Claire & Patrick
Wedding Party
Brooke
Maid of Honor
Brooke and I have been inseparable since we were just five years old in Kindergarten. We have grown up together from playing make believe princess games during the long hot summers, to taking hours and hours getting dressed up for high school dances. Now even as adults we find ourselves hosting laughter filled wine nights every month and taking trips to each others cabins. Through monumental changes in our lives and personalities, one thing always stayed the same. Our friendship. Not many people stay best friends from five years old until adulthood and we have had the privilege to do so. Brooke has consistently been a strong, beautiful, inspirational woman and my life would be incomplete without her. I could think of no better person to be my maid of honor!
Bryan
Best Man
Bryan is a day one homie. We've never shared a dull moment together, which is wild given how much time we've spent together over the years. I had the privilege to experience the essentials of being a kid in the Arizona heat with Bryan. When I was discovering my music tastes, Bryan was right there with me, hitting me up about new artists he had found. When Bryan was setting up a terrarium for his pet lizard, I was invested, and he helped me set up one that became a home for two fire-belly toads. (Shoutout to Sparky and Big Tuna!) When I broke my arm, Bryan was right there with me playing Tony Hawk on the PlayStation all summer. And now, although we're not in the same neighborhood or state anymore, I'm gonna get to have Bryan by my side on my wedding day. Love you, B!
Sophie
Bridesmaid
Sophie and I have been friends since we were children. She had this beautiful room growing up filled with shimmering hangings beads and whimsical wall art that would make any little girl jealous. Her room was unique, just like her, and thats what I absolutely loved. While other kids would hang at the country club pool, we would find ourselves turning long hikes into wild adventures, playing in our moms' magical fairy gardens, and dreaming of what we would accomplish in the future. Not only was Sophie someone incredibly creative, but she always worked so hard at everything she did which made me want to do the same. It was Sophie's drive and passion towards life that drew me to her. She has always been an inspirational friend, so wise beyond her years, and someone I can truly look up to.
Tevin
Groomsman
Tevin and I met in our freshman year of high school. We had classes together, but our friendship really began when I joined the track team. High school sports can be intimidating, but thankfully, whether he remembers it this way or not, I felt taken under Tevin's wing. That first season with Tev led me to take running seriously, and three years later we were holding up the state championship trophy together. Off the track, Tev has always been a close friend who's had my back. I learned from him that it's always cool to be myself, and that having a little swagger will take you a long way. Tevin's flawless judgment of "is this hot or not" helped define my tastes and style, and I owe a good portion of my slang to him. Without Tev, who knows if I get the girl! Appreciate you dawg.
Mady
Bridesmaid
Mady and I met in junior high and instantly became close friends. It was her kindness that drew me to her. A kind of selflessness and compassion you would rarely see in a teenager. She taught me the value of giving back to the community through volunteering all over the city, which created some of the most memorable and self fulfilling experiences of my life. Mady was always someone I could go to with anything and she would be there with open arms. We would go to parties, get dressed up for prom, make CD's for each other with indie songs that felt so much like they were about us and our lives, and spend long summer nights together talking about how the hell we would make it through high school. We made it and did so much more because we always had each other.
Andrew
Groomsman
Andrew and I were teammates on our high school cross country and track teams. Throughout the years we became closer, and before I knew it I was heading out the door, leaving the state for college. Although we're spread across the country, I feel lucky to always have Andrew in my back pocket. From the jump, he has always been a friend I can talk seriously with about future plans, hopes, and worries. Every day I miss the carefree world of those summers between college semesters, when we'd lace up our running shoes and hit a local route together, just because it felt familiar. Those years of running together produced endless inside jokes and unforgettable experiences. And to this day, if you threw Andrew and I in a room, you'd hear at least a handful of those stories affectionately rehashed.
Ashley
Bridesmaid
When I met Patrick I knew that I would love his family. What I didn't know at the time, was how much I would come to love and respect Ashley. She has a certain love for life, experiences, and adventure that inspires those around her to do the same. I forget sometimes how much younger she is than me because talking to her feels like talking to a best friend. I have had the privilege of watching her go from a high schooler to an adult pursuing an incredible field of study, landing amazing career opportunities, and traveling the world. In the first year of college she probably did more amazing things thanI did in my entire time there! I feel incredibly grateful to have her as a new sister she is amazing in every single way!
Omar
Groomsman
You only get to meet a few Omars in your life. Folks with this level of infectious energy, pride, and compassion don't come around often, and I feel lucky that I got to experience that in Omar. Omar and I were both members of our high school freshman football team, but I called it quits a month into the season. I was a runner at heart, and football was a painful mistake. Omar nagged me about my decision over the next few months. I didn't know it then, but Omar was teaching me an important lesson: chase your goals all the way to the finish line. Omar continues to live by that rule and has inspired me to do the same. Fall 2010 is nearly a decade ago now, and we're still close friends. The amount of memes and tweets we send each other on a weekly basis makes it ridiculously apparent.
Sadie
Bridesmaid
I am so grateful that I get to call Sadie my sister. She is one of the sweetest most kindhearted people I have ever met. Not only is she sweet but she is incredibly strong. If she sets her mind to something, she will accomplish it no matter what. She is so brave it is truly inspiring. I can remember when she first got her dog Lily how excited she was to her new best friend. Back then you could hold her little puppy in your arms and now she has a fully grown amazing service animal. They make such a great team! It is so enjoyable to be able to see how good she is with animals and how well she treats them. I'm so lucky to get to call her my sister, but also my friend and I can't wait to spend more time with her!
Dean
Groomsman
The brother-less stint of my life ends after 23 long years in June, and I feel super fortunate that I get to have Dean close that chapter's door for me. You would be hard-pressed to find another as selfless and giving as Dean. When we were both in University, he wouldn't hesitate to offer advice on problems I ran into. Although our coursework had similarities, he was a part of an entirely different major map, which made his willingness to help that much more special. After we both graduated I got to tag along with the Cohen family on a trip to Japan. Some of my favorite memories with Dean were formed there, including finding a hole-in-the-wall gaming cafe in Tokyo and playing a round of Smash Bros. I couldn't have asked for a better brother, and I can't wait for our future adventures!
Nike
Honorary Bridespup
Nike has changed both of our lives in so many ways. We adopted him in 2018 and never looked back. We have grown as a couple raising him together, through destroyed carpet, attacking the pizza guy, and getting sprayed by a skunk, this very good boy has taken us on some wild adventures. Nike really is the best dog for us. He walks with Patrick every morning, overly excited each and every time! He comes into my room every single day to snuggle in our bed. This dog gives endless love and teaches us to do the same. We are not complete without our baby boy.
Kevin
Groomsman
Kevin is the kind of friend that every one wishes they could be. He's a super supportive person who will be there with you through the bad, and big you up and get excited with you through the good. Often known as a jack of all trades, Kevin has a plethora of dope hobbies and interests that can make you wonder "what doesn't this guy know??". Every time Kevin and I hang out I feel like I learn something new. Kevin and I met at Boise State through playing competitive Pokemon, and years later we're still kicking it and playing games. I'll forever be thankful for having Kevin by my side through our small cabin wedding last summer. And I'm so excited to have him along for the ride this year too!