His Groomsmen
Best Man
Matt Fischer
Matt and I were born less than a day apart at the same hospital. If that were not coincidence enough, soon we would find ourselves attending the same daycare years prior to kindergarten. I learned to swim, ride a bike and even make new friends with him. We first chased girls together on the playground and I am assuming caused many headaches for our teachers. For more than two decades, Matt has had my back. We grew up together, our childhood friendship having evolved into much more of a brotherhood. We once were and in a lot of respects still are inseparable. I could not be happier having Matt stand there at my side with the thought there is no one that knows me better.
Burke Eberly
Burke is my older brother and has been more than I could ever ask for. He is beyond intelligent, respectful and a person everyone is happy to be around. It has been fantastic to have him there growing up, not only to offer advice but as a role model and confidant. Being close in age, we ran around making a lot of mutual friendships, played sports on the same teams, went to concerts and hosted parties. Burke makes a living 20-50 feet in the air holding the golden standard certification as an arborist. I miss him now that he lives in Colorado but am at ease knowing he is living well, happy and doing what he loves. No amount of distance in the world can strain the bond we share.
Tate Eberly
Tate is my younger brother and being the youngest of the four of us, he received his fair share of teasing created in part from sibling rivalry but always with affection. Just as Burke was there for me, I cherish the times I have been there to offer brotherly advice to Tate over the years. Tate has matured into an awesome young adult, lives life without regrets and capable of anything he sets his mind to. He has a passion for animals and love of music. He has positioned himself in the middle of a close-knit group of friends that share common interests. Although he might still be unsure of what his future has in store for him, I am confident he will find happiness and success.
Matthew Spetka
Matthew is my future brother-in-law. This young man is as adventurous as they come. He is currently studying Marine Biology in Florida, a decision of his that has opened the doors to wonderful opportunities to study abroad. Like me he has a passion for science and life, but his strongest interest is with sharks. His enthusiasm has led him to participate on the front lines of shark research, studies that have allowed him the chance to swim with them. For as long as I have known Matthew he has been more than welcoming to me. Spending quality time with him when he is home from school has made me realize how truly comfortable I am around him. I have no doubt had our two lives crossed paths before Emily and I found each other, Matthew would be amongst the group of my closest friends.
Liam Patridge
If you have not had the pleasure of meeting Liam you are definitely missing out. I have known him since grade school and could not imagine what my life would be without a friend like him. Of all my friends, Liam has the most infectious and genuine personality you could imagine. I have often thought of him as the glue that held a lot of us close together in high school. As those of us that do know him would contest he has the ability to brighten up any room just by being there. He is a funny man, hardworking in everything he does and has ‘moves like Jagger’. As time has passed by and we have both began to get busier in our lives I am saddened that I don’t get the chance to hangout with him as much as I used to. One thing has remained consistent, my cherishment of our friendship and ability to enjoy every minute of when he is around.
Corey Nesbit
Corey is also known as the ladies man. Corey has been a very good friend of mine since high school and currently lives just two minutes away from Emily and me in our Hilliard, Ohio home. It is pretty incredible just how naturally talented he is in what he does. He is a part-time artist, a builder, inventor, works in construction and the service industry. He does not currently have just one calling because he is proficient at so many. Hand him a soldering iron, guitar, drum set or paintbrush, it really doesn’t matter because he will make something beautiful from it. I love having Corey so close by because when I desperately need a break from studies he is always there and willing to chill. We regularly take our dogs over to run and play in his open backyard and I frequently join a group of others for some pretty intense half-court basketball in his driveway. Everyone needs a friend like Corey, he makes you stop and realize all the good in life.
Jr. Groomsman: Conrad Eberly
Conrad Eberly is very special cousin of mine because he is my godson. His dad Chad Eberly also happens to be my godfather. I cannot believe how fast time has passed by but one thing I know from watching Conrad grow over the years is that his future is bright. I cannot wait to see what this little man will become.
Ring Bearer: Evan Ritzer
Evan is one of Emily's cute little cousins. I have enjoyed getting to spend time with him and babysitting him. We always have so much fun playing with his favorite toy, trains! He will make the perfect little ring bearer!
Freddie Becker
Cooper Noward
Freddie, also Emily's little cousin, is the sweetest. He is adventurous and loves playing outside just like his dad. I love every time we get the chance to babysit him and the chance to play with his various trucks. He is always a joy to be around!
Another little cousin of Emily's, Cooper, is one of the funniest little guys that I have ever met. He loves to spend time in the water and run around playing silly games. We have so much fun having an indoor snowball fight. He is always a blast!