Alyse & Arthur
Wedding Party
Jordan Xu
Bridesmaid
Jordan and I met the first month of freshman year at Emory and immediately bonded over being from North Carolina, the tv show Friends, being organized (Save Holland on Learnlink!), and much more. Since then we have celebrated almost every birthday together. Jordan even made me a surprise party freshman year complete with a cake she created out of mint milanos (my favorite cookie)! I am incredibly fortunate to have Jordan in my life to celebrate life milestones with and lean on. It is only appropriate that we went to peruse engagement rings together and are now both planning our weddings that are 5 months apart. We have come a long way from our apartment right after college when guys were just perfectly nice. :) Crazy to think that it's been ten years since we drove down to Disney World!
Moisey Oysgelt
Best Man
My father, Moisey, has been the most important man in my life. He is an incredible individual, with an amazing intellect, heart, and knack for problem-solving. Throughout my life, he has been there for me, and if it was not for him, I know I would not be where I am today, blessed with the gifts of health, prosperity, and this wonderful opportunity to marry Alyse. He has guided me throughout my life, through thick and through thin, in my lows and in my highs, and taught me to focus on improving myself in my capacities, habits, and overall direction. In life, his example of perseverance in the face of adversity, exhaustion, poverty, and the unknown have truly been an example for me. This photo is of us going to a baseball game together, and I truly am honored to think of him as my friend.
Hannah Herrington
Bridesmaid
Hannah and I were destined to be friends. We met the evening before our first day of graduate school at a Hillel hosted BBQ that we were both invited to by different people - Jewish geography at work! We learned that we were in almost all of the same classes our first semester. Hannah and I bonded over our love of the tv show Friends, baking, our love for Pinterest especially as a procrastination tactic, and most of all being homebodies together. Hannah is my introvert soulmate and I am so grateful to have her in my life to go to for advice about literally anything!
Derek Jamieson
Groomsman
A confidant, a friend, a trusted companion to lean on in times when you are weak. Derek and I met when both of us Lenox Park. Derek's father had flown into town, and Derek was taking him to play a game of pool, which just happened to be where I was going as well, having picked it up as a hobby. There was a brief, awkward moment when both of us reached the door to the pool hall at the same time, but quickly Derek invited me to join him and his father in a game of Cutthroat. From there, we became fast friends, running together, working out, discussing our professional challenges and successes, as we both work in IT. In everything, Derek has been an inspiration to me, and my conversations with him have meant so much. I only wish I had more space here to write about him.
Haley Proctor
Bridesmaid
While Haley and I went to high school together, we didn't actually become friends until the spring of our senior year when we were both on the Varsity track team (ha!). While the rest of the team practiced their running events, Haley and I would practice our long jump and triple jump and then sit on the field picking four leaf clovers while chatting. We became fast friends and I cannot imagine my life without her. She is the sweetest and smartest person I know. I still remember one birthday while I was in college when she posted poems on my Facebook wall every hour for almost the entire day. I'm so lucky to have her as my friend!
Zach Finkel
Groomsman
Zach, Alyse's brother, is a kind and thoughtful man. He is adventurous, and I had the opportunity to bike with him in Switzerland, where - as it turns out - mountain biking on tortuous paths can be a little dangerous. When I decided to go a little faster than recommended, he was there to help me back up on my feet, and to make sure I got back to the hotel safely in one piece. He has a good soul, and I have greatly appreciated how readily he has accepted me as his future in-law. I very much look forward to getting to know him even better in the years ahead.
Ellie Strauss
Flower Girl
Ellie is the adorable older daughter of Amy and Matt Strauss. Alyse and Amy are childhood family friends and after ending up in the same city, Arthur and Matt became good friends, too! We have spent a lot of time with Ellie during the past two years and have so enjoyed seeing her grow up. From meeting our dog Maggie as a puppy (she called her Maggie Mags), to visiting our house to check on the bluebirds, to playing games with Arthur, to trying on my Ugg boots, we can't wait for her to part of our special day!
Mikey Proctor
Ring Bearer
Mikey is the very sweet older son of Haley and Scott Proctor. Alyse first met Mikey when he was less than a month old and taught him to stick out his tongue! Alyse melts when Mikey calls her "Aunt Aweese." Mikey also got to know "Uncle Arthur" in 2019 when Haley brought the boys to Atlanta for a visit. While on a hike with a long staircase, Arthur offered to put Mikey on his shoulders. Once they reached flat ground Arthur offered to put him down for him to walk to reach he replied "Why?" because he was having too much fun. Mikey is a sweet and inquisitive boy and we can't wait for him to be part of our special day!