This page is dedicated to the people who have always been there and who will continue to be part of the journey — from the ceremony in Alma, CO, to the reception in St. Louis, MO. These are the VIPs of the wedding: the very important party, very important parents, and very important pups. Each plays a meaningful role in the relationship, the celebrations, and the fun.

Sarah and Joe love spending time with John and Suzanne, especially visiting them in Mississippi for beach days, home-cooked meals, and quality family time together. Having previously lived together in their home while they were in St. Louis, there’s an easy closeness and a lot of laughter whenever they’re together, along with deep appreciation for the love and support they continue to receive. John and Suzanne are also part of the “J & S Club,” with those same similarities running deep in their dynamic.

Sarah and Joe are especially close with John and Sharon, enjoying Cardinals games and other fun outings together, endlessly laughing and enjoying each other’s company, often being the last ones to leave their house after a gathering to spend more quality time together, and valuing their support and advice through life. John and Sharon are members of the “J & S Club,” a lighthearted way to acknowledge shared initials, similar personalities, and a close-knit dynamic.

James has become a vital part of the family, settling fully into his role with his steady presence and undeniable charm. He can usually be found curled up in Joe’s lap on the couch or snuggled on his side of the bed most evenings, claiming his spot without hesitation. Loyal, loving, and always nearby, he was the obvious choice for Best Dog. He’ll be walked to the ceremony by the Best Man, Blake, proudly carrying Sarah’s wedding band down the aisle.

Mr. I is the OG pup of the family, graciously shifting from spoiled only child to big brother — sharing toys, treats, space, and attention along the way. He’s just as obsessed with Sarah as she is with him, always wagging his tail to greet her, comforting her when she needs it most, and ready at any moment to play with bubbles or balloons. As Dog of Honor, he’ll be walked to the ceremony by his auntie and Maid of Honor, Katie, proudly carrying Joe’s wedding band down the aisle.

The friends and family who are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Sarah and Joe’s relationship — offering moral support, celebrating milestones, and showing up through every season. They’ve helped shape the story from the inside and will share in the planning, the pre-wedding celebrations, and the reception itself — seated at the head table and part of the night from start to finish.

Blake has been part of Joe’s life since fourth grade, when growing up side by side in school and sharing the same circle of friends turned into a lifelong friendship. What started in classrooms and after-school hangs has carried through every season of life, with the two of them remaining just as close today as they were back then. Their relationship has always been easy and relaxed — the kind built on quiet understanding — but underneath that calm is a loyalty that runs deep, and they would drop everything without hesitation if the other ever needed it. Over the years, their friendship has looked like casual house hangs, cheering on the Cardinals, showing up for St. Ann community events, and spending countless hours building something new together — whether that’s tackling home projects or showing off the latest tools and gadgets. It feels only fitting that Blake will be one of the few making the trip to Colorado, standing beside Joe just like he has since the very beginning.

Katie is Sarah’s sister, best friend, and built-in travel partner — with a lifetime of shared memories, a million photos together, and many of the same friends woven into their story. From childhood chaos to navigating real adult life, they’ve grown up side by side, figuring things out in real time and witnessing every version of each other along the way. They can joke endlessly, laugh together (or at each other), have honest heart-to-hearts, trade advice without hesitation, and show up with unwavering support when it matters most. There’s an ease between them that only comes from years of shared experiences — the kind where you don’t have to explain yourself because she already knows. Katie has been Sarah’s A1 since day one — truly a sister bestie in every sense — and one of the few constants through every season of life. She has always supported this relationship and will be trekking to Colorado to stand beside her at the ceremony, just as she has stood beside her in everything else.

Freshman year at Notre Dame High School in 2005 is where Sarah and Danni’s friendship began, and they clicked immediately. After a night out that started with Sarah being dropped off at Danni’s house, Sarah’s mom fell in love with the neighborhood — and before long, her family moved just a street over. From walking to each other’s houses in the mornings for Pilates before school to sneaking out and getting into mischief, they’ve truly been through it all together. Over the years, they’ve watched their lives change while their friendship stayed the same, with conversations evolving from high school crushes to shared interests in gardening, cooking, and real adult life. Now, with Danni welcoming her daughter Charlie into the world, Sarah is happily thriving in auntie life — gaining a built-in little bestie along the way — while still having each other’s backs, no matter what.

Joe met Jonathan back in 1988 — also known as the year Joe was born — instantly gaining a built-in friend and sibling rival. As brothers do, they spent their early years engaging in plenty of competition and shenanigans, constantly finding ways to challenge each other growing up. Over time, that competitive edge softened into a steady, easy friendship, and these days they’re more likely to be laughing together than arguing over anything. Joe and Jonathan share similar looks and plenty of personality quirks — both low-key guys with a great sense of humor and an appreciation for keeping things simple. Their relationship is the kind where Jonathan might randomly swing by the house or they’ll pick up the phone for an out-of-the-blue conversation, and no matter how much time has passed between hangs, they always fall right back into rhythm like nothing ever changed.

Middle school is where Joe and Dan’s friendship took off, and it’s stuck ever since. Growing up together through seventh grade and beyond, they’ve always managed to have a good time no matter the season of life. Their friendship doesn’t require constant maintenance — whether they see each other weekly or sporadically, they pick up right where they left off. Over the years, hangs have shifted from teenage chaos to low-key nights at the house, sitting by a bonfire for hours, grilling together, and getting to know Dan’s kids as life has evolved. They’ve also spent plenty of time helping each other out with home projects, showing up not just for the fun moments, but for the work that comes with building a life.

Joe met Daniel as young kids playing baseball together, forming a friendship that has lasted both on the field and off. What started in dugouts and weekend games grew into a steady, low-maintenance bond that has carried through every stage of life. They’re the kind of friends who don’t need constant contact — they hang out when time allows, but it’s always a good time when they do. Over the years, their friendship has grown to include getting to know Daniel’s kids and shifting naturally from one-on-one hangs to double dates to family-friendly get-togethers. No matter the setting, Joe and Daniel always seem to relax in each other’s presence — catching up, laughing, and helping each other out whenever needed, just like they always have.

Sarah met Britney in the summer of 2019 while working together at Sana Lake Recovery Center, where they quickly became close. Their friendship grew out of a shared love for helping others and has continued to deepen over the years. They’re there for each other on the hard days and just as present when it’s time to celebrate the good ones-- which is exactly what best friends are for. From a 2025 friend trip that included dressing like ghosts to everyday hangs, Britney is always down for anything — light laughter, deep, meaningful conversations, or simply existing in each other’s company.

Freshman year at Missouri State in 2009 kicked off Sarah and Megan’s friendship, built on going out in Springfield, attending baseball games, and renting study halls mostly to procrastinate together. Even when Megan transferred to Mizzou, they made a point to stay connected — visiting each other and making time whenever they were back home. That same rhythm continued after Megan moved to Chicago. Megan famously believes friendships become permanent once they hit ten years, a milestone they celebrated with a trip to Maine, which sparked a tradition of yearly trips filled with girl talk, tarot cards, and exploring new cities together.

Ashlee came into Sarah’s life in 2017 when Sarah and Joe first started dating, beginning with group hangs since Joe and Blake go way back and both couples were new at the time. What started as couple get-togethers naturally grew into girl group hangs and eventually a strong one-on-one bond. Their friendship is built on honesty, support, and the ability to fully be themselves — relaxed, unfiltered, and always accepting. Time together often looks like happy hours, thrifting, farmers markets, or laid-back house hangs. Ashlee has had a front-row seat to Sarah and Joe’s relationship from the very beginning and will be there to support them during the Colorado ceremony.

Friendships Sarah couldn’t imagine leaving out of this chapter — women who have played meaningful roles in her life over the years. They’ll be part of the pre-wedding festivities, including the bachelorette celebration, and will be with her while getting ready before the reception, sharing in the photos, the laughter, and the celebration itself.

Sarah and Megan met at Notre Dame and instantly clicked over their quirky personalities. Their friendship looks like coffee runs, crafty get-togethers, brunches, and the kind of honest conversations you don’t have with just anyone. Time together is always easy and real.

A random bowling alley meeting in high school turned into one of Sarah’s longest friendships. They’ve stood beside each other in weddings, kept up monthly brunch dates to stay connected, and grown into adulthood side by side — including getting to know Hannah’s kids along the way. Through every season, they’ve stayed steady.

Jenna came into Sarah’s world in 2017 through mutual friends, but their connection grew stronger one-on-one and within their trio with Ashlee. They aim for monthly hangs — brunch, dinner, craft days, farmers markets, or quality time with her kiddos woven right in. Their time together always feels intentional and easy.

Crista first entered Sarah’s life through her sister’s soccer team and gradually became part of her own circle. What started as acquaintance turned into real friendship — sharing memes, talking through life, bonding over dogs and food, and keeping up with both fur kids and human kids as their lives have evolved. It’s the kind of friendship that’s grown naturally over time.

Liz started as Sarah’s sister’s best friend, but when your sister is your bestie, lines blur quickly. Over time, Liz became Sarah’s friend too — through theme parties, house hangs, pool days, brunches, and doggy dates. She’s been part of the rhythm of life for years.

Katie and Sarah have always been a little silly together. Even after losing touch for a stretch — just life being life — reconnecting felt natural. Now it’s brunches, game nights, and group chats that keep them in each other’s everyday orbit.