Kaitlyn & Philip
Wedding Party
Tate Shea
Matron of Honor
Tate and I met our freshman year at Texas A&M University during fish camp, where we learned that we would live on the same dorm floor. I became Tate's unofficial "third roommate" our freshman year and we lived together officially for the rest of our time at A&M. We went to A&M football games together, had way too much fun at late night HEB visits, and ended our senior year with a prank war. Tate is one of the kindest and most compassionate human beings I have ever met, and I'm so lucky to call her my "sister from another mister."
Dan Brockelbank
Best Man
Dan I have been best friends since we were twelve. If I remember correctly, Dan was a new student and walked into band class to find a fairly angry and over-stressed middle school band teacher, Mr. Hendricks, who was ready to kick out this student he didn’t recognize who he thought he had wandered unwelcomely into his band room to cause disruption. I swooped in, and explained that Dan was a new student who played trumpet and drums. Mr. Hendricks, with his shortage of trumpets was happy to have Dan stay. The rest, they say, is history.
Lizzy Padhi
Maid of Honor
Lizzy and I met when we were about six weeks old. From learning how to ride bikes to going to summer camp together to learning how to swim in her backyard while emus attacked us, we grew up together. From Texas A&M football games to diving trips to improptu road trips, Lizzy has been there for some of my greatest adventures. She always knows how to make me laugh and is one of the most supportive and loyal friends I know. I could not do life without her!
Niklas Kunze
Groomsman
Niklas and I met during my junior year of high school when he came to live with our family as an exchange student from Germany. We were both thrilled to get to have the experience of having a brother as we were both only children. We shared a room, there were fights - mostly about who’s music we got to listen to. Niklas became a dynamic addition to our family with his quick wit, skilled rhetoric and propensity to stir the pot which was a welcomed change of pace for me. After high school, we continued to grow our relationship once it was my turn to live in Germany. We have shared a lifelong friendship and many unforgettable moments, that I will remember for many years to come.
Tina Andrews
Bridesmaid
Tina and I were in the same small group during our first semester of law school. We quickly became study buddies, and spent an ungodly number of hours studying together around all of Austin's coffee shops. Through a lot of coffee, hours of study break conversations, and silly moments like stories about exploding cows, Tina quickly become one of the only reasons I made it through law school relatively unscathed. She's a steadfast and loyal friend with a killer sense of humor and an even better story teller.
Stephen Rouse
Groomsman
Stephen and I met at UNC in the band program. Stephen was a freshman bass player and I was a sophomore on the snare line. Music had and has been a shared interest that connected us but not so much as the rest of our college experience. College is a time when you soul search, explore and adventure. Stephen and I shared in this experience of adventure during where we were virtually inseparable for years on end and without whom I would certainly not be the person I am today. Today Stephen and I enjoy a good debate on a range of topics including politics, economics, faith and philosophy where we challenge, frustrate and appreciate each other for our unique perspectives – all while downing as much craft beer as can be reasonably consumed while having a rational debate about complex issues.
Amena Gober
Bridesmaid
Amena lived across the hall from me in the dorms during our first year at Texas A&M. This, of course, meant lots of late nights at the Aston "study" lounge among other college adventures. Amena and I developed a long-lasting friendship through hours of intellectual (and silly!) conversation and our mutual "let's go have an adventure" attitude which included impromptu road trips to Florida. Amena is a true friend--she's always there for support, mutual rage and sarcasm, and a fierce defender and protector. I'm so blessed to call her my friend!
Jan Jenkel
Groomsman
I met Jan in the summer of my 30th birthday after his, long-anticipated arrival. Jan is the, now, husband of my host-sister Dorothea, whose family I lived with during my time as an exchange student in Germany from 2004-2005. He’s a fantastic guy to travel with and to liaise with about the similarities and differences of American and German cultures which have fascinated me for almost two decades. A capable craft beer aficionado, poker-tournament winner, father and husband to my wonderful host-sister, Jan is an all-around great guy and a reliable, authentic and genuine friend. I am thrilled to have him as a part of our growing transatlantic family and to have him and Dorothea here to be a part of our special day.
Jess Junek
Bridesmaid
While Jess and I attended the same college, we really only became friends after college through our mutual friend Lizzy while we attended different law schools. Jess embodies "happy go lucky" and has an infectious, joyous personality that lights up the world around her. She is one of the most fun, open girls i have ever met and I was so lucky to get to travel with her to Iceland this past summer. Jess is also a truly supportive, loving human being and a wonderful friend!
Cameron Dawson
Groomsman
I’m happy to have Kaitlyn’s brother Cameron as one of my groomsman. Her oldest and wisest brother, with a skill of note quite unlike any other. He has memorized the entire calendar. (Yes, all of it) Cameron is a guy of conviction, principle and faith which serve him well and which have made him a welcome addition to my life. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Cameron, and to be the best older brother (in-law) I can be whenever Cameron should find himself in need of one, and to the many memories we will create together as family.
Ann Kuykendall
Bridesmaid
I met Ann during my sophomore year at Texas A&M University, and we became roommates for our junior and senior years. For the next two years, we set out to prove that we were a “stone cold pack of weirdos,” through excessive trips to Fuego, a pranking war, and an ongoing battle to see who had the most immature sense of humor. Ann became my rock during law school, where she endured many, many, many panicked phone calls. Ann is one of the most fun, supportive, and giving friends I have, and I’m so excited to continue our adventures in Houston!
Clark Henry
Groomsman
Clark, Kaitlyn's younger brother. I’m sure Clark would rather be playing baseball or beer pong. I’m sure we can find a way to make some room somewhere in the venue so that we can have some real beer pong. Clark and I would make for an all-star team. In all seriousness, Clark is a talented athlete, diligent college student and a reliable guy. He took care of our dogs for a while and was able to manage Leah even around other dogs which is no small feat. He is solid, steady, trustworthy and down-to-Earth and I look forward to the future with him as a new brother.
Rebecca Monroe
Bridesmaid
Rebecca and I met through the UT Facebook group the summer before we both started law school. We decided to become roommates for the first year of law school, despite having never met in person. What started as an awkward night of Banagrams turned into one of the most supportive, truest friendships of my life, and we stayed roommates throughout all of law school. Rebecca is an old and wise soul, who I have learned so much from over the years. She is delightful, fun, incredibly loyal, and one of the kindest and most supportive people I have ever known. I'm grateful Facebook brought her into my life!
Collin Dawson
Groomsman
Collin, another of Kaitlyn's brothers, is almost as nerdy as I am. Our shared interests in music, technology and video games have given us plenty to bond over. Collin is a sharp, well-rounded guy, a talented musician, an athlete and a technological whiz-kid. First getting to meet Collin while he was in late middle school has been a wonderful blessing for me because it gave me a chance to be both old and cool brother (kind of) at the same time. So when Collin took an interest in my beef-jerky making hobby, (of all things), it piqued my interest. I don’t know what path Collin will take now that he’s in high school planning for college with his broad range of interests and abilities, but I’m looking forward to being a part of it and seeing what the future has in store him.
Kimberly Williams
Bridesmaid
Kim and I met at Texas A&M through our mutual friends Ann and Tate, and we quickly became an inseparable college group through trips to Fuego, Texas A&M football games and tailgating, and nights out on the town. We became much closer when Kim spent a summer in Kenya and we wrote to each other. Kim is wise beyond her years and one of the best listeners I have ever met. She's always there when you need her, without judgment. She is deeply supportive, kind, and a caregiver to everyone around her. She also has a sly sense of humor that can catch you off guard and make you cry laughing!
Connor Dawson
Groomsman
Last but not least little Connor. Who hates being made fun of 😊. Connor is Kaitlyn’s youngest and most unpredictable brother. I am impressed with his ingenuity, creativity and selfishly, for his appreciation of my sense of humor. Connor and I have been known to sling wonderful insults at each other, engage in prolonged conversations about business, economics, politics and the stock markets. The first time I met him was at the movies where Connor, at the stern, old age of twelve proceeded to give me the ‘big brother stare’ for the entire two hour movie. I have to say if it hadn’t been so funny, I would have truly been afraid. I’m so glad and thankful to have Connor in my life and to see what the future holds for him.