Lauren and Alan
Wedding Party
Jaclyn Carr
Matron of Honor
For the past three months, I've tried to write an appropriately eloquent and meaningful introductory paragraph for both of my sisters. But each time, words failed me and I started to cry. There are, in fact, no words that can properly describe my love for these two precious and amazing women. But since the wedding is almost upon us, I'll push through the tears and attempt to tell you all of how much I adore them. As one might imagine, I've known Jacki (or Jack, as I like to call her), my entire life. Jack is my adventurous and independent older sister, who paved the way for Megan and myself. She's strong, intelligent, and witty. She loves fiercely, she cries every time we hug (which secretly makes me feel loved beyond measure), and is always ready to listen and offer encouragement.
Megan LaPointe
Matron of Honor
Since day one, Megan has been my second mother (a nickname which she used to abhor, but I now think she embraces). At each major transition in my life she's offered love, support, and guidance. For example, when I started high school, she let me hang out with her friends. And when I went off to college, she helped me navigate my first year at Southern. Now, as I plan to change careers, she continues to offer advice and encouragement. Truly, I could not image my life without my beloved second mother. And now, Megan is an amazing mother to two precious little guys, who you'll see tossing flowers down the aisle at the wedding.
Tekoa Penrose
Bridesmaid
Tekoa and I met at Southern Adventist University, where we were both working on degrees in social work. For ages, I thought Tekoa was just the coolest person - but that she didn't like me. Turns out, Tekoa thought the same thing about me. We finally realized that we should be best buds for life when we were assigned to work on a class project together (thanks, KW, for making this friendship happen!). We've been enmeshed ever since!
Christina Cecotto
Bridesmaid
I first met Christina through Tekoa, while we were all working on our masters degrees in social work. Christina and I ended up working as graduate assistants together, and bonded over long hours of research, writing, and pseudo-therapy sessions. In our group of friends, Christina is somehow both the sage and the comedian, and never fails to make us laugh until we cry!
Katie Jacobs
Bridesmaid
The story of how Katie and I met is a funny one - and one best told in person (come find us at the wedding and make us tell you!). In the years we've known each other, we've encouraged each other to become better feminists, marched together at the Women's March in Washington DC, and cheered each other on as we pursued yet another degree (we're gluttons for punishment that way). And it just so happens that Katie is one of the people responsible for convincing me to introduce myself to Alan. We wouldn't be here without her, folks!
Bryan Mann
Best Man
Bryan has dedicated his life to teaching and my sister. He's an expert runner and has more energy than anyone I've ever met. He's been prepping for fatherhood by volunteering his time as a Big in the Big Brother/Big Sister program in Chattanooga. If I'm not at home, I'm likely playing a game, watching a game, or just hanging out, with Bryan and Stephanie.
Stephanie Mann
Groomswoman
Stephanie and I (Alan) were roommates for 14 years. We worked together, traveled together, and both landed in Chattanooga after school. She is my little sister and best friend. She's been volunteering at Big Brothers/Big Sisters for a few years to prepare for motherhood, which is a role she took on shortly before Thanksgiving when she added Kingston Mann to the family.
Marlon Rhine
Groomsman
Marlon and I have been friends since middle school. We've driven the lower 48. We've outwitted Yale grads at a Boston Brewery. We've shared a one-bedroom apt. in West Virginia. We've got each other into and out of more trouble than I can fit in 800 spaces. He is an attorney in Atlanta and married to another close friend of mine, Nancy.
Chris Leone
Groomsman
Chris and I played soccer together in college. The common path for college friends is to slowly drift apart, the opposite has happened with us. We always meet Chris and his wife Kristen in Atlanta before the United home games to tailgate. Lauren and I will be traveling with the Leone's to Spain for a week shortly after the wedding. Chris is teacher and a soccer coach.
Ethan Carr
Ring Bearer
Ethan is my (Lauren's) oldest nephew and he stole my heart the minute I met him. E and I are both introverts (at least at first), so some of my favorite "auntie memories" with him are of us heading outside (instead of staying inside during family events) to invent new and silly games to play. E is sweet and creative, he's full of energy, and he's the best big cousin around (just ask his cousins, the flower boys).
Avery LaPointe
Flower Boy
Avery is my (Lauren's) nephew. Ave is 4 years old, loves all things construction, and can tell you anything you could want to know about dinosaurs. He's a self-proclaimed "worker man" and loves to "drive" his tractors. Ave's a sweet big brother to Ollie, and he absolutely adores his big cousin E.
Oliver LaPointe
Flower Boy
Ollie is my (Lauren's) youngest nephew, and has the sweetest, most silly little smile. Ollie is 1 year old and has started to race around (no more crawling for this guy). With his blonde hair and blue eyes, he surely is an anomaly in our family, but we think we'll keep him. ;)