Best Woman
Chelsey is the groom's little sister and she is also who literally made this day possible. If it weren't for her, there would be no Anna and Richard! For years, she tirelessly attempted to arrange a meeting, but to no avail. Fast forward to Christmasfest 2016...another one of her little stunts! (See what I did there??) We met, and we knew instantly...but we still don't admit it to her! She's a great matchmaker, sister, and friend!
Man of Honor
Anna and Michael Ivan have been the closest of friends for a little over 20 years. WUT. Anyways, from cartwheels at recess at Sts. Leo Seton Elementary, to theater productions and retreat skits at Teurlings Catholic High School, to NSU auditions, they have seen it all. If you don't have a Michael Ivan, you need one! There is not one soul on this earth who is wittier, funnier, or kinder.
Maid of Honor
Heidi is Anna's fantastically blunt, extremely wise, and hilarious cousin. Joined at the hip since forever, Heidi has been way more than just a cousin. She has been a friend, a confidant, a teacher, and the most genuine soul to BOTH Anna and Richard. One minute she is muttering sarcastic comments under her breath, and the next she is shouting truths that need to be heard. She is beautiful and photogenic (these wedding pics are about to be lit,) and she is one of the funnest (not a word...we know,) people to be around!!!
Best Man
Jalen and Richard met in college and even though Richard claims he "didn't like Jalen" when they first met, their life adventures and brotherly bond says otherwise! They have been thick as thieves ever since! Jalen "LiteBrite" Dorsey is the most outgoing, extroverted, people-person you will ever know! This entrepreneur and business mogul would and will talk to you for hours and build you up so that you want to start a business of your own! Jalen has a second little daughter on the way, and he is fully embracing the dad life! Find the guy on the dance floor with the baby strapped to his back...that'll be Jalen!
Matron of Honor
Where to start with this one? Annie is Anna's best girl since the age of 12 (also, her neighbor since forever!) Through the years, they have been through EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN together. The two had nothing in common....so they thought. When they were forced to meet by their parents, they realized very quickly that that was not the case. They became inseparable. Who would have thought that the weird girl from down the street would be as cool as she turned out to be?? This girl's smile and laugh is unforgettable and she's got some fire dance moves, so this should be fun!
Groomsman
From playing Call of Duty, to geeking out about comics, to tackling the hardest of hikes together, Gepo Stewart has been a true ride or die! Gepo and Richard met at Southwestern, as well! Some would even say Richard was his second roommate, as much as they kicked it. With such a goofy persona, you're bound to laugh when G is close by! Everyone needs a friend like G; you never take on a challenge alone. He's only got one question... "YOU READY?!"
Bridesmaid
The month was June. The year, 2014. Anna was working an event at NSU during the summer. Caroline busted through the door with a black raincoat and Chacos, and Anna has been obsessed ever since. Ya'll. This girl is the most hilarious, most free-spirited, chillest girl EVER. It doesn't take much to make her smile and it's hard to leave her presence without a smile of your own. She is all things goofy, loves a good shimmy, and is a huge supporter. The truest form of the word friend. She is it!
Groomsman
Nyema Elliott, another college mate, met Richard in their very first English class at Southwestern. Throughout college the library or pharmacy building is where you could always find Nyema, and if not one of those places, he was DEFINITELY taking a nap! Kindness and loyalty are the first words that come to mind when describing Nyema, and within minutes of meeting him, you'll understand why. He is so fun to be around, and super easygoing. He would give you the shirt off his back...if that meant he could go take a nap!
Bridesmaid
You ever want a sister so bad, but your mom only gave you a little brother? Anna, too. BUT, a few years down the road, Anna's mom got her the sister she always wanted when she remarried. Anna and Tatum met when they were very young, and have grown so much together ever since. Initially, the 4 year age gap was a little tough, but when that phase was over, they became closer than ever. The laughs, tears, venting sessions, binge watching, good eating, and lifelong memories that these two have shared are countless and priceless. Tatum's a special one and her love will transform you!
Groomsman
Every group of friends needs someone to bring a touch of realism and to offer a good "ehh...that's not a great idea" from time to time. That friend is James Racadio. James is level-headed and calm (and let's face it, us fellas can use ALL the calm!) James and Richard worked at Wal-Mart together during college. Richard invited this new coworker to party with the crew one night, and he clicked with the clique! This guy really is one of the greatest. He is a math genius and the biggest OSU fan. He is also a new dad, and a fantastic one, at that! James is more on the quiet side, but when you catch what he's got to say, you'll be laughing for days.
Bridesmaid
Sometimes, life gets crazy and you meet someone from across the world. Sometimes that person is the nicest person in that great big world, and you instantly become best friends. On the first day of college at NSU, the professor asked everyone to stand up and say a little about themselves. Jojo stood up and explained how she was from Sweden and was recruited to play soccer. Anna (being the not-shy persons she is) blurted out that her aunt and uncle had just moved to Sweden and invited Johanna to have lunch with her afterwards! The rest is history. These two have been besties since that day in 2013. From traveling to class together to traveling the world together, these two have done it all!
Groomsman
Jacob is one of Anna's little brothers! When Richard and Jacob met, they clicked instantly over their humor and the fact that they both want the best for their sisters. This dude is one of the weirdest, goofiest, happiest, and most genuine people on the planet. You'll never meet a bigger supporter or a more gung-ho Marine. Anna's built in best friend is now one of Richard's. (And, Jacob, for a wedding present, you can give us unlimited Dowdaise impressions!)
Bridesmaid
First of all, Hillary Bonhomme is the definition of beauty and class. Anyone who is blessed enough to know her knows that. 10 years ago, Anna and Hillary met in music class and literally became soul sisters. They share many of the same interests in music, theater, and fashion, just to name a few. The bond was instant and permanent. Every time these two get back in the same room, they pick up right where they left off! Hillary is such an amazing listener and gives well thought, considerate advice in any situation. She is one in a billion and her light shines brighter than anyone else's!!!
Groomsman
Literally, where do we even start with this guy? Waite is Anna's other little brother! This boy has got it all: smarts, fashion, and memes that'll make you laugh for days. The word that comes to our mind when we think of Waite is devotion. He is so devoted to anything and anyone that he comes across. Currently studying Law, he devotes countless hours to school and studying. But more than that, he is devoted to people. He is the best listener and his heart is bigger than the moon. Plus, he never leaves a dance floor! So, get ready!
Bridesmaid
Have you ever heard a laugh that makes you smile just from hearing it? If you haven't, just introduce yourself to this cutie pie and you'll understand. Karrigan is (without a doubt) THE sweetest person on the planet. She is always smiling, always laughing, and always happy! Even when she says she's not...she illuminates any room she walks in with joy. Since she and Anna were itty bitties, they've been thick as thieves.
Bridesmaid
You know those people in your life that you can't remember ever being without? Emily is one of those people. Emily started dating one of Anna's cousins (and pretty much Anna, too) many years ago. Through the years, this pair has been a dynamic duo. The two teens that became friends share so many special moments (and beyond hilarious snapchats) together...and now, even though there are babies in the mix, they still know how to have a dang good time together! This girl has the smiliest eyes and the prettiest heart. She is so genuine and beautiful, inside and out!! If you haven't seen the two of them together acting the fool, you will on January 11, 2020!