Hi, I’m Marlena! I met Sami early in my sophomore year of college through the fabulous Marching Illini Colorguard. We were both the most equally chaotic people in the group so we naturally became besties pretty quickly AND even decided to live together (we even won an award for more inseparable duo). Since then, we haven’t lived in the same city (I live in Chicago) BUT we never drifted apart. We’ve both truly been there for each other through in the best and the worst of times and are each others biggest supporters. Needless to stay, I’m so excited to see my best friend get married in 2025! I’m so happy that her and Ethan found each other and I can’t wait to be right by her side during the big day! I’ll try not to cry but no promises!!

Ethan and I have been friends for going on 16 years now after meeting in Junior High Band. In that time we've shared a lot of laughs, and made some incredible memories. Through thick and thin, he and I have had each other's backs. We've shared a love for NASCAR, Cardinals Baseball, Will Ferrell movies, and being terrible at video games. I have so enjoyed watching Ethan and Sami grow and prepare such a great life together. And am beyond blessed, and proud to call him my best friend. It is my honor to take on the role as his best man as we watch these two become one. SHAKE N' BAKE!

Sami and I met at the University of Illinois and became friends our senior year of college. We both went different ways post college, but when I moved back to STL our mutual love of Cardinals baseball had us in the seats at Busch Stadium 2-3 times a month. From 2018 on, Sami and I attended countless baseball, hockey, concerts, happy hours, and I even convinced her to be my basement roommate at 2832. Our friendship survived months of leaky basement walls, using curtains to separate our rooms, sharing one bathroom for 4 girls and many other "perks" of basement living. I will never forget when Sami called me and asked if she should go to Taylorville for a New Years Eve party where she would barely know anyone but Ethan. The rest is history... I am honored to not only have Sami as my Maid of Honor in September 2024, but to return the favor and be her Matron of Honor. Live, Laugh, Love the Hendricks.

Ethan and I met while rushing the same fraternity. We bonded over shared interests and despite radically different views on NASCAR we quickly realized that we would be fast, close friends. Throughout our time at Illinois we lived together for 2.5 years, attended many football and basketball games, and graduated together! Even though we are now living closer to 6 hours apart rather than one room over, Ethan is still one of my closest friends and we continually talk via an impromptu call or a daily Snapchat. I cannot wait to stand up there and celebrate with Ethan and Sami on their Wedding Day!

I've known Sam as long as I can remember and even before that! Growing up we could get on each other nerves, but we were there for each other when it mattered most. We actually started getting closer when we started living apart and now I don't just consider her my sister, but also one of my best friends. Whether it be going on our annual trip to Kimmswick, cheering on the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, or just sitting around talking about everything going on in our lives. When Sam started going out with Ethan, I knew he was going to be the one that she would be spending the rest of her life with. They are absolutely perfect for each other and the best dog mon and dad to Cannoli. I am honored to be apart of their big day and cannot wait to see them say "I Do" on 5.24.25!

Ethan and I have been friends since 2010. We met in high school band, and we both played the drums, so we quickly became good friends through band activities. He was a year older than me in school so I did look up to him, as strange as that may sound. He has been such a great friend through all the years! We have been on trips to different cities together, he was a groomsman in my wedding, and we always end up laughing at/with each other anytime we hang out. I am so glad Ethan and Sami have found each other, and I am very excited to be part of the wedding!

I have known Sami literally my whole life! She was three months the old when I was born and we have grown up together. She is the best cousin I could askd for! We had countless childhood sleepovers which were always a blast. We have always rooted for and supported one another. I am so happy Sami and Ethan found each other and I am so excited to be a part of Sami and Ethan’s big day! Can’t wait for 5.24.25!

Ethan and I have been friends since the late 1900’s - when it was considered “cute” to have pee races down the neighbors driveway. We’ve made so many great memories like starting our own “radio station” and literally playing in traffic. Since then we’ve maintained our friendship and it didn’t take long for me to realize that Ethan and Sami are perfect together. I can’t wait to celebrate with you guys!

Hey I’m Emily! I went to high school with Ethan and have been friends with him for a while so when he started dating Sami, I remember hearing so many great things about her until I was finally able to meet her myself. And Sami definitely lived up to the hype! She is AMAZING and I’m so happy that she chose Ethan to spend her life with (because let’s face it, Ethan’s a loser… just kidding love you Ethan!). I’m so excited to be a part of the wedding party and celebrate these awesome people on their wedding day!

Hello there! I'm Justin Klocke, one of the lucky guys honored with the title of groomsman for Sami and Ethan's incredible wedding. Being a part of the special day is an absolute joy. I've known Sami and Ethan for nearly three years and have witnessed firsthand the love between them. It's an honor to stand by their side as they embark on this wonderful journey together. When not suited up for wedding duties, you can find me hanging out with Ethan at a racetrack or spending time with Sami, Ethan, and my wife playing board games. Our friendship has been filled with laughter and unforgettable memories. Some of those memories may have caused a bit of anxiety for Sami as Ethan and I always ensure our escapades are memorable. I couldn't be more excited to witness Sami and Ethan say “I do.” Cheers to celebrating love, laughter, and a happily ever after!

I’m Jessica Haines and I work at WashU as a Parkinson’s disease lab manager. I met Ethan when he was a sweet baby angel in junior high. We grew apart as we got older, but our mutual friend, Emily Laugges, brought us all back together when they moved to St. Louis. I had the pleasure of meeting Sami at a Christmas party I hosted, and we became closer through endless bowling nights, holiday parties, game nights and girl trips. I had a rough year this past year, and both Ethan and Sami have been loyal and empathetic friends. Their door is always open and are willing to lend an ear. Helping execute Ethan’s engagement plans was such a delight, and I couldn’t be happier that these two genuinely amazing people have found one another. I can’t wait for 5.24.25.

Ethan and I have been friends since 2010. Like most of my friends in high school, we met in band and bonded over playing music in marching, concert, and jazz band. In our friend group, he used to be the short kid with a squeaky voice but eventually he grew taller (and taller and taller and taller) and his voice grew deeper. With all that growth, he’s grown to be a great man and a great friend. Today, we still bond over music and we’re always quick to laugh at one another. It’s been a pleasure to get to witness Sami and Ethan grow as a couple and I’m glad he found someone with a heart as good as his.

I have known Sami for literally as long as I can remember. We grew up together and became friends through Girl Scouts and later went to high school together. After graduating college I moved to Springfield Illinois with my co-bridesmaid Emily Laugges. While living in Springfield, I got to know Ethan through our mutual friend, Emily, and was welcomed into their friend group with open arms. I was so excited and surprised when I found out that the woman Ethan had started dating was Sami! Since Ethan and Sami have been together we’ve become great friends and made lots of memories through countless nights at Shrewsbury bowling lanes, game nights, holiday parties, and I even got to be there for the engagement! I can’t imagine not having Sami and Ethan in my life and I feel so lucky to stand next to them on their wedding day.

Being the younger brother to two sisters, I have seen a lot. Growing up, it was constant chaos in our house. But as my sisters moved off to college, one-by-one, the house grew quiet and peaceful. It was nice for a change, but it didn’t feel right. Sami and Jessica were my daily entertainment for my whole life, and now they were suddenly gone. It made me reminisce on how blessed I was to have both of them in my life. Sami has always been a huge inspiration to me throughout my life. She was determined, smart, funny, and always treated me like someone her age. It has always been so easy to relate to her and we’ve grown to be very similar in many aspects. And when I met Ethan, I couldn’t be happier. Ethan gets Sami in every way and the happiness that he brings her can be felt by anyone around them. They’re perfectly balanced, as all things should be. May 2025 can’t come soon enough!