1. It was one of the most fun and meaningful days of my life.
2. I never want to do it again.
While composing this post, I re-read our wedding vows (yes, I am choking back tears), and considered maybe I should add a third note about love:
Kyle and Shelby, if there is anything you remember of this day or of this ceremony, it should be that it was love that brought you here today. It’s love that makes this a gracious and compassionate union, and it’s love that will help your marriage endure.Love certainly deserves the credit--but not just the Kyle-Shelby love. It was also the love of family and the love of friends.
So here's a tribute to some very special family and friends taken from our 2010 wedding program. Thank you for giving your love so freely and unconditionally--you will always be part of "what brought me here today" no matter what day it is.
I know this much is true.
Jessica Allen, Matron of Honor
My sister Jessica lives in Royal Oak with her husband Lonnie and three daughters Sophie,Sage and Samantha. Jess is busy, busy, busy and finds success in everything she does—especially worrying. So, if you are enjoying mild, perfect weather right now, the credit goes to her directly. Jess wears her heart on her sleeve. She is loving, dedicated and protective, which is partly why I am here today, I am sure.
Heather Robinson, Matron of Honor
My sister Heather lives in Ann Arbor with her husband Matt and three step children Anneke, Jay and Schuyler. Whether she’s taking care of her husband after a water skiing accident resulting in a torn hamstring, or providing top
shelf vodka to the bride after she learned the wedding invitations were wrong—she is always in the middle of doing something for someone else. Also, she is fun; very, very fun.
Michelle Tobin
A college roommate and friend of mine since seventh grade, Michelle lives in Royal Oak with her husband Luke and son Graham. Michelle makes time even when she doesn’t have it. The answer is always yes when I call and say “Do
you have a minute?” We’ve lived together and lived in different time zones. We’ve been through big hair and big drama. She is as supportive as she is loyal, and I am thankful that through all the stages of our lives, our friendship has endured and flourished.
Sarah Garcia
Sarah lives in Lansing with her husband Joe. From the moment we met, I felt like I had known her my whole life. Simply, everything is just more fun with Sarah. She has a magnetic personality and is funny and kind hearted.
Sarah and Joe enjoy a home on Lake Michigan in Pentwater (where the bridal party recently spent a weekend—so fun). Her laugh is contagious and her generosity is without limits; truly without limits.
Annette Rodgers
Annette lives in Linden with her husband Mike and son David. I have not met a person who is more kind than Annette. She is unassuming, talented, thoughtful, trustworthy, supportive, witty and fun; what a great combination. After
hearing about Kyle, she predicted—before our first date even—that Kyle was “the one.”
Rebecca Bahar-Cook
It’s funny to think that folks were worried that our strong personalities would clash and Rebecca and I would not get along. I can’t imagine my life without her. Rebecca is spirited, loyal and giving with both her time and attention. One year for her birthday, tee shirts were printed, Rebecca Bahar Cook: The Complete Package—I couldn’t agree more. She is a friend, mentor, wife, mother, sister, colleague, commissioner and finder of the engagement ring
in the sand.
Kendall Crockett, Best Man
My younger brother Kendall lives in Lansing with his wonderful wife Laura, and his soon-to-be born daughter (we are very excited about the new addition to the Crockett clan). Kendall is an avid golfer (be forewarned if he is off his
game), a dedicated football coach, a good man, a good friend and a good brother.
Kim McKernan
My older sister (at least she used to be until she stopped aging on her 29th birthday) Kim lives in DeWitt with her fiancé Carlos (one of the dedicated ushers helping you to your seat) and his outgoing and energetic children Corey,
Joseph and Lexi. Kim and Carlos were recently engaged, and we would like to congratulate them! Kim is very friendly, extraordinarily fun, outgoing and sends some of the best care packages a college kid ever hoped for!
Doug Black
Doug and Kyle have been friends since second grade. He lives in Wisconsin and travels frequently due to the demands of his job. Doug is a generous and giving friend, with a matterof-fact delivery and a do-anything attitude. His“only” flaw…he’s a Spartan.
Arieyeh Austin
Arie and Kyle have been friends since the era of the coke bottle glasses (i.e., seventh grade). Arie lives in upper New York State with his wife Barb and their two beautiful daughters, Sophia and Nicolette. Arie will be deployed to Afghanistan in early 2011, and we wish him a safe and secure trip and tenure there. Arie is epitomized by dedication to his family and friends, energy and passion (and a certain unwillingness to “grow up”).
Chad Haag
In a phrase, Chad is “Easy like Sunday morning.” He lives in Traverse City with his wife Autumn. His job as a pilot has him traveling the world over. Chad is exceptionally generous (sorry, again, about the time the Mustang “hit” that
small bush in a certain teacher’s yard and got a bit scratched up—total accident), constantly positive and exceedingly kind. Today is Chad’s birthday!
Adon Austin
Adon lives in New York City and travels the world as an engineer diver/maritime specialist. He is a wonderfully wicked combination of creative, intelligent and contrarian. He has been a friend of mine since seventh grade. At the time of this writing, he was not sure if he would be able to make the wedding due to the demands of his job. He is missed.
Ushers
Carlos Garza Future Brother-In-Law ofThe Groom
Flower Girls
Sophie Allen, Sage Allen, Samantha Allen and Sydney Bupp, Nieces of the Bride
Special Thanks
Bill & Cheryl Bupp, Phil & Sandy Crockett and Lynn & Dave Michael
