Relation: Cousin
Claire is one of the more adventurous people I know! This past year she lived the #vanlife and drove around the country camping and living out of Betty the Burb. I joined her for a week in Sedona, and we had an absolute blast! We hiked, camped, kayaked, cooked over a campfire, swam in a river, and even found a couple wineries. I was totally amazed by how she transformed a suburban into everything that one would need. She is so smart, independent, creative and loving. I'm so grateful for how our relationship has grown over the years and can't wait to watch her continue to grow through grad school and beyond!
Relation: College Roommate
Favorite Memory: One of the most pivotal moments in our relationship was a trip we took VERY early on in our relationship. We had just moved into the Columbia K-Life house together and a couple weeks later decided to *drive* to Washington, DC. We joked that this trip would either make or break our relationship, and here we are over a decade later! BreAnn's ambition has always amazed me. She is the kind of person that sets her mind to accomplish something and then does it. She wanted an internship in New York, and she got one. She wanted to be a graphic designer in Washington, DC and has now worked at the State Department as a graphic designer for over 5 years. She is always accomplishing new things, and I am so grateful to be along for the ride.
Relation: Law School Roommate
Jenna and I became besties during one of the most stressful times in our lives, law school. She is brilliant, so funny, and always a blast to be around. She is always up for an adventure, and I love that about her. For example, the picture above is from a canoe race on the Missouri River that we won, and we have the metals to prove it! Well, we were technically the only team in our division (an all women's team), but it still counts. Jenna is the friend you call when you are in trouble. She's the friend that is always in your corner no matter what.
Relation: Future Cousin-in-Law
Jocelyn is married to Rolando (Edgar's cousin and Best Man) and was my saving grace in getting to know Edgar's family's culture. The number of times I texted her to figure out what to wear to a family gathering is a testament to her patience. She welcomed me in and made me feel so comfortable. She is a hype girl and always there to make you feel your best. We all need those people in our lives. We've traveled so many places together and have already made so many memories. I can't wait to see where else we go and what else we do!
Relation: Fellow Kanakuk Counselor
Bailey and I met our first summer working as camp counselors at Kanakuk Kamp, and basically immediately hit it off. Bailey is so full of joy and is always the most fun person in the room. She is brilliant and lives life to the fullest. She creates her own opportunities and takes full advantage of them, like meeting the love of her life in Brussels while studying abroad. Several jobs and internships in Europe, weddings in Missouri and Brussels, and two absolutely amazing children later, she's already lived a full life, and I’m always excited to see what she has next.
Relation: Grad School Friend
Claire is truly one of my most interesting friends. From Peace Corps in China to working at HUD on policy for people experiencing homelessness with HIV/AIDs, Claire finds a way to help others in every aspect of life. At her core, she is a friend you can rely on for anything. She's the person you call after a breakup, and in 20 minutes (defying all laws of physics and traffic), she'll be there with wine, curry, and ice cream. We not only survived but *thrived* during a summer in DC together and travelled through Croatia, and I can't wait for our next adventure.
Relation: College and Grad School Friend
Katie and I first bonded over our shared love of Mizzou and politics, and I'm so grateful for all of the doors those two things opened for us. From interning in Jefferson City, living together for a summer in DC, and still loving each other after partnering together on our grad school capstone project, Katie is a ride or die friend. She is deeply kind and caring and can make anything a good time.
Relation: Sorority Mother
It was love at first sight during sorority recruitment with me and Annie. Annie is my most creative friend and is always making the most beautiful things. She takes that creativity into all aspects of her life to the benefit of those around her, like transforming AP US history curriculum to expand her student's minds, build empathy, and challenge assumptions. She can make anyone feel warm, welcome, and comfortable. She survived living with me as a freshman, a very unique time in life which included a LOT of one tree hill and popcorn (cooked and sometimes burned in our dorm room), and for that I will forever be grateful!
Relation: Future Sister-in-Law
I've had the pleasure of knowing Hannah since she was in middle school when she first started dating my eldest baby brother, JT. I've watched her grow and develop over the years and couldn't be more proud of and excited for her. She conquered nursing school during a pandemic and has survived many family trips with many hangry arguments, which shows just how patient and kind she is. I'm so excited for her to join the family and can't wait to celebrate her wedding next year!
Relation: Cousin
Rolis and I grew up and did everything together. We went to Kindergarten together, played on the same sports teams....you name it, he was there right by my side. He's been in my life every step of the way and continues to be a vital part of my growth as a man and as a friend.
Relation: College
Ryan and I met in college and lived in SF together. We have very similar interests and ambitions which makes navigating through adulthood a lot easier having him to confide in. Our most memorable moments together have been traveling to other countries and exploring what life has to offer. He is a trusting friend that will tell you when you are wrong (Abby especially loves that about Ryan). He balances me out and I confide in him whenever life puts a challenge along my way.
Relation: Childhood/College
KJ and I met in the 3rd grade playing CYO basketball. His father was my travel team coach and is one of the greatest mentors I have ever had. The apple does not fall far from the tree as KJ is just as influential to me. He motivated me through the majority of my college life and is genuinely one of the sweetest men I have had the pleasure of meeting.
Relation: HS
Brian and I share the same birthday and try our best to celebrate together as best we can. We went to Vegas together after turning 21, and we are always the first to text each other on our bday. Out of all the groomsmen, he is my calmness in the storm. He has a very relaxing presence, and I love how in tune he is with himself. I always leave our conversations feeling recharged and inspired.
Relation: College
Davion and I met in college and played intramural basketball together. We also lived in SJ together during my last year in college and early career years and we pretty much did everything together. My most fondest memory of Davion is when I got sick and stayed in the hospital for a few weeks. During that time Davion was my go to. He visited me regularly right after work, kept my spirits up whenever I was feeling down, but most importantly he was just there. He didn't shy away from post surgery awkwardness and he made me remember how great it felt to have a friend take on life with you.
Relation: College
Jon and I played intramural basketball together and lived together in SF post college. His energy is contagious, and he is one of the most fun people to be around. He made moments at home the best by proposing spontaneous trips or just making you laugh with his goofy humor. Jon's most memorable friend trait is calling me at the end of a night out and leaving hilarious voicemails. To this day, I still replay them back when I need a quick pick me up.
Relation: HS
I have known Devin since the 3rd grade also playing against each other in CYO. We got close in HS playing on the same sports team and even closer in college. He helped me explore the east coast given he went to school out there, and really brought me out of my comfort zone introducing me to new things, cultures and people. He is such a loving and caring person who is so charismatic and lovely to be around. Would not be who I am today without his wisdom and friendship.
Relation: Cousin
Fabian is 1/3 of the cousin trio with Rolando doing everything together. Growing up, we were blessed to have brotherly moments whether that was sleeping over at each other's house or celebrating birthdays and graduations. I call Fabian my spirit animal as we love the same things and have very similar energy when around others. I admire him for how much more outgoing he is than me. Easily becomes the life of the party the moment he walks in the room.
Relation: College
Arthur is one of the most motivating guys I’ve ever met. We met in college playing basketball and lived together in SJ. We also coached youth basketball at the same time and it was his love for helping others, coupled with his hard work ethic that makes him so great at what he does. He’s the first to offer a helping hand when needed and is always down to just spend time with you. His presence is very positive and uplifting and is overall a great friend that never lets you settle for anything less than you deserve.
Unable to attend due to a high history of taking up too much space on the bed and breaking out of the house unnoticed (Multiple offenses).