I’ve known for a decade that Hayden would be the best man at my wedding. Our mom’s were best friends and neighbors for many years before Hayden and I were born. He joined the scene 6 months after I was born, and we’ve been best buds since. We’ve been through a lot of life together: Sunday afternoons between church services, living together, workouts, and rounds of golf. I’ve never felt worse after quality time with this guy. 

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Hayden is a humble and vulnerable man. He’s a hero of his hometown, Pea Ridge. I’m pretty sure he’s got school records for balling out in multiple sports. Despite all that natural talent, he expects me to believe it’s legit when he lets me win our golf matches. There are wittier people than Hayden, but there’s not someone that makes me laugh more. I’ve loved this guy for decades and won’t stop any time soon. I’m grateful for who you are and all you’ve meant to me, brother!

Parker and I started at the bottom, and now we are here! You’ve heard of fast friends? That’s the opposite of Parker and I. Both being immature and having a lot to prove, it seemed like neither of us thought the office was big enough for the both of us. It’s really funny to think back about that now, because our relationship has been overwhelmingly positive in the years since. 

Parker has been crowned “The Duke of Conway” by our team. If someone mentions that they know someone from central Arkansas, I know that they’re about to get 3 questions from Parker, by the end of which, he will have been able to find someone that they’re mutually connected to that he has killed a deer with. 

He’s got a nasty slice on the golf course, but his friendship has been much more dependable than his tee shots. Parker is wise for his age and someone it’s really easy to go to when times are tough. Loads of gratitude for you, PT!

Of all my groomsmen, Tim is probably a stranger to the highest percentage of those invited to our wedding. Outside of my dad, I don’t think there’s a living man that’s had a more significant impact on who I am today. In the 4 years that I’ve been mentored by Tim, there have been some serious ups, downs, challenges, and curveballs. Tim has been a faithful and godly influence each step of the way. 

He and Cruze may be a foot shorter than some of my other groomsmen, but they both pack punches. Tim is the most strategic person that I know. He’s also a workhorse, so his potential for driving amazing outcomes is through the roof. He’s, self proclaimed, really good at a lot of the sports that other people don’t care about (badminton, spikeball, ultimate frisbee, etc). Tim is an embodiment of values & excellence. Most importantly, he’s an amazing husband and father to Steph and Mav.

It’s tough to miss this big, strong, mountain of a man that may or may not be better than me at basketball. God knew what he was doing when he put Chandler first in the birthing order of the rowdy 7. Chandler is solid as a rock, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He was the first of the brothers that I met, and I was only super intimidated for the first couple of sentences. It didn’t take long for him to help me feel welcome. 

One of the things I admire most about Chandler is how heartfelt he can be. He’s quick to be vulnerable and serious when it will make others feel seen. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing him lead in that way with each of his parents’ 60th birthdays. He’s such a great example of the leader that God has called husbands and fathers to be.

It’s impossible for me to have a bad time around Chase. All of these guys are so secure in their identity in Christ, they’re freed up to love others so well. He’s quick to administer praise, to be the butt of his own joke, and he’s a monster on the pickleball court. 

Chase was quick to embrace me, and I can’t tell you how great that felt! This guy is super successful, confident, and a natural leader. It astonishes me how quickly he was generous with his time and vulnerability so that we could have meaningful heart to hearts and get to know each other. I can’t wait to be this guy’s brother!

Each one of these guys is so unique. We’ve joked that if some nefarious group attacked our Crain clan, they’d have a tough time getting through the brothers. Chase may be out in front of the charge, but we all acknowledge that 139 time BJJ gold-medalist, Dylen, would be most be the most deadly. On top of being an absolute weapon of a man, this guy is wicked smart. He’s an authority on several neat hobbies and has an obvious drive towards excellence. He’s one of the most disciplined guys I know.

I’ve gotten to know Dylen much better in the monthly since Covi and I have moved up to Kansas City as he and Carrington have been generous enough to allow C6 to live with them in the months leading up to our big day. In his own way, Dylen is incredibly hospitable. He’s got a huge heart and shows it in how he loves Carrington, Steelman, his family, and his friends. I’m looking forward to sharing many years and thousands of steaks with you, Dyl!

Did I mention that these guys could be intimidating? Christian has got to be one of the coolest guys that I’ve met. 6’7 (or 6’8, depending on whether you ask Christian or Chandler), handsome, business mogul, able to make friends with anyone, my claim can’t be hard to believe. He’s adored by his family for never failing to bring great vibes and lots of laughs. 

Christian has a super power of authenticity. He’s confident, genuine, and will shoot you straight. Because of this, a compliment from Christian means a lot! 

Some of my favorite moments to observe at Crain functions have been simple, passing conversations between Christian and Larry that often result in lively chuckles erupting from the pair. I’m super excited to having Christian as a brother and doing more life together. On top of all the normal benefits of a close friendship, I expect to be made much cooler by osmosis. 

Cruze is a one-of-a-kind guy, and I’m so glad he’s agreed to stand next to me as he becomes my brother-in-law. From my first time meeting the Crain family, Cruze became a comfort blanket for me. He was recklessly friendly, warm, real, and engaging, and I love him for that!

I admire him because Cruze is a do-er. He is quick to rally others into activity. “Hey guys, let’s go play 2k. I’m down!” 

He’s the king of authenticity, talented in the kitchen, and a great friend to have around. The Lord has blessed Cruze with a lot of unique strengths, and he’s blessed us with Cruze. I’m thankful for you, buddy!