Matron of Honor
My incredible cousin, Margie, is the older sister that I always wished for. Throughout my entire life, she has always been there to love and support me unconditionally. From the days when she would give me her awesome hand-me-downs and show me how to put on mascara to now being a Godmother to her son and helping me plan my wedding, Margie has always dried my tears and put a smile on my face. Her quick and charming wit is surpassed only by her undeniable love and compassion for others. I could not think of a more perfect person to call my Matron of Honor. <3 Three fun facts about Margie: 1.) She can name the 16 counties in Maine in under 5 seconds 2.) She is a 98 Degrees super-fan 3.) She gets angry at Jerry Jones, bad drivers, and bad coffee
Best Man
If Zeus transformed into a silverback gorilla, ate a bunch of lions and polar bears, worked out twice a day for his entire life and had a loving, marshmallow core…you would have Jordan Gerber. He has always been a great friend, brother, guide, workout partner, and…well, I am going to stop there because he hates when I get all “sappy.” I feel that one of Jordan’s most defining qualities is his courage. Over the years, I have seen Jordan tested in many ways (most notably by Amanda’s, shall I say…antics), but even in the most stressful and/or painful situations, he remains to have a cool head about him and always chooses to do the right thing (hence, the marshmallow core). Whether Jordan knows it or not, he has taught me to be a better man and I couldn’t imagine anyone else as my Best Man.
Bridesmaid
My amazing cousin, Katherine, is the younger sister that I always wanted. Growing up, Katherine and I were as close as two people could be without actually being sisters. She constantly inspires me, for her unyielding strength and relentless courage are unparalleled. You will not find a sweeter, more loving, kind-hearted person in the world and I could not imagine my wedding without her being by my side. Our dear mothers will certainly be smiling and celebrating together as they look down on us from heaven on this wonderful day. <3 Three fun facts about Katherine: 1.) She knows more about football than most men 2.) She is an avid Disney fan 3.) She plans to be the future momager for Aaliyah when she becomes an R&B superstar
Groomsman
Eric is super competitive, but has the talent to back it up. The first few times that I met Eric in my travels to NH, I would notice his uncanny ability to not only make Beer Pong shots under impossible situations, but also his ability to see the future while watching sporting events. He says it. I then think to myself, “Eh, that probably won’t happen.” It happens. I think, “Wow, that was lucky.” He then proceeds to somehow continue making the same types of calls, game after game, year after year (Vegas anyone?!). Other than it taking about three years for Eric to tell me that he “approves” of me and that he is happy that I am dating his sister, he has always been a great and welcoming friend. He means the world to Christy and myself and I am honored to have him as one of my Groomsman.
Bridesmaid
There are no words that could possibly describe how much I love and admire my future sister-in-law. Her irresistible and charming personality is contagious and her compassionate and overwhelming love for her brother is something that I have always sought to emulate. And although it took her a bit to warm up to me at first (being the cautious big sister that she is), I think Amanda and I now have one of the strongest bonds of anyone I know. After almost a decade of hoping and dreaming, I absolutely cannot wait to finally call her my sister! <3 Three fun facts about Amanda: 1.) She loves scuba diving 2.) She is trained in Underwater Forensics 3.) Unlike Elliott, she does not carry the mutant fitness gene or have random letters in her name
Groomsman
G. G-bear. Papa G. Yo-G-Bear…need I go on? Early on in my Navy/Rescue Swimmer career, I met James “Givens.” I didn’t really even realize how much of a badass he was until I classed up with him in HSM (Helicopter school) and he literally knew EVERYTHING about what we were learning. I owe so much of my success being an Aircrewman to Givens. He is selfless, kind, knowledgeable (“wicked smaht,” for you folks in ME/NH/MA), and honorable. Givens is a born leader and one of the best people that I have ever met. I value his friendship to the highest degree and I am so happy that he is able to be a part of my wedding, despite his duties sewing the blanket of freedom over America (aka, being active duty in the military).
Bridesmaid
I waited 27 years to finally have a sister and Julie was well worth the wait. The ultimate partner in crime, anywhere you go or anything you do with Julie, you know is going to be an amazing time. She has the warmest smile and the biggest, most genuine heart in the world. When she isn't snuggling with my precious and absolutely adorable kitty-nephew, Tyrion (yes, like from Game of Thrones #tyrionlannistercat), she is probably making a killer dip and sipping an amazing glass of wine while reciting quotes from Harry Potter. She is absolutely wonderful in every possible way and I am truly blessed to call her my sister. <3 Three fun facts about Julie: 1.) She can rap Ice Ice Baby...like a champ 2.) She got her black belt at age 11 3.) She is a huge Dad-joke enthusiast
Groomsman
OoOOouUUu, RYAN! Singer, dancer, piano and guitar player, theater performer, soul cyclist, expert of Madden 2007-2018, and professional friend (to name a few), Ryan has always been the perfect role model for me. Well, except for that one time at a wedding (not to be named) when I was laying on the floor and Ryan “helped” me by pouring a “little” more Bacardi Lemon into my mouth after about two hours of the hilarious game, “Chinese Take-Out.” Oh, and also that other time when I got to breathe lake water for 10 minutes because Ryan put me in the “washing machine" (which definitely helped me with Rescue Swimmer School). Truthfully, though, Ryan has taught me how to be confident, strong-willed and proud of who I am. I am thrilled to have Ryan in my wedding party and more so, a part of my life.
Flower Girl
Aaliyah is the dear, sweet daughter of my cousin, Katherine. And just like her mother, she is the kindest, sweetest thing on the planet. Having known Elliott her whole life, one of her favorite questions to me, through giggles and blushing cheeks, has always been, "Are you guys gonna get married?" My heart always soared when she would ask me this and I think hers did too when, even several years ago, I said, "Yes! And I want you to be our Flower Girl!" And she asked me each time she saw me since! So, in keeping with that promise, when it came time, Elliott actually knelt down on one knee with a pink box and a Ring Pop inside and asked her if she would be our Flower Girl! She screamed, "YES!" We love you so much, sweetheart. Thank you for being a part of our special day! <3