Bride
Groom
Man of Honor
Jonathan and Gina met in Middle School. While the true origins of the friendship are up for debate and lost with time, their friendship was sealed on New Year's Eve over a container of Pub Cheese. Jonathan has long been Gina's "twin" and companion to many dances, weddings, family events, and vacations.
Best Woman
Connor first met Kaitlin when he was born, after which they made each other very miserable for many years. They eventually reached a ceasefire and have been important pillars of support for each other ever since.
Maid of Honor
Gina and Emily became friends at Rockhurst University, and sisters through Theta Phi Alpha. Emily is exceptionally skilled at helping Gina to feel a sense of calm and laugh within minutes on a bad day. There are too many favorite moments and memories to share in a short blurb.
Groomsman
Connor and Denali met in Qatar, where Denali was newly transferred to the unit mid-deployment. They share the same grim humor and healthy coping mechanisms.
Bridesmaid
Gina and Sarah became friends after meeting at youth group in High School. The friendship was instantaneous and grew into something even stronger than could be anticipated. From bonding over One Direction, silly moments on Mission Trips, Mad Libs, and drunken Russian Accents, Gina is extremely grateful for Sarah for being there through all of life's silly and challenging moments.
Groomsman
Michael was a senior member of Connor's platoon in Korea, and brought a much needed levelheadedness to the otherwise eccentric Fire Control section of Alpha Battery. He has been a source of good advice for many years.
Bridesmaid
Madeleine came into Gina's life when she began dating Gina's brother. Madeleine was an instant friend and has become the sister and friend of her dreams. Madeleine has truly the kindest heart, and can always make the entire room laugh and feel at ease.
Groomswoman
Connor and Danielle's friendship was forged in the fires of Mrs. Timmons' english class, where they could not (or would not) stop talking.
Bridesman
Life forced Gina and Danny to be siblings, but the two have truly grown to be close. Gina is beyond appreciative to have Danny as a brother and friend. Summers spent building forts, playing never ending Monopoly games, and quoting Rookie of the Year set the foundation for an incredible friendship. Danny has become a fierce supporter and a great model of generosity- funny coming from someone who once offered Gina $5 to wrap her own Christmas present.
Groomswoman
Doyle and Connor went to school together, but first became close later. They bonded after realizing they both worked for evil corporations.
Bridesmaid
Maggie is not only an amazing cousin, but a dear friend, and co-worker several times over. Maggie can always bring humor to any situation, and approaches every moment with deep love and compassion. Even though Maggie is the younger cousin, Gina has always looked up to her and deeply admired her.
Groomsman
Marrero and Connor served together in the Battalion Fire Direction Section at Fort Hood, and after a deployment to Qatar, they became gaming buddies and shared hobby enthusiasts.
Bridesmaid
Having become friends in a Facebook group, bonding over our love of the Jonas Brothers, Kansas City, and hatred of Cancer and MLMs, I could have never imagined the friendship that would grow from a Facebook Friend Request!
Groomsman
Steve is one of Connor's oldest friends, with the two bonding over Pokémon in grade school. They've been constant companions since, and raised one puppy together.
Bridesmaid
Emily and Gina met at Rockhurst in McGee Residence Hall. Emily and Gina were fast friends, bonding over growing up close by, and their love of How I Met Your Mother and trashy reality television. Gina and Emily had Trashy TV Tuesdays even after graduating college to keep up during busy transitions to adulthood. Emily has remained a strong support all of these years later.
Groomswoman
Amy and Connor have known each other since kindergarten, and have remained friends through high school and into adulthood. They have been through countless all-nighters, campouts, and all-nighter campouts.
Bridesmaid
Andrea and Gina were placed across the hall from each other in Sophomore year at Rockhurst in XL Hall. One day, Gina heard Matt Nathanson's music wafting from Andrea's computer. It was instant friendship built on music, spontaneous dance parties, and fountain diet cokes, that turned into something even bigger.
Groomsman
Brandon and Connor met in Korea, where Brandon was Connor's least favorite person in the 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment. They spent their time terrorizing the barracks, and anywhere else they meet up.
Bridesmaid
Erin and Gina met doing theater together in Middle School. Gina and Erin both became Social Workers, and reconnected volunteering for Camp Rainbow and have been inseparable ever since!
Groomsman
Ryan and Connor were radar crewmates in Korea, where they innovated new techniques in avoiding NCOs, and spent long hours perfecting their Sergeant McMahon impression.
Mother of the Bride
Terri may be the only person in the world that consistently shows up to her own birthday party with presents for other people. That is a small anecdote that paints the picture of this incredible person. She has been there for Gina through the highest highs and lowest lows, always bringing kindness, grace, and incredible strength. Gina couldn't have picked a better mom, and a better role model to follow in her footsteps.
Mother of the Groom
Lynda is fierce woman who fights for the people she loves. She enjoys word games and Days of Our Lives, and is the spiritual founder of the Paddle Closer movement. Steadfast and unwavering in her dedication to her children and grandchild, she can be best summed up with her famous phrase: "I don't fuck around"
Father of the Bride
Gina will never forget her dad making even the small moments in childhood special and fun, his voices while reading Winnie The Pooh Stories, his World Famous Potatoes, and all of the things big and small he has done for her. She is so thankful to have a dad who has always opened his heart and home to others and has set a strong example for being generous and compassionate. Gina will always cherish the many hours playing Pokemon Go together and receiving wise personal and professional advice along the way!
Father of the Groom
An avid hunter, gardener, craftsman and chef, Gary's pranks and mischievous nature have rubbed off on Connor over the years. He has been a font of wisdom and guidance throughout the years, in both personal matters and technical advice. His example and the lessons he has shared have shaped Connor into the man he is today.
Flower Girl
Flower Girl
Flower Girl