Sarah & Nick
Wedding Party
Emily Rouse
Maid of Honour
As Sarah's beloved younger sister, Emily was literally born for the role of Maid of Honour! Emily has been Sarah's built-in partner in crime (thanks Mom and Dad!) since day one and their relationship has only grown closer with age. With so much shared history, their daily conversations are filled with inside jokes and obscure references (to the point where it may seem incomprehensible to any passerby). They need only exchange one look to know exactly what the other is thinking (and likely burst out laughing). These sisters play many interchangeable roles in each other's lives - therapist, proofreader, defence attorney, travel buddy, and confidante. More recently, Emily planned the most amazing bachelorette for Sarah - somehow managing to coordinate 14 degenerates let loose on Quebec City! Emily is empathetic, kind to everyone she meets, and is always the life of the party. It has been a privilege for both Sarah and Nick to watch Emily blossom into such an amazing social worker, sister, dog-mother/aunt and friend, and they feel so fortunate to have her stand up as Maid of Honour on their big day!
Seth Staples-Allen
Best Man
Like no good relationships, it all started at Cavendish beach music festival in 2016. Blake Shelton was on stage, fresh (ish) from his breakup with Miranda Lambert. The air was hot and the beer was luke-warm when this hick in a plaid shirt with cutoff sleeves, one serious sunburn, and a cowboy hat straight out of a case of beer walked up to your favourite couple and proclaimed “HEY! I know you! You work at the mill!” and it was all downhill from there. Following that fateful day, Seth and Nick frequently hit the prestigious Nackawic Golf club to unwind after work, smack a few dozen balls into the woods and have a beer. From there, they became fast friends, with many nights spent at Dolan's or Mamas pub for wings. Seth even tried teaching Nick how to hunt and fish (though Nick has yet to shoot much of anything except for a few good pics). Most recently, Seth has purchased a boat, and since then has spent every waking hour on the water chasing his dream to become New Brunswick Sport Fishing Association’s Angler of the year. (You're welcome Seth, for choosing our date outside of fishing season!)
Taylor Smith
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Taylor met mere days after Taylor's birth thanks to Denise and Kelly, and their friendship has never wavered (despite one very escalated game of croquet back in 2007). Known as Grand Lake's Mary-Kate and Ashley (who is who is still hotly debated), Sarah and Taylor have been honorary members of each other's families for over 27 years and have seen each other through every "awkward phase" or major life event. Taylor has played a key role in so many of Sarah's best memories so far - from their fledging Irish dance careers to spending every summer vacation/holiday together and talking on the phone for hours - and she cannot imagine her life without Taylor in it. As luck would have it, their respective career paths led both Sarah and Taylor to Saint John, where they have spent the last four years exploring their new city's dog trails and beer gardens together. To have a friend like Taylor - who knows you inside and out, and loves you anyways - is a true honour and Sarah is so grateful for their lifelong bond.
Kayla Mann
Best Mann
Kayla Emily Mann (or kewl-k-mann to some) has known Sarah since the JMA days, when she wormed her way into her heart and her lunchbox ("are you going to finish that?"). The friendship only grew stronger when Kayla transferred to UNB in 2013 and they shared an intro to psych class. Kayla was immediately welcomed into Sarah's university crew, where she impressed with her quick wit and signature dance move. As the Beach House's resident night owl, Kayla could frequently be found still awake at 6:00 AM finishing a last minute paper, tearing up the 20/20 dance floor, or hanging out on the Beach House roof. K-money also relocated to Saint John in 2020, where she enjoys teaching language arts at Simonds High, adventuring with Nick during the summer months, and hanging with her beloved nephew Hugo. When not inspiring the minds of the next generation, she is watching them hurdle around a track at 200+mph in Europe (aka tuning in for Formula 1 races). Kayla has ignited Nick's love for the pastime, and many great brunches have been had on race Sundays!
Danielle LeBlanc-Cyr
Bridesmaid
Dani and Sarah first became best friends in Mme. Belliveau's grade two class, and remained inseparable through their elementary, middle and high school years. In fact, the two (along with fellow bridesmaid Danielle Colpitts) were named JMA Armstrong's "Best Friends" in 2012. So many of Sarah's best memories feature Dani - aimless drives in her red Echo belting out Taylor Swift, slinging ice cream together at the Dairy Depot, and more recent adventures in Spain (and more locally since COVID). Despite being "long distance" while Dani attended university in Quebec and then worked internationally, their friendship has never faltered. Sarah considers Dani her brunette twin, with the same taste in music, books, tv, food - many have even remarked they talk the same! Sarah feels so fortunate to have a best friend like Dani in her corner - someone who can immediately make her laugh until her stomach hurts with the mention of one (often embarrassing) story.
Kyle MacDonald
Groomsman
Also a graduate of Dalhousie’s renowned (and way better than UNB’s) chemical engineering program, Kyle and Nick first met as fresh-faced students in their early twenties. Hitting it off fast after one too many meals at Jean’s Chinese, the two decided to become roommates while living in British Columbia during their co-op work term in 2013. Many a trip was had to the Dairy Queen across the street as the two were not known for their culinary skills. Two years later, after graduation, they reprised their roles as roommates (this time in Calgary, Alberta). Their culinary skills were still not up to par, though on a considerably more limited budget, and their diet consisted almost entirely of chicken nuggets, chocolate milk and Diet Pepsi (we’ll let you figure out who had the chocolate milk and who had the diet pepsi). Now that they live on opposite sides of the country, the two are limited to hanging out virtually, frequently playing video games into the early hours of the eastern coast morning. We are so excited to have Kyle joining us and playing such a big role in our day!
Danielle Colpitts
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Danielle first met in approximately the fourth grade, though details remain hazy. Danielle claims to remember how the friendship first blossomed, but one can only assume it took place on the dirt patch known as the “sockey” pitch at SES. From that day on, Danielle, Dani and Sarah became an inseparable trio and shared so many “firsts” growing up together (i.e. first jobs at the Dairy Depot; first drink of hard liquor (lemon gin still brings tears to my eyes); and getting our beginners licenses together). Danielle was an accomplished athlete (a two-time NBIAA All-Star), and Danielle and Sarah traveled rural New Brunswick playing soccer, basketball, and badminton- highlights including ice cream for breakfast in Grand Manan, minor scuffles at Bonar Law, and broken noses in Chipman. They remained tight as they headed off to different universities after graduation, with D-Colp essentially third-wheeling Sarah and Nick’s first summer together in 2014. While you’re most likely to find her sipping craft beers around the Hub City, coaching high school basketball, or hitting the links, Danielle (or RJ) has been know to bring the party. We can’t wait to celebrate our wedding with her by our side!
Amanda LeClair
Groomswoman
Amanda and Sarah first met at UNB on move-in day at the hallowed Lady Beaverbrook Residence. Sarah immediately recognized Amanda's best friend potential, which was sealed over danishes from the Fredericton Farmer's Market. Amanda was also one of the first friends to formally meet and vet Nick when the couple met in Halifax (he received her immediate approval upon realizing they attended high school together - go Lockview!). In 2015, Nick, Amanda, Sarah and the rest of the Beach House crew became roommates- somehow, everyone survived that ordeal and remained great friends. When Amanda finally moved to Saint John from Dartmouth in 2019, she was reunited with Sarah and Nick - even buying her first home less than 5 kilometres from her favourite couple. Affectionally known as Mindy or Panda, Amanda is Hugo's very best friend and a frequent presence at the Rouse-Grandy residence. She can often be found chugging only the highest-quality H20, belting out karaoke hits at R-Bar, or perfectly executing home improvement projects. This woman can do it all!
Kathleen O'Blenis
Bridesmaid
Another lifelong friend, Kathleen and Sarah grew up on the same street. The Rouse family photo albums are littered with hundreds of pictures of the duo with their signature wild hairdos. Their close friendship blossomed once more in high school, leading to them becoming roommates in Fredericton once Kathleen transferred to UNB. Their first apartment, affectionately known as Chateau Windsor, lacked a television, so these roommates filled their time with multiple weekly trips to the Cellar, carefully planned and executed pranks (sorry Amanda), and various ill-advised culinary attempts (including deep-frying gummy worms). 2015 brought Kathleen and Sarah to the infamous Beach House where the shenanigans only increased as we grew to a household of nine (including Nick as our resident male). The remainder of their time together in Fredericton was chockful of Twenty/20 nights and hungover brunches at the Coffee Mill. Kathleen and Sarah have grown up (slightly) since their university days, with Kathleen blessing us with the amazing Cedar in 2020. Kathleen is one of the most hilarious friends a gal could have and we can't wait to break it down with her on the dance floor!
Bradwell Brewer
Groomsman
Arguably the greatest contribution Seth has made to the friend group, Bradwell has become an integral part of the Saint John squad. Many years ago, Brad and Nick faced off in the top ranked Fredericton Senior Soccer League where Brad re-introduced himself to (once again oblivious) Nick in the middle of a heated match by yelling across the field. Somehow, despite a heated rivalry on the pitch fighting for “not last” in the FSSL, the two have remained great friends throughout the years - Winter Camping, Summer Camping, even Camping on the water on the houseboat! No group adventure would be complete without Bradwell - always ready with a quick one liner, comedic relief is Brad’s specialty. Most recently, the friendship has transcended generations as Brad has adopted an adorable dog, Daisy, who has become fast friends with Hugo.
Ben Whitney
Officiant
Nick and Sarah are fortunate enough to have Saint John’s most sought-after officiant participating in their big day! Sarah and Ben first met at LBR’s Orientation Week in 2012, where he quickly took Sarah and her friends under his wing and taught them everything there is to know about university life (and nightlife!). With Nick joining the Fredericton crew in 2015, many unforgettable nights ensued with Ben often serving as chief party planner/host with the most. Inspired perhaps by Ben’s success and work-life balance, Sarah followed in his footsteps by attending UNB Law and starting her legal career in Saint John. Ben has been a constant, upbeat presence in Sarah and Nick’s lives over the last decade, and can be counted on for both a wild night on the town or heartfelt career advice. Every event is made better when he is around, and we are so lucky to have such an amazing friend officially marry us!
Rory Ross
Ring Bearer
By far the newest addition to the wedding party, Rory only came on the scene in October 2021 (aka his date of birth). Despite the relatively short amount of time spent together, Rory and Nick have become quite close, bonding over their mutual admiration of monster trucks or their similar hobbies, which include kicking, throwing, hitting, biting or otherwise playing with balls or ball-shaped objects. When he’s not watching Blaze, Rory can frequently be found working on his golf swing in the yard or in the garage during those cold winter months.