Courtney & Blake
Wedding Party
Ric White
Best Man
Being born three and a half years before me, Ric has always been there to see me throughout my life. He has always been there with a kind word, wise counsel, and more often than not a remark completely unrelated to the matter at hand. As we have both grown, our relationship has brought us closer together than we were even as kids. His spiritual guidance and passion for people always challenge me to push for deeper understanding in my walk with God. I'm very honored to have him stand by my side on this special day.
Adrian Perez
Groomsman
Adrian and I became friends early in both rour times at UGA. Ear on we formed a bond that has grown as the years have gone by. Together we form a formidable trivia team, a dominant 2 on 2 basketball unit, and when it comes to Disney karaoke duets there is no man better suited to pick up the mic with me. His heart for Christ and his ability to be used by God through his worship never cease to amaze me. I am absolutely thrilled to have Adrian "Be Our Guest" this September
Matthew Parker
Groomsman
I met Matt in Physical Therapy school at North Georgia and at first was unsure about this quiet, reserved gentleman who was paired in my anatomy group with the 4 other girls. However all I had to do was mention SEC football and Matt took the conversation away from there. Through three years of studying and challenges (not to mention a few flag football showdowns) Matt and I grew to rely on each other to pick one another up when the other needed it. He is one of the most genuine men I have met on this Earth, and I can think of few better men who I want by my side to meet me in the mountains
Ashton Fannin
Groomsman
Another amazing man I met in PT school, Ashton and I had to learn about each other quick since we were both roommates who had never met prior to PT school. Any fears were soon quickly relieved, however, and what followed were many nights of board games, raids on Destiny, and a finals tradition of watching the entirety of the Lord of the Rings extended editions each semester. His passion for life is matched only by his pursuit of God and in his caring for people. He is the luckiest, the cunningest, and the most reckless man I've ever known and I'm thrilled for him to join us when Courtney and I tie the knot in Cleveland GA.
Aaron Purser
Groomsman
Aaron and I met all the way back in 3rd grade at Monroe Academy. As the two smarty pants guys of the class, much of our early years were spent in competition with one another both on the playground and in the classroom. As we moved to high-school, we discovered that we were far better off working together than competing apart. As we moved on to UGA, we grew even closer together and that bond has persisted despite us growing apart geographically. His hunger for the heart of God has always been an inspiration for me to seek deeper understanding. You'll find few men that care for others more than Aaron. I can't wait for Aaron to meet us in the mountains in September
Mark O'Quinn
Groomsman
Mark has the distinct pleasure of being my longest friend. We've known each other from diapers and beyond. Growing up in the same church, our lives have been woven together in a spiritual sense from literally the beginning. While we have no end to the stories we can tell (like the time we won the newly wed game. Seriously, it happened.) I find tremendous joy in the fact that those stories continue to grow as we move through life. His heart for kids and passion for God burn red hot, and he has an infectious humor such that you can't help smiling when he's around. I'm thankful to have Mark with me as I begin this new journey in my life.
Amanda Tharpe
Matron of Honor
I can't remember a time not knowing Amanda. We were cousin twins with only a little over a year separating us. I'm so thankful this relationship has stood the test of time. Amanda has walked through every stage of life with me. Her encouragement and support have been invaluable. From crazy dance parties to our epic travel adventures, there is never a dull moment with us. Like that one time we got lost in a canyon in Mexico in the middle of a storm. Or the time she thought it would be fun to take the girl that doesn't do heights on the Ferris wheel in Seattle... and I had a panic attack at the top. Although we live in different states, we are always able to pick up where we left off. I'm beyond thankful to have her next to me as I join in this covenant with Blake.
Rebecca Sorenson
Bridesmaid
Aka "Beccs." She was Amanda and I's little shadow growing up. Becca has always behaved years beyond her age. I was able to get to know her best the year that she lived with my family. It was like a giant sleepover every night. Speaking of sleepovers, how about that time we thought it would be fun to drag our air mattress onto the patio during a beach trip. We thought it would "feel like we were sleeping on the beach." Little did we know, there was a storm coming that evening and someone locked the patio door to get back inside. Her heart for the Lord shines out through everything she does. I learn so much from watching her do life. I can always count on her to nerd out with me on all things coffee and podcasts. We are excited for her to come be a part of this celebration in the mountains.
Heather Long
Bridesmaid
When we moved from Ohio to Georgia, Heather was just a little toddler running around. Being both only children, I definitely felt like an older sister to her. I will never forget her having trouble saying my name and calling me "Corny" for years. It has been fun watching her grow up and being a part of all her major milestones. I have countless memories from family vacations, road trips to Ohio, and our Buckeye party Saturdays. Her zeal for life and people is contagious. She teaches me so much about the importance of investing in friendships. She is always down for a good time with people. I'm so proud of the young woman she has become and her heart for the Lord as she navigates college life. I love that she gets to be a part of this special moment with me.
Sarah White
Bridesmaid
I haven't known Sarah that long but I lucked out in the future sister-in-law department. Before I ever met Sarah, Blake told me that her opinion of who he dated held a lot of weight. I was so nervous meeting her for the first time! Immediately, I knew why her opinion mattered so much to Blake. I've never met anyone who genuinely cares for people the way Sarah does. It is amazing to watch how her passion for people reflects Christ's same heart to others. I love White family outings where the board games are many, the witty humor flies, and movie references are the native language... most of which go over my head. I'm grateful for the way Ric and Sarah have welcomed me into this family and supported Blake and I. Having them stand beside us on this special day is such a gift.
Madison Hadaway
Bridesmaid
I met Madison in nursing school at Mercer. We joke that Madison was the "hot mess" of our Nurse Squad. Like the time she drove all the way to my house with her school project and phone on top of her car and didn't realize until she was parked. Or the time when we were learning to give injections and she had to practice poking a styrofoam cup at the nurses station for an hour. Nursing school friendships are one of a kind! I love this girl and she has one of the biggest hearts you will ever meet. Plus, I now know more One Direction song lyrics than I care to admit because of her. Fun fact, she is the one that encouraged me to get on the dating app that I met Blake on. I'm excited for her to join us in the mountains as we continue to share life beyond nursing school.
Amber Williams
Bridesmaid
Another member of the Nurse Squad, Amber and I learned about each other quickly from carpooling together. If you ever want to get to know someone well, try riding in a car through Atlanta rush hour for 2 years. Some of the best conversations happened in those long car rides and because of Amber I know the entire Hamilton soundtrack. She was the calm to Madison and I's high strung anxiety over making all A's on every nursing school test. One of my favorite memories was when we had our psych rotation together. Terrified, I think we both stood against the wall the entire time and tried not to make any sudden moves. Amber has such a joy for life. Her heart for the Lord encouraged me so much throughout school. I can't wait to have her with us in September.