…in the words of the Groom.

Jared Bares

Best Man and Brother of the Groom

Jared Bares, playing in the privileged position of Best Man, has been at various times role model, protector, benefactor, friend, and tormentor of the Groom. In short, he has been all that a big brother ought to be. Jared is a prime example of the kind of hard working father and faithful husband I desire to be. Though at times prone to grumpiness and even (dare I say it) impatience, he is always willing to help a brother out, and I have him and Katie (and Logan) to thank for giving me a place to stay and something to do (not to mention valuable practice changing diapers) during my transition back to life “on the outside.”

Elliott Curry

Friend and Roommate of the Groom

Elliott Curry is one of those individuals who is in fact so individual that meeting him is akin to undergoing a rite of passage. He cannot be fully explained; he must be experienced.  Persons who passed through this rite, upon recognizing one another, invariably mention him using the following phrase: “Oh, Elliott.” The various emphases that can be put into this utterance ought not to be underestimated, and the precise inflections used by the speaker reveal the degree of his or her familiarity with the man that is Curry.

Elliott is responsible for the creation of a figure of speech known as the Curry Bomb, and stories about their explosions are often the subject of conversation of those who know him. His capacity to persevere in a terrible pun is astonishing and ought to be the material for one of his entries into the Guinness Book of World Records, of which there ought to be many.  Above all, Elliott is a fantastic friend, fiercely loyal, and, if ever offended, ready and willing to make amends so we can all get back to making puns.

If any of this description has puzzled you, you have yet to experience the Curry, and you would be well advised to do so as soon as possible: you’ll never see life the same way again.

Paul Kolker

Friend and Housemate of the Groom

Paul Kolker, Man of Mystery, is a nearly universally talented human being, who is remarkably good at whatever he bothers to do. World-Traveler, Seminarian, Honor Student, Teacher, Martial Artist, Improv Comedian, Businessman, Budding Columnist, Politician, and Novelist: all of these titles he has held and/or continues to hold. Wherever he goes, people remember his name and frequently speak of him as a cultural icon (i.e. “The Paul Kolker”).

No slouch when it comes to punnery and full-appreciator of a nice turn of phrase (the adjective nice need not apply to the following), I really got to know Paul during our shared time at Texas A&M, during which (single) semester he lived three doors down from me. Get it, Three Doors Down? See what I did there?

Paul and I shared several interesting, we venture to say epic, transitional phases of life that few others can claim to have experienced: leaving A&M for a seminary/monastery, living in Italy for several years, and then the subsequent (not to mention wonderful) return to not only Coppell, but (incidentally) the ability to fraternize with women.

Daniel Lehew

Friend and Body-builder

Seriously? Daniel was the first of us to get married? Dudes, we have so much to learn. No offense to the Canucks that might read this, but Daniel could look you in the eye and honestly tell you that one of the most important years of his life was spent in Canada. Another of us adolescent boys that left the nest for religious life, he returned with a degree in philosophy, about a million pounds of muscle, and that sometime sought after yet rarely achieved prize: manhood. A screwball? Yes. Childish at times? Maybe. One to count on? Absolutely.

Don’t take my word for it; just ask his wife (Yes, folks, he’s married to Naomi). And by the way, I don’t know about you, but I just can’t wait to see little Daniels running around.

Nate Knight

Friend and Brother of the Bride

Nate, like Elliott, is another of those rather particular individuals that just cannot be captured by words alone. He’s 26, looks 18, and tells people he’s 23…or is he 30? Runner up for the Most Interesting Man in the Metroplex, he’s one of the more interesting new attractions in Dallas/Fort Worth. Shy? No. Articulate? Nope. Suave? Uh, not exactly. But take him out for dessert and you’re in for a treat, every time.

Korean with a heart of gold, Nate was the perfect gateway into the Knight family, talking me up to an appropriate degree, and giving me credibility. Thanks, buddy.

Logan Bares

Ring bearer, Godson and Nephew of the Groom

Yes, ladies and Gentlemen, this is the future of the Bares clan and the hope of the Horeckas. Logan will always have a special place in my heart, since he was born just two days before I returned from the monastery, and I got to hang out with him one on one every day for about six months. I like to think that we bonded enough that we can tease each other now, though that may be part of the reason he seems to think my name is now “Nojesse!” I am looking forward to watching him grow up, and have every intention of giving him some cousins.