Maid of Honor
I've loved Joanna since the day she was born...literally. She's the youngest sister in the family, but was never far behind when it came to accomplishing things. That continues today as she has a habit of being good at absolutely everything. I know I'm on the outside looking in, but there isn't a room she shows up in where she doesn't bring 100% of herself and flood it with love. No idea how she does it, but she infuses every moment with grace, joy, humility, and breathtaking beauty. I'm so honored to call her my Maid of Honor -- but even more lucky to call her my friend.
Best Man
If it's not already apparent from the photo, Matt and I are brothers. He is my older brother, best friend, and an easy choice to be my Best Man. Having a brother is truly a blessing; however, if you had asked me that growing up at times I may have disagreed. But now that I am older (and wiser) I know just how lucky I am to have my brother be my best friend. My brother is an exceptional musical talent, he is not too shabby in the kitchen, and has an endearing love for the managerial modes in football video games... that I honestly don't quite get. I couldn't imagine getting married to the love of my life without my brother by my side and I am thankful, I won't have to. As he has been all my life, I know he will be right next there to support me. Love you, buddy.
Bridesmaid
Laura is the person that I'd call first during a zombie apocalypse. Not because she'd be great in battle (although she WOULD be), but because she's intelligent beyond her years, incredibly creative, far more mature than I am, and NEVER backs down from a challenge. She was my rock when we moved to NYC together over a decade ago and, in case this description makes her sound overly serious, I should be clear that she's made me laugh so hard I've cried over and over again in life. She's the perfect combination of strength and absolute beauty and I take it as the greatest compliment when people say we're alike (even thought I'm almost certain it's because we're the two sisters with dark hair). Love you, Meej.
Groomsman
Jason has been a many-time roommate, co-worker, and one of my closest friends for 20 years now. We met working at Chili's and then quickly became friends and then roommates (Creek Wood!) From PBR nights at Two Stick to late nights at the BatCave; Saturdays in The Grove to spontaneous trips to Tunica, Jason is always there for another fun adventure. I am glad he's here for the start of my greatest adventure yet.
Bridesmaid
Susanna is the sweet sister who has a heart bigger than the whole world -- so much so that scared and injured animals crawl right into her hands to be cared for (seriously, it happened once on a family vacation in Italy). She truly sees people for who they are now and all that they can be, and she's the first person I'd grab if I found a time machine (not sure if we'd be in old timey England or Reniassance France, but there would be amazing dresses involved and we would be living our BEST lives). We don't have the chance to see each other often, so it means so much that she's able to travel and be with us to celebrate!
Groomsman
Joe was my first roommate in LA, he was also my last roommate in Oxford. We met at Chili's in Oxford and bonded over our love for the Rebels. We went three seasons and only missed 1 game. We have traveled all over the SEC to watch the Rebs and more times than not, unfortunately, we saw the Rebs come up short. But that only made the Rebel victories that much sweeter. Nothing beats seeing sad LSU fans in Baton Rouge, right Joe? We have been through lows and highs together and I am blessed to have a friend like Joe to be at this particularly high high in my life now.
Bridesmaid
Kristin and I call each other "twin"...which makes zero sense if you're looking at us side-by-side (this willowy goddess has the long legs I've wished for all my life). BUT, we function, think, and reason the exact same way. We can travel anywhere in the world because we approach things identically, and probably should be on THE AMAZING RACE. In keeping with the twin theme, she's married to a Michael, and I couldn't be happier that we'll have that in common, too! xx
Groomsman
Meeting James was a completely random chance meeting: hanging out at a college buddy's place, James was a friend-of-a-friend and literally just walked into my life. He walked into the door and just started hanging out and instantly he felt like a friend. That was over 20 years ago, and I have no idea what that college buddy is up to now, but James is still here. Despite being one of the younger guys in our friend group, he was always the most responsible. He probably still is. I know if I ever need something or need sound advice, I can call James. He is a steady and loyal friend and *almost* always the voice of reason and I know he's always got my back.
Bridesmaid
Bryten gives the best hugs in the world -- and that should mean double from someone like me who doesn't usually like them. We started as work buddies and I thought I'd keep her company every now and then since she moved to California a few months ahead of her husband. Keeping her company lead to discovering a true and fiercely loyal friend of immense compassion and strength. She is easy to laugh with, easy to tempt into dessert (which I think she could actually live off of, exclusively), and she's the easiest person to count on, no matter what. She constantly surprises me with her talents (she is an incredible fisherwoman, creative as can be at anything crafty, and can build a house from scratch) -- but I'm never surprised to turn to her and find a hug ready. Love you so much, B.
Groomsman
Grant is one of the most loyal and generous people I know. He is also one of the most headstrong and determined, and those are two of my favorite qualities about him. I met Grant at the gym (crossfit) and even though I don't do crossfit anymore, I still have my friend. Whether it's hitting the golf course, park workouts in Santa Monica, grilling out on the roof, snowboarding in Tahoe, or wine weekends in NorCal, I know that Grant is down to hang out and most likely plan it all. I know I can always count on Grant no matter what because that's the kind of friend he is. He is also the friend that tells me I suck at golf when I shank one off the tee box and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Bridesmaid
Katie and I first met at a sitzprobe (or first orchestra and vocalist rehearsal) for the Indianapolis Symphony's Christmas show. She mentioned that she needed to go to Target and I volunteered to accompany her. Somewhere between the aisles (and the subsequent trip to Taco Bell) I realized that I met one of the best people I'd ever know. It doesn't matter if we're living a few hotel rooms apart on a contract or across the country from one another, I know we've got each other's backs and at least one hilarious story to catch up on. I will never think of Christmas music (or the Frozen soundtrack) without my heart welling up with love for her, and I can't wait for the day that we live only a few doors down from each other, again. xo
Groomsman
Andrew is one of my favorite people. Not just because he is one of my oldest friends in LA, not because he has never been skiing as an adult without me, and not because he shares my affinity for black t-shirts, it's because he is one of the most genuine individuals I know. He is also fun, outgoing, and smart (he has a PhD! ask him about it!) I am thankful that you are apart of my LA family and thanks for being my friend, A-Dawg.
Bridesman
Josh and I met on the first day of Mr Utt's World History class in 9th grade. We had both tried for "super cool and trendy" hairstyles for high school -- and had failed miserably. We both looked awful....we both thought the other looked ridiculous and chuckled...and a lifelong friendship was formed. Josh holds the title for the longest friendship of my life (not related by blood), and we all call him "brother Josh", because he absolutely is part of the family. I could not be more proud of the man he is (especially when I remember the scrawny teenager with 6-inch spiked hair that I met all those years ago :), and it means the world to me that he's part of this day.
Groomswoman
Crystal is without a doubt one of the funniest, smartest, fiercely loyal, generous, and kind people I have ever met. I am so thankful I have been able to call her a friend for the last 10 years! She is the hostess with the mostest and puts together one of the best brunch spreads I have ever seen. She would offer the coat she was wearing if you were cold, she would give you an encouraging word if you needed it, she would tell you to straighten up if you got out of line, and she would have your back no matter the odds. She is one of the people I admire most and I am very blessed to call her my friend.
Bridesman
Justin kick-ball-changed his way into my life over a decade ago. No, seriously! I've had the honor of sharing the stage (and more than one large chapter of my life) with this wonderful man. We met working for Disney Cruise Line, but I'd already heard incredible things about him because he first performed with my sister, Joanna. I didn't think he could be as great as she described -- and it turns out he wasn't. He was a million times better. Not only is Justin always up for an adventure (and an adult beverage by the sea), he's the most creative, genuine, gracious person and the most steadfast friend anyone could hope for. I'm sad that we currently live so far apart, but beyond grateful that he is able to come all the way back to the US to be part of this big day!
Groomswoman
Lo has been another of my very best friends in LA. For almost 10 years now, we have been there for each other through some considerable lows and some incredible highs. Whether we are catching up over coffee and brunch or strutting down a carpet at movie premiere (ah, the perks of her job... thanks, Lo) we always have a good time. Lo is one of the most insightful people I know and her ability to listen and offer advice when I need it most is one of the things I value about her as a friend. I pity anyone who does not have someone like Lo in their life. She is always such a ray of sunshine for me and I am so thankful to call you my friend.
Flower Girl
No one in the world takes their job as seriously as Coco takes the role of flower girl...and we are LIVING for it! We've joked that most of the reason we're having a wedding ceremony is so that she can be part of it, but the reality is that a day this special wouldn't be complete without her energy and smile. She's Angelina's favorite niece (she might be the only one for now, but it's still true!) and we can't wait to see all the ways that her creativity, quick wit and all-inclusive love for "errrrybody" continue to grow as she becomes more and more the person that will...without question...change the whole world. Love you, Coco Bean. Thank you for being you.