Maid of Honor
She may hold the record for the most fights with the bride, but honestly I consider myself pretty lucky in the sibling lottery. We may have shared similar sports and athletics growing up, but in many ways we are opposites. Our childhood weekends were spent traveling and competing in various swim meets. Fast forward twenty years and not much has changed except the swim meets have been exchanged for mud covered obstacle races and we no longer require our parents as chauffeurs. She is always there to cheer me across the finish line at every race so of course I couldn't say I do without her by my side!
Best Man
Having been ejected from Canada for not saying 'sorry' enough times per day, Bacon settled in NC where we both attended the same crappy high school. Over the years we had several classes together and we became better friends. We truly hit it off and bonded over our love of quality beer, hockey, and team Non-America. We inevitably moved in together as our man-love continued to flourish. Friends came and went, but Bacon stuck around (reason unknown) and earned his best man title. Suit up!
Matron of Honor
We've known each other for more than half our lives and she is a constant reminder that you don't have to share DNA to be considered family. From "shamu shuffles" around Cibola to college in Tucson she was there as a friend, "sister" and roommate. She is that person for me where everything is understood even when no words are spoken. I credit Tashina for being one of the biggest influences during those crucial high school/college years and helping to make me grow and become less of an emotional teenager. Living on different sides of the country has done little to distance our friendship. We may not be there for each other's everyday life activities, but there is no way I'd want to be married without her by my side.
Groomsman
Wes and I have spent many an evening sweating and bleeding for Mohica soccer glory, followed closely by putting every calorie back in Miller Lights. We may have started out as teammates, but Wes' great stories, love of drinking, and easy going nature meant we would quickly become great friends. Oh.. and he's ruggedly handsome and plays a mean guitar.
Bridesmaid
Elizabeth and I first met in PT school at ECU in 2007. We became roommates our final year of school, but it wasn't until she moved back to the Raleigh area after graduation that we became the closest of friends. We certainly enjoyed our first years in the "real world" with lots of late nights, out of town trips, and just a few drinks. We did do a few healthy things as well and have swam and rode many miles next to each other as we trained for multiple races together. She is one of the most creative people I know and has probably designed and/or helped with many aspects of this upcoming wedding. I couldn't be happier that she has moved back to the area. Looking forward to her being a part of my wedding day and all the new and exciting adventures yet to come!
Groomsman
When I first met Dr. Doug, he would score 7 goals a season, was bald, and happily drank Miller Light all day. BUT NOW, he scores 1 goal a season, is still bald, and drinks expensive beer... so I did not help his life at all. Still, Dougie is one of the smartest dudes I know, enjoys IPAs as much as I do, and is a fellow believer in the Prime Directive. It is no wonder then that he is one of my favorite people to hang out with. Whether it be watching crab-game-of-thrones on the beach or downtown bar hopping, a good time will most certainly ensue.
Bridesmaid
We were classmates in PT school at ECU, but it wasn't until after graduation that Dawn and I began to grow into the friends that we are now. At that time she began to respond to texts within a few hours (instead of days) and I learned to tell her to arrive 30 min. before she was expected to be there. In all seriousness though she is one of the best listeners and most sincere people that I know. She has been there for every worry, concern, smile or celebration which has led to many life changing decisions over the past few years. (btw she gets half the credit for convincing me to agree to the 1st date with Saar). Dawn is the eternal optimist that everyone needs in life!!! Can't wait to celebrate each other's weddings next May!
Groomsman
Neale is Neale. The End. But seriously, I've known Neale for a long time. We first met at pick-up. Neale was young back then (probably like 65). We didn't socialize much at the time, and now we finish up half of our nights together having a Pernicious at Ruckus. How far have we come! Despite a callous exterior, Neale is actually one of the nicest, kindest people I know and he is the reason I found my Mohica family, making him one of my favorite people and closest friends. This is despite being an Arsenal fan. Wherever Neale goes, trouble surely follows, which means no party is a party until he shows up, and so party we shall!
Bridesmaid
BEAR DOWN!!! Jenn and I are both Arizona Wildcats and met as members of the cross country and track teams. We were roommates our final two years and she is a part of just about all of my favorite college memories! Between games of "would you rather?" or the radio game; 5:30AM runs were never quiet. It was Jenn though that kept me sane during some of the toughest years as a student-athlete and made life fun. Saar can thank her for introducing me to country music, as it makes his "ears bleed." :) Despite living on opposite sides of the country for the past 12 years Jenn has remained one of my greatest friends. Looking forward to celebrating this day with her!
Groomsman
Gal and I went through a lot together. Moving cities, moving countries, moving continents, learning languages, adjusting to cultures and we managed to not kill each other (although we came close once or twice), making him my longest and oldest friend, and one of my 2 favorite brothers. No one knows me better, calls me more on my BS, or makes me laugh harder. Also no one is more inferior to me in every way. I'm stronger, smarter, faster, better looking, taller, funnier, and better than him at every sport. And he has to agree to that because it's my wedding and I win. Plus he only moved to Israel to try to escape from under the shadow of my greatness.
Herald of the Bride
In her words: Kind, Silly, Smart, Creative and Playful The oldest of my "nieces" and as described by her mother as a "complete paradox." Kailani is a voracious reader and knows more than she should about pretty much everything. Like most kids her age she loves her electronics, much like her books, to transport her to another universe where she is free to dream, one of her strongest talents. She has her father's kind soul and her mother's stubbornness making her a pretty awesome little human.
Groomsman
Itai was one goofy kid, and blond, which probably means he's adopted, and he kept breaking bones for absolutely no reason, or fault, of ours. Still, we liked him. He is all grown up now and I'm proud to report that my hard educational efforts have taught him to be chill, drink good beer, and know that reversing the polarities resolves most issues. Bose-Einstein condensate fixes the rest, naturally. Our age difference meant we didn't get to bond much as kids, but we certainly made up for it at the Old Tavern. The bike trips weren't bad either. Hope your fancy degree taught you how to tie a tie bro, suit up!
Herald of the Bride
In her words: Athletic, Crazy, Funny, Nice and Michael Jackson obsessed Ke'ke is the yin to her sister's yang. While Kailani tends to dream, Ke'alohi is all about the here and now. Passionate, persistent, and a pleaser are three words to describe her. She welcomes challenges, will do anything for a laugh, and like her sister is on a mission for overall kindness between people. She loves sports and it doesn't matter which one, but she will most likely excel at it. Her newest interest is break dancing and we can only hope she will show us some of her moves on the dance floor.