Halle & Scott

If you couldn't tell by the picture, my brother Ian and I look nothing alike. Most people are baffled we are even related....but in all seriousness, on almost every occasion we go in public together, my brother and I are asked if we are twins. It takes them a few moments to process our "no" response, which is always followed by the question of "Who's older?". Each time, to no fail, my brother has a stupid grin on his face knowing damn well he is 6 years older. After happening more times than we can count, he just can't help but let me be reminded he still looks younger. Aside from being far less handsome, my brother is one of the biggest influences on my life and continues to push me in my career and life goals. Although we look similar, we couldn't be more different. Our biggest difference is that Ian has always been a social butterfly, while I have continued to be much more shy in public settings. So, if you happen to see a guy that looks like me on the dance floor at our wedding, don't hesitate to say hello. There is nothing my brother enjoys more than talking with strangers and meeting new people!

Jake has been one of my closest friends since middle school. Growing up there was one sport that we both couldn't get enough of, and that was basketball. Even though Jake is 6'2" and i'm...well...not...I always gave him a run for his money on the court. Throughout our high school careers we were on every AAU team together and played together at almost every step of the way. After pulling our names from the 2012 NBA draft list to focus on education, Jake and I decided to move to Columbus to pursue our dream of attending The Ohio State University. We went on to create some incredible memories and meet some of our dearest friends to this day. 

I have grown close with Angel ever since we met while my brother was in college. Being from Puerto Rico, it was difficult for Angel's family to make continuous trips up throughout the year for holidays. Not long after meeting Angel, my brother learned he was going to be spending Thanksgiving alone in Columbus, so my brother invited him to our family Thanksgiving. Angel has been inseparable from our family ever since and became one of my closest friends. Aside from being a Yankees and Cowboys fan, Angel is one of the most stand up guys you'll ever meet. 

I'd like to introduce my brother-in-law Sean, the biggest Ohio State fan there is. If you've ever passed an Ohio State sign at Target or Dicks Sporting Goods, there is a good chance that he has it and it's hanging in his basement. I'm not even exaggerating. It's the kind of Ohio State dedication my brother and I needed before my sister chose a husband, and Sean passed the test with flying colors - Scarlet and Grey colors that is. Sean is a 2-time Ironman finisher, a truly remarkable accomplishment that consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles bicycle ride, and a 26.2 mile marathon ALL within 17 hours. That kind of feat is truly inspirational, so much in fact that if he ever decides to try for 3rd, you can count on me being there...on the side lines...because there is no way in hell i'm doing that. 

Early on when Halle and I began dating, she told me that I absolutely had to meet her twin brother, Cole. After countless stories of the mischief these two got in to throughout their childhood, I had to see for myself who her original partner in crime was. To no surprise, Cole and I became friends almost instantly. As the years have gone by, Cole and I have shared our interest in the game of golf. After months of polite & humble inquiries (Halle calls it being annoying - but what does she know), I convinced Cole to get me into his weekly golf league with one of my other groomsmen, Austin. Now, each Thursday evening, I get to see Cole on the links where we kick back, relax, and play the most infuriating sport known to man. 

Austin and I have been friends since middle school where we played basketball together. When college came, Austin and one of my other groomsmen Michael attended Ohio University while Jake Pfleghaar and I were in Columbus. In the middle of our freshman semester, we asked if they had any interest in transferring and getting a place together. After a quick visit to Columbus during an Ohio State football weekend, the 4 of us signed a lease and the rest is history. The last few years, Austin and I have became obsessed with the game of golf and have joined a weekly league with Halle's twin brother, Cole. Although our golf games are inconsistent (so much that Cole's reputation amongst his friends is on the line on a weekly basis), we are convinced that we are just a few years away from receiving our PGA Tour cards. 

Michael and I met in the 7th grade of middle school. We remained close friends throughout high school even though we played different sports. Once college came around, Michael and one of my other groomsmen Austin attended Ohio University while Jake Pfleghaar and I were in Columbus. We asked if they'd be interested in transferring to Ohio State and for the 4 of us to room together. After visiting us for quiet, very family friendly weekend of watching Ohio State football, we signed our first lease together. Michael continues to be one of the most thoughtful people I know. Every birthday or Christmas season he goes out of his way to provide thoughtful, unique gifts to our friend group. My favorite thus far is a hand-drawn sketch of Tiger woods...kneeling on a peanut butter & banana sandwich...reading a putt. Feel free to read that again, because you read it 100% correctly. How he acquired such a fine art piece is beyond me, but it will continue to be cherished in my man cave. 

Jake and I first met playing travel soccer in middle school. Although I quit soccer in high school, Jake and I remained friends and re-connected in college to become roommates at the historic 1665 house. This famous house consisted of 8 of our closest friends living under one roof, which I can assure you only lead to responsible fun. I could always count on Jake to wake up early for Ohio State Buckeye games...even if the only reason he was waking up was because I was blasting AC/DC Hells Bells outside his door at 7:30am...a Noon game tradition unlike any other as Jake would put it, probably.