Crissy & John
Wedding Party
Annie Pearl Spivey (Lulu)
Mother of the Bride
My mom has the most beautiful spirit, and heart. She is soft and gentle, but strong and resilient, but silly and hilarious. From Mississippi, she moved to Syracuse at 29 and worked 40 years in the Syracuse City School District. It's largely been us two, as my father passed away when I was 14. She's always been my side for every school event, and every other single move of my entire life. She taught me how to mother and what love really means. I'm so grateful I get to see her be such an incredible Lulu to Violet. I love you Moooby, Mommy, Lulu.
Mary Merritt (TT)
Aunt of the Bride
My aunt is my favorite joy. I always feel like I was raised my two women, my mother and my aunt, TT. The first sounds I ever mumbled as a baby became a nickname that has stuck with her for decades. The most joyful one in our family, showed me how to live life colorfully, order meals immaculately, and wear kitten heels with charm. I wasn't lucky enough to meet her and my mom's mother, my Grandma Cora, but she was up for the challenge. A true creative chameleon, who taught me how to crochet, sold Avon and she professionally made candles for years at Will & Baumer candle company. She bought her house at a young age and I was motivated to try to do the same. I've spent almost as many hours in that house as I have my own, and I feel like I'm the luckiest niece to have her in my life.
Violet Pearl Richie Spivey
Daughter of bride
Violet is my heart. My life's greatest surprise hands down is my daughter, what can I say. She's is hilarious, mischievous, charming, and straight up adorable. She makes me laugh and I just can't believe I have her to crawl into bed at night and wake up with the words, "I have a surprise for you, mama!" Sweet Violet, the surprise of my life is you. I love you!
Leah Siepel
Lady of honor
Leah is one of my oldest friends. A fellow New Yorker (me Syracuse. her West Valley, NY outside of Buffalo). We met our sophomore year at the University of Rochester. She tells a story of spotting me on my way to the shower, in a velvet robe and a shower cap. I tell the story of seeing her bent backwards literally as she did yoga as I most likely was on my way to the dining hall. We moved to New York City in 2003, me a month or so after she arrived. I remember we met up in Brooklyn to find a place to split a sandwich. Everything was out of what we could afford. We've seen each other through so many moments, moves, breakups, and now weddings and kiddos. I'm so happy to have her by my side, Love you, my Leah!
Yolanda Cherbini
Cousin of the bride
Yolanda and I grew up together. When her dad, whom I called Uncle Bill (who was my best pal), married my TT, I instantly had a playmate. Two kids playing alone, suddenly became two cousins playing too much Nintendo, lip-syncing to endless songs on Z89 radio station, and doing so much Nintendo Power Pad we flattened my poor aunts cakes and broke multiple TVs. I was so happy to be a part of Yolanda's wedding in the same church and am so happy to have her little family including her son who I call, Mr. William in my life.
Ruby Sheets
Friend of the bride
Ruby is the smartest, funniest, and most loyal friend. I'm so lucky to have and her little Luca in our lives. From traveling to New Orleans and Los Angeles, to laying in Prospect Park in Brooklyn trying to figure out life, she's by far the best. A talented educator, artist, linguist, dancer, and most recently mother, I'm so incredibly happy that Violet and Luca play together and Ruby and I can happily watch.
Ishita Srivastava
Friend of the bride
Ishita is one of my dearest friends. We've had points where we talked all day, everyday. We met at Breakthrough and have shared so many stories, laughs and tears. Like a sister, I've stayed at Ishita's when I've needed a hug after a breakup, to spending my Babymoon at her and her lovely husband's home. From taking in Beyoncé, to leading me to my neighborhood in Ditmas Park where she lived for years before me, she's my guide and lil/big sis. I'm so lucky to have her, Benji and Samara in my life.
John Richie Sr.
Father of the Groom
Nat Richie. What can you say? I've known him my entire life. Good father, great friend. He has always been a consistent source of support and wisdom. Violet's favorite nap partner. This will be his 2nd time to Syracuse. He came the 1st time for Violet's Christening vowing he would not come if it was snowing. It snowed 6 inches that day and he still came; never heard him complain, once. We are so happy to be celebrating with him.
Jonathan Jahnke
Best Man
Best Man all the way from Japan! Jonathan is one of my oldest friends. He will be there in spirit, but in Japan day of the ceremony.
Brent Joseph
Groomsman
The Terry Town Terror! Brent and I have worked on and off together for years. We've been in the trenches. He's living in San Antonio, now, but we talk at least 5X a week.
Zach Reynolds
Groomsman
Zach with the cool hair: Zach is one of my best buds and also one of Violet's Godfathers.
Jeremy Endicott
Main Man of Honor
Jeremy AKA "Jermajesty" is one of my oldest friends (since 1992) and continues to be a good, close bud.