Ann Marie and Elizabeth met in 1988 when Elizabeth came out of their mother's "belly" and Ann Marie got a new roommate, a built in Maid of Honor, and a best friend. Ann Marie doesn't remember their first meeting or her first impression, but she assumes its that Elizabeth was loud, something that hasn't changed over all these years. Elizabeth has assuredly spent more time on this earth with Ann Marie than any other person alive. From the hours and hours they spent playing B-A-R-B-I-Es, to singing in the choir, acting in the play, and joining the same Sorority (thus making them sisters, squared) , these sisters were basically inseparable until Elizabeth went off to medical school and Ann Marie joined the military. Now sometimes that inseparable meant screaming at each other in the sorority house and sometimes that inseparable meant making single ladies videos in Ann Marie's apartment, but that's just details. These last seven years since they lived apart have at time been trying but one thing has always remain true: there is no better friend than a sister and no better sister than Elizabeth. There is no way Ann Marie could ever say "I do" without Elizabeth by her side.
Her most annoying trait? She a doctor who saves babies from cancer for a living. Basically whatever you do with your life is inadequate compared to that.
Countries traveled together:
Italy
France
Japan
Kelly and Ann Marie met in 2006 when Ann Marie rushed Kappa Kappa Gamma. Kelly nearly immediately knew that she wanted Ann Marie to join her sorority, but also that Ann Marie was really annoying, much too touchy, and had way too much energy. Their friendship didn't truly blossom until 2008 after they had both graduated. Through college the "Kappa Rat Pack" had a ritual of watching Grey's Anatomy together. After graduation a number of the girls continued this tradition. As time went on girls moved away or moved on, until only two Grey's girls were left standing. And so, Ann Marie and Kelly maintained their Grey's night every Thursday, even when there was no Grey's, until Ann Marie left for the military in 2012.
Over the years Kelly has been the most loyal and trustworthy of friends. When Ann Marie moved away, Kelly never let that affect their friendship. Instead, they just FaceTime their Grey's night and Kelly came to visit wherever Ann Marie moved. Kelly was there through the heartbreaks and the happiness. She has always been ready to grill Ann Marie's dates with 20 questions and then subsequently ax them or stamp them approved. Now that Matt has earned the Kelly seal of approval, Kelly has to be their when they say "I do".
Most annoying trait? She is basically superhuman. Other women experience a pay gap when they have a baby. This woman gets promoted while on maternity leave.
Countries visited together:
Japan
Tahiti
South Korea
Hong Kong
Kendra and Ann Marie met when they are both out one evening outside of Yokota Air Base, Japan. Ann Marie had recently arrived to Japan and was futilely trying to make new friends. Kendra, being the charitable person she is, decided to take pity on Ann Marie and explain to her all of the social faux pas she was making. After that, Kendra was stuck with clingy Ann Marie who knew Kendra was probably much too nice to tell her to go away. Their friendship was solidified when they went on a late night "drink" run through the pouring rain with plastic bags over their head to replenish Kendra's party with snacks and beverages. Since then, Ann Marie has known Kendra to be one of the most selfless and loyal friends a girl could have. Kendra has also become Ann Marie's most reliable travel companion and they have seen amazing and wonderful things together. Even when they live a country apart, you'd never know because Kendra makes time for Ann Marie.
Most annoying trait? She's brilliant. Need someone to discuss history, politics, feminism, maternal and infant health, current events, or your hair? Kendra's your girl.
Countries visited together:
India
China
Japan
South Korea
Phillipines
It was the 80's and between the elaborate and well executed G.I. Joe wars and the sorting of his large collection of baseball cards, Matt would often take a break, stop his Theater of Pain cassette by Motley Crue, and think to himself how sweet it would be to have a brother. Well God heard Matt's pleas and boom, he created Adam. Elated, Matt immediately put him to work in a two man band as the drummer of the pots and pans where the loud sets staged in the living room made Tommy Lee eat his heart out. Well at least that's how Matt remembers it. From there Matt would watch Adam take on life with enthusiasm and passion, just like he did with those drums.
Adam lives in Denver, CO, with his sweet and talented wife, June. He works as a medical laboratory scientist in a downtown hospital. As empathetic and caring as Adam is, its no surprise his job entails protecting people. Matt just wishes he could protect him from heart break by changing his loyalty from Buffalo sports teams to Denver sports teams. I guess you can take the boy out of Buffalo, but you can't take the Buffalo out of the boy. Some of Matt's favorite recent memories he got to share with Adam include flying back to Buffalo to go to the Bills home opener, and catching a Bills game in Denver. Yeah, the Bills lost both games.
What has not been lost is the bond between these Buffalo brothers. Definitely a no brainer first choice to be the best man!
Doug and Matt first met in 1994 at Great Lakes Navy Recruit Training Command (a/k/a Boot Camp). Doug was in Company 030 and Matt was in his sister company, 029. Early one chilly December morning near the shores of Lake Michigan, Doug did an about face and "saluted" Company 029 after a fiercely competive week between companies. It was at that moment, Matt knew he had to befriend this guy. Both Sailors graduated boot camp and coincidentally ended up heading west to Naval Air Station Lemoore, California for their first assignment. It was there that their friendship was cemented and has lasted through three decades.
While Matt was too scared to jump back in to the civilian world, Doug dove in and is one of the most successful financial advisors in North Carolina. Throughout the years, Matt looked to Doug as the best example of a father, husband, and friend as well as the epitome of a selfless human being. Doug would literally give you his wallet if you were in need, as long as he didn't misplace it! Another trait Doug has been known for that has created more comical incidents than this web page has room for.
If you have never met Doug, I hope you have the chance during the wedding or reception. You will immediately know why Matt has looked up to him since their shipmate days. Every Groomsmen detail needs a Doug and Matt is more than thankful he has his!
