Allyson & Jonathan
Wedding Party
Sally Jacoby Murphy
Matron of Honor
I once had a friend tell me that they wished Sally was their big sister. I remember it well because I had, up until that point, taken for granted that I had a big sister who let me play with her legos, held my hand at the roller rink, sewed outfits for my stuffed animals, braided my hair, and didn't kill me when I accidentally amputated her American Girl doll's leg. Though that snapshot just captures the first decade of life, I assure you the list goes on. When I started college Sal made me a "first year survival box" and when I graduated she gifted me a book of photos and meaningful quotes from our younger years. Sal has the unique gift of capturing our families' life through images and prose- from centering us in moments of sadness to lifting us in moments of celebration, she is fiercely loyal and I cannot imagine where I (or our family) would be without her love and guidance all these many years.
Michael Embrey
Best Man
“Big Mike” has been a brother, a mentor, and a second father to me my whole life. He helped me to strive for excellence as my coach, my boy scout leader and my friend. I hope that I may one day return the incredible debt I owe to him for the man that I have become.
Ben Murphy
Bridesman
So many of my accomplishments and life-changing experiences directly correlate to my brother's presence in my life. In high school I was determined to beat the school soccer juggling record. I succeeded largely because Ben spent hours and hours playing soccer with me, helping me perfect my touch and teaching me tricks. In college I decided to live out in Oregon for a semester and I only knew about this opportunity because Ben had done the same program and recommended it to me. The summer before graduating college, I took the biggest leap yet and went to work in a National park 2,000 + miles away from home. One of the final factors that made me take this leap was the knowledge that my brother had worked in a different park and shared stories that made the whole adventure sound worth it. From climbing our first mountains to now, I am so grateful for the ways Ben has challenged and inspired me.
Jame O'Neil
Groomsman
Jame moved down the road from me in the 5th grade and we were best friends from then on. We played every sport together, went on adventures together and learned to play music together. After both of us moved to Boone to attend App State, we were roommates, band mates and brothers. There is no one in the world that truly knows me better than Jame as our lives are intertwined beyond recognition.
Elena Hardy
Bridesmaid
Sometimes you travel over 2,000 miles to work in a National Park where you don't know a soul and you meet an amazing person who you have lots in common with from a completely different part of the states only to find out at your family reunion six months later that you are related to said awesome person that you met over the summer. I'm so glad to not just have Elena in my life as my aunt's brother-in-law's cousin's daughter but also as one of my best friends. I cannot imagine what my 20s would’ve been like without her wit, humor, support, and comreadery. Positive vibes only.
Brody Read
Groomsman
Brody and I met while working at Stick Boy and went from being good time friends around town to being roommates for years. When he worked and traveled away from Boone, he knew there was always a place for him on my couch, a favor he would more than repay. The mad food scientist that he is, we have fermented so many things together. We have also spent so many lazy days out on the river together. I am forever indebted to him for his friendship and knowledge.
Lauren Bechtel
Bridesmaid
From meeting as high school seniors to being college roommates and beyond, Lauren and I have lived, road tripped and traveled through and/or explored at least 17 different states together throughout our 12 years of friendship. I can't imagine a more adventurous or insightful friend than her. More than one "life epiphany" in my early 20s stemmed from conversation on trail with her and I am so grateful for the circuitous routes our friendship has taken us on.
Jacob Parker
Groomsman
From wandering the streets of Venice at three in the morning to years of being roommates, Parker and I have a special bond that has centered around travel, literature and a general gusto for experiencing life.
Emily Devine
Bridesmaid
During college I was chatting with Emily after a late night class. A fellow art and English major, I had wanted to connect with her ever since my dad (her professor) had told me we'd get along. Embarrassingly, I even told Emily "My dad thinks we'd be friends." Turns out he was right and about three years later Em and I even hiked 250 miles on PCT together- sharing one very smelly tent the whole way! And other than her disapproval of my hot Cheetos affinity, I'd say it was a pretty successful trip and it's certainly been a successful friendship!
Eva Berton
Groomswoman
Eva was the cool girl at work that I somehow became roommates with. From there, she became one of my dearest friends. Countless misadventures and wanderings have tied us together forever as siblings. I wish everyone could have her friendship in their lives. Her welcoming spirit creates community wherever she goes.
Foster Neal
Bridesmaid
Another "Glacier gal," I can't honestly remember when Foster and I realized that our individual weirdness complemented each other's so well, but once we did it's all been history from there. From late night stargazing cruises, mountain summits, hours and hours of sand volleyball, working 5:30 am coffee shops shifts together, Karaoke at Kip's, costume parties, and giant birthday hat heart-to-hearts I am positive there is not another friend that I've laughed with and cried with more.
Katie Cagle
Groomswoman
Katie is the warmest, kindest human being I have ever had the pleasure to know. She is my older sister who put up with me (a disorderly young rascal) as a housemate for years. We have worked together, laughed together and cried together. I cannot imagine life in Boone without Katie.
Zoe Blosser
Bridesmaid
Zoe is one of my oldest and dearest friends. From summertime bike rides, game nights, and sunsets at the dock to morning coffee and afternoon shuffleboard, Zoe and I have grown up together. Each summer knowing our families would be back at the same place (Lakeside, OH) at the same time. From the days of our first sleepovers to middle school braces and first crushes to now standing next to each other on each of our wedding days, I am so grateful for Zoe’s friendship.
Liam Knight
Groomsman
Liam may be the single most talented human being I have ever met. There is nothing I have seen him earnestly attempt without success. Despite his many talents, he remains intensely humble and a joy to be around. He is a cherished part of my life in Boone.