Wedding Party
Brooke Stewart
Bride
Brooke grew up in Boise, Idaho, but her life quickly became an adventure far beyond home. She joined the Army in 2001, which took her around the world — living in South Korea, spending time in Japan and Thailand, moving to the Tampa area in September 2005, and later deploying to Afghanistan in 2008, with time in Qatar along the way. Tampa eventually became home and the launching point for her next chapter. While single, Brooke opened her heart and home to eight foster children, an experience that shaped her in lasting ways. She has also proudly supported Dogs Inc., formerly Southeastern Guide Dogs, and has never met an animal she did not immediately want to love and spoil. Brooke loves traveling, Disney days, new restaurants, her pets, and planning adventures that start with “this will be fun” and somehow become a full itinerary. In September 2024, Brooke met Ward on Bumble, and a simple swipe quickly became long conversations, shared sarcasm, big laughs, and the realization that they had found their person. One of the greatest gifts of meeting Ward has been how warmly his family welcomed Brooke as one of their own. Brooke is known for her quick wit, adventurous spirit, big heart, and ability to make life more fun. And while Ward may be the bigger one, Brooke is happy to report that he has fully embraced his role as the Little Spoon.
Ward Culver
Groom
Ward was born in Michigan, but life had a few different stops planned for him. He spent most of his childhood in Colorado, growing up with his sister, Camille “Mimi,” and spending summers back on the island visiting his two older brothers, Charlie and Jay. He is also close in age with his niece, Jennifer, so the two grew up together and share many childhood memories. In 1995, Ward joined the United States Marine Corps and served for three years. During that time, one of the greatest joys of his life happened — his daughter, Ellen, was born. Years later, Ellen gave him another favorite title: Grandpa to Damian, who is three, almost four, and already has everyone wrapped around his little finger. After the Marines, Ward’s life took him all over, living in California, Mexico, and Nevada before eventually settling in Florida. Along the way, Ward had a few wrong turns in relationships, but everything changed when he met Brooke and clearly hit the jackpot. While Ward likes to tell everyone he met Brooke in the produce aisle of Publix, the truth is a little more modern — they really met on Bumble. Although Ward’s parents, Philip and Barbara, have passed, having his siblings Charlie, Jay, and Mimi — along with Charlie’s wife, Cathy, and Mimi’s husband, Kevin — here to support him means more than words can say. And while Brooke may lovingly joke that Ward is the Little Spoon, Ward would like it noted that he considers it more of a strategic comfort position.
Jennifer "Mackey Mack" Healy
Matron of Honor
Jennifer “Mackey Mack” Healy and Brooke met in 2002 at their first duty station at Fort Lewis, Washington, and became fast friends almost immediately. What started as an Army friendship quickly turned into a lifelong sisterhood filled with laughter, loyalty, and more than a few unforgettable adventures. Over the years, Jennifer and Brooke have been there for some of life’s biggest moments. Brooke was there when Jennifer met her husband, Greg, and later flew back from South Korea to stand beside her as her Maid of Honor. As Jennifer and Greg built their family, Brooke proudly took on one of her favorite unofficial titles: honorary aunt to their daughters, Eleanor and Lilly. Their friendship has taken them from Japan to Hawaii, Disney World, Disneyland, and countless conversations about the next perfectly planned adventure. As two avid Disney fans, Jennifer and Brooke know that the planning is almost as much fun as the trip itself. All these years later, Brooke is honored to have Jennifer standing beside her as Matron of Honor as she marries Ward. Jennifer and Donna, who will be officiating, have been like sisters to Brooke over the years, and she could not imagine this day without these two incredible women standing with her and sharing in such a special moment.
Josh Shursen
Best Man
Ward and Josh met the summer before middle school while living in neighboring apartment complexes in Colorado. They quickly bonded over BMX bikes, living with their moms, and the kind of friendship that only gets stronger through middle school, high school, and more than a few questionable adventures. Josh has always been one of the most die-hard Minnesota sports fans Ward has ever known, and Ward still laughs thinking about all the hours they spent watching SportsCenter while Josh ate Captain Crunch out of a salad bowl. Their friendship was built on years of memories, from four-wheeling in the Colorado mountains to the occasional unauthorized golf course adventure. Like Ward, Josh also served as a Marine, which makes their bond even more meaningful. One moment Ward will never forget was visitor Sunday during boot camp, when Josh showed up to spend the day with him. Josh knew Ward did not have anyone else coming, and he made sure Ward was not alone. That kind of loyalty has stayed with Ward ever since. Ward asked Josh to be his Best Man because their friendship has stood the test of time, distance, and all of life’s twists and turns. No matter where life has taken them, they have always been there for one another.
Donna Boonchit
Officiant
Donna Boonchit and Brooke met in 2005 and quickly bonded over their shared love of animals, the outdoors, and a slightly ambitious decision to train for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk — a 60-mile adventure that proved they were both determined, a little stubborn, and fully capable of turning a challenge into a friendship. Over the years, Donna and Brooke’s friendship has been filled with kayaking trips, hikes, countless Disney and Universal adventures, and plenty of laughter along the way. Like Jennifer, Donna has been one of those rare friends who became more like family — steady, loyal, and always present through every chapter of Brooke’s life. Donna and her mom, Noopad, are truly family to Brooke, and their love and support have meant more than words can say. Donna is also proudly known as “Aunt Donna” to all of Brooke’s animals and has happily spoiled them rotten over the years. Having Donna officiate the wedding feels especially meaningful. She has known Brooke for nearly two decades, watched her journey unfold, and now gets to stand beside her and Ward as they begin this next chapter together. Brooke is incredibly grateful to have both Donna and Jennifer — two women who have been like sisters to her — playing such special roles on this day.
