Samantha & Joshua
Wedding Party
Ben Morgan
Best Man
Ben became friends with Josh in high school when they worked together at the nearby bowling alley. Since then, the two went on to graduate from MSU Denver and have developed a friendship that will last a lifetime. They continue to be there for each other in all of the highs and lows that life has to offer. There have been countless memories made from talking for hours on the phone, to game nights, to winning first place together in a bowling league. He may not always get lucky in fantasy football, but Josh definitely picked the right keeper in Sam.
Lilly Lane
Maid of Honor
Sam and Lilly met their freshman year of high school on the rowing team and became quick friends. Sam was in two-seat and Lilly was in three-seat. When they first started, Lilly very often would end up in Sam’s lap while she one handedly caught my sunglasses as they were flying into the water. They quickly bonded as Lilly spent more and more time landing in her lap. By senior year their class schedules were the same and could be found at their local iHop at least once a week having breakfast. Now that they are forced to live with several states between them they’ve kept up with phone calls, facetimes, and sending an obnoxious amount of Tik Tok videos back and forth.
Mercedes Mayes
Best Woman
Mercedes and Josh met over 5 years ago during their first year teaching and instantly became inseparable! They bonded over their passions for education, helping others, and being in bed by a reasonable time (unless I’m dragging you to Vegas for birthday shenanigans!). Mercedes is truly happy Josh scored an amazing partner and now she has gained another wonderful friendship with Sam!
Courtney Manthey
Bridesmaid
Once upon a time in 2021, at the University of Colorado Denver, two aspiring anthropologists named Courtny and Sam crossed paths during their graduate studies. As they navigated the pressures of exams, they found solace in each other’s company, often dreaming about running away together to open a bakery if academia didn’t work out. Now, even from afar, they celebrate each other’s achievements – whether it’s presenting at national conferences or getting published in scholarly journals – while always keeping the delightful bakery dream alive.
CJ Rost
Groomswoman
Lucky enough to meet Josh through mutual friends. They quickly bonded over being high school English teachers and have been friends for the past 5 years. CJ and Josh lived together for a short period of time and are viciously competitive when it comes to board games. One hobby that she shares with the Bride and Groom is trash talking literature (both older and modern).
Shelby Ingalls
Bridesmaid
Shelby and Sam met in 2016 through a mutual friend when Sam transferred to Clemson and needed a place to live. She moved into the townhouse that Shelby was living in, and also ended up joining the same sorority. They only lived together for one year but still remained close friends throughout undergrad at Clemson. After graduating from Clemson, Shelby moved to Columbia. Sam came to visit one weekend and they went to Pet Smart to look at hermit crabs but walked away in love with two chihuahuas, Shay and Suri. And now they’re forever bonded because their dogs are siblings.
Darian Bowden
Groomswoman
Fortunate to have crossed paths with Josh through mutual friends. Their shared Aquarius energy has led them to be besties for seven amazing years and even roommates for a bit! Their time as roommates was filled with epic board game nights—Darian, of course, won way more often, but it was all in good fun!
Mattie Pinnes
Bridesmaid
Mattie and Sam met in 2015 as sorority sisters during their freshman year. They share a love of raccoon memes, owning precious pups, and exploring national parks. Mattie and Sam grew tight as undergrad roommates along with Carlan and Maggie. The girls of 512 inked their bond in matching tattoos and haven’t looked back since.
Jake Dunning
Groomsman
Grateful to have met Josh about 7 years ago at Cheapskates. Their shared interest in football and music has brought them together, from talking trash about each other's team (Steelers still aren't good but the Bengals are worse), to having some long night outs going to concerts and singing on stage together, and always having some good times.
Maggie Davis
Bridesmaid
Maggie met Sam as the random and unexpected 4th roommate in August of 2017. Luckily it was a great match, as Sam introduced Maggie to her favorite tv show Bob’s Burgers and their bond only strengthened during the competitiveness of trying to win game night. They have stayed close during their long distance friendship and she cannot wait to celebrate their big day!
Uriah Hull
Groomsman
Josh and Uriah met and became friends in 2011 mostly due to Madden 11. Despite Uriah’s constant trash talk about the Steelers, Josh was always able to back up his choice of team with the lists of memorized statistics he had that made it pretty clear to all that the Broncos were no where close to being a better team than his Steelers. Young, awkward and both dealing with different backgrounds, the two found a place together in their group of friends and a commonality shared in the need to always ask “why?” Through their world questioning personalities, the two have continued to embrace each other as friends. In turn this questioning has also greatly attributed to the growth they have made into the men they are today. Josh from day 1 has known and walked the path he wanted to choose, while Uriah, was more hesitant to choose a path, the two together have always been able to hangout, discuss both sides of every argument, play each others devils advocate, and rely on unbiased purely questioning forms of rhetoric with each other. It at times has truly been what the other needed and their friendship is treasured.
Carlan May
Bridesmaid
Carlan and Sam met in 2017 during their Clemson days where they became roommates. Together they bonded over true crime, wine, game nights, and pyromania. Carlan later moved to Norway, but despite the long distance she and Sam have remained close friends. Sam and Josh even attended Carlan’s wedding in 2022. Now she is excited to be there to celebrate their own special day.
The Demling Boys
Ring Bearers
Benny, Russell and Graysen The Demling boys Benny, Russell and Graysen are beyond excited to share this day with their Aunt and Uncle. They are ready to do their job and walk, run, and/or skip down the aisle to deliver those rings and unite the families by bringing excitement to this special day!
Suri and Bella
Flower Pups
Suri, Sam's first child, true soulmate and best friend have been together since their wild Clemson days including several cross country moves. Suri reigns supreme as the true alpha in the Murphy-Sharp household (just ask her) and can always be found patrolling the backyard for any potential intruders (squirrels and rabbits). Bella is the newest addition to the Murphy-Sharp home but you would never know, you'd think she'd been there forever. While stuffed toys may fear her, everyone else is her best friend and her underbite will win anyone over.
Jeremy Duckworth
Officiant
The man, the myth, the legend! Jeremy reconnected with Sam and Josh at one of the last Murphy family gatherings. From their conversations and finding out more about the person that Jeremy is, Sam and Josh knew they needed Jeremy as part of their wedding as their officiant. Jeremy is such a kind and caring heart, who always sees the best in those around him. He is honored to be apart of Sam and Josh's special day, and share his multitude of wisdom with them.