Audrey & Michael
Wedding Party
Carly Engel
Maid of Honor
Audrey is not only my best friend of over 10 years, but she's also a sister to me. Since the moment we met freshman year, my ridiculousness meshed with her ridiculousness and we immediately understood each other. Soon after that we embarked on a trip to Wrightsville Beach together, where I realized this would be my best friend for life. Even living across the country hasn't kept us apart. Audrey's sense of humor is infectious, she's always there to cheer you up, or to cheer you on in life. She is the most loyal person I know. I was honored to be part of her engagement, and I can't wait to be up there for her special day celebrating both her and Michael.
Melissa Johnson
Matron of Honor
We met at CSCC. It was our senior year of high school and we had both just started . I was working in the Transition classroom and Audrey was working in the Four year old classroom. We had been working there for a couple of weeks and we were both too shy to say anything and only talked to our classroom teachers. But one day I came to work wearing a sports medicine t-shirt and Audrey said "do you do sports medicine? I was the athletic trainer for the football team at Athens." Ever since then it has been non stop talking!
Hailey Bridgers
Bridesmaid
We met at NCSU in our very first grad school class, intro to counseling. As brand new grad students, we had no idea what we were doing. Luckily, we had all of the same classes, so we were able to figure it out together. We quickly became friends and picked each other as partners for projects every chance we got. From working together, I learned a lot about Audrey, as well as a lot from her. Now we are professional school counselors that actually know what we are doing, for the most part. I wouldn’t have made it through grad school without her constant support and assurance. Her sass and sarcasm always makes me laugh, and I know I can always count of her for anything. I’ve got so much love for Audrey, and I’m so excited to be a part of her special day.
Nicki Lee
Bridesmaid
There we were, both sitting and waiting for our group interview for grad school to start. Both of us surrounded by strangers probably way more qualified than us, nervous, and oh so confused. Little did we know that both of us were struggling and that soon enough, we would be struggling together. Fast forward, we both got into the program (shocking, we know) and naturally both of us were drawn to each other (crazy, confused asians). Honestly, the rest is full of jokes, sass, and of course tons of feelings and struggling (we're counselors, we live and breathe emotions). Excited and lucky to be on the journey with Audrey as she figures out all the wedding crazy and so fortunate to be a part of this huge milestone.
Nneka Molokwu
Bridesmaid
I honestly don't remember exactly how we met, wasn't it at A's birthday party in like, middle school? Anyway obviously we instantly hit it off and we've been friends ever since. My fav thing about our friendship is that we've gone to. so. many. shows together! (Insert something about having the time of our lives in Arizona going to see a band that's basically been around for as long as we've been friends) - like we never once went to the same school and yet music has always kept us close?! Probably all those hours we spent together waiting in line outside the Lincoln Theatre.
Melanie Darges
Bridesmaid
I was an annoying 12 year old that always wanted to tag along, especially when my older brother got a girlfriend. I was a nosy little kid trying to go to the mall with them. That eventually turned into hanging out as sisters and helping me get ready for prom. Now that I've known Audrey for almost half of my life, I don't remember a time when it wasn't "Michael and Audrey". I can't wait for her to officially be my sister!
Collin Walther
Best Man
Michael and I bonded over cars and music in high school and our friendship has since maintained those staples. Cars in high school quickly led to motorsports in college, where we were teammates designing, building, and racing on NC State’s formula team. We’ve faced countless challenges together on the team, in the classroom, and in life. Michael has been an amazing friend and teammate, and I would not have nearly as many amazing successes without him. I am excited to be a part of Michael and Audrey’s new chapter, and I can’t wait to celebrate. Congratulations!
Roman Cacha
Groomsman
I’ve known Michael over 20 years now. Over the years, we always got into projects to build things, work on things that go fast, and occasionally break stuff as well (this includes taking me to the hospital). Michael has always been one of my best friends and someone I’ve always looked up to. Not only as a fellow engineer, but a genuine friend who will lend me advice and help out in any situation. We’ve made some incredible memories together through countless trips, car events, and late nights in the shop. Thank you for being such and awesome friend through the years. I wish you and Audrey the best and look forward to all good times in the future!
Alan Barbour
Groomsman
It’s hard to remember a time that I didn’t know Michael. It probably has something to do with us being born in adjacent hospital rooms hours apart (or at least that’s what our parents told us). I guess my point is we’ve known each other awhile. Over the years we’ve been friends through plenty of stupidity, from hanging out on the playground in elementary school, to beach trips in high school to working on cars in college and beyond. Thanks to Michael for being a lifelong friend and congrats to both Michael and Audrey on getting married. I’m happy for you two!
Chris Johnson
Groomsman
Michael has been a great friend from the day I met him in high school. He has always been driven by his commitment to doing things right the first time and helping everyone around him, especially me when it comes to unexpected kayak flips in the Cape Fear. He has helped through thick and thin from the time I got out of the Army to the present day. It is safe to say that he is one of few people I proudly consider nothing short of family/exceptional neighborhood mechanic. It is always an adventure when Michael is involved, and I look forward to watching him start out on this new one with Audrey.
Jake Combs
Groomsman
Before I met Michael in grad school, he was just that guy I’d always see on campus in his white VR-4. Our friendship started with late nights at the shop trying to solve problem number 2 and we still to this day are trying to decipher that convolution integral. We’ve been able to enjoy many nights of wrenching on cars, going to music concerts, and singing Nickelback songs at karaoke. I’m glad that we are still friends today, even after I corrupted him with a BMW obsession. Michael is like family to me, and I am forever grateful for him supporting me through some of the best and worst of times. Congratulations to both Michael and Audrey as they start a new chapter of their lives.
John Darges
Groomsman
Most people just see a typical adult in Michael. However, I still see the qualities I saw as a child and teenager. Today, he focuses on machine design of construction equipment. As a kid he was far more ambitious, creating cities and spaceships! To be fair, he now uses materials more sophisticated than Legos. Our world growing up never seemed small. While there weren't enough kids around us to play hockey with, Michael thought to use items from the garage as a goalie. Even the bedroom we shared never seemed small. In fact, the pillow forts we built with Melanie were like mansions. These memories along with those of Michael and Audrey first dating feel like they were yesterday. But realizing how longs its been, my thoughts about the wedding are, "It's about time!" Congratulations!