The Nelsons
Wedding Party
Erek Bell
Man of Honor
Growing up, Erek was so patient and kind to me, even when I didn't deserve it. We have so many childhood memories together that I'm thankful for. I'll never forget when he put a rope in the basement ceiling and thought he could swing from it like his G.I. Joe... the ceiling obviously couldn't hold him and it collapsed onto me. Erek has always shown me what a true gentleman is, he is my best friend, and the world's greatest brother. I've looked up to him my whole life and I am so excited for him to stand by me as my Man of Honor. Love you, bro bro! "Yaaaaaay!" *raises arms slowly in the air*
Nicklaus Nelson
Best Man
When we were young, Nick was the biggest pain in my butt. He always wanted to play games that would start out as fun, but I knew would result in him crying and me getting in trouble. Though he is bigger than me now, I can still beat him up. *insert Nick saying "umm actually"* Through the years of fun and crying, our brotherhood grew strong. There's nobody else I'd want to stand by my side as my best man, love ya bro.
Elisha Miller
Matron of Honor
Lisha is like the big sister that I always wanted growing up! I know when I started dating her little brother, she was hesitant about me. But over these last nine years, we have grown so close and are the best of friends! I can't imagine my life without Lisha. She is so loyal, trustworthy, and is my go-to for when I need the best advice. I know she would do anything for me in a heartbeat. (I can also count on her to always wear her sassy pants with me!) I am so excited to finally call Lisha my sister this coming June!
Craig Miller
Groomsman
I first met Craig at the crossfit gym, and soon after, he was dating Elisha. Craig was the first boyfriend of Lisha's where I didn't feel I needed to be the protective brother. You can always count on Craig for; a good laugh, a helping hand, a partner to drink buschers with, and a teammate for beer pong. I got to stand by Craig's side during his big day and I look forward to him standing by me on mine.
William "Jojo" Comstock
Bridesman
Jojo and I have been best friends since Kindergarten! Our friendship started because he couldn't pronounce the word "yellow," he would always say "lellow." So I taught him how to say it, and we have been inseparable ever since! My life would not be complete without Jojo in it. His smile and personality light up the room and he is a stranger to no one! He is so caring, passionate, loving, and I am truly grateful for our friendship. I may have taught him how to say yellow, but Jojo taught me what a true best friend is.
Adam Metz
Groomsman
Adam. Where are the words? If you've ever met Adam, you understand. We've been friends since I moved to Southbrooke at age 2. We spent endless days together as kids playing, and Adam was always the one who would get caught when we were doing something we shouldn't. A few things changed as we got older. Cars replaced bikes, and beer replaced juice, but our friendship remained constant. Thanks for being such a good little ginger friend.
Madeline Coleman
Junior Bridesmaid
Maddie is my favorite 10 year old ever and my one and only girl cousin! She has so much energy, charisma, and the biggest heart around. Although we live far apart, we pick right back up from where we left off. I love the times that I get to spend with Maddie, especially our sleepovers! Maddie gives the best hugs around, is an amazing dance partner, always knows how to make me laugh with her witty jokes, and never backs down from an adventure! Thank you, Madeline, for being my BFF! Love you!
Jacob Soukup
Groomsman
JACOB! Jake was my random roommate freshman year of college, which was the first time that random chance played in my favor. Jake is a ball of constant entertainment and you can never have a dull moment spent with him. Sometimes I want to strangle Jake for the crap he does, but instead I just laugh because I just can't help it. I don't really know how to explain it, but if you know Jake, you know what I mean. He's an overall great friend and I look forward to him standing by my side.
Tanner Gillis
Bridesman
Tanner and I have been friends since high school, he was an original member of LTGA (Lunch Table Group Association). We have so many memories together that I am extremely thankful for, and I cannot wait to build more and more! I know he has my back no matter what, and will join me on any dance floor to kill it! He also does the best dinosaur impression ever. I cherish our friendship greatly! Thank you Tanner for being such an amazing human being, and for bringing Patrick to that Haunted Hayride!
John Sarhage
Groomsman
I first met John in college and felt like he was a part of my friend group from Jacksonville. John is one of the few people I have met that has a music library as diverse as my own. During my last trimester at Augie, I had no engineering classes and got to live the life of a business student with John. Let's just say we had a pretty darn good time. If I ever need someone to jam out with, I know who to call. Buv bou Bohn.
Corey Richardson
Bridesman
ooo OOO! Corey and I have also been friends since high school. He was another original member of LTGA! I can always count on Corey to have a good time. He has such a free spirit and his energy is so contagious! We have some crazy memories together, and I'm still not sure why to this day I trusted him to drive my car all the time! Thank you Corey for being a wonderful friend all of these years and for always standing by my side!
Joseph Strain
Groomsman
I first met Joey at the same time as John and felt the instant Jacksonville friend group vibe as well (must be something about those Manhattan kids). Joey is always full of energy and would do anything for anyone. He can also cry on demand which is pretty neat. If you are looking to dance or do some karaoke, Joey is your guy. We are always the last ones awake at night after everyone else is asleep, and I look forward to many more nights staying up way too late with Joey.
Zachary West
Bridesman
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Mambo No. 5! I met Zach through Patrick during high school. Zach is one of the funniest, smartest, kindest people that I know and I am so glad that we became friends. He is always willing to listen to me and offer his advice, and his sense of humor never gets old! Can't wait to tear up the dance floor with you! Do you hear that...? ONE MORE TIME!
Brody Stewart
Groomsman
Brody and I have been great friends for as long as I can remember. Back in the early 2000's, I would go to the Stewart house every day after school and Brody and I would get into whatever trouble we could. Memories of dodgeball, cosmic brownies, and fighting on the trampoline with foam battle sticks brought us together when we were young. Growing older we continue to build more great memories, but less with cosmic brownies involved. I know I can always count on Brody to be there, and on wedding day, I know I can count on him being on the dance floor.
Matthew Underwood
Usher
Emily- I met Matt during high school through Patrick. They played soccer together and I loved going to watch them play so I could sit by Matt's mom! I know Matt would do anything for me, he is a wonderful friend. I am so glad that we live closer to each other now! Patrick- Matt and I grew up playing every sport possible together. He is a great teammate and an even better friend. Matt is one of the most selfless people I know. I've pulled many all nighters at Matt's house in the past, so let's see if the wedding will bring any sleep!
Nathan Freeman
Usher
Emily- I have known Nathan since we were little kids, we grew up going to church together. We have so many great memories and I am excited for him to be a part of Patrick and I's wedding day. Nathan is so genuine and loyal, I'm happy we are still close friends after all of these years! Patrick- Nathan and I went to grade school together and he also attended the same church as Emily and I. Feel free to give him a few compliments about his broad shoulders at the wedding (his face might turn red). Nathan is a generous and truly sincere friend and I'm glad we are able to pick back up right where we left off whenever we're together.
Derek Watts
Usher
Emily- Derek and I have been friends ever since he moved to Jacksonville and started going to Eisenhower! He lived right down the street from me and I could always count on him to ring my doorbell and ask, "Can Emily come and play?" We have a blast together no matter where we are at and I am grateful for our friendship. Derek will always be my Prom King! Patrick- D! Derek and I met playing baseball at JAB. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard during a sport than when we would be in the dugout together. He stole my queen on prom night, but I'm glad that Emily had such a good man to stand by her side during their reign. Derek is always there for his friends and I know he will always be there for Emily and I.
Pierce Kimler
Usher
Emily- Pierce also lived right around the block from me, but our friendship started because he was always at the Comstock's house. Pierce has such a loving heart, and I enjoy every moment when we are together. Thank you, Pierce, for always being yourself and for being such an awesome friend of mine! Patrick- I always knew Pierce when we were younger, but our friendship really grew when I was in high school. I love spending time with Pierce and he is always sure to bring the entertainment. We have a strong bond through our love of punk rock and a strong friendship that I know will last a lifetime!