Darcy & Jeff
Wedding Party
John Hugh Granville Ward
Man of Honor
This guy. I would not have ever imagined this little pissant would grow up to be one of the people at my emotional core. He is within spitting distance of an MD and will no doubt put the fun in fungal infections someday soon. Our teamwork is essential in parent-wrangling, even if he is the absolute worst at Christmas tree decorating.
Tess Cohen
Bridesmaid
Tessums was my other half throughout college, the mama bear to my papa bear of the Grinnell Pie Eaters softball team. She has since turned into one of the few lawyers with jobs like they have on the TV. I am suffering greatly from no longer being within an easy bus ride of her fantastic advice and hosting, not to mention her charming cast of gentlemen.
Dr. Madeylne Z. Greene (Mady)
Bridesmaid
Ah, my PF: the greatest roommate a single gal living in the big city can possibly imagine. Immediately after moving to Philly I saw her ordering an IPA across a crowded bar and it was love at first sight of her oversized glasses. I have been her #1 biggest fan since, which is saying something, as she is an brilliant and charming professor at the University of Wisconsin Madison. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Greene%20MZ%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=30235283
Aryn Karstens
Bridesmaid
I have not always been the polished professional you see today. Aryn has stuck with me since the dark ages of middle school, which were mercifully prior to facebook. We have gotten better haircuts since then, but stayed close. She now changes the lives of many young people as a social worker back in our home state of Minnesnowta I am glad that she is expecting her second child so she cannot pay me back for how her bachelorette party went down.
Ariel Wheeler-Sessions, RNC-OB
Bridesmaid
AWS, RNC-OB, transformed my Tallahassee world. Our friendship was fast and furious and so glorious that we were uncertain if it was work-appropriate. Two friendship-necklace sets later, that ship has sailed. She is present on an emotional level at all times, but also literally attended several wedding-related appointments and also found the venue for us. I wish I could insert the praise hands emoji a thousand times over.
Nick Conley
Best Man
Nick is my younger brother. In our childhood, we navigated households, childcare, sports teams, peer groups, and school together. He was a more steadfast companion than any other person in my life. He and I have stayed close as adults, and I'm glad to have him beside me during my wedding.
Andy Webster
Groomsman
Andy is my dear friend and contemporary in AA. He and I got sober together, listening to the same old timers in Grand Blanc, MI saying things like, "life doesn't suck, you suck, baby." We became fast friends, he got himself a job at Big Boy, where I was working, he and I became roommates, and volleyball partners. Andy is the most genuine person I know.
Nathan DeKett
Groomsman
Nathan was my roommate during our freshmen year of college. Freshmen year was incredible for both of us, not always in a great way, but I do appreciate referring to "freshmen year" rather than year seven of undergrad, much less embarrassing. Nathan and I became friends instantly and we rushed the same fraternity at the University of Michigan. He lived on my mom's couch for a few months, so we're basically brothers. He has an incredible sense of humor and I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for always being there for me. Nathan now serves primarily as my sourdough confidant.
David Curtis
Groomsman
Dave is one of my closest friends. He is my AA sponsor and played an instrumental role in my on-going recovery from alcoholism. We met in 2010 when I asked him to help me better understand myself and he gladly extended his experience, strength, and hope to me when I needed it most. Now, we are good friends and have enjoyed many adventures and hearty home cooked meals.
Anna Conley
Groomswoman
Anna is my sister. She is several years younger which allowed for my being able to extend to her generosities that Nicholas did not enjoy. She was my baby sister. I fed her, burped her, and kept her from eating too many unauthorized box-elder bugs. I really enjoy knowing her as an adult and am delighted to have her with me during the wedding!