sarah brooke & brett
Wedding Party
Sarah Brooke
Bride
The first time I spent time with your family was on Kentucky Lake. The beautifully tanned family of yours had to wear sunglasses when they saw me in the sun because they weren’t used to someone so fair-skinned; I had to hide my frequent sun lotion applications to avoid the laughter. They told me stories of your younger years and how you declared that you’d never date a redhead. Well B, I’m glad you changed your mind because you have been my best friend, mentor, playmate, confidant, and my greatest challenge. You’ve shown me how to laugh more, love more, dance more, and how to pick the best options at McDonald’s from the dollar menu. The Lord blesses me every day with your laughter, support, and love. I love you wholeheartedly and cannot wait to spend forever with you.
Brett
Groom
Sarah has changed my life more than anything. She has shown me how deeply you can love someone. Whether we are at home watching The Office or spending time with our families Sarah brings me so much joy. It has been tough while Sarah has been away at college, however, we have only grown closer. The Banister family is so full of love and care. I couldn't wish for a better family to marry into. Sarah has not only taught me about love but also about self reflection. Through Sarah, I've grown emotionally and spiritually. I couldn't imagine life without her.
Karen and Jason Banister
Mother and Father of the Bride
Marriage is a beautiful reflection of God's incredible love story. We are thankful to have watched Sarah and Brett's love grow over the years. Most of all, we are thankful for God being in the center of their relationship! "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." (Ephesians 3:17-18)
Jim Ezell
Father of the Groom
When I first found out that Brett had a girlfriend, it was in an odd way. We were sitting in the living room, Brett got a text message and walked out the door. I was curious what he was up to. I walk out the door and see a car at the end of the road. Not even in the driveway. Brett comes back in, and I questioned him. He turned nine shades of red and didn’t want to talk about it. You see, he always said he would never be with a redhead, but he sure was! Fast forward to today, I never could have imagined my boy, the boy that played Crash Team Racing and Fighting Force non-stop would be marrying the girl of his dreams. Brett could not have found a better person than Sarah. She is sweet, compassionate and makes Brett a better person. I am so happy to be gaining another daughter.
David Banister
Pastor
I remember when Sarah was born, I took her outside and told her all about Jesus and I asked God to bless her and keep her safe. I believe that he has blessed her with a fine young man in Brett Ezell. I wish for them nothing but happiness and continued blessings from God.
Carolyn Raney
Mother of the Groom
As Brett's momma, from the day he was born when I looked into his eyes and held him, I knew he was a special gift. Of course, I have prayed for many many things for him throughout his life. There are two very specific prayers. One for his salvation. Two for God to send him a wife that loves the Lord. Both have been answered and I can't be more thankful. I am excited to watch Brett and Sarah's life together. I believe they can conquer the world with God as their foundation. I love you both with every piece of my heart! Now, I will be praying for grand babies. :-) Hugs
Carrie Banister
Wedding Planner
I've known Sarah since the day she was born. I was the proudest 11 year old aunt one could find. It was that moment I experienced true love for the first time in my life. What a true gift from God! Over the last 23 years, I've watched her grow into a beautiful lady, prayed for her, encouraged her, and supported her. Most importantly, I've prayed that she would find someone that would love and take care of her in a Christ centered manner. Sarah told me one day about meeting a guy named Brett. It didn't take long to realize he was a fantastic young man. I knew he was the one. I wish you both all the happiness in the world; always keep Christ the center of your marriage. Love one another and know that you have a family that will support and encourage you! God bless you both always.
Doug Raney
Step Father of the Groom
I first thought I would recall something humorous about each of you. Like how Brett used to eat cereal like a feral racoon and how Sarah would wear her sun burka on our pontoon excursions. Then I thought it would be more appropriate if I wrote how much I love and admire you both. Brett, it has been my honor to see you become the man you are. Thank you for letting me be part of your life. Never take your wife for granted, take time to cherish the little things and always love your lady like there is no tomorrow. Sarah, Your heart and smile brings light to darkness. You have been a blessing to our family and we are grateful for all you are. You are an inspiration to us. Be patient and show grace towards your man. I love you both and I pray your marriage brims with joy, peace, and love.
Ashley Lambert
Maid of Honor
Sarah and I met in Mrs. Duncan's homeroom class on the first day of 6th grade. She leaned over to ask me about the Harry Potter book I was reading and the rest is history! There are too many great memories to choose just one. So, one of my favorite things about our friendship is how hard we can laugh together about anything and everything! I am so happy that Sarah found Brett, who I know will always love and cherish her the way she deserves. I am blessed to be able to call both of them two of my best friends. I can't wait for board game nights at the Ezell's!
Nichelle Ezell
Best Woman
I am Brett's older sister of a little over 2 years! We have been super close our entire lives. Brett is one of the funniest people I know (just watch him dance), and the only person that can make me really angry. He is always there when I need him no matter what. He couldn't have picked a better person to marry. I can't wait to have Sarah as my sister!
David Banister
Bridesman
Sarah and Brett, through the mountains and valleys ahead, I'm excited to see the Lord continue to work through you. May you offer true hope, healing, and justice to this world.
Dylan Colli
Groomsman
I think my favorite memory of the whole family is the time that we decided to have boxing matches in front of Brett's house. My favorite match-ups were Brett and Payton, Doug and I, and Brett and Carolyn. Payton held her own against Brett. I got destroyed by Doug. Like, hit by a bus and flipped over I got hit so hard, destroyed. And I have to say, Brett boxed Carolyn up pretty well. All in all, the day was hilarious and a ton of fun, and it's a day I won't soon forget.
Sam Banister
Bridesman
I hope that Sarah and Brett, once married, have the cutest kid ever, and one that doesn't cry, so that they will let me teach it to be an instrumentalist once it gets old enough. "Sam Banister, P.h.D, DMA"
Nikhil Mallick
Groomsman
I first met Brett near the end of 8th grade. At the time I only knew him when we would play video games after school. However, over the past 8 years Brett and I have stayed in touch playing video games or talking about whats going on in our lives. I had no idea how much of a true friend Brett would become over the years. My favorite memory of Brett is when I first met him, before we had only spoken through Xbox and never met, we were getting on a bus to Holiday World in 8th grade and Brett saw me and was like "Hey Nikhil, I'm Brett!" and that was that. That 30 second interaction would be the start of our friendship.
Emily Ridge
Bridesmaid
Sarah Brooke and I met in Chemistry in nursing school when our professor told us to look around and find some friends because we would need them to survive her class. I was super lucky that I sat next to Sarah by chance because, not only was she a perfect study buddy, but she also became a wonderful friend who I have cherished and appreciated especially as we shared the struggles of nursing school. While in nursing school, we became roommates and and spent many evenings practicing nursing skills on each other, making dinner together, watching our favorite shows, and most importantly laughing.
Devon Starnes
Groomsman
“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.” That small sentence was something Brett said to me recently. As soon as he said that I could not help but be very proud that I get to stand alongside one of my best friends on one of the biggest days of his life. Just to think about all the great memories we’ve made together from acting alongside each other in Footloose, from crazy adventures on spring break, lake days, or great nights of just sitting around talking. Needless to say I’m very excited to make another memory with Brett.
Lauren Henry
Bridesmaid
Sarah and I have been "sisters" for as long as I can remember thanks to our grandparents. We grew closer every year during Halloween farm parties and Banister firework shows. Whenever someone asked me what my favorite holiday was, I would always answer "Halloween and Fourth of July because I get to see my big sister Sarah!" My whole life Sarah has been someone to look up to and turn to for guidance, and even with a three hour distance between us I have always seen her as one of the closest people in my life. I am so thankful to have her as my closest mentor and friend and I wish for the absolute best for her and Brett in this next chapter of their lives.
Dalton Raney
Groomsman
I’ve had many genuine fun times with Brett, from growing up on the hill together to simply playing games but I'd have to say my favorite was when we went to a family reunion and he got stuck in an electric fence in the rain. We were trying to cross this fence to go see a talent show and eat ice cream. I successfully got through the fence but as I turned around, Brett was screaming and shouting about how he was stuck and couldn't move or he would get shocked. I went for help but when I got back to the barn they were handing out homemade ice cream and the talent show had started so I totally forgot about him, sat down, and enjoyed the show. Carolyn was asking where Brett was and at that moment is when I remembered and jumped up and said, "He’s stuck in the electric fence in the cow pasture!"
Yeji Lee
Bridesmaid
I met Sarah for the first time in music history class :) Nothing can break our special friendship, not even our height or our hair color difference.
Rana Edem
Groomsman
Whenever I see Brett, I become the kid I was when I met him. I don't know what that means, but I love being a child as much as possible. It feels like everything I want in the world is right in front of my eyes. When Brett told me that he was going to propose to Sarah, I was happy. I couldn't have been more excited, but it hit me that we weren't kids anymore. I thought everything has to change, then I saw Brett again and the child in me returned. It hit me that Brett never changed, because good people don't have to change. Knowing that Brett is growing up doing bigger and better things in his life makes me so proud. He is a joy to be around and I'm excited to see what all he and Sarah have planned for the future. Congrats on the wedding guyz.
Lili Carralero
Bridesmaid
Sarah and I met in chemistry class in nursing school. Soon after she became a pillar in my life. Having withdrawn from college once before and coming back while raising my daughter on my own, I doubted my capability to make it through the next four years. Sarah never once doubted my abilities, she pushed me to give it my best, and soon became one of my dearest friends. In the years we have known each other, Sarah has helped me in so many ways, most importantly she helped me reconnect with God, I am forever grateful to have her in my life. In short, I have so many memories I wish I could share, but most importantly I am excited for the ones we will continue to create.
Reagan Peddicord
Junior Bridesmaid
I have known Sarah my entire life. We are cousins and I'm often referred to as her "mini-me". So much so that anytime we are around each other our family call us by the wrong name. The last couple of summers I would go to spend a week in Paducah. I was Sarah's shadow for the week, but she never seemed to mind. Sarah, Ashley, David, and Sam would take me to the park, go get Bubble Tea, or have a variety of other crazy adventures. I love that I got to spend that time with her. It was very special to me and I will always remember those special times. I don't know Brett very well cause well boys are bleh :-) Mom says I have to be nice and give him a chance; he's not taking Sarah away from us, but we gain another cousin. Hopefully now that he's moving to Louisville we will see him more too.
Adalyn Peddicord
Flower Girl
I have known Sarah my entire life. We are cousins. I love spending time with Sarah playing in her jewlery, shoes and fingernail polish. I'm really glad her and Brett are getting married so I get to wear a SUPER pretty dress for the wedding.
Tammy Hyde
Wedding Planner
Sarah and Brett, I've watched you grow in faith and love over the last few years. I'm excited to see what God has in store for your life together! I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!