Amara & Clay
Wedding Party
Julienne, Elizabeth, and Jodi
Bridesmaid, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaid
I love these girls so much! They definitely helped me survive nursing school being there through every late night study group, every panic attack before an exam, & every meltdown after an exam! Julienne (Left)- She may be in Louisiana, but her personality can be felt all the way up here! I miss this lady every day & I couldn't imagine my big day without her! Elizabeth (Middle)- After hitting up a bridal expo before either of us were engaged, our conversations quickly went from nursing school to wedding pinterest boards! So proud to call this incredible person a friend as well as my Maid of Honor! Jodi (Right)- Voted 'Most Humorous' in 8th grade (a title she never lets us forget), Jodi always keeps us laughing! I'm so glad she said "YES!" to my bridesmaid proposal!
Jenna, Amanda, and Demetria
Bridesmaids!
Throwback to high school! We always had tons of fun together in the ROTC program & my life is so much better with them in it. So glad we have continued to be best friends after all these years because I can't imagine life without them! Jenna AKA Jennafoe AKA Smokey (Left)- Couldn't have my big day without Jenna up there! Jenna has a huge heart & always finds a way to make you smile! I should have hired her as my wedding photographer because there is never a missed photo when Jenna is around! Amanda AKA Manda (Middle)- Intelligent, funny, & an all around amazing person! It was an easy choice to make her one of my bridesmaids! Demetria AKA Deme (Right)- If you are lucky enough to be a friend of hers, she will fight to the death for you! I'm so excited to have her by my side on my big day!
Joaquin
Best Man
Joaquin has been my best friend since we first met in the second grade. If he were a D&D character he'd be a charismatic bard: he's got a big love for music and can turn anyone into his friend. We were inseparable as kids and I consider him and his family a part of my own. Since I was eight there has only been one choice for my best man.
Andy
Groomsman
Andy has been a close friend of mine since our high school days. He is the type of guy who offers to help you move (helped us twice!) and then buys the pizza and beer as a housewarming gift. If he were a D&D character he'd be a noble paladin: always willing to lend a hand or word of advice to those in need. I'm honored to be "Uncle Clay" to his beautiful daughters and to have Andy as my friend and groomsman.
Richard
Groomsman
Richard and I bonded over our love of video games in middle school. There was a summer in high school where I probably spent more time at his house than I did my own. If Richard were a D&D character he'd be a ninja named Drachir and he'd probably be mad if I suggested otherwise. It's only a matter of time before he teaches his son to call me something more colorful than "Uncle Clay." Even so, I couldn't imagine having a party and not inviting Richard; I'm glad he's my groomsman.
Ben
Groomsman
Ben and I met in fourth grade through the SWAS program and have been friends ever since. During college I would take the train back to Elgin many weekends and spend the night at his house eating White Pearl pad thai. If Ben were a D&D character he'd be a benevolent Cleric: always willing to lend an ear or a hand to your problems. Ben's like a brother to me and I'm happy he agreed to be a groomsman.
Jeremy
Groomsman
My brother Jeremy helped build my love for video games. As a kid, I used to watch him play and incessantly commentate or ask questions about what he was doing. When the folks weren't around Jer would let me watch him play the stuff my parents thought was too violent (sorry guys!). Despite being the sometimes annoying little bro he'd still sit in my room late into the night while we played SOCOM online. We might not get to hang out as much as adults, but I'm grateful Jer said yes to being my groomsman.
Michael
Groomsman
I met my soon-to-be brother-in-law Michael just as he was becoming a teenager. While his mom and sister couldn't always get him to talk, I could usually pull out a few sentences about his current interests. Over the years I've gotten to see him turn into a fine young man I can be proud to call brother. I'm glad Michael could pause Madden (and real football, go Green Knights!) long enough to be my groomsman.