Wedding Party
Maggie Ward
Maid of Honor
Niece of the Bride: This girl. Where do I start? She’s been my sidekick, my best friend since pretty much the day she was born. I prayed for a niece for five whole years, every single morning, and it turns out, God outdid himself! She’s beautiful, funny, smart, good at basically everything...and of course, I taught her everything she knows. Kidding, I can’t take the credit for that...I will, however, take credit for the fact that she loves Chick-Fil-A and Thomas Rhett almost as much as I do ;)
Brandon Zurlinden
Best Man
Brother of the Groom: Brandon is Alec's older brother, and I always joke that they're lucky to have each other, because no one thinks they're as funny as they do ;) I've loved being able to witness their relationship over the past couple of years. Brandon's talents include Spikeball, removing washer/dryers from tiny bathrooms, and being an awesome husband/dad. From day one, he's welcomed me into their family, and I'm so grateful for the new brother I'm gaining!
Anna Marshall
Bridesmaid
College Friend of the Bride: Anna was my Resident Assistant my Freshman year at the Abbey...and we ended up living together for the next 3 years! Affectionately known as “Midge,” she can generally be found with a gigantic flower or bow somewhere on her person, as well as some shade of pink. Our real bond was forged one night when I got a stomach bug and almost died (dramatic but seriously, any Abbey kids remember the Hintemeyer plague??) As I laid on our bathroom floor, she stayed up the entire night with me, sitting right there, and just generally being the best kind of person. I recall saying “I WANT TO DIE” (again, yes, I'm dramatic) and she calmly and kindly told me that I was not dying, and to get a grip. As you can see, I lived, and we are now forever friends <3
Aaron Waldmann
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom: Alec and Aaron are childhood friends, and they have the kind of easy friendship that can only be found with people you've known for almost your entire life. Aaron is one of those people that is nonchalant enough to fool people who don't know him, but low key really has his life together. I know Alec is grateful for their friendship, and couldn't imagine this day without Aaron!
Niki Ward
Bridesmaid
Sister of the Bride: Once upon a time I was 4 years old in a pink fluffy dress throwing out flower petals at Niki's wedding...life is coming full circle, minus the fluffy dress ;) She raised three of my favorite humans, she's smart, motivated and way more fun than I am! We've been together for all of life's big moments, and I can't imagine doing this day without her <3
Robert Franer
Groomsman
Brother of the Bride: When you’re homeschooled, your class is pretty small, and you better hope you like them. I lucked out because Robert and I were the best of friends...even when it did NOT appear so (sorry Mom!) He’s about 100x smarter than me, and I keep hoping some of that will rub off on me, but nothing yet. It’s been so much fun watching him become a dad...he and Abbey have the cutest kiddos. He's the best for impartial and level headed advice, and the only person I know that has read LOTR like, 13265153 times.
Margaret McGovern
Bridesmaid
College Friend of the Bride: Through my scholarship program I was assigned a prospective student to host. I just happened to get really lucky, and get this girl. I made her pile in my tiny Civic with like, a lot of people, took her to Cookout, told her our Friday nights consisted of milkshakes and Catchprase...and somehow she joined us at the Abbey anyway. An accomplished martial artist, a talented event planner, the queen of sarcasm, and the warmest of friends, she’s been such a blessing to me. From Nashville to Mackinac to Belmont to Cincinnati...our friendship has seen a lot of places, and I can’t wait to see a million more.
AJ Price
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom: A.J. is one third of the trio that is Alec, Aaron and A.J. Another childhood friend, there are lots of stories that I won't repeat here about these three growing up together...ask them at the wedding if you need some added entertainment ;) When I asked Alec for the first word that comes to mind when he thinks of A.J. he said dependable, which is a huge part of why they've stayed friends for as long as they have. I know Alec wouldn't want to get married without A.J. by his side!
Alex Shearer
Bridesmaid
Childhood Friend of the Bride: When you've known someone for what feels like forever, it's hard to fit your memories into this little box! Alex was the cool friend in high school who had a truck, and some of my very best memories are sitting in the bed with a whole bunch of friends, listening to music and stargazing. We share a love of America, trucks, country music, food and Jesus....and if you know me, well you know these are my favorite things ;) Alex has such a joyful spirit that makes others want to be around her, and I really look up to her. I'm so glad to have her with us on our wedding day!
Tim Ward
Groomsman
Nephew of the Bride: This guy made me an auntie when I was five years old, and he was the cutest baby I had EVER seen in my life. There are just too many tin foil boats, wiffle ball games, wagon rides, and park visits to remember, but I’m so blessed to have gotten the chance to have the little “brother” I always wanted. I'm so proud of the man he has become, and can't wait to have him by our side on our wedding day!
Amanda Castillo
Bridesmaid
College Friend of the Bride: Amanda and I were randomly assigned as roommates our Freshman year at the Abbey. We moved in, she put up a Taylor Swift poster, I put up a Duke poster...and I think we were both a little worried ;) BUT God knew exactly what he was doing, as usual, because we sure needed each other. Oh, and if you need someone to plan a kick butt Disney trip, this former “Fairy Godmother” at Magic Kingdom is 100% your girl! Thanks for being a forever kind of friend <3
Mitch Cresap
Groomsman
Friend of the Groom: Mitch and Alec met through work, and bonded over sports. Mitch is a great dad, and luckily a great sounding board for Alec's continual stream of sports news ;) It's not unusual for something to happen in sports, my reaction proves to be less than satisfactory apparently, and Alec's subsequent reaction is, "I'm going to text Mitch." Alec and I are so grateful to have him with us for our wedding!
Katherine Hale
Bridesmaid
Childhood Friend of the Bride: I met Katherine in 1st grade, and she’s been stuck with me ever since! You will not meet a person with a bigger heart than this girl, and I’m so blessed to have her by my side. Fun fact...she’s actually the one who told Alec to share his pizza with me the first day we met, so she has a little something to do with this day ;) She was there when we met, there for our engagement, so of course she has to be here for the wedding!
Zachary Ward
Groomsman
Nephew of the Bride: The classic middle child, Zack is laid back, with the biggest smile, and the best hugs. It’s pretty much impossible not to like him, I dare you to try ;) He’s as honest as they come, so don’t ask him a question you don’t really want to know the answer too! It’s pretty weird that we’re all grown up now, but I’m so proud of who he is, and so glad he'll be with us on our wedding day!
Mary Whitfield
Bridesmaid
College Friend of the Bride: My Junior year at the Abbey, Mary moved into our apartment and suddenly, overnight, it became a LOT cleaner ;) Her way with words earned her many appearances on our quote wall, and you just never know what might pop out next! Mary is the queen of NOT picking sides (earning her the nickname Switzerland,) she’s pretty much the only reason I survived poetry class, and one of the classiest people I know. Forever grateful to the Abbey for bringing us together <3
Joseph Ruwe
Groomsman
Friend of the Bride: I met Joe when I was 5 and he was 4. He claims we weren’t friends until high school, and that he only wanted to play with Robert and I just happened to be there. But that is of course a lie because I’ve always been extremely fun ;) He’s one of the funniest people I've ever met, plus he's seen me through every phase of my life, and is still around, which is quite an accomplishment. Disclaimer: if he tells you any stories about me, just remember that they are NOT TRUE and I've never hurt a turtle!
Robert IV, Sebastian & Finian
Ring Bearer
Nephews of the Bride: Yes, they are going to steal the show, and we're ok with it <3