Autumn & Ken
Wedding Party
Krissy Angsten
Maid of Honor
“God made us best friends because he knew our parents couldn’t handle us as sisters.” Kissy & I met freshman year of high school playing softball together- immediately a bond meant to last! Always causing our parents grief, we truly could always count on each other for trouble and lots of fun! Sports, clubs, cowboys and everything in between, memories that will truly last forever! Watching each other through each stage of life- childhood, adulthood, motherhood- dealing with love and hurt- I have always known that I could count on this woman. She is an amazing hair stylist and will doing my wedding hair- such a treasure to have in my life and by my side on this special day!
Michelle Burgess
Bridesmaid
“Real friendship, like real poetry, is extremely rare — and precious as a pearl.” My Beauty! Michelle & I met when we were four years old- my oldest friend in the bridal party. Childhood best friends, riding the bus together, keeping secrets together & music....that’s sooo us! Our friendship has stood the test of time; though there was a while where we didn’t keep as close in touch because of life getting in the way and being life- I always knew anytime day or night I could call Michelle and she would be there in a minute....And we have since picked right back up where we left off- she is the golden standard of what true friendship means! I couldn’t do life without her! Michelle will be doing my wedding makeup and I am so honored, she has a talent like no other!
Deana Dipaola
Bridesmaid
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” Deana met Ken & I in November 2019 on a dive boat & have been friends ever since! She is one of the most honest and genuine friends we have ever met and as the days pass we become closer and closer. She is always an ear we can count on- and gives advice we may not want to count on (haha) - but nevertheless someone who we know has our best interest in mind! And.... another lover of the sea like us.... so we can’t go wrong! It is a true honor to have her by my side on our special day.
Veronica Gaglio
Bridesmaid
“Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” Veronica & I met in 2006 playing softball through the years. In later years our friendship grew as we played on the same team, but then life took us in separate ways and we lost touch....then, as God would have it, in 2020, she signed up for a scuba diving trip through Ken....and here we reconnected and I have come to learn that Veronica is one of the most kind and loving hearted people I have ever met and I can honestly say I have needed her friendship for a long time. A best friend and sister I never knew I needed! I am so blessed to have her by my side on this special day!
Nikki “BoutItTight#10” Reeves
Honor Attendant - Best Friend
“Everyone has a friend during each stage of life. But only lucky ones have the same friend in all stages of life.” Nikki & I met when I was in the 8th grade, I just moved from my childhood town in South Georgia and was entering into a new world of the unknown. She welcomed me with open arms and we have been friends ever since! From skipping school to shoot hoops in the gym, partying in college, walks of shame, Texas hold ‘em, living and loving through greatness of adulthood, loss through adulthood and now motherhood- she has never left my side, she has always been there for me - never judging always accepting..... but not without telling me how it is and keeping me grounded! I can truly say it is an honor to have this woman by my side on my wedding day!
“Whistling” Widmark Quashie
Best Man
“Quash” is a true man and a true American Hero. Retired CSM, Drill Sergeant, Airborne RANGER, 9 Combat Deployments. I have known Quash since 1995, when he was my squad leader in Germany. I had a feeling we would be friends forever. When I ended up being medically discharged from the ARMY I sadly didn’t hear from Quash for a while. Years later, like true friends we met up again. It was as if we never missed a beat. Today, Whistling Widmark Quashie is someone I call a true friend. He is my Brother. I will always have his six, and I know he has mine. He calls me out when I need and deserve it, he is there to listen, he makes me laugh exactly when it’s time. Truth be told, I still look up to him, and admire him. I strive, someday, to be half the man Quash is when he isn’t even trying.
Jack “The Oracle” Schmidt
Groomsman
Exact, precise, unrelenting, unwavering. A few words to describe Jack. He has been there since day 1 of my SCUBA adventure. From teaching me regulator repair, diving with me, pushing me to always be exact and consistent, to sacrificing his time to make me an Instructor, he has been a rock. He has pushed me when I needed it, scolded me when it was appropriate, and his presence has driven me to be the best. A lot of times I didn’t appreciate his relentlessness. But the more I am away from my safety net, the more I wish those around me would be like Jack, and now me. I’m not “The Oracle” but I’m working on becoming an “Oracle Jr.”. Jack is also one of a couple of people I admire, look up to, and strive to emulate not only in SCUBA, but also in life.
Hector “Panchito” Rivera
Groomsman
Hector was put into my life, by God, at His divine time. It took just a few days to figure out Hector is a Puerto Rican Ken, or I’m an Irish Hector. Hector is the definition of a Sounding Board. His drive, vision, intelligence, wit, and humor are traits that the Dos Equis guy would envy.
Jay “Maverick” Powell
Groomsman
If you’ve ever needed someone who is a great listener, it’s Jay. Someone with a contagious laugh, it’s Jay. Someone who could write the book on how to be an excellent friend, it’s Jay. Someday, I will be as good of a friend to Jay as he is to the rest of the world.