Mark is my older brother, best friend, confidant, mentor, snowboard instructor, 1-on-1 basketball rival-4-life, injury consultant, tent construction supervisor, and the best man I know.
I've learned so many things from you: how to properly season gum, drive stick, make a martini, and that El Camino's are underrated (suspect). You've also set the bar for being a devoted husband, an amazing father and savvy businessman. I could not ask for a better brother and I'm honored to have you as my best man.
The original golden boy! John has been my best friend and hair mentor since I can remember. I don't have a memory growing up that doesn't include him. John essentially adopted me into his family when we came back to Gainesville and has been looking out for me ever since.
You pushed me outside my comfort zone growing up and I am so glad you did - I was/am a weenie. Easily one of the most likable guys out there, you're the only person who could convince other people that banjo music is cool and...be right about it. It's a given you're standing up at this wedding but I appreciate the distance you're willing to travel to make that happen.
Pequito Bandido! A Gainesville OG. Peter has been a constant, loyal, and mostly shirtless friend since I can remember. We've been roommates on numerous occasions, Arby's customers when we had to be, and teammates in any pick up game we could find.
I've been fortunate to have such a good friend from home living in LA. Who else would I watch Gator games with or have drive me to the ER in the middle of the night...twice? Your dedication to your life goals are an inspiration. You should write a book. Honored to have you as a groomsman, stinky Pete!
Marc Mac! We met when we were neighbors in the same apartment complex at UF, bonded over both not having a car and have been yelling 'yabba-dabba-do' at each other for years.
You've given amazing career and life advice to me. Even though we only see each other a few times a year, we pick up like no time has passed. You're one of the best people to travel with because you find the best places to eat and keep everyone laughing. I hope you're growing your hair out for this!
J BONE! I met Jeremy through our officiant, Ryan Cooper, at a party. We went snowboarding the next morning and have been friends ever since. Although we've known each other for about 10 years, he seems like a life long friend.
Jeremy has been a key player in almost every memory made in LA. His ability to store dishes in a bedroom are unparalleled. He's a solid guy all around, founding member of the sprinkler fam and the legend who found the BRO-TEL! Sooowooo!
Last Day Trae! Another friend met through Cooper. We met at the same time as I met Jeremy and you were on that same snowboarding trip. It was the beginning of a connection of LA transplants who immediately clicked. A group of friends that have become family.
An honorary resident at the Brotel, we've had some incredible adventures and some incredible misadventures. I love that you always have a couple guitars tuned and ready to play and that you define ABP (always be prepared). I'm lucky to count you as part of this LA family!
Nutt! We met through a mutual friend very shortly after I moved to LA but really became close after being roommates in 2012. I will never forget your generosity and hospitality that year.
We've spent countless hours listening to ATC, debating politics, chasing snow, and solving all the worlds problems. I've learned some very unusual Canadian vernacular from you but also how to expect and demand more out of life. I'm honored to have you stand up with me in June. Now, whatareya having?
Chab! I met Rian and his wife Dana when we were neighbors in North Hollywood when Peter and I were trying to move a washing machine up the stairs. This insanely ripped dude, with giant diamond earrings and a Zach Morris haircut immediately jumped in to help. And I was like, "Timeout: this guy is super cool!'.
You've been such a great friend, one of my favorite wide receivers (when not on IR) and I aspire to emulate your quiet confidence. The longer I know you, the longer I wish I've known you. I wouldn't be mad if those earrings make another appearance in June.
Tony Romo? Oh, no, it's Chris! How we met is probably my favorite story of all. Chris and his buddy were kicking the soccer ball around a park and Peter and I were tossing a football around. We challenged them to some 2-on-2 and the rest is history.
You're the sweetest cat lady I know, Chris. I enjoyed the time we lived together, our Garth Brooks jam sessions, your fantasy football emails and our last minute adventures. You're always down to explore and try new things and it pushes me to do the same. Thanks for being a huge part of this adventure!
REG! Mike and I have known each other forever. Our parents are friends so we had no choice. Thank God for that!
We spent our early years playing hockey and quoting the Mighty Ducks to each other verbatim. I think we still can. We share a passion for Gator sports and music, which we discuss at great length. We'll spend entire nights in character with accents and yours is incredible. You're one of the funniest people I know and I'm so thankful to have a lifelong friend in you. Cheers, mate!
BOES! Jason and I met in college when we worked at the same restaurant and then lived together off campus. This guy is brilliant and can speak like 8 languages.
We've got a ton of mutual friends from your home town but we always connected on a different level. I believe that is because of our shared values, your high character and how you inspired me to be better - in work, school and life. Oakbrook Walk days were some of my favorites from UF. Gator games, Grog House, me trying to get you to speak German, and closing down at Haile. We had it made! But I'd be remiss if I didn't remind you of one thing: FIFA!
Bang! I met you at the same time as Jeremy and Trae at that same party. You made sure to meet us on the mountain the next day for some of the worst snow conditions we've ever had.
I'm glad you made the trek and nearly got your car stuck in a snow drift, because you've been one of my closest friends in LA. Plus, you have a phenomenal first name. You're fiercely loyal, the finest tinkerer I know and an absolute blast to listen to 2 Chainz with!
COOP! I met Ryan when we were neighbors in North Hollywood a year or so after moving to LA. We bonded and fought over our passion for rival SEC football teams. He was the lynchpin that brought together a close group of friends in LA and so we've asked him to bring us together as a couple, forever.
You've been a great friend to both of us and when we began the planning process, asking you to officiate our wedding was the first and easiest decision we've made. You are uniquely suited for this role and we are grateful to have you as our friend and online-accredited Rabbi!
Sylvia has always been my ride or die and that friend that I call with happy news, sad news, any news at all. She's that one friend that makes you feel at home no matter where you're at.
We bonded over Ms. J's physics class and the tennis team at St. Mary's. Sylvia's qualities of determination, persistence, and calmness (just to name a few) are some that I still try to learn from her every day! Diligence always pays off.
Sylvia, your loyalty and dedication to our friendship is something that I have always and forever will cherish. No matter what continents we live on, our connection is unbreakable. I'm glad that we're finally living in the same state but I know that won't last for long. I plan on keeping the tradition of visiting you in November no matter where you are in the world.
Jennifer is a very humble genius and has the ability to do just about anything she puts her mind to. We are nerdy together, love science puns, and enjoy our nights dancing to the Ying Yang Twins. She's not the sugar-coating kind of gal but always has the enduring words of wisdom that I need to hear.
Jenn and I met the summer after my high school graduation in Portland. After Jenn decided to stop hating me, we would walk together to our 9am chemistry class freshman year at Oregon State. Our friendship built over many long nights studying on 5th floor of the Valley Library.
Jennifer, I will never forget our first summer in Corvallis together where we studied in the library all day and danced at the Library all night. You have always accepted me as me and are one of the few that would call me out when I needed that. Thank you for sticking by me through all good, bad, weekly phone calls and dress shopping.
Wendy is the strength where I'm weak and the will when I'm defeated. Without her, life would not be as easy (or sometimes as hard *wink*) but definitely not as beautiful.
We met at Oregon State in the hall of Hawley/Buxton dorms the first week of school. Throughout college, we stayed friends but became close after we moved away from Corvallis. Wendy is not scared to speak her mind or take action; and that I am grateful for. She has fully immersed herself into my extended family and we couldn't be happier to have you at all our events.
Wendy, I can't imagine growing up or growing old without you. You encourage me to step outside of my comfort zone and to do things that I never thought I could accomplish. I am forever thankful for a friendship like yours.
Lauren is the toughest chick I know from Oakland, CA with thighs of steel. She will always be the one I pick to be on my side through any fights or life struggles. Her laughter/cackle is contagious and she can find joy in any situation.
We met in the Hawley/Buxton dorms the very first week of freshman year where she excitedly invited Sylvia and I to go the Fred Meyers and we quickly turned her down. Lauren and I bonded through trips to the gym at Dixon with Sylvia where Sylvia worked out and Lauren and I would get milk shakes.
Lauren, I will always want you on my side if we ever get into an alley fight. With you, there will be endless laughter and stories to be made and shared. Thank you for being part of this life journey. Without you, I would not smile as much or know as much slang as I do now.
Shannon is a true sport enthusiast and the #1 fan of UNC and Michael Jordan. Her heart is made of gold and her love for others shines brightest. She taught me how to give with the purest intentions.
We met at Oregon State but don't quite remember where or how. Shannon, along with her family, are always so welcoming and inviting. After college, I have gotten to know Shannon more and will never stop admiring how she takes care of others selflessly and always above her own wants/needs.
Shan, I'm glad that we finally gotten close and you introduced me to your country music. Even though it will never be my #1 choice, I do find myself at times putting it on the radio and thinking of you. You shown me what I'm truly missing out on for not having siblings. Thanks for always being there and taking care of me like a true sister.
Stephanie is made of pure sugar and is the one of sweetest gals I have gotten to know and love. Her enthusiasm for all things will make you feel like you're missing out but don't worry, she'll never forget to include you even if you moved a thousand miles away.
Stephanie and I met at Oregon State and we quickly became friends sharing our love for Halloween and making fools of ourselves on the dance floor. Steph is one of the prettiest, amiable, warmhearted person that I have gotten to know. I was at first so intimidated by her beauty and outgoing demeanor. Her friendliness invited our friendship to grow and I'm so glad that we have gotten so close.
Steph, you make me feel not forgotten by still inviting me to everything. At times, being so far away gets to me but somehow you always know when to reach out and make home feel not as far away. I'm thankful for you and the return to Drais together!
Joanna is the smartest and most innovative person I have ever met. Some of her ideas might seem a little out of this world now but you just wait, she is that far ahead. Then there are some that would already be a benefit to the world as soon as she has time to make it (gel pods).
Joanna is Dave's youngest sister and soon to officially be the sister that I always dreamed about having. We connect over discussing the faults of the healthcare world and ideas of how to improve it.
Joanna, thank you for welcoming me into your family and your life. One of the best things about meeting Dave is gaining a friend like you. Every time we talk, I feel so inspired about the things that we can accomplish. The more I know you, the more I want to know more about you. Here's to opening up that urgent care together when we grow old!
Van Thy is slick and very street smart. We are opposites. I'm slow, she's quick; I get mad, she gets even. No matter what we do, Thy always looks out for me and protects me from everything. She even spoon fed me when we were little because I was too lazy to eat.
Van Thy is my cousin and we are 5 months apart. We grew up just down the street from each other in Vietnam. Any trouble that she was in, I was usually right there with her. We came as a package deal!
Thy, you're the closest to a sister that I have. I don't remember life without knowing you or not hearing stories about you. We were inseparable as kids but were separated for a few years when I moved to the States and your family stayed behind. Even with the distance, we will always and forever be Thy and Ly. Our bond is rare and remarkable. Thank you for always being there for me and having my back.
Weston is Dave's older sister's middle son. We were excited to have him spend last summer with us in LA and got the chance to get to know him better during that time. It's been fun watching you grow up and become the man you are today. We can't wait to see what the future holds for such a creative, articulate and stylish guy!
Thank you for being a key part of our wedding day!
Russel is Dave's oldest sister's youngest son. He's one of the sweetest guys, who is also low-key hilarious, very smart and an amazing violin player. It's been so cool to see how you've grown up in the last year or two into such a man, about to graduate high school.
We are excited to have you in the wedding party!
