Kate Bailey McCunniff  “Kate-a-roo”

Kate and I go way, way back.  We became friends when we were about 7.  I had just moved to Waco and my aunt and uncle were good friends with the Baileys.  We were an awkward looking pair, but somehow we just clicked.  We attended Woodway Elementary together, as well as Midway Intermediate, Middle, and High School.  We even went to Baylor together!  Almost every childhood experience includes Kate.  At Baylor we both pledged Kappa and the togetherness continued.  We would always laugh because at Kappa meetings with about 150 other girls, Kate and I would end up talking to just each other (keep in mind that we also lived together for 2 years).  After Baylor, we both moved to Dallas and continued our good times there.  On my birthday December 19, 2009, I had the honor of standing by Kate as she and Bill were married.  I am so honored that she will stand by me at my own wedding come May as a Matron of Honor.  Though she now lives in Lubbock, we continue our strong bond of friendship as we always will through the years.  I admire Kate’s sweet and empathetic spirit and love for the Lord, her family, and her friends.  I am blessed to have such a true and loyal friend.

Amanda Brophy Czimskey  “Broph”

Amanda is another friend that I met shortly after moving to Waco.  We met in Sunday school at First Baptist Woodway, but we didn’t get off to a great start.  We both wanted to invite the same friend to “Friend Day” at church and things were a little tense for us.  However, we ended up in the same 3rd grade class and the rest they say is history.  Just like Kate, there are few memories that don’t include Amanda growing up.  We spent countless hours playing and attending school and church events together.  After high school, Amanda and I roomed together freshmen year at Baylor.  We had Texas flag bedspreads and Texas paraphernalia all around the room.  We absolutely loved it.  We have remained friends ever since and now enjoy going on double dates with our guys.  I proudly stood beside Amanda on the day she married her high school sweetheart Matt.  Her baby will only be about a month old when she stands beside me on our wedding day as a Matron of Honor.  Amanda is my wise friend and provides such good counsel and insight.  She is so loving toward her family, friends, and dogs.  I am blessed to have such a close and special friend here with me in Waco. 

Elizabeth Joan Locke  “Bibith”

Elizabeth completes our little group we call “The Four”.  Elizabeth was another friend I met at Woodway Elementary.  Elizabeth and my house were only a few miles apart, so we were always carpooling everywhere.  This continued after I got my driver’s license as I am 5 months older than Elizabeth.  We had such great times going to and from school, church, dances, slumber parties, sporting events, etc.  Her house was my home away from home because we were always spending the night or hanging out over there.  Our families also took several ski trips together.  Elizabeth was the one who moved off after graduation to that school 90 miles south on I-35.  Though we went to college in two different places, our friendship always remained.  After college, we both moved to Dallas where our friendship strengthened after those years apart.  We have shared many weddings together, and I am so happy we will be adding one more to the list as she serves as a Maid of Honor at our wedding.  Elizabeth is a friend who can always make me laugh.  Her giggle and joyful spirit can always brighten my day.

Mary Leigh Carter

Mary and I are both Wacoans.  However, I didn’t really know who she was pre-Baylor because we went to two different high schools.  Through Baylor, mutual friends, and Kappa, Mary and I established a friendship.  We shared so many memories throughout college.  Mary was a friend I could always rely on to go for a walk around the Bear Trail, grab a Sonic drink, or sit on the front porch and talk.  She and I just click and I consider her a very special friend.  After graduation, Mary was brave enough to do something no one else had done.  She moved to Portland, Oregon to work for a Christian Non-Profit organization.  Memorial Day weekend 2009, I decided to take a trip to visit Mary in Portland.  Little did I know that that trip would change my life forever.  Mary’s friend Drew in Portland was also having a visitor that weekend.  Mary and Drew decided we should all get together one night for dinner, and that is the night I met Ross VanDyke.  Mary and I have been in several weddings together, and I am so honored that she will be a Bridesmaid when Ross and I are married.  I love Mary’s adventurous spirit, her independence, drive to better herself, and love of people.  I wish I was more like someone like Mary.

Whitney Lye Walker  “Mother”

When I first came to Baylor, I heard about Whitney Lye but I didn’t know her personally.  She was this really cool, beautiful girl from Austin who intimidated me a little bit.  But I will never forget when I got a knock on my dorm room door and found Whitney standing there when I opened it.  She told me that she was pledging Kappa and had heard I was too.  Through pledging and other Baylor activities, Whitney and I became friends.  Our friendship strengthened when she and I took up running the Bear Trail together sophomore year.  We would meet at 8th and Bagby and pretty much talk the whole way around.  We continued that running tradition junior and senior year as well when we were roommates.  Living with Whitney was always a good time.  She is hilarious, generous, playful, and deep.  Her and Bill’s was the first wedding I attended after Baylor graduation, and I loved being a bridesmaid in her wedding.  I am honored that she will return the favor as one of my Bridesmaids.  Whitney is a treasured friend and I know we will be friends for a lifetime.

Liesl Grace Austin  “The Sleez”

Liesl and I shared many mutual friends our first two years at Baylor, but we were not yet friends.  It was a trip called Baylor in Great Britain that established our friendship.  There we discovered that we had a lot in common and could have a really great time together.  We say that we have kindred spirits.  We spent a lot of time together our final years at Baylor.  We would go to our favorite restaurants, go on bike rides, and pretty much just hang out.  We also created the group “KXB” (Kappa Chi Beta) so there was no distinction in sorority.  On one particular bike ride we started talking about living together in Dallas after graduation, and that is exactly what we did.  We lived together two years in Dallas and the memories only continued.  Our favorites things were eating great food, Sunday night movies, concerts, and weekend getaways.  I was blessed to have a friend like Liesl during that time of transition in my life.  I look forward to the day when Liesl is standing as a Bridesmaid at our wedding.  Liesl has such a sweet and tender spirit.  She loves deeply and is very passionate.  I know we have many more memories to share.

Merrill Glasgow Laguarta 

The love of sports brought Merrill and me together.  Merrill makes my competitive spirit look like child’s play.  When we started playing intramurals together, I was so excited to have found someone who took sports and winning as seriously as me.  We would ride together to almost all of our games and talk about strategy, the opponent, or life along the way.  Merrill is always up for having a good time and that is something I love most about her.  We shared tons of Kappa and college experiences and memories together.  I loved when we would all go out to Merrill’s lake house and just be silly and spend time with each other.  I was honored to be a part of her and Chase’s wedding and love that she will be a Bridesmaid in my own.  Merrill is spirited, fun loving, and passionate.  I have especially loved seeing her as a mother to her darling little girl Parker.  Both Merrill and her family have been so good to me.  I see Merrill and I sharing many memories down the years. 

Laura Elizabeth Strickland 

I met Laura through Amanda our freshmen year at Baylor.  I remember thinking that she was one of the nicest people I had ever met.  I still think that about her.  She and Amanda lived together sophomore through senior year, and I was over there a lot.  I always loved talking with Laura and updating each other on what was going on in our lives.  She and I would talk for hours about relationships and issues that resulted with that.  That is where Laura and I saw eye to eye.  And now we are both getting married!  Laura is someone everyone wants to know, and I am so blessed to know her.  She is someone who genuinely cares about people and her friends.  She will always make you feel like you are the center of her universe.  We got to share some time together in Dallas after Baylor that I absolutely treasure.  I am honored that she will be a Bridesmaid on our wedding day.   

Eden Yvonne Haas  “Ed”

Eden’s enthusiasm and go-getter attitude is what first drew me to her.  She and I lived on the same hall freshmen year at Baylor.  Our hall put together a flag football team and through that our friendship really started.  Eden is someone who was always up for anything and loved getting on the dance floor.  You are guaranteed a good time with Eden.  She lived with Amanda and Laura which gave me another reason for loving to go over there.  Eden has never met a stranger.  She will do anything for you.  Did I mention she loves to dance?  We did so much together in college and both went to Dallas after graduation.  I was blessed to have a friend like Eden in Dallas.  She showed me the ropes and was always getting us together to hang out.  It will bring me such pleasure to see her standing at the front as a Bridesmaid when I walk down the aisle.  Eden’s sweet, kind, and giving spirit is something I strive for.  

Stephanie Marie Thompson  “Steph”

The day I met Stephanie, we were lined up outside the Kappa room about to accept our bids.  I thought she was gorgeous and super classy.  We got to know each other through pledging and other college events.  But what really brought us closer was when we were Recruitment Chairs together for Rush.  We spent hours upon hours together planning, discussing, and having lots of fun.  We both went on to Dallas after graduation and had some great times there as well.  I was so honored when she asked me to be a member of her House Party for her and David’s wedding and look forward to when she will be a member of mine.  Stephanie is one of the classiest, well put together, and kindest persons I know.  She is assertive, a true leader, and extremely loyal and loving.  She also has the best hair poof I’ve ever seen!  I cherish my friendship with Stephanie.

Catherine Cagle Hammond “Kitty”

There are so many amazing things to say about Catherine.  Like so many of my other Wedding Party members, she and I met through Kappa.  She is the epitome of class.  I didn’t know what David Yurman was until I met Catherine.  We like to say that she “Yurminates”.  Catherine is a friend to all.  She is loyal and would do absolutely anything for anyone.  I have many fond memories of nights at her apartment in college and other events.  After college, we had some great times in Dallas watching The Bachelor or going to a great restaurant.  I love that she is well put together, generous, fun loving, and loves to eat.  She leads with a quiet elegance and has a tender heart.  Being involved in her and Alex’s wedding this past December was a true joy.  I am so honored that she will be a member of my House Party.  Catherine is someone you most definitely want as a friend.

Anna Summersett

I met Anna through a mutual friend when I was a freshman at Baylor and she was a sophomore.  Much to my delight, Anna met me at the door of Kappa on Bid Day and told me that I was her Little.  We established an instant friendship right then.  She took me under her wing through those weeks of pledging.  Not long after that, she asked if I would like to share a room with her the following year.  Anna and I shared a lot that year: a room, a bathroom, clothes, makeup, and a lot of good times.  We were always going to go do something or watching endless episodes of “Friends” or “Gilmore Girls”.  We went together just like the names Anna and Hannah.  She moved to Fort Worth after that year, but our friendship continued.  Even though she was in law school, we always found time to visit each other.  I admire Anna’s intelligence, drive, independence, and love of others.  She is assertive and has followed her dreams of becoming a lawyer.  I love being around her and her vivacious spirit.

Eryn Humphrey Springer  “Sister”

I think what drew me to Eryn was her sense of humor.  She can light up an entire room with her hilarious stories or bubbly laugh.  She and I stood together during Pledge Songs and shared many a laugh during long nights of practice.  She was always the one inviting us over for dinner or to eat some wonderful thing she had just baked.  She is the ultimate host and extremely put together.  Her sweet spirit and loving demeanor make her the great teacher and friend that she is.  We even lived in the same apartment complex in Dallas and shared rollerblading outings together talking about our guys and relationships.  I will never forget when Eryn and Josh became an item and I can’t wait to be a part of her wedding.  And I love that she will be in my House Party as well.  She brings a certain spice to life that I absolutely love.

Jordy Bond  “Mother/Jords”

I met Jordy the day I moved into the dorm.  She lived 2 doors down and already knew everyone on our hall, in the dorm, and at Baylor.  There is a reason why everyone knows or wants to know Jordy.  She is absolutely hilarious and so fun to be around, but she also has a passion for the Lord that draws you to her.  Jordy and I became closer friends in Kappa and all the time we shared together through that.  We would spend countless hours hanging out at her apartment sophomore year and lived together for two years after that.  Our house was never dull with Jordy around.  She is the queen at ugly faces and storytelling.  She and I would have light hearted talks as well as deep and meaningful talks.  We would go out to dinner together when we were the single people in the house.  Those were always very special to me.  She now lives in Denver and has attracted a new group of Jordy followers.  We have been in a few weddings together and I look forward to her being in mine.

Shane Paul Spillers “SPS or Shaner”

Shane and I met in 8th grade during a mission trip to Fredericksburg, Texas.  The following year we attended the same high school, First Baptist Academy in downtown Dallas.  At F.B.A. he was a member of the C.G.O.C. or Cool Guys Only Club.  I did not get into trouble much growing up though when I did this guy was usually with me.  Additionally we took two life impacting mission trips to Africa and Nepal together.  He is a brother I never had though wish I did.  I was honored to be the best man in Shane’s wedding and I am proud to know that he will be standing next to me in mine.  Shane is one of what I am referring to as the “Best Men.”

Douglas Moffett McNamee “Old Man McNamee or Big Guy”

Doug and I met our junior year at Baylor University.  Legend has it that we did not really care for one another at first though when it was all said and done we became friends.  No matter the situation Doug has stood by me and supported me and I have nothing but respect for the person he is.  His consistency as a person and his unwavering loyalty have always impressed me.  I had the honor of being a best man in Doug’s wedding and it is only fitting that he would round out the “Best Men” for mine.

James Kenneth Naramore “Jake or for those slightly more daring, Big Jake”

Jake and I met our freshmen year in high school at First Baptist Academy and later ended up going to graduate school together at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas.  During our time at JBU we lived in a farm house about 10 miles outside of town where we had no cable or internet and only had access to well water.  Although it might sound crazy, life was good there.  A few of my all time favorite memories with Jake were mudding in his Ford Ranger, racing to McDonald’s to get fried apple pies before class, and wrapping countless houses in high school.  We had a rule, we never wrapped a house with anything less than a hundred rolls.  Jake was also a member of the C.G.O.C. and is one of the “Best Men.” 

Andrew Wayne White “Drew, Biscuit, The Sandman or Dirty”

Drew and I met in seminary though did not become friends until many years later.  One of the greatest stunts we ever pulled was for over two years Drew snuck me into the gym at Baylor, the SLC, without anyone ever suspecting anything.  At the time I was not a student or an employee, and after he let me in, I would wait 5 -10 minutes, meet him at the rock wall where I would put on an act that I had not seen him in years every time.  Truly makes me laugh as I write this.  It was Drew that introduced me to rock climbing and later mountaineering.  It was because of this sport that I took my first trip to Portland, Oregon to climb Mount Rainer.  It was this trip that I met my future wife.  I will forever be indebted to Drew for introducing me to Hannah as well as for his brotherhood over the years.  He is  one of the wisest and most humble people I have ever known. There is not a guy out there that I would rather be stuck on the side of a mountain with than Drew “Dirty” White. 

Brandon James Blagg “B, Rachet, or The King of all Blaggs”

Brandon and I met at Truett Seminary in a class we had together.  Our friendship began through several lunches at Rudy’s BBQ where we would have chopped beef sandwiches or as we like to call them “heart attack hand grenades.”  If I had a big brother in this life, this is the guy.  Brandon is always the life of the party though he also has a serious side that few get to see which provides unwavering honesty which is something that has helped me grow to the person I am today.  I will always appreciate Brandon for his candor and for his perspective on life.

Ty Daniel Sprague “Tybo, John Boy, Buddy, Bud and Tyrone”

Ty is the younger brother I always wanted.  We both played it pretty cool when we first met though since then we have developed a true and genuine bond.  He could have made things a lot more difficult for me in dating his sister though for some reason he accepted me pretty quickly.  I am honored that Ty will stand side by side with the guys I consider my brothers to marry his sister. 

Matthew Allen Emmons “Hubcap, MADD and Nantucket”

Matt and I met our junior year at Baylor and is one of the funniest people I know.  I had the honor of being a groomsmen in his wedding which was in Little Rock, Arkansas and had one of the best road trips of my life to get there.  One memory that sticks out the most is when we paddled a canoe to the middle of a pond to retrieve a turtle trap.  We took 28 live turtles back with us to Waco to play a prank on a guy a Baylor.  I will never forget the smell of my truck that night, and the guy will never forget walking out to his vehicle to find 28 turtles on the inside. Worth it.  Anyone that knows Matt would agree that he is the definition of good times.  Make sure to look for this guy on the dance floor, trust me.

Ryan Christopher Gregg “Rhino”

Ryan and I were roommates in college and lived in a pink brick house named the “Shizzy.”    Ryan was my go to person to discuss life and how we were going to make it in the world.  He is the lead guitarist of the band Addison Road and truly has a God given talent.  We do not get to hang out as much as we used to though he is one of those friends that I have a huge amount of respect for and we seem to always pick back up where we left off.  I had the honor of being groomsmen in his wedding and am appreciative that he will stand next to me at my own wedding.

Christopher “Todd” Tramonte

Todd and I were roommates in college for two years. He is one that I have always admired for his work ethic, dedication to his family and his view of life.  He is passionate about Young Life and helping students see there is a better way in the world.  We share a lot in common and have always had pretty entertaining banter.  We were friends from the start though really became close friend through many hunting and fishing trips to a ranch he had outside of Waco.  I will never forget the time we lit a series of fireworks in one of our roommates room while he was sleeping.  I think I can still hear them going off.  I was honored to have been a groomsmen in his wedding many years ago and privileged that he will be a part of mine.

Taylor Wesley Auld “T-Bone and Uncle T”

Taylor and I were roommates in college for 2 years and later roommates again while in Dallas where we lived in the village.  In undergrad Taylor and I were hooked on two things, Bush’s chicken and Ebay where we were buying and selling everything we could get our hands on.  One of the qualities that I appreciate and respect the most is his patience and empathy for others.  He truly has a servants heart for others.  I had the honor of being a groomsmen in his wedding and am proud that he will be there when I marry Hannah.

Jason Don Wood “Wood, Bald Eagle, The A Man, Living Experiment, The Don, Symbol of America’s Freedom and The Governor of Rome”

Wood and I met our junior year at Baylor and became friends on a random train trip to Texarkana.  He is obviously a good guy, look how many nick names he has.  You do not just get a nickname, you earn them and trust me, Wood has earned a lot over the years.  A story that I think of often is when Wood was set up on a blind date to a formal at Baylor.  He wanted to meet her beforehand so they agreed to meet at Common Grounds, a local coffee shop near the Baylor campus.  Well fortunately myself and some other guys caught wind of this so a small group of about 25 walked through the coffee shop individually saying hello to Wood, shaking his hand, and meeting the girl.  It looked like a receiving line.  I have never seen the shade of red I saw that night.  Jason is the definition of a friend and one whom I deeply respect.  I believe great things are in store for him and his life.

Michael Scot Holmes “DJ Holy Holmes”

What can I say about Holmes?  DJ, his holiness.  Holmes and I met our junior year at Baylor and have been friends from the start.  He helped create a weekly poker night that started on Thursday nights at midnight to provide a group of friends the opportunity to fellowship which grew to epic proportions.  I have always respected his openness and desire for real and authentic friendships.  My hope is that I can be as good of a friend to Holmes as he has been to me.  Holmes currently works for ESPN and is an incredibly talented editor. 

Matthew Christopher Bates “Bates or MCB”

Matt and I became friends my senior year at Baylor and really connected with our appreciation for the outdoors.  Matt always liked to borrow my truck at the time to take girls out on the weekends.  His unique humor coupled with the compassion he has for his fellow brother makes him a one of a kind individual. I  spent 3 of the hardest weeks I have ever been in the outdoors with Matt backing in Wyoming and Colorado.  When I struggled or was down he was always there to encourage me that life is good.  We have become closer friends over the years and am grateful to have him in Waco.  I was a groomsmen in Matt’s wedding and am looking forward to him being a part of mine.

Rebecca Joan Mann “Bec”

Becca is a first cousin on my mother’s side. She and I are only about 16 months apart, so she was my partner in crime during family gatherings. It was non-stop play time while we were growing up. When we moved to Waco, our houses were literally separated by a backyard. We loved riding bikes, jumping on the trampoline, playing Tetris, making up plays, and just having fun. I always loved borrowing Becca’s clothes and makeup. As we got older, we were in high school together and even shared a few years at Baylor and in Kappa together. Becca’s personality can fill a room, she loves her family, and she is a generous giver. I am so honored that she will be a member of my Honorary Attendants. She has been a faithful friend and cousin as we have gone through the stages of life together.

Jennifer Katherine Mann “Jen”

Jenni is also a first cousin on my mother’s side and Becca’s older sister. Growing up, our age gap kept us from being very close. I thought she and her friends were the coolest, prettiest girls I had ever known. I wanted to be and look just like them. She and I never had the opportunity to experience Baylor or Kappa together. It has been in the last few years that Jenni and I have established a true friendship. We have discovered that we have a great time together. I love Jenni’s bubbly personality and contagious laugh. She also loves to play games with the same competitiveness I have. She will also be a member of my Honorary Attendants. I am so excited that she will be a part of our wedding day. Jenni is a true joy to be around.

Heather Sprague Kimball “Heather Lynn”

Heather is a first cousin on my father’s side. She and I are only 3 weeks apart. We were also inseparable anytime we were together growing up. We loved playing around Nana’s house, playing cards, and performing skits and songs for our family. Heather is an easy person to get along with and you are drawn to her sweet personality. I have always loved the opportunities we have had to spend time together. I had the honor of being a part of her and Brian’s wedding, and I’m so excited she will be a part of ours as an Honorary Attendant. Heather has such a passion for Christ and for the ministry, and she and Brian serve their church in Arkansas as true leaders should. She is also an incredible mother to her two boys. I admire so much about Heather’s caring and loving nature.