Knowing Liam as long as I have and with how mushy my brain is in general, it’s a little difficult to pinpoint when we first met, but I would have to say eating orange slices with him on the soccer field and causing havoc at Tutor Time is a good place to start. Summer times with Liam at the YMCA were always some of my favorites since we never got to go to school together as kids, and whether it be nearly dying of heat stroke in 100 degree weather or jamming our fingers on that game we played on that shed with a kickball, the fact that it was with Liam always made it great. And although it wasn’t fun for him at the time, seeing Liam lose his mind watching that final Star Wars trilogy was hilarious and something I’ll never forget, even if it came at the cost of one of our favorite movie franchises. We’ve gotten older and our time spent together has evolved from playing Star Wars Battlefront 2 in his room to meeting up and drinking beer together but I get just as excited and look forward to it each and every time. I think the fact that to this day I would have just as much fun hanging out with him and doing the same things we did as kids is a testament to our relationship and just how much I value him as my friend. Growing up, I never had any siblings but I consider Liam to be the closest person I have to a brother and I’m so happy and excited for what his future holds.

I guess you could say I have known Sam my entire life. I don’t remember the exact moment we met, but I heard it was a hoot :). In all seriousness, growing up with an older sister like Sam has definitely made me who I am today. From sharing clothes to sister sleepovers, she has stayed my best friend and rock for my whole life. Samantha was the first person to ever make me laugh, and she still is the person who makes me chuckle the most. With her dry and bizarre humor, I tend to think that no one will understand our humor the way we do, apart from Liam.

Liam has been a figure in my life for many years now, and I have forgotten what it is like for Sam and Liam to not be a package deal. I have heard stories of siblings who have struggled to let their sister go when getting married, but for me, I never thought of it that way. I am only officially gaining a brother in someone that has already been there for me for many years. It has been an incredible experience to watch my deserving sister blossom throughout this relationship, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Sam and Liam!

Liam was one of my earliest friends growing up in Northport. Playing soccer and baseball together growing up brought our entire friend group together, and showed me how loyal of a friend Liam was right from the beginning. Some of the best memories I have from that time include the Pokémon parody video we tried to film (and is now lost to time), spending hours making Flipnotes on our DSi’s, and exploring Forge World in Halo Reach. Liam and I really grew up alongside each other and he was always someone I could rely on and have a good time with. It didn’t matter what we were doing, Liam always encouraged a good time and was someone everyone loved because of his sense of humor and overall friendliness. As we got older we formed of Northport’s premier boy band, which went by many names throughout the years: No Direction, The Flannels, and Graystone. Our shared love for music strengthened our friendship even more as we rehearsed and performed together year round. Liam’s bass guitar and even bassier vocals kept the music fresh and his eagerness to try new music and expand our band’s potential is something that helped define my early music experience.

A huge number of bands, games, and activities that I love today are things Liam introduced me to, such as Skyrim, Linkin Park, and Fallout to name a few. The Flannels even started out as a Linkin Park cover band following our One Direction phase. He has always been someone I could share that passion and appreciation with and it’s kept our friendship strong even today. Our adventures on DayZ surviving the tundra, the concerts we went to with Ozzy Osborne or Korn at Jones Beach, robbing banks on Payday 2, or saving them in Rainbow Six Siege, are just some examples of great memories I have doing things I would never have if it weren’t for Liam. Even now, we spend our days sending hours long Youtube videos analyzing the storytelling of Star Wars or the cinematography of Christopher Nolan, or trying craft beers and discovering breweries to check out. Things like this are what have kept us so close, and proves to me how Liam was and has always been formative to the person I am today.

As we went through high school, Liam and I shared a bunch of experiences as well, including track, the marching band, and Music Theory. I remember after a long night of partying with the Multicolored Ties, Liam dragged himself to my house for a graduation party, got sick, and left 5 minutes later. After a few Twisted Teas too many, I was about ready to do the same. Memories like those are burned into my mind and I wouldn’t want to have shared them with anyone else. Inching closer to leaving for college, I realized how amazing and valuable my friendship with Liam was. He helped guide me through stressful moments and encouraged my interests and I knew he was someone who I wanted to stay life long friends with. We were, along with the rest of our friends, really becoming adults together, and it was a testament to the times we had shared. Our time in high school was the same time that Liam and Sam started their relationship.

Sam and I had known each other through Tour Choir, the musicals, and by virtue of just being neighbors. She was someone I relied on so much, including my bout with food poisoning in the UK and my tumultuous relationship with the high school music department. Sam is the kind of person who would always look for the best in someone and truly cares for each of her friends. When they met, I saw the instant connection and sparks between the two of them. Two of the most compassionate, sincere, and loyal people in my life, Liam and Sam were inseparable. Knowing them both personally, hearing them both talk about the other and seeing how genuinely happy they were together was proof of how perfect they were for each other.

Now we’re finally at the most important day of their lives and the beginning of this new chapter in their relationship. Liam will always be one of my closest friends and a brother I never had. (Sorry Ian I stole your line.)

Liam, thanks for always being the amazing person you are, I don’t know where I would be without you. Sam, thanks for supporting me through some of the toughest parts of growing up. You make Liam the happiest man in the world. Thank you both for allowing me to be a part of this and I cannot wait to see the life you two will share.

If you want to know how I met Sam, I can tell you a story about how an 8-year-old, skinny, blonde girl in my 3rd grade class drew highlighter on my Giants Super Bowl Champions t-shirt and boy was I mad. So no, it wasn’t love at first sight. Luckily, friendship found a way to grow from that anger. Through years of friendship, I grew to know Sam as one of the kindest, most thoughtful, humble, funny, and witty people on earth. I know her as one of the best damn gift givers I have ever met. I know that she can make me pee myself laughing, usually because she’ll drop a joke and then literally run away- I don't know why she does that but somehow it makes the joke better. I know that time spent with Sam is never dull. I have so many fun stories I would love to share from the past but I’m not sure Sam would love that (if your name isn’t Monica or Dave, find me at the wedding for some tales ;)). Bottom line is, Sam makes life exciting. I couldn’t ask for a better best friend.

If you want to know about Sam and Liam as a couple, I’ll tell you a story about joy. Sam has always known it would be Liam, and I always believed her. I remember when she first realized she had a crush on Liam while we were all in a community theater production of Mary Poppins. She would blast the song “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” from Footloose, singing about him (hopefully this piece of information isn’t too embarrassing and doesn’t get cut :)). To this day I can’t listen to that song without smiling. Congrats to the happy couple! Thank you for letting me be a part of this special day, but more importantly all of the other mundane days of your lives.

P.S. I would also like to use this platform to formally apologize to Liam for turning him in to Lem… whoops.

If I’m being honest I don’t remember exactly how Liam and I met. Liam materialized one day during Scope and we have been friends ever since. Funnily enough, he would remain the only friend I still have close contact with from Scope to this day. I remember introducing Liam to Skyrim, the game that absorbed many of our friends’ lives during middle school. We formed a band with some great mates. Chorus, Band Camp, Vacationing, Classes, Lunch, The Middle School Musical- Liam and I did a lot together throughout the years we’ve known each other. Way too many to name. But if there’s one thing to take away from this, I’m glad I met this man who materialized all those years ago. I hope nothing but the best for him and Sam.

I first met dear ole Samantha in the 6th grade when we were both a part of the Willy Wonka production at our local community theater. Although I can’t recall our first interaction I remember admiring Sam shine in her role as Violet as I waited for my Oompa Loompa number. Since I’ve met Sam she has always had a sense of exuberance and goofiness that I’ve always loved. Whether it was sneaking out of rehearsal to go get dunkin, taking freeze frames of us doing THE COOLEST poses into her pool, or just sitting in the library doing our history homework, Sam brings such a fun energy into every situation. I’ve learned a lot of things from Sam but if I had to narrow it down to two it would be (1) to embrace your weirdness and (2) what it means to be a loyal friend. She’s truly been there for me through thick and thin and I can’t describe how glad I am we’ve remained friends even after living so far from each other after high school. Samantha, I love you to death and I’m so excited to watch you marry your best friend. Lem, you’re a gem, and the luckiest son of a bitch. Let’s party!!!

My first memories with Liam go back to our early days of youth center soccer. While I probably wasn’t much help on the field at that age, I’ll always look back fondly on those simpler times surrounded by good people. It wasn’t until middle school where I really started to get close with Liam. Luckily enough for me, I would be hanging out with Chris when he forgot about his prior obligation to rehearse for the variety show. I couldn’t be more grateful to have been guilted into singing one direction on stage as that would lead to so many unforgettable experiences and friendships that would last a lifetime. My time with Liam in troop 52 is where I really got to see his true character. In every way Liam embodied what it meant to be a scout, a role model and most importantly a good friend. Being away from home was really tough at that age and especially during week long summer camps, I was so grateful to have a friend who was always willing to help out and who had my best interest at heart. From soccer to baseball, the Flannels to marching band, Liam and the Burkart family have been by my side through it all. I can’t imagine two people who deserve each other more than Liam and Sam and I am so excited to be a part of this next chapter in their lives.

I met Sam on freshman move-in day at JMU. All I heard was my nextdoor neighbor telling everyone on our floor about her love for theater with her thick Long Island accent, and I knew I had to go introduce myself. The next day she became known as Sammie Hammie, and was the LIFE of the party, in just about every room she was in. From that day forward she became one of my best friends.

Me and Sam’s friendship is based on a lot of love and a lot of making fun of each other. Long Island towns will forever be foreign to me no matter how many times Sam quizzes me (video evidence exists if you ask), and I will forever say “HOP-A-GEE” and “RON-KON- COMA.” We will always disagree on what a cul-de-sac is and what a court is, and I will be taking a poll at the wedding. Sam puts on jeans the moment she wakes up. She even naps in them, and I will never stop making fun of her for it. I will always pride myself on the fact that Sam left JMU saying “y’all.”

Sam became an honorary dance major and never missed a single one of my performances in all four years. My all time favorite memories with Sam include us testing old wives tales at 4am, Sam dragging me across campus holding on to her book bag because we were late and my little legs are slow, going to the gym only to down 10 waffles and ice cream at 10am in Ehall, listening to her famous speeches (iykyk), buying out the Bold Rock store, and laying in her bed every single night debriefing on our days (even if she was already asleep when I got home).

There are SO many more stories and memories to share, but I am most excited for the new memories and stories surrounding Sam and Liam’s love story. I can’t wait to be a part of the big day and all the years to come.

Ever since I could remember, I have always looked up to Liam. Liam would teach me the best video games: Mario, Pokémon and Super Smash Bros, watch the best TV shows: Avatar, Justice League and Sponge Bob, and introduced me to my favorite music: Linkin Park and Periphery. We probably watched the Star Wars movies hundreds of times and enjoy them to this day, minus Kathleen Kennedy.

Being four years younger than Liam, we were only in school together when I was in kindergarten and first grade. We went to the SCOPE afterschool program together and it was nice having him there. When Liam started Cub Scouts in 1st grade, I always went with the family to the scout meetings and outings. As I grew up, I always admired him for continuing with Scouts and getting his Eagle Award at age 15, even while playing baseball, soccer, participating in theater, etc. I wasn’t sure if I would achieve Eagle Scout since camping wasn’t my favorite thing and I saw how much time and effort Liam put into his Eagle project. As time went on, I did achieve Eagle Scout and every step of the way Liam was there

When our troop had the opportunity to go to Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico, Liam wanted to go for his second time, but I didn’t want to go. But with Dad being my dad, I knew I had no choice and was going. The Philmont trip turned out to be an amazing experience and I knew that I would always be okay because Liam was there. Not only do I consider Liam a great brother, but he is my best friend.

Sam and I met when I was 11 while we were performing in a theater production of Mary Poppins. Sam and Liam started dating after the show ended and Sam has been part of our family ever since. Going on vacation, Mohegan sun, playing Jackbox TV, the list goes on. We always have a great time whatever we do.

I am so happy that Liam and Sam found each other. They always enjoy each other’s company and I know they will have a great marriage and life together. I know when Sam and Liam have kids someday, they will make great parents too. And maybe, just maybe, I will even babysit the kids.

The feeling of knowing Sam is very similar to the feeling you get finding the last corner piece so you can finally start working on the inside of the puzzle. You know you could’ve started somewhere else, maybe picked a side and work your way in until that final piece popped up, but taking the time to find that right piece…that right person is worth the wait.

When I met Sam, she let me know that she had already kind of met me. Watching from a distance, seeing me pop up here and there around campus, but not yet having the chance to cross paths. When she became a Student Ambassador I remember her being one of my first lunch dates. Second floor of SSC, I either got the Turkey burger I was obsessed with or a salad to be cute, and there’s a fair chance Sam got some kind of pasta. We both went into this conversation thinking that maybe I’d be her ‘mentor’ in the organization, but our conversation was one that ebbed and flowed between our love for the BEST Cinderella movie (IYKYK), life outlooks, and our love for purple and gold. A conversation with someone who I didn’t know before that moment turned into a rushing waterfall of laughter with someone I felt like I’ve known my whole life. I never became her mentor. That title went to another bridesmaid I’m sure you’ll meet. But I became her friend—something I’ve grown to treasure more than any corner piece of any puzzle.

When I think of Sam, I think about cozy coffee corners and libraries that smell like their 100 years old in the best kind of way. When I think of Sam, I’m reminded of our too many to count study dates at Valley Pike in Harrisonburg, where we both just needed to get away from campus while still being with each other. I picture the one too many digital planners that come through my phone that Sam thinks about buying only to end up with the same light blue handheld planner and the same highlighters she’s been using since Sophomore year of college. She’s the friend who helps me get my life together even when hers might also be a bit shambly too. She’s my tall best friend who sends me a giraffe of some kind every year and is perfectly okay with me telling her that she’s my favorite giraffe…even though I technically have a giraffe. Yes, a real one! One was adopted in my name a few years back.

I’m so glad that ~four score and 7 years ago~ I met my best friend. And this season, I’m even more excited to stand beside her as she marries hers!

If you see me at the wedding and need some talking points….

ALL things wine, I studied abroad in South Africa, I’m a 4-H alumna, JMU, Friends, The Office, Parks and Rec, ANYTHING Marvel, definitely what we’re having for dessert at the wedding, and how likely I am to take my shoes off once the Electric Slide comes on!

See you all soon!

Liam has been a part of my life ever since he held me in the hospital on the day I was born. But more than just being a part of my life, he’s been such a huge role model for me. Not having an older brother growing up, Liam was the example that I followed and looked up to. From his humble and outgoing personality to his love for sports and Linkin Park, I have always admired Liam and tried to follow in his footsteps.

Liam’s the type of guy that you always want to have around. Whether it’s backpacking in New Mexico, going on long road trips, or a family get-together, Liam always makes the occasion better and there’s never a dull moment. Liam will run and get your backpack away from a black bear who’s looking to go through it. He’ll drink an extra large ice coffee before a 5 hour car ride and need a pit stop every 45 minutes. (At least he plays good music in the meantime). He’s also the guy who will stay up all night playing Call of Duty with you at your Christmas cookie bake, helping you beat all the levels you couldn’t.

Another thing I admire about Liam is his willingness to try anything he’s interested in, like doing his school play where he met Sam. Because of that, Liam met the love of his life. Ever since, Sam has been to so many family events and vacations that it feels like she’s part of the family already. I can’t wait for the big day so that Liam and Sam can finally make it official!

To know Sam Schoeps is to love her. Sam and I met our sophomore year at JMU after she got into the organization we were in together, Student Ambassadors. We set up a coffee date to get to know one another and hit it off pretty much instantaneously. We shared similar loves for musical theater, coffee, singing and dancing, the list went on. A few months later we were matched as a mentor/mentee pairing and have been best friends ever since. Sam radiates sunshine through her which is something that has only gotten brighter as time has gone on. She is someone you call when you are having a random crisis as she always has the voice of reason, will do anything to help make a situation better and put a smile on your face, and always has the right thing to say. There are too many favorite memories to try and list them all, but one of my personal favorites was when we went and saw Waitress and spent the day in New York. Myself, Sam, Paris, and Chloe had the best day making new memories together in a place that was so familiar to Sam, but so new to myself. She was like our own personal tour guide. There’s another story from that trip that makes me giggle, but maybe we’ll save that for the wedding day. :) I am so excited and honored to be a part of what will be a day full of love and whimsy. I cannot wait to see what new stories and memories come out of this time shared with Sam and Liam as they begin a new journey together.

Picture this: I’m in music class in 3rd grade, circa 2007. This albino girl stands up and sings “Tomorrow” from Annie and I am speechless. She tells me she does these shows at the local community theater and invites me to go audition. I do my best “Twinkle twinkle little star” and a day later get cast as “Duck” in State Fair…the rest is history. Unbeknownst to some, Sam discovered a star that day (me, duh) and a lifelong friend. Here we are, a sweet 16 years later, and I somehow weaseled my way into her wedding party. 

In my almost 2 decades of knowing Samantha, yes her full government name, I’ve gotten to know an incredibly caring, supportive, goofy, humble, and ~wickedly~ talented human that I am so grateful to share a slice of my life with. From every moment we shared the stage together (and she stole my part), to our mini adventures from Philly to Pagosa Springs, it’s been a ride diva. I couldn’t imagine having shared these moments with another soul. Yes, Erin was there too, but it’s not about her right now (Sorry, Erin). 

Now, I don’t really know who this Liam guy is, maybe met him once or twice, but my sources tell me he’s a pretty awesome guy that plays a great Wickersham Brother. All I know is, he better make my Snow White Sam the darn happiest girl anyone ever did see…or else. I’m trained in fighting with 5 martial weapons Liam, so watch your back. 

Sam and Liam, your love shines so bright and warms my cold scorpio heart. I hope one day I can find a love remotely close to the yours. Cheers to the happiest couple! I love you guys.