Danielle never had much choice in becoming my friend. After sublet her apartment, I then proceeded to rent the one next-door to her. Soon after we were doing Starbucks runs together and crafting at all hours. One of my favorite Easter dinners was at Dani’s apartment after feeding the barn. Mark, Dani and I had worked all day on our little dinner, and we had a blast just laughing and playing cards. OK, OK I really didn’t help with dinner, but I’m pretty sure I kicked butt at cards. While unfortunately, we no longer live right next to each other, she still makes time to come out to New Jersey. Every chance she gets. It’s a good thing. They don’t charge phone calls by the minute anymore. Dani is also. “well“ of information on our current life and anything to do with “wedding “or “after party “. Funny story ask her what I’m in her phone as.-The Bride

Nealy was my favorite birthday present. Eric, who is Mark‘s brother, started dating this sweet, gorgeous girl right around my birthday. From the first time I met her, I knew she was one of my best friends, even if she didn’t know it yet. Since that day, she’s become my sister in so many ways, and I selfishly get my best friend every family holiday. If you’re looking for someone to introduce you to our closest loved ones, find our sweet Nealy Todd, and she’ll be sure to help you out with some names. -The Bride

I met Caitlin on an airplane back in high school. We’d both gone on a school trip to Mexico and bonded over our common love of Mexico’s laxed alcohol laws. Needless to say, when we hit the US border, our adventures never ceased. We’ve lived together, travel together, and co-parented a pack of wild hounds very well together (minus the Christmas incident). Besides being one of the best horse riders I’ve ever met, she spends her free time, traveling the world and exploring new Ski Destinations. If you’re looking for those cringe worthy stories on The Bride, Caitlin (or KT as she is better known to her friends) has an arsenal of them. -The Bride

Brianna and I met in my wilder years, when the best cure for a hangover was still a bacon, egg & cheese sandwich. At the time, she owned Brianna’s Full Belly Deli which was about a block from my apartment. 14 years have passed since she first started feeding me, but as we all know the way to my heart has always been my stomach! She is yet another friend I have lived and traveled with. She also is responsible for an unforgettable birthday, when she brought my beautiful niece Emma into this world 49 mins before the start of my birthday. Emma is now 11 and we’re very excited to be past the years of Desitin and baby powder (my mom friends know). Make sure to ask her how the nickname “hawk” started. However if you’re having trouble locating Brianna to introduce yourself, check the dance floor and I’m sure you’ll spot her! She’ll be the beautiful woman wearing holes in her shoes with her killer dance moves!

Ashton is our kid and the most important person in our world. Being Mark’s son, Ash hasn’t exactly had a typical life. He’s been a frequent traveler and has his own frequent flyer miles. Ashton is also our animal whisperer his sweet and calm demeanor, never seems to fail in calming animals from horses to dogs. He also happens to be one of the best adventure partners, and a terrific gamer. Doesn’t matter if it’s 5 Crowns or rock climbing, chances are, if you’re up against ash, you can forfeit the match! Among his many talents, he is a fluent translator of today’s slang. We highly recommend checking in with him at our wedding to get some “hip” new vocab words. -The Groom

Eric is my little brother. Like most families, age plays a huge role in who your “best friend” is because of the age gaps. When I was right around 14 years old Eric and I started becoming inseparable. When I moved home from PA after working for my uncle, Eric and I got our first house together. Between Hunting on weekends, snowmobiling in Wisconsin or anything else we could come up with, if I was there chances are Eric was with me. Ultimately we ended up living in different states because of our careers. While I drive horses around the ovals, Eric is rebuilding Combine & Tractors in Illinois. We still see each other a few times a year but not nearly enough! Look for the biggest smile at our wedding and that will be Eric. Make sure to introduce yourself and get a good story about our wild teenage years together. -The Groom

Lavern is the brother right above me. Growing up, everyone thought we were twins. I caught up to him pretty quick in height though. I’m not sure of what age it was that we started having our own money, but in the day him and I shared a “piggy bank”. I would give credit to Lavern for my ability now to save money. I would also credit him for my sportsmanship. He gave me plenty of practice about being a good sport when losing since I ALWAYS lost to him. From sports to card games and everything in between, he kicked my butt on the daily. He’s also the newest ‘Dad’ in my family so make sure to check in with him to meet my adorable nephew! -The Groom

Marion is my eldest sibling. Growing up I taught him how to throw a curve ball, and he taught me most of my horsemanship. Without the years of growing up riding and training horses with my brothers, I don’t know if I’d have the same success in my career. We all loved horses, but it was Marion pushing us to saddle up, and stay patient when training these animals. His knowledge doesn’t stop at horses though. He’s been a hard worker from day one, and went on to start his own business in Illinois, Legacy Building Supply. Although we’re miles apart now, that doesn’t seem to change the fact I can still call him and talk through all my drives on a weekend card. Marion and I also have gotten to experience fatherhood right around the same time since our boys are only a year apart. Check in with Marion so you can be sure to meet my Nephew and beautiful Nieces! -The Groom