Parents of the Bride
These two taught me what the definition of love is. They've grown with each other through each season, regardless of how it tested them, and supported each other through it all. They love each other hard, while not even noticing what an example they are to those around them. Whether through actions or words, these two really set the bar high for what I needed to find in a partner and I couldn't thank them enough. At the wedding, John's alter ego (Johnnie St. Germain AKA JSG) should arise. I trust that everyone will make sure that man has a drink in hand at all times. Linda will no doubt be the life of the party, and don't worry you will be able to find her anywhere if you just listen for her signature (read: loud/memorable) laugh.
Parents of the Groom
I could not have imagined a better childhood than what my Mom and Dad were able to give me. I know that this was not an easy task (no thanks to Lauren and I) and as I grow older, I start to understand all the hard work and selflessness that went into my upbringing. They have both instilled values in me that led me to find a bride as special as Erin. Their marriage is an archetype of love, devotion and joy to model our own after.
Maid of Honor
The phrase I use to describe Morgan most often is, "she's way cooler than me." Morgan is effortlessly chic, living her dream in the Big Apple, all while going out on a limb and starting her own online marketing business. She's naturally killing it. Morgan is everything that I am not, and I absolutely love her for it. She's sensitive, caring, has the biggest heart, and will drop absolutely everything for anyone. If I want a listening ear or a free therapy session, I call her. (You now have her number too ;) Check the FAQs.) I can't wait to have her supporting me on this day. After her duties are over, make sure you have her consult on the best angles/locations for Instagram pics. She's everyone's Instagram best friend.
Best Man
Weston and I have been living parallel lives ever since Freshman year of high school. We joined the same fraternity, both majored in construction management, ended up at the same company and were both smart enough to marry accountants. I'm honored to have him by my side on my wedding day even though his hair will look way better than mine. Make sure to look out for him on the dance floor absolutely cutting a rug.
Bridesmaid
Chloe has been my longest best friend. I remember the day we met; it was right after ISC tryouts in sixth grade. Ever since that day, she's become family. This girls knows and understands me better than I know myself sometimes, and no matter what, she's supported me through all my decisions. I look up to her in so many ways. She's adventurous, strong-willed, and loyal to her core. Chloe loves and protects those around her with a ferocity like I've never seen before. She has my back and is always there for me the moment I need her. I'm beyond excited that she'll be standing with me. As my constant concert partner, she'll be tearing up the dance floor with me. We may just need to get a couple tequilas with kalamata backs in her first ;)
Groomsman
I met Jacob "the young man" Neuman on both of our first days out of the nest in "Rush Room" at Sigma Chi. In a way, I became his guardian that day as he had no business living in the real world, as all of the UW grads at the wedding can attest to. Over the 5 years we lived together he has become one of my closest friends.I can always count on a facetime bright and early on a Saturday morning to recap the night, no matter if I was there with him or not. I couldn't ask for a better friend to have by my side.
Bridesmaid
Makenzie & I's love story first started in our freshman year. In HS our lives overlapped, but after college is when we really connected. Makenzie is one of the most thoughtful and real people I've ever known. She never misses a reason to celebrate you; in fact, she'd drop everything and jump on a plane if you asked her to (literally). She's been there for me in every way, from 2am phone calls to Skype messages at work all day. She's the one that keeps me sane, understands my OCD, and always reminds me what truly matters. I think most of my post college memories include Makenzie, and I couldn't imagine this one without her. Mak Dawg will be the loudest one in the room (she can't help it), and also on the dance floor for the longest. Just do not give her too much caffeine, seriously.
Groomsman
Strawn and I have been friends since high school, but he became one of my best friends in college when he finally hung up the soccer cleats to try his luck at Sigma Chi. He's been a close friend to both Erin and I throughout our whole relationship and even received a guaranteed bridesmaid spot from Erin (I had to fight to keep him on my side of the aisle). Whether we're heading to the mountain, the lake, or just to a friend's house, Strawn will always be down for an adventure and the life of the party (not always clothed though). Needless to say, it was an easy decision to have Strawn standing by me on my wedding day.
Bridesmaid
Freshman year: Lauren sees me, compliments my homemade dress (thanks mom!). Current day: Doesn't remember said story. Since then, we've shared many more memorable times together. From Black Saturday to bungee jumping, Lauren is my yes girl, & the the adventurous older sister I never had. She's hilarious, supportive, and passionate. Once Lauren decides that she's behind something, she puts her all into it. If you gain loyalty from this queen, she'll support you until the day she dies and I love her for it. Lauren has seen me at my highs and lows, and probably has some of the best stories. When you see her at the wedding, be sure to ask her about Scattergories, My Favorite Murder, and yellow mustard. She and Morgan could really get the embarrassing stories going!
Groomsman
I like to describe Nate as a robot, but not in the classic definition of the word. He is the only person I've ever met that is disciplined to a fault. You won't meet anyone who compares to his regimented workout routine, diet and constant self improvement. He likes to listen to Tony Robbins books on 2x speed so he can get through them quicker, and guarantees me you get used to the chipmunk voice. He learned to speak Spanish in his downtime in a year and a half, and has now traveled to Mexico City and Columbia. Nate and I have been close friends since Freshman year of college and I'm thankful to have him by my side.
Bridesmaid
Meighan & I became close when she brought me under her devious wing freshman year of HS. We've been getting into trouble together ever since. Meighan is so caring and loves harder than anyone I've met. She has always accepted me for who I am and coached me through some of life's most difficult moments. We shared a "note" book in high school; and after writing pages of notes to each other, would pass it back and forth between classes. That habit hasn't changed. We've been in a constant texting "notebook" since leaving for college. She's always supported me, and I'm so excited to have her there on this day too. Meighan will be the gorgeous girl with the crazy big smile on her face, always making sure that I'm okay. She's my biggest cheerleader and I love her for it.
Groomsman
When I first met Josh, it was on Christmas Day. With little to no warning from Lauren, my Mom decided that he couldn't come over and not have a gift to open. She decided to re-gift him a pizza stone. Little did she know, Josh is by far the best cook in the family and can cook one hell of a pizza. Little did I know, Josh would be asking my sister to marry him a year later and I would finally get the brother I'd always been asking my parents for. Asking Josh to be a groomsman was one of the easiest decision of my life. He's become not only a close friend but my brother since his fateful first Christmas. It wouldn't feel right without him by my side for my wedding day.
Bridesmaid
Christine & I can thank KD for bringing us together. She was my boy crazy, frat hopping partner in crime, who grew into my kick ass, responsible (yet still wine loving) confidant. Christine is the hostess with the mostess, and will turn a simple breakfast into a 5 star meal. I admire the hell out of her and how much she's grown. She makes everyone feel so special and loved. Christine keeps me grounded, while validating my feelings, and is always encouraging me. I'm so looking forward to knowing she's supporting me on this day. Since Christine is a little OCD (like myself), she'll be making sure that everything's in it's place. But as soon as the music hits, she'll be on the dance floor with the rest of us, reliving our college days.
Groomsman
Despite his 8" height advantage, Forrest is in fact my cousin. Growing up, Forrest and I spent countless hours together during the holidays, weekends at Grandma's house, vacations to Crescent Bar and trips to Disneyland. Despite his knack for telling run-on stories, he's pretty hilarious and can play a great prank (shout out Jordan and Trevor). As we've entered adulthood, I've realized that we ended up with all of the same interests, hobbies and past times. I've always considered Forrest as a close friend, not just a cousin and can't wait for him to be by my side on my wedding day.
Bridesmaid
My twinny! Erica & I are constantly mistaken for sisters/twins. She's been my rock since we met in KD. She's the best hype man I could ever have, always making me feel like I can conquer the world. Erica's one of the only people that I could spend all day with and not get tired. We're always having deep conversations about life, our goals, and where we're headed. Erica is one of the strongest women I know and a huge role model. We've been through a lot together, and I couldn't see my life without her in it. She's always stood by my side, and this day will be no different. As the greatest hype man, Erica will be encouraging me and making sure that I feel great from the moment I wake up until I fall asleep. I can't wait to share these moments with her.
Ring Bearer
Noah's the nephew of the bride and soon to be nephew of the groom! He's a smart, cute boy who will call you on your ish (if he notices). He's the best big brother to his two younger sisters and will protect them for life. We're so excited to have him as part of our day and know it'll be a night to remember for him!
Flower Girl
Chloe's the niece of the bride and soon to be niece of the groom! She's the princess of the family, and is going to love being all dolled up for the day. She may seem shy at first, but we're hoping we can get some sweet dance moves out of her later on!
Flower Girl
Melanie's the niece of the bride and soon to be niece of the groom! She's the talkative little one in the family, and may end up talking through the ceremony (but she's too cute to care). She'll grow up learning so much from her amazing older siblings, and she might end up spending the night in discussion with anyone who will listen!
Officiant and Brother of the Bride
Sam, or as I call him "Uel," (because I wanted to give him my own personal nickname) has always been my role model. He's one of the smartest, most thoughtful people I know, and I will always cherish our late night heart-to-hearts. He's taught me so much about being true to myself and what I believe in. He sets goals and crushes them, and he couldn't do it without the support of his amazing wife and my sister-in-law, Kasi. Alex and I are truly lucky to be able to look up to them, and we can't wait to have Sam join us together in marriage. Sam may or may not have been ordained online, but he did get his law degree the old fashioned way. I'll warn you now, don't get this guy started in an argument. He'll play devil's advocate and you'll leave barely understanding how you got burned.