Claire & Nathan
Wedding Party
Savannah Smith
Maid of Honor
Savannah (or Saffron or Savvy as I call her) has been one of my best friends since I moved to Baton Rouge for college. We met through a mutual friend of ours (Spoiler: it is our other best friend, Bailey) in our freshman biology class and have been inseparable ever since. We even worked together for a time at Parkview Day Camp. We have shared so many experiences from nights in Tigerland to watching scary movies at my apartment for Halloween. We have laughed and cried together. She is one of the most honest people I know. I can always count on her to help me through any situation or issue. Savannah has been one of my truest friends. I cannot imagine a day as special as this without her.
Shannon Shelton
Best Man
Shannon Shelton is my uncle and has been a second father to me all my life. He has also been a friend who is always there for me no matter the situation. He has provided for my sister and me whenever we needed it most. This is why Shannon is my best man.
Bailey Raphael
Matron of Honor
I have known Bailey (or Bayleaf or Bay as I like to call her) since middle school when we were in the same confirmation class at Grace Methodist Church in Shreveport. However, we lost touch when she moved to Texas and I moved churches. We reconnected years later in college when we by coincidence ended up in the same biology class in our freshman year at LSU. It was like no time passed at all and we became inseparable. Like Savannah and me, we wound up working together at Parkview Day Camp, but we also lived together during some of our undergrad years. Bailey and I have shared many experiences from beach roadtrips to nights in watching a Disney movies or Merlin. She has always been there when I need her and I know she will be there for me and Nathan as we take this step in our relationship.
Darrell Shelton
Groomsman
I wouldn't want to stand at the alter without my father, Darrell Shelton. This is the man who taught me how to be a man. This is the man who wiped my butt when I was a baby and who firmly taught me many life lessons.
Vangie Crosby
Bridesmaid
I met Vangie when I was three years old when she was born. Her presence was forced upon me as she was to be my little sister (Fun Fact: when Momma and Dad told me I was going to be a big sister, I looked them dead in the eyes and told them in no uncertain terms, "No."). Although we didn't always get along as children, as siblings tend to do, she is by far one of the greatest people I have ever known. She is smarter, more creative and much much more funny than I am. She is the Dean to my Sam...the Bucky to my Steve...the Loki to my Thor...and I would not have it any other way. I couldn't imagine my day without her.
Johnny Shelton
Groomsman
My grandfather, Johnny, is better than any I could have asked for. This is the man who taught me how to fish. This is the man who I would drop everything to help, and I know he would do the same as he has proven time and time again throughout my life.
Brooke Shelton
Bridesmaid
I met Brooke through Nathan as she is his baby sister. I thought it was neat that we both had a younger sister who was three years younger than us. Brooke is super bubbly and energetic! She is always looking to have the best time she absolutely possibly can in any given situation. Her positivity radiates through her entire being. She loves everyone fiercely and is always there with a smile and Pinterest inspired goodies. No wedding would be complete without Brooke and I am extremely excited to have her as a future sister-in-law!
Justyn Johnson
Groomsman
Justyn, while not related by blood, has been a huge figure in my life. I see how happy he makes my aunt and how happy his family is. I want to follow his example. Justyn was also the catalyst that set my financial future in motion. Be cause of the principles he introduced me to, my family will never have to worry about our finances in the future.
Haley Dorris
Bridesmaid
Haley is the best stepsister a girl could ask for. She is kindhearted and much smarter than me (She finished a bachelors and masters degree in four years; it took me six years). She is wise beyond her years. For this massive event in my and Nathan's lives, there is nothing I wanted more than to be surrounded by family. I am so happy to have my wonderful sister to stand beside me on this special day.
Adam Crosby
Groomsman
Adam, my soon-to-be brother-in-law, is an interesting kid. I've never met someone who likes cars as much as him. Sometimes it's like he is speaking a foreign language when he gets on a roll about cars. While I don't really get it myself, I find inspiration in his passion. Hopefully that inspiration will guide me to make something of my own passion; photography. I've never had a brother, and well...I will have one now.
Rob Dove
Usher
Rob is one of my favorite people on Earth. I think he might be one of Nathan's favorite people as well. Rob is genuine, down to earth and very kind. And most importantly, he shares my love for Star Wars (even if he does side with the Galactic Empire, but I won't hold that against him). I couldn't fathom an important day such as this without Rob.
Joseph Matherne
Usher
My cousin, Joseph, Joe Joe, or as my family and I like to call him, Lil Bit has added a bit of soul to our family for over twenty years. He is the only one in our family who can dance at all. Growing up, Joe Joe and I were pretty close. He is one of the best guys I know.
Dean Mayeaux
Usher
Dean is the Tenth Doctor to my Donna. I was Dean's committee chair of the Talent Show when he was a camper at RYLA in 2013. RYLA Camp is a leadership camp for high school students that is held every summer by Rotary District 6190. The talent show that year was one of the best ones we have ever had in my opinion. Dean and I became close friends after that summer and I managed to rope him back into RYLA and being a counselor with me for a while. He has become one of my best friends and I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for his friendship.
Coye Savoie
Usher
Coye, my eldest cousin, and I were close growing up. Coye has overcome so many obstacles in his life and is doing incredibly well for him self. His story is very much a boot straps story. He is a good man and beloved family.
Eli Smith
Officiant
Eli is many things to me (Nathan), but most importantly, he has become my best friend through the few years I've known him. I met him playing a game called Destiny, and we hit it off almost immediately. This is the man that forced me to educate myself on economics and to take a step back to rationalize my positions. Critical thinking wasn't really in my wheelhouse until I met Eli. I have talked to him nearly every day. I've laughed with him in good times and cried with him in the most heart-wrenching of times. While Claire doesn't know him as well as I do, he has always supported us and lifted us up. The best times are when he pushes her buttons with his many "Roll Tide" comments. Their back-and-forths are hysterical. We couldn't think of a better person to officiate our wedding.