Maid of Honor
My number one. Life has worked out in such a way that we have found ourselves joined at the hip. She is my little sister and my best friend of all time. Although my other sisters are just as cool, kind, awesome, beautiful, and important, Candace and I live life side by side and it has grown us into basically the same person. Ask anyone...we are kind of a package deal. She is also a successful professional photographer and is the most talented and artistic person I have ever met. She makes me so proud!
Best Man
My little brother and one of my biggest supporters, albeit a silent supporter. He frequently has little to say but his words always make a big impact. He always puts everyone else before himself and he has the kindest heart. As we continue to grow up we grow closer, and I am grateful for his presence by my side on the big day!
Bridesmaid
The oldest of the Smith brood - Jessica is lovely and elegant while bubbly and personable. She is very intelligent and driven and does not settle for anything less than her best. She is the most inspiring role model that all of us could possibly ask for. She has a heart of gold and a fantastic sense of humor.
Groomsman
The eldest of our group and the loudest. There is nobody in our family as captivating and engaging as Kyle. He is the leader of inside jokes in our family and here is never a dull moment with him. I am so grateful that he will be an integral part of mine and Kaitlyn's wedding.
Bridesmaid
Jillian is the sister that I split the middle with, so she gets me in a way no one else does. She is the most ridiculously brilliant human I have ever met, and also the world's biggest goof ball. She is beautiful and strong. She is a go-getter and a goal-setter. She is honestly cooler than all of us and always has the best stories.
Groomsman
The sole male of the Smith siblings, I am lucky to be gaining a rad brother like Christian. The distance between Ohio and his home base in Arizona has not stopped him from keeping in touch and valuing family above all else. I am grateful to be gaining a brother that puts such a high value on those closest to him.
Bridesmaid
The youngest of the Smith clan - this little sister of mine is wise beyond her years, wonderfully smart, and super goofy. She is genuine in everything she does and is stellar at deep heart-to-hearts. Her and I bond frequently over our love for good music and that search for our next "can't live without" song. She is way cooler than me by nature and she is officially a high school grad on her way to take my place at THE Ohio State University.
Groomsman
Gabriel is the newly minted Fiancé to the Maid of Honor, Candace. Gabriel brings liveliness and energy to all that he attempts. A rising tide lifts all boats, and no better description can be had for Gabriel's positive impact on others. With his contagious energy and infectious personality, he is a great addition to the bridal party and to the family!
Bridesmaid
Kellie is my newest sister (as if I needed any more). I have been so lucky to become friends with Kellie over the years and to land a gal like her as my sister-in-law. She is super cool and super smart. Her sense of humor is awesome and her laugh is contagious. She is caring and gracious and always has my back!
Groomsman
John has been a close friend for close to a decade. He has been a key part of my life growing-up, whether in sport or any other area of life. John's loyalty and caring for others is hard to match. It is because of friends like John that I look back upon the good old days with a smile. I am thankful for John's presence as a friend over the past years, and look forward to continuing to grow that friendship into the future.
Bridesmaid
Kendall is my college bestie. We instantly became friends upon my transfer to Ohio State and not after long, I was the maid of honor in her wedding! We are basically inseparable these days and she has become part of my clan of sisters. She is a wonderful woman of God and is entirely selfless to her core. I am so blessed to have found her!
Groomsman
The Husband to Kaitlyn's bridesmaid, Kendall, Peter has been a wonderful and calming presence in my life. Peter brings a level of attention and diligence that few can match in his everyday activities. Peter has been generous in sharing his faith and wisdom with myself, and his impact, while hard to quantify, is and will continue to be significant in my life and others.
Bridesmaid
Angela and I have a relationship like no other. She has had my back since middle school when we met in dance class and have been soulmates ever since. Her and I share a lot of my most fond, most hilarious memories. Although adult life has taken us thousands of miles apart, our friendship has remained strong and steady. She is so caring and considerate and so much fun!
Groomsman
Hayden is one of my oldest, and if you ask him, strongest, friends. Since his move from Indiana during high school, we have been close friends. Hayden exemplifies loyalty and kindness in his life, and sets an incredible example for me to follow. He is a gentle giant and has the biggest heart for all people.
Bridesmaid
Pronounced EL-EE rather than just EL (just had to clarify). Elle is such a beautiful soul that I admire and look up to. She is smart and driven, she is independent and strong. She is also the most hilarious human that exists and hanging with her is always a great time. We met in college bible study and I have seen her grow into a wise, godly woman throughout our friendship.
Groomsman
Mark Blanco, our Cuban representative, brings the most musical talent to the bridal party. Mark has been a close friend since the formative middle school years and remained a good friend throughout. I am grateful for the long friendship we have shared and that Mark will be by my side on the 18th!
Bridesmaid
Gabriella has been a long time friend of mine. We met in elementary school, and our friendship continued to blossom throughout many years and many hours of competitive dance growing up. We found ourselves crossing paths full circle when we were in the same college chemistry course and even got to be lab partners! Gabi is the sweetest most tender little love bug on the planet. She is also brilliant, strong, and beautiful. I admire her so much as a person and I am so grateful for her as a friend.
Groomsman
I met Ken during our overlapping tenures at Youngstown State University. Ken thought quite little of me upon a first impression, and perhaps still thinks that... In reality Ken has been a great friend through the years and always provides rational and constructive comments. Ken is a person I can rely upon to give the unvarnished truth, and for his honesty and directness his friendship is invaluable.
Bridesmaid
Haleigh is a ball of joy. Her energy is contagious and her humor is unparalleled. Haleigh and I met at the Youngstown Crab Company where we both worked in college. Shortly after her hire, we learned we were in the same Chemistry class at YSU. We considered it fate and decided to become best friends. She has given me wonderful, wise advice and many good laughs. She is also like the cutest little thing!
Groomsman
Nick is another friendship developed over our time at Youngstown State. Nick and I have worked through a number of school / career related projects; he has always been quick to let me know that I don't work as hard as him. Our friendship has strengthened over the years and I am grateful to have a solid friend standing by my side for the wedding.