Ashley & Brandt
Wedding Party
Christy Russell
Maid of Honor
Christy and I met during my first production at SWPH, West Side Story. We became good friends during Dixie Swim Club, and we haven't looked back. We've done multiple productions together, and she taught me almost everything I know about set design and artistry. Christy and I, along with her daughter Lily, lived together for about 2 years, and she is one of my most treasured friends.
Lily Dowdy
Bridesmaid
Lily and I met during West Side Story at SWPH, but I would say we truly got to know one another during Into the Woods. Lily and her mom, Christy, were my roommates for about 2 years, and during that time I learned how amazing Lily is and how lucky I am to have her as my daughter/sister (it's a long story ha). Lily is one of my very favorite people and I love her tremendously.
Charissa Berrong
Bridesmaid
I'm not sure where to start with Charissa, as we have known each other for many years and through many different phases of our lives. We have been together through thick and thin, and even those times when we can't spend a lot of time together, I know I can call her and she will be there for me. We really reconnected during West Side Story at SWPH, and she has been an integral part of my life since. One of the kindest, most generous people I've ever had the pleasure to know. I can't imagine life without her in it.
Malynda Blevins
Bridesmaid
Malynda is a treasure. A true joy to be around, and someone with an amazing talent to lift a person's spirits. We have been acquaintances for a number of years, but this last Fall we were in The Game's Afoot together at SWPH, and it was then that I really had the pleasure of getting to know Malynda. We have always enjoyed each other's company, but learning and conversing with Malynda was such fun and she just completely fit and completed a part of my life that I didn't know needed filling.
Jakob Hertzel
Best Man
Jakob and I met while we were attending college at SWOSU. We became good friends from mutual nerdy interests/hobbies. I would (probably to his annoyance) describe him as a Southern Gentleman, in that his nature is to politely refrain from talking about himself unless you drag it out of him. I greatly cherish the friendship and banter that we have had over the years.
Wouter Myburgh
Groomsman
I met Wouter through Michael's annual get-togethers, and he and his wife, Jaclyn, have been some of the most sincerely kindhearted and friendly people I've ever met. He is an absolute joy to be around, and you couldn't ask for a more encouraging, fun, and sometimes frustratingly skilled person to game with.
Michael Berrong
Groomsman
I met Michael through a mutual friend that met him through the SWPH, and we initially bonded over playing League of Legends together. He has always been a "Van Wilder" to me, insofar as he will always "inspire the uninspired". His encouragement and desire to aim high have led to many cherished moments and memories, and there's no one else I would happily engage in obnoxiously verbose dialogue with than him.
Jacob Ryan
Groomsman
I met Jacob at a job I had while at college. A friend who also worked there and I were trying to recall trivia about a game, and he suddenly chimed in with the answer we were searching for. In a moment similar to the "Did we just become best friends? Yup!" scene from the Stepbrothers movie, we immediately invited him to our friend group, and he introduced us to his. Over the years he's been there for me in many ways, even getting me a job alongside him, and the passion and zeal he has for his interests has been inspiring in teaching me to never be shy or nervous about sharing what you love.