liked Alexa because she spoke her mind and had a fierceness that I really adored. I have had the pleasure of seeing Alexa become a mother this last year, and she absolutely is killing it. I cannot imagine having this wedding without having her as my “back up.”
Bridesmaid
Not to be confused with Alexa (although everyone does it), I also met Alexis when pledging Blacklist. I always say that Alexis is like sunshine. Her smile is infectious, and she has one of the most loving hearts. Every night Baker sleeps with a bumble bee that she crocheted for her when I was still pregnant. I think that says a lot about her positive impact not just on my life but everyone she meets. Although I will say, don’t let her kindness fool you. She is tough and can still throw down.
Bridesmaid
So, funny enough about my story with Jess. Terrill and her boyfriend Sergey were working together at At & T, and they really wanted us to hang out. Well, neither of us wanted that and were convinced that we would not like one another. That very same night we first met, we both expressed to each other about how much we did not want to meet thinking it would be bad. Ever since then, Jess has become of my closest friends. She always makes me laugh, and I honestly think we agree on almost everything.
Flower Girl
On 11-22-22, our beautiful daughter entered this world and has kept us on our toes ever since. Baker is smart, funny, and the happiest kid. We are so excited to have her be a part of our special day. I am fully aware she definitely will outshine the both of us, and that is perfectly fine. It is her world, afterall.
Ring Bearer
Layke Bryant is my (Madison) nephew. He will turn 5 actually the day after our wedding. Layke is so special to us, and I am so excited to see how cute he looks in his suit. Also, if you see him walking down the aisle with a dinosaur, mind your business.