What do you say about a brother? In truth, I have to play this a little close to the vest as I'll be his best man in just a few months. Since it won't be too long before I have to give a speech where I both embarrass and honor him, I can't give away any of the good material too early!It may sound weird, but I think Andy and I really connected only after we both had a chance to grow up a little. I was the kind of teenager who really didn't think it was cool to have his seven year old brother jumping in when I was hanging out with my friends. And he was the kind of brother that knew exactly how to play that to his advantage. He's always been clever that way, with an eye for trouble. But he's got a big heart to match.I'd get to reconnect with him whenever I would come home from college in the summer, and later from graduate school in California, and eventually Europe. Each time I'd see him, with months separating visits, I'd see someone more grown up, more sure of himself, and less like a "little" brother. Sure, he hasn't been "little" for quite some time (he's been bigger than me for nearly 20 years), but what I mean is that I knew I could rely on him. We would talk about life, women, and especially faith. He has challenged me, and he's always been strong enough to lean on me for advice and help as well.I've moved around a lot, to finally settle back down in Minnesota. I'm so very thankful that my time back home gives me time with my brother. I'm blessed to have him help me start my life with Alicia, and I look forward to my duties for his upcoming wedding!

Heather & I may not be biologically related, but I count her to be a sister! I met Heather shortly after college when I was helping with a mutual friend's wedding that she was the personal attendant for. We had an instantaneous connection as we bonded over sarcasm, slightly inappropriate humor, and a propensity to be just a little bit TOO open and honest. Coffee dates quickly turned into shopping, movie nights, and girls weekends. Heather walked along beside me when I was dealing with my major health issues and I cannot adequately thank her for all that she did for me. 2 years ago, Heather allowed me the joy of being present for the birth of her firstborn - Malin. It will forever be one of the top 10 moments of my life. Getting to witness the miracle of birth is truly a beautiful gift. Until Bryan, Heather was my most ardent supporter and my confidant when I didn't know who else to turn to. I can count on her not only for support, but for her complete honesty. Her faith in Christ has always been an inspiration to me. I think I've learned more about prayer from Heather than anyone else I know. In fact, Heather's relentless prayer for me to find a husband is, I'm convinced, the reason I met Bryan!