Matron of Honor
Rebecca's older and much wiser sister. Prior to becoming an actual mother, Rachel got a lot of practice acting as a second mom to Rebecca for most of their lives. Whether helping write a resume, teaching how to cook or bake, leaving cherry Burnett's in the mailbox or just listening during a breakup, Rachel has always been there to lend a helping hand and deal with Bec's rollercoaster of emotions over the years. She's also not afraid to tell Bec when she's being crazy and that she's not going to die just because she has a cold. For a while, Bec was definitely the third wheel in the Hagerty house. Following graduating from Michigan State, Rebecca lived with Rachel and Pat for two years, benefiting greatly from Rachel's supreme cooking skills and Pat's free oil changes.
Best Man
Adam's brother from another mother...but seriously though. Pair that with the age difference and the fact Adam and Ben haven't lived near each other since Ben was in high school, not a ton worked in their favor. Through all that, Ben was still able to be an amazing big bro. Ben taught Adam to drive a stick shift before Adam took driver's ed. Ben snuck Adam cocktails at family weddings before Adam was 21. Ben was there with a couple hundred bucks when Adam was in a jam. Ben has continued to be a big bro in adulthood, noting Adam was missing life lessons that come from having a sister, so married an amazing woman to fill that void. In Ben's latest life lesson, he demonstrated a man should work smarter not harder, so he had twins.
Bridesmaid
Ashley and Rebecca met in 2013 while working at the same advertising agency. Sharing a love for fashion, it only makes sense that the first thing they did together was attend a Detroit fashion event. You could say they instantly hit it off and became besties that night. From dinner dates to paddle-boarding, girl's trips to Traverse City, texts about their foot doctors and everything in between, Rebecca and Ashley were basically dating each other prior to meeting their fiancés. Luckily, now they let the boys tagalong and join in on the fun so there are no hurt feelings.
Groomsman
Aside from being cousins, Mitch and Adam have been close buds since their matching jumpsuits in '90, despite their differing allegiances: East Hills vs West Hills. Lahser vs Andover. Michigan State vs that other school. After Adam moved back to Detroit, their friend circles overlapped even further from The Keeper League, to #BIL Wednesdays to Mitch's annual golf outing. Oft confused for one another, it's safe to say Mitch is a very handsome man. Swipe right, ladies.
Bridesmaid
Abby is the only person in the world who will understand what it's like to be married to a Sparling boy... bless her soul. Rebecca is particularly grateful to have Abby during the annual trips out to New Hampshire, when sometimes it seems as if Ben and Adam are permanently on a first date. Even while taking care of her own children, she still manages to whip together amazing meals and take care of Adam and Rebecca during their visits. Though Abby may not need another sibling, Rebecca is thrilled to be gaining another sister. Especially one that likes to shop.
Groomsman
Future brothers, Pat and Adam hit it off immediately. They've grown close over family vacays and holidays, over fine beer, and a mutual understanding of what it's like to marry a Bemke. A gold source of NSFW memes, Adam frequently looks to Pat for the most recent find for further distribution. Mr. Resourceful, he's always completing projects around the house and finding the next thing the fam can enjoy when we get together, whether it be a new camper or inflatable boat.
Bridesmaid
Thankfully, Maggie and Rebecca were brought together by their other halves. Sharing a love for El Chavo, the Bachelor, murder mysteries and men who love to argue, they were able to form a friendship outside of the boys. Maggie is the ultimate hostess, always willing to open her house up to "the crew" (and now their significant others) for a night of good conversation and, of course, chambongs. Even when she has to work the next morning. Maggie has been a friend to Bec since the beginning, which has helped make their group of friends feel more like family.
Groomsman
a.k.a. "Dmac". Adam and Dmac have been buds since '91. Although Dmac dirties his martini, the friendship has survived through school, living in different states, and ultimately in different countries. If there is one person who enjoys arguing for sport as much as Adam does, it's Dmac. Although Bec thinks Adam missed his calling as a cruise ship director, that will surely be Dmac's second career. From organizing #TourDeUp, to birthday and bachelor parties, to firing off random texts to get the crew together, Dmac ensures we're creating memories as a group.
Bridesmaid
Rebecca and Georgina met almost ten years ago through ex-boyfriends. Thankfully, if nothing else, a wonderful friendship remained following both of those breakups. Rebecca and Georgina liked each other so much, they decided to live together as adults, sharing a driveway, a bathroom and Capri Suns. Anyone you can do that with is a keeper. If you ever want to have a day of spontaneous adventure, or just need someone to listen to you vent, Georgina is the perfect friend to call. She is always ready for a bike ride, a trip to Eastern Market or a day exploring the city of Detroit. Not to mention, she has cute dogs.
Groomsman
a.k.a. "Fish". Adam and Fish first met at an Equations tournament in 5th grade (I know, wtf is Equations). Immediately, Adam knew Fish was a clown. The next several years were filled with Cinco de Mayos with Cath, a Caribbean cruise, almost daily trips to Rio Wraps, and drives to Adam's dad's house for a swim when it was super hot. After college, Fish and Adam have coincidentally been roomies on a few group trips from Dick's graduation and again on #TourDeUP. Fish now lives in Chicago with his better half, together they're #Frantisher. The friendship survives distance as well, through random trips back and forth as well as drive home from work phone calls. #ImALoserBaby
Bridesmaid
Corina is truly CT's better half, and the primary reason CT is no longer Bec and Adam's third wheel. A couple years ago, when word got out that Chris was dating someone new, people were a little skeptical. But then Corina showed up to the Park Shelton with tubs of ice cream... and the rest is truly history. Corina is the type of person that you meet and feel like you've known forever, which made it easy for Bec and Corina to become instant friends. Since then, they've enjoyed countless sleepovers (and PJ exchanges), which usually results in eating Venezuelan arepas the next morning, a tradition that has changed Bec's life for the better.
Groomsman
a.k.a. "CT"...like actually. Even Corina calls him that. Adam and CT bonded on the football field when CT first moved to Lahser their freshman year. CT arrived late to summer conditioning from military camp, a signal of things to come....lots to unpack with this guy. Over the next four years, Adam and CT became close #WeakSide and share joy in the fact they equally contributed to Adrian Cannon's scholarship to Maryland. CT and Adam picked up where they left off when Adam returned to Detroit in 2014. Since then, Adam and CT have shared a number of adventures together from #ZooDeMac to #TourDeUP to moving Bec into Adam's place. Now, Adam and CT's friendship extends to their better halves as well through random nights at Queens and Venezuelan breakfasts.
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Bec met freshman year of college at MSU's Abbot Hall, where their dorms were across the hall from one another. Brought together then by a mutual love for John Mayer, Burnett's cherry vodka, Michigan State sports (& athletes) and embarrassing boyfriends that are now ex-boyfriends (thankfully). Bec and Sarah have made so many memories over the years including trips to the Capital One bowl, Best Week Ever, singing Chris Brown's "I Need You Boo" in the middle of snowstorm, and multiple stays in Indy for Big Ten Championships. If you ever want to hear a funny story from 10 years ago, Sarah is your girl. She has a memory like an elephant. This is part of the reason Bec & Sarah will remain friends for life... she knows too much. And she definitely lifts more weight than you can.
Groomsman
a.k.a "Sma". Although Sma and Adam knew each other growing up, each was unaware the other was living in Miami until a chance encounter with a mutual friend #Vagabond. Roommates soon after, the next couple years consisted of gallivanting around the city of Miami, beach naps, mimosa Sundays for the Lions, and bulk buying knock off jerseys to flip to coworkers at an absurd margin. Needless to say, those were some of the most memorable years of Adam's life. Adam and Sma still get together with their better halves for a long weekend every year, while the days between are full of shared confusion around Detroit sports, Sma's latest fashion craze, and any new equipment Sma has added to his home office - yes, he has a Varidesk with a stationary bike and dual monitors. He lives the analyst dream.
Bridesmaid
Fate brought Julie and Bec together as dorm room next-door neighbors in college. Whether watching trash reality TV, doing shots of the worst alcohol ever, crashing frat parties, or dancing to Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body", they were pretty much inseparable freshman year. Sophomore year was not much different when Bec stayed almost every night on Julie's couch in Cedar Village. They decided being actual roomies the last two years at Michigan State was the better solution. Despite now being geographically separated by 1000 miles, Julie and Bec always pick up right where they left off. Especially when Bec gets the chance to visit Julie in Charleston for some Chick-fil-A, friendly exchanges with cab drivers and clam shots.
Groomsman
Aaron and Adam have been Tru Homies since the 5th grade. Aaron moved to Bloomfield when they were in 4th grade but it took about a year for Aaron a.k.a. "Baldy" to earn a spot with the Hickory Grove crew. It's an unknown fact that Aaron owes his J.D. to Adam. Adam and his coach kidnapped Aaron and took him to football practice one day and the rest is history. Without NFWB Viking football, Aaron wouldn't have played for St. Hugo, wouldn't have been All State at UofD, and certainly wouldn't have gone to Grand Valley. Therefore, he would not have been able to pursue law school and ultimately pass the bar. However, Aaron has proven time and time again he is a tru and loyal friend, even letting Adam squat on the couch in Boston for a few months and allowing him to keep some original GVSU swag.
Groomsman
Rock and Adam have been friends 27 years, going all the way back to kindergarten. Still an athlete, you can find Rock at the D.A.C., wetting kids on the court (i.e. he's good at basketball) or brushing up on a bit of trust law. Less of a student growing up, Rock graduated early from Michigan State and moved out to LA before pursuing a law degree. From jock to J.D., it's safe to say Rock surprised us a bit. Over the few years since Adam moved back to Detroit, he and Rock have gone on a handful of adventures together. Among other things, Rock and Adam are the two guys in the crew who truly appreciate a good logic game. There is a chicken, a fox, and a bag of feed.....
Groomsman
a.k.a. "Dick". Adam and Dick have known each other since high school when Dick moved to Bloomfield from California. At the time, he was just a lil guy with frosted tips but soon grew into a man with pecs which made Joe Biden jealous...actually. Throughout high school, his parent's house was home base for the crew where many hours were spent...studying. Thanks Rick and Connie! Now a West Point grad, husband, and father of two, Dick's service to our country allows for Bec and Adam to have the luxury of straining over which color palette to use on this website.
Flower Girl
a.k.a. "Bug", Aunt B's four and a half year old niece. Bug has no shortage of personality. A true animal lover, Delaney loves strolling around "the puppy and kitty store", a.k.a. Petco, for hours. She might even talk you into buying her a Frozen fish tank... not that that's ever happened. She's a sneaky one, that girl. You can't take your eyes off her for even a minute or she might get into a bottle of her "vitamins", a.k.a. melatonin while you're babysitting... not that that's ever happened. When you get a chance, ask her to show you her "big eyes".
Ring Bearer
a.k.a. "Harry". The slightly older of the two Sparling boys and lover of trucks. So much so, the last time Adam and Bec were in New Hampshire, Harry refused to leave for the grocery store because of the yellow Hummer on the TV. Bec suggested to take a picture of the TV and let Harry look at it on the phone. Harry was subsequently occupied for over an hour at the store.
Ring Bearer
a.k.a. "Griff". Coming just after Harry on Valentines Day 2016, Griff loves to play hard to get. However Uncle Adam cracked the code on the last visit to New Hampshire. Once Griff realized Uncle Adam was there to encourage him to jump off the ottoman, Griff was ecstatic. Jump, run to mom, run back, jump. Bedtime came early that night for Griff.