Chelsei & John-Paul
wedding party
Ian
Best Man
Ian and I met in the fall of 2000 and instantly became best friends. My family had just moved into a house down the street from Ian and his family, and we shared the same bus stop in elementary school until 2003. Every day after school I would go to Ian's to play video games or ride bikes and explore the neighborhood, and our friendship grew year after year. 20 years pass and we still act like kids at times. We have been fortunate enough to be there for each other on many important and meaningful occasions, today being no exemption. Ian, your brotherhood and friendship has helped me be where I am today. I am honored to have you here with me.
Mallory
Maid of Honor
I met Mal a few years ago when she joined my team at Walmart as another designer, just a couple months after I moved to AR. I could not wait to become friends with Mal and very quickly we became almost inseparable. She's hilarious, outgoing and so much fun to be around. Mal has been through so many moments with me, the good, bad, annoying, exciting, all of it. She still makes fun of me for all those times I would say 'I'm never going to find love', and she was there the day after I "met" this really cute guy who made me laugh, I couldn't wait to tell Mal about. Ironically, Mal met her husband on Tinder too! (See, it really can work you guys lol!) Mal, you tame my craziness and ignite my boringness. Thank you for being one of the greatest friends I've come to know.
Andrew
Groomsman
No, having my brother as a Groomsman and not my Best Man isn't a diss. When I asked if he would want to be my Best Man he replied, "Nah, I don't really like giving speeches." Typical. Growing up, Andrew and I had the sibling rivalry that all brothers have. He's quiet, I'm loud. He analyzes situations, I jump head first and learn my lesson as I go along. Thankfully, I have had Andrew to look up to much of my adult life, and his example has helped me be the man I am today. Though we are polar opposites, I would be remiss if I didn't use today's platform to share my love and appreciation for my brother. Andrew, thank you for being here with me. We have gone through so much in our lives together, so having you with me today means more than I could ever tell you.
Elizabeth
Bridesmaid
As we were both one time referred to by our boyfriends as "Tinder Girl" (seeing she met her husband on Tinder too), Liz was the first sister and family member I met of JP's. She helped me surprise JP one Thursday after work, when I drove to Tulsa for the very first time, to see him and spend the weekend with them. We connected really quickly through our interests in design and being dog moms. Oh and did I mention, she's also the mom of my very first NIECE. So she automatically gets bonus points for that. Liz, I can not wait to gain new sisters today. Thank you for helping me solve the crazy puzzle we call your brother. You've helped me over the past couple of years to learn what kind of person he is and what kind of soul I need to be to him, and for that I am forever grateful.
Chris
Groomsman
Chris and I met due to our friendship with Ian. We have been friends for 20 years, and when the 3 of us are together it is always an enjoyable time and has at least 1 memory made. Chris has been a voice of reason for me, he has treated me as if I were his brother by birth, he has always made myself and Ian laugh until we cry, and has been a great supporter in anything I undertake. He's not afraid to tell me like it is, to tell me when I'm being an idiot (literal words that have happened on many occasion), or to tell me that my plan is a great one and he hopes I succeed. Nowadays, we bond over our shared love of a nice glass of whiskey and a good cigar. Chris, having you here today is so awesome. 20 years flies by, so here's to 20 more. It truly means a lot to have you here today.
Mairi
Bridesmaid
I met Mairi a few years ago while both Designers at Walmart. Mairi has such an inspirational spunky personality, all while sharing her calm spirit, creative mind and occasional hippie vibe. I dig everything about Mairi and totally look up to her, even whens she pulls the emergency handle in the garage to open the garage door lol! She's also a really great Dog Aunt; Milo, Coop, and Rey can't get enough of her. So much so, she probably gets enough of them! Mairi, you always have the best topics to talk about and best things to make a person think. You are always giving me a new perspective and view to consider. Thank you for being a friend who doesn't judge me for what I'm not but embraces the weird that I am.
Paden
Groomsman
Paden and I met during the summer of 2015, a year before my first deployment. We hit it off with smack talk due to my being in the Air Force and he being a Marine veteran. We have gone weeks or even months without seeing or talking to one another, but his brotherhood and friendship makes it easy to pick up right where we left off. He has been a role model of mine since I met him, he has been a confidant and a sound friend, he has willingly opened up his life and his home to me. He and I have been through a lot in our private lives, but we have always found it easy to share those details with each other, and it has only strengthened our bond. Paden, having you here alongside my brother, Ian, and Chris, it's truly an honor. Thank you for your friendship, and I'm glad you are with me today.
Sarah
Bridesmaid
Sarah is the wife of JP's Best Man, Ian. I first met Sarah for the first time a couple of years ago, right before her and Ian's wedding. It was then that I knew that I would always have someone to gladly spend time with when the guys were having 'guys time'. Sarah has been such a great friend to both JP and I, and I can't ever thank her enough for it. Her and Ian literally have their door open anytime we're in town and are some of the best hosts anyone could ask for. Sarah, I feel like we've been great friends for years! Well, it's been just over two years now, but feels like it could be so much more. You're so supporting of JP and I, and we will never be able to thank you enough. You're beautiful inside and out and I hope I'm half the wife to JP as you are to Ian.