Wedding Party
Janae Thornton
Maid of Honor - Thing 1
Well, I would have put her as the MVP to my life, but they didn't have that option! This lady inspires me in all that she does. She is the best mom, one of the most incredible sisters, a terrific and supporting wife, and the friend I can always rely on. My MOD - Thing 1 is in a league of her own! I am blessed!
Trevor Cain
Best Man
Some time ago, in a place not too far from here, I met Trevor Cain. At the time, I was recently catapulted into one of the most trying times in my life. The year was 2007 and I had just moved from Indiana to Missouri ("misery" most call it). I was lost and looking for a brand new set of friends. A group to call my own. A niche. Some place where I could fit in. If I remember correctly, it was at my first football camp practice that I met Trevor and his lackeys. To this day he will still make fun of me for wearing red and white AndOne basketball shoes to football practice. Life brought us to the same state, football brought us to the same field, and brotherhood is what brings us together years later as my best man.
Alison Bailey
Maid of Honor - Thing 2
This little ray of sunshine wears her heart and joy on her sleeve. I rarely come away from this love of mine without light kissing me. She has the quirkiest disposition, the grandest mind for adventures, the grit made from steel, and the heart of a cuddly, but fierce lion! My 2nd MOD is just as great as the first!
Drake Burger
Groomsman
Drake Burger, also known as Brake Durger, has quite an interesting and extremely silly role within our friend group. He is the "love guru," a title he took the liberty of bestowing upon himself and takes great pride in defending. I don't think anyone has the heart to tell him he is delusional. According to Drake he is the reason Beth and I are together. We permit him to believe such a ludicrous idea because he is too darn cute, and to do otherwise would break his fragile spirit. However, Drake has much more to offer than his abilities (or lack thereof) to navigate two wild hearts together. He has been a consistent and reliable friend through the hard times and the fun times. For that, I couldn't imagine not having him a part of the most wonderful day of my life.
Katie McGuire (Skillington <3)
Bridesmaid
This chica immediately became my shenanigan, best friend our 1st year in college! We did absolutely EVERYTHING together, of course, that is until nursing school took my life and soul. But she is single handily responsible for Aaron and I taking our friendship to the next level! Not to mention, the most amazing friend who first taught me what LOVE is all about and loved me when it was hard. She made my time in college, and it was the BEST 4 years of my life! There's never not an adventure with my dear friend, Katie!
Philip Bailey
Groomsman
The eldest brother of the bride. He is a mysterious creature. The kind you read about in your favorite fantasy novel. Beth's family has many many stories of this adventurous and headstrong thrill-seeker, and they all have an impressive, unexpected, and exciting ending. This, of course, leaves me eager to read the story he has already begun to write, and will continue to write, in Beth's and my life. I am proud to have Phillip stand with us and am very excited to have him become a part of my own impressive, unexpected, and exciting journeys.
Elizabeth Gianino
Bridesmaid
What can I say, this girl and I became best friends over some crazy tears, tons of hard work, lots of laughter, silly adventures, and inside jokes mostly about our coaches! She has seen my truest self - in the worst and best of times. No matter how much time we are apart, we can ALWAYS pick right back up where we left off. I couldn't imagine this next big adventure I'm embarking on without her by my side.
Dylan White
Groomsman
Dylan is one of those people you never forget after you meet him. He is equal parts huggable-lovable panda bear as he is ravenous hydra. He can switch between the biggest pencil pushing computer nerd to club bouncer with a snap of his fingers. I've also never seen anyone rip their own shirt off faster than what I've seen him do on several occasions. It is both unbelievably entertaining and disturbing. I honestly think he should consider putting it on his resume. Dylan is another one who's friendship with me, like Trevor's, goes way back to my first days in Missouri. I have been very blessed to have had him in my life over the years and am blessed still to have him with Beth and I on our wedding day.
Kelly Burger
Bridesmaid
Kelly is the other half of the coin to my best friend, Kaite. This girl has dazzled me all throughout college with her wisdom, silliness (so silly...), truth, insight, and encouragement. I look up to this lady bug of mine on so much! My life has greatly been extended due to just knowing and laughing with Kelly! Katie, Kelly and I were the original hoodrats of IWU, it only seems right that I have such an amazing woman standing next to me on this next adventure!
Benjamin Bailey
Groomsman
This is a man who is wiser beyond his years. If it is possible to have a mentor that is younger than you, Ben would be the one. He has a passion and zeal for life and others that is wildly contagious. He is a man of many surprising talents and insights. When I think about who the next president of the United States will be, Ben is top of the list. He is a joy to be around and he brightens the world around him wherever he goes. I have been greatly blessed through the development of our relationship. He has opened my eyes to things I was once blind to and has challenged my mind to look from different perspectives. The old saying, "every family has one," couldn't be further from the truth with Ben. No family has someone quite like this man and I am extremely blessed to say that mine does.
Sarah Fairchild
Bridesmaid
This dear friend of mine traveled all the way around the world with me to Zambia, Africa. We spent countless moments drawing closer in our faith, exploring our own world views, delivering babies!, and eating lots of yummy, yummy ice cream. This girl is constantly setting the bar of what it means to be a strong woman of God and I will always hold close her opinion.
John Thornton
Groomsman
John Thornton, also known as, your friendly neighborhood man-bear. He is an amazing father and man of God whom I look forward to seeking Christ and family together these next years to come. He and his wife, Janae, have been a blessing to myself, Beth, and countless others. John and I met for the first time at a fourth of July celebration in 2016. Little did I know that over the next couple years I would make another great friend. I am proud to have him and his wife standing up there with Beth and I on our wedding day. However, I am even more excited to see where our relationship as a family will lead us for a lifetime to come. Also, he's a Kansas City Chiefs fan... that makes him alright in my book.
Taylor Burger
Bridesmaid
"Taylor Burger is a......sweetheart!" lol Taylor, is the friend I can ALWAYS count on. She has been there for me in ways I never could have imagined anyone else to be. This lady held my hand and shared her heart with me when we didn't even know each other that well. I am constantly blown away by the depth and intimate knowledge this girl has about the Lord and the faith. Taylor brings a special flavor to our friend group and I will always cherish how she enriches my life just by knowing her!
Etienne Sallade
Groomsman
Etienne Sallade is the french-man we all want, but not the french-man we all deserve. Probably the coolest french-man I know. Albeit, I don't know many french-man. Etienne and I met at IWU a few years back. We've been roomates, co-workers, roomates again, and good friends. Etienne is a very wise young man whom I have had the pleasure of "conversating" with a number of times. With each conversation I have become all the more wiser myself. I have come to Etienne for advice a multitude of times and I am never disappointed with his council. He has been a surprising and unexpected blessing. I am very thankful the Lord has brought this man into our friend group and, as I am sure I will need to be sharpened in the future, I pray Etienne and I will always stay connected.