Carmen & Alex
Wedding Party
Dailey Sisters
Matron of Honor and Bridesmaids
Melissa, Sara and Rachel are Carmen's sisters. Older sister and Matron of Honor, Melissa Roberts, is nurturing, organized and loyal. She has the dubious honor of keeping the indecisive bride focused and productive while wedding planning. Sara Washburn is Carmen's older, younger sister. Introverted, hilarious, and kind, Sara is Carmen's (and everyone's) sounding board and safe space. Except for when she's beating Carmen at Words with Friends, which happens every. dang. time. Rachel Dailey is Carmen's youngest sister, with whom the bride shares a love of summer camp, a good book, and great music. Rachel is witty, passionate and devoted to her family and friends. Every girl should be so lucky to be surrounded by such sisters.
Petry Brothers
Groomsmen
Gabriel Petry is the oldest brother of three. A trailblazer for his younger brothers, Gabe's talents and passions for music and sports were a significant influence on Alex and Elliott. Growing up, Gabe was the ringleader of the "Three Amigos," leading to lots of adventures and schemes to avoid being in trouble afterwards. In later years, Gabe continues sharing his passions with his brothers, most notably the art of culinary magic. Elliott Petry is the youngest brother. Closest in age to the groom, they often played on the same sports teams, played in the same concert band and completed their trails to Eagle Scout together. Elliott and Alex attended Governor's School and went to the same college. Later, they got to coach high school soccer together at their alma mater.
Erica Mann
Bridesmaid
Erica Mann, Carmen's best and oldest friend, and the truest role model of what a friend should be: an encourager, a listening ear, attentive and caring. Whether working together at UMFS or traipsing around the Greek Isles, Carmen is always grateful to have this woman in her corner.
Martha Smook
Bridesmaid
Carmen and Martha Smook go way back to 6th grade All County Chorus ("Giraffe....giraffe.... I like them....ask me whyyyyyy!") Martha is also a Leonardo's alum, and a funny, loyal friend to many. Carmen might not have made it through her (many) single years without her.
Natalie and Hannah Roberts
Junior Bridesmaids
Rounding out the bridal party are Carmen's two eldest nieces, Natalie and Hannah. The girls are kind, intelligent, talented, and always good company for any adventure. Natalie is a junior, and loves art and STEM. Hannah is a sophomore, is studying in the pre-nursing program, and loves to dance. They've grown up too fast, but being an aunt is a joy unmatched.
Evelynn, Nolan and Jack
Flower Girl, Ring Bearer & "Head" Usher
Carmen's favorite thing about her sweet niece Evi? At Sunday dinner, petite Evi will snuggle up with her Aunt Carmen and chat about her week, the weather, or any ol' topic. "Though she be but little, she is fierce," was written for this girl. Carmen is a professed "girl's girl," but somehow her nephews still manage to steal her heart. Nolan, rough and tumble though he may be, knows the way to Aunt Carmen's heart is a big hug, and he always obliges. Jack loves any excuse to wear a tux! He's kind and smart, and tells a mean joke. If you're lucky, he'll have one or two on hand for the wedding.
Kenneth & Elizabeth Petry
Junior Groomsman, Junior Bridesmaid
Alex's daughter Elizabeth originally wanted to be the minister for the wedding. When she heard that role was taken, she agreed to be a junior bridesmaid. Elizabeth shares a lot of passions and joys with Carmen and is often Carmen's shadow throughout much of the day. If you know Alex's son Kenneth, you may know that he is a young man of particular taste. Carmen takes it as a compliment then that he has welcomed her into their family. While Alex's "little Buster" is now too tall and "independent" to be anyone's shadow anymore, he and groom still geek out together over video games, movies and Magic the Gathering.
Dr. Justin Billings
Best Man
Justin and the groom met through Order of the Arrow, in the Boys Scouts. Through several summers at camp, college years, out of state moves, young adulthood and young parenthood, they have remained partners-in-crime and misadventures. Justin and Alex also share countless good times through life's challenges and the moments worth celebrating.
Eric Dillow
Groomsman
Eric was Alex's first friend when he moved to Emporia in the 5th grade. Eric and Alex's adventures include concert band, Boy Scouts, Order of the Arrow, summer camp staff, and college. As a result of those shared passions, they have completed a plethora of treks across southern Virginia to the Peninsula and back with good music and good company.
Thomas Worrell
Groomsman
Thomas shared a brief experience in Troop 209 with the groom, becoming lifelong friends through varsity soccer, football and Governor's School. Through college and adulthood they continue to visit and stay in touch no matter how much time has passed in between. They also rarely miss an opportunity to trash each other's sports loyalties.
Chase Bland
Groomsman
Chase and the groom shared in each other's trails to Eagle Scout in Troop 209. Alumni of GCHS varsity soccer and summer camp staff, they have remained close friends ever after. Chase became a Richmond ambassador to Alex when he moved to the area in 2010, often providing a friendly pillow to rest his head on when needed over the years. Consequently, Chase has the unique distinction of having helped with the most of amount of moves, in and outside of the Richmond Area.
Robinson Brothers
Groomsman
Derrick also played sports with the groom, though the group generally believes they would have been a better team if his tenure on either were not short-lived for other interests. During critical times of Alex's adult life is where they became closest. Derrick made frequent trips to RVA for good times and support before making the big move cross-country. Michael (posthumously) is with us in spirit, as those who knew him carry his memory in their hearts. Mike too was a proud alumni of GCHS football, soccer and Governor's School. Throughout the years, Mike always made trips home for the holidays, whether coming from Korea or California, making a point to visit with friends and family. The Robinson Family has been a loving part of Alex's life through the years.