Best Man
After finding out it wasn't appropriate for me to be my own best man, I had the easy decision of selecting Natey. I've known Natey since the first day of kindergarten, and we've been BFFs ever since. We played sports together. I quit baseball because he hit me in the face with a ball. We’ve won championships together. Roommates. He was secretly my prom date. Crazy Town. Went to college together. Worked together in Nags Head, NC. He's just a sweet ol teddy bear. Father to little Fig Tree, Husband to J-Rock. Arguably the best guy at our wedding to get tipsy with....just saying..he may also try and fight you. Fun facts Natey scored like 40 points in an alumni basketball game. We were all confused. Filled up a gasoline only box truck with diesel fuel and hit a parked car in the same day.
Maid of Honor
Kim and I met freshman year of college. I didn't know I'd said her name wrong for two years until we were roommates junior year in our sorority house. We really didn't even know each other that well when we became roommates, but it wasn't long after that we fell in BFF love. Since then we've had many fun and life changing adventures together. This woman so deeply resonates to my heart and soul. She observes me well, listens intently, makes me laugh, rubs my back, and helps me grow. Fun facts about Kim: She is the best storyteller. Though Kim is the brave one, one time we went to a concert and decided to crowd surf for a band we didn't know. She chickened out, but I went. Kim once intentionally summersaulted head first down a sand dune in Utah. I peed my pants a little that day.
Groomsman
Patrick is my oldest brother. I've known him since forever. When he's not being a Husband/Father, he is likely arguing with me about the Lebron/Jordan debate (of which there is no debate even though he disagrees). If you are interested in Bigfoot/Aliens or general conspiracy, he's a great guy to tap into at our wedding. He also was a deceptively good jumper in his prime and teaches Special Education in Westerville, Ohio. He will be accompanied by his wife Kristin and my nephew Tate and new baby boy, Carter!!!! Fun Fact Offer him $5 to say something Lebron is better at than Jordan. You'll keep your money, he won't do it.
Bridesmaid
Elizabeth is my favorite big sister, and she was my very first friend. She has had my back for almost 28 years. Elizabeth and I used to take walks all around our neighborhood, and we bonded as friends a lot during those walks. It was in our friendship where I learned to have opinions and find ways to express those. She has always offered me an honest and outside perspective of myself, and I appreciate her for that in more ways than I can state. I admire Elizabeth's work ethic and her ability to speak her mind. She has the best laugh and she cries when she laughs if it’s funny enough. Fun facts about Elizabeth: She has a beautiful and soulful singing voice. She will eat anything with pickles in, around, or on it, but if it's a burger, the pickles must be on top.
Groomsman
Matt is my middle Brother. Like Patrick, I have known him since I've existed on this planet. He lives in Sierra Vista, Arizona with his family and is part of the reason we ended up in the desert. When he's not busy being a fancy lawman, he pretends to lift weights in his fancy garage gym, drinks coffee, and shoots flies with a bug-a-salt. He's a hunter and a fisherman and if you're interested in crazy Police stories down on the US/Mexican border, he has a handful of them. Matt is Husband to Sara and father of Brodyn, Emma, Colton, and Cooper...and 3 dogs. Fun Fact Matt wears seashell necklaces. I got drunk for the first time under his watch. Claimed to be the best dunker in the family. He wasn't... I was.
Bridesmaid
Alix is my favorite little sister. We've always been trouble together, whether that be trouble against each other or trouble together. Growing up we bickered a lot, but just as quickly as an argument started we'd join alliances and be on the same team. Some of my hardest laughs happened in our immature bouts of silliness. Those moments were always precious and exclusive. Some of my fave memories are of the consistent friendship that blossomed and remained when she got to high school. Alix is funny. She always speaks her heart. As an adult it's been amazing to see the way our roots blend and intertwine so deeply, how different, and yet how similar we can be. Fun facts about Alix: Bomb.com cook Kitty mama, loves art, has a DIY tattoo Once saved me from a cut Secretly a baby whisperer
Groomsman
Wayne Dicken a.k.a Mr. Moves a.k.a WD24. Wayne has been a great friend of mine for the last decade. If you love Professional Wrestling, he is the guy to talk to at our wedding. Also ask him about his frosted tips. Wayne played sports at our rival school and his teammates all had frosted tips and highlights in their hair. Don't know how to identify Wayne? Look for the groomsman with the biggest muscles. He'll be happy to tell you how much he can bench press. WD24’s family is well represented in our wedding. His wife Becky (the duck) and the munchkins, Brooklyn and Bianca are all featured players for our big day. Fun Fact Only works out Chest and Biceps Coaches boys baseball at Nelsonville HS and women's softball and cheerleading at Ohio University.
Bridesmaid
On the first day of 6th grade I met Abbey. It was in gym class. She walked up the bleachers in her blue and white skirt, her white sandal heels, and her bun. Abbey was instantly friendly and welcoming. It wasn't long before we became lifelong friends. In high school we kept notebooks that we traded back and forth writing notes to each other. People were always perplexed by our hyper energy together, but this Woo Girl knows how to bring the energy anywhere she goes. Abbey is the most loyal friend. She has been an absolute rock for me during life's tough times, and she's the sweetest scoop of ice cream through the good times. She is a constant blessing to me. Fun facts: Abbey juggles. She'll eat ice cream anytime, anywhere, any temperature. We have white Harry Potter tattoos together.
Groomsman
Clint and I met in middle school but became good friends in high school. We got into all sorts of shenanigans during our college years. He is a Rachel Maddow worshiper and loves all things MSNBC. Don't let him tell you any otherwise. Reds baseball, Ohio State football, coffee/beer and Maddow. Clint is my favorite friend to climb things with. Together, we unintentionally defaced a beautiful landscape in Death Valley National Park. He also throws batteries if he gets too much sauce in him. Keep batteries away from Clint. Hanging out all evening with Clint will be his terrific wife Burger (you can call her Brenda) and their daughter Julia Gulia...she's adorbs. Fun Fact Clint and I quit drinking vodka forever on the same night. His favorite football player ever is Keyshawn Johnson.
Bridesmaid
Katherine and I first bonded after a night of karaoke singing Friends in Low Places together. We were lucky enough to be suite mates sophomore year, and no doubt about it I am blessed to have this woman stand by me and be my friend. Katherine not only looks out for me, but for my family, my friends, my future hubby. She has the most caring, funny, and relatable soul. My day instantly brightens and feels lighter after talking with Katherine. She challenges me, advises me, and consoles me. We happy cry together more than we'd like to admit, but we just love each other so much. Fun Facts: Katherine is a polka dancer. Her favorite movies include My Best Friend's Wedding, Remember the Titans, and the Big Chill. She introduced me to a great love of Motown music.
Groomsman
Ryan checks in as my least favorite of the groomsman party. He was my sworn enemy in high school because we dated the same girl. After the "Treaty of Mordor," orchestrated by best man Natey, I learned Ryan was rather delightful, and it makes me mad how much I like him. Like Clint, he loves Rachel Maddow, and don't let him tell you any otherwise. He takes great pictures, enjoys yummy coffee, and will owe me $50 if Trump is re-elected. We rarely agree on anything. Ryan is husband to Lacey and Father to Holden. I just can't with the pictures they take of their boy. Fun Fact Ryan is wise. Need an adage? He is full of them. He is great at letting you know how things will workout...or not workout. They either will or they won't. He'd tell you that, unless he didn't than he wouldn't.
Bridesmaid
Derek and I first had crushes at the home of Cole (groomsman) and Ashley. They invited Derek over for a bonfire. I was invited to tag along. That night was a funny story, but I only have so many characters. Derek and I looked at the stars that night. We both wanted to hold hands, but didn't. Fast forward years later, Derek and I moved out to Arizona in January 2016. Ashley and her hubby took a 6 month road trip shortly after. We hosted them a few days on their trip. A year later, they joined us in the Copper State. Ashley and I have become close friends. We cook meals together, spend holidays together singing ballads at the table, have workout dates, watch storms, camp and hike together, and more. We’re AZ family. Fun Facts: Can properly deadlift 130lbs Multiple interactions with bears
Groomsman
Jon is my tallest friend and loves when you ask questions about how tall he is and especially what his mom fed him. I've known Jon since 7th grade and our relationship is a bit of an anomaly as Jon is a pretty smart guy who dislikes dumb people yet took a liking to myself. Jon is a foodie and an engineer and knows at least the words to 3 or 4 Presidents of the United States songs. Ask Jon about his favorite kind of fresh fruit. He's also an expert on the Wildcat Hollow trail in Morgan County. Big Jon will be accompanied by his wife Tein. Fun Fact Jon shattered a backboard during an alumni basketball game. Plays too much Nintendo and doesn't use trash cans
Bridesmaid
Kylie and I became close friends senior year of high school, but especially the summer before college as we headed to Ohio University together. Kylie, Abbey, and I went skydiving together that summer, or maybe the summer after? We thought we were adrenaline junkies, but we've grown since then.... We've had many heart to hearts over Taco Bell and wine and different adventures throughout the years. Kylie taught me how to work out, to care about the environment, she showed me the basics of cooking, she introduced new music to me, and showed interest in the outdoors with me. Kylie was there in the beginnings of Derek and I and saw us evolve from friends to more, watching as we navigated through it all. I am so lucky to have Kylie as a friend. Fun facts: Master of mix CDs Dog foster mom
Groomsman
Cole is a groomsman and in his truest form, a desert boy. I met Cole in 2003 on the courts at Hocking College. We were fierce rivals but developed a cute friendship off the court. We reconnected in 2013, around the time that Katy and I started dating. It was at his house that Kate and I knew something special was brewing. He is the bagger of too many peaks to count, a fisherman, burrito lover, and calls a spade a spade. He is the desert southwest in human form and by God loves an Ice Cold Beer. Cole is husband to Ashley, also a featured player in our wedding. Fun Fact This guy loves some Little Caesers Pizza. That's how you know you can trust him. If you're ever in Phoenix and need a hike or burrito recommendation, he's the guy.
Bridesmaid
Becky is the husband of Wayne Dicken (groomsmen), which is how we met, but not how we became friends. Becky and I first met at an Avett Brothers concert, the very concert Derek first knew he loved me at. We bonded quickly after that. All it took was a glass of wine and a girls night. Becky is one of the most selfless people I know. She's a total role model when it comes to parenting. She is brave. She is wise. She is a great friend. I've been so lucky to have such great role models in all of the LOBS (Ladies of the Bullshit). Their relationships were examples for us in ways. The Dickens know us well and love us big, and their friendship means the world to us. Fun facts: Becky is the OU head cheerleading coach Her favorite baseball player is Adam Wainwright Daughters Brooklyn & Bianca
Groomsman
Better known as Bubby Johnson, Ryan and I met in college and have been friends ever since. He is a lover of bad cinema and singlehandedly is responsible for my love of Miami Connection. Bubby is the ultimate wingman. Builds trucks by day and strums the ol guitar by night. Katy would argue he has the biggest heart of all the boys in the party. Front flips, cold beer, laughs, the best nights....the best. We almost fought a frat house one night. If you're interested in some Red Bull and Vodkas, gross meme's or shocking videos, look no further than Bubby Johnson. Single/34/M/Chillicothe Fun Fact After a night of cold beer, Bubby and I slept in our driveway in Scottsdale. Bubby aint afraid to use to bathroom out in the woods.
Bridesmaid
Middle schoolers can be scary, but not these girls. Brooklyn and Bianca are two of the coolest, sweetest, and most awesome teenagers I know. They're also two of my very dear friends. Introduced by their mother, Becky Dicken, these girls came in to shop one day while I was working at Justice. The rest of our friendship is history. In the past 5 years I've been able to watch Brooklyn and Bianca grow, and I feel so lucky to be a part of their world. These girls are great at sports. They are smart, fashionable, they love to read, and one of their best qualities is their ability to make everyone feel important and loved.
Groomsman
I met Dwayne in college and it has blossomed into a magical friendship ever since. When I was a young, broke student, Dwayne was the guy that took care of me one summer. He has been a part of many of my favorite nights in college/post college. We had the pleasure of being roommates in Columbus. We lived together when Kate and I had our first apartment, so he was front and center for our early relationship. We've vacationed together, been out on the town, and had deep conversations on the hood of my car. Dwayne is one of my favorite people to grab a cold one with so be sure to chat this fella up at our wedding! Single/34/M/Columbus Fun Fact Dwayne does a perfect front flip off a diving board. Backed into Nates parked car 15 years ago.
Flower Girl
Our little Emma girl.... Derek's one and only niece, my future niece, and current close friend. Emma is funny, smart, articulate, beautiful, athletic, curious and sassy as heck. She brings so much joy to those around her. She has 3 awesome brothers and loves to tell them what to do. Emma loves animals more than most people, but she loves most people she meets too. She has a very large heart. She cries at Full House. She loves to bake. Our friendship sparked the first day we met (she was 2), and we've been great friends ever since. She will be the most professional flower girl Nelsonville has ever seen.
Groomsman
I met Ron through this kid Jesse Stoops in 7th grade. Jesse claimed Ron was "the funniest kid," and "I had to meet him." It ended being the beginning of yet another magical friendship that has spanned more than 20 years. Ron and I were in a boy band together in high school (http://www.freshstep.freeservers.com) and currently both reside in Maricopa County. Ron is into super cute and trendy things, loves the latest music, and is not afraid to go there. He's got a bad boy side but likes to keep things drama free. If he were a character on The Hills, he'd be Justin Bobby. Ron is husband to Larissa and I'm still sorry I'm not Missouri Fun Fact Joe Hibbard sat in between Ron and I in the HS basketball locker room. Ron recently had to stay late at work because a coworker pooped her pants.
Groomsman
Bro Jams is my (Derek and soon to be Katys) 13 year old nephew. Son of Brother Matt and Sara, Brother of Emma and the Goofball Brothers, Cooper and Colton. When Broseph isn't playing Fortnite, he's throwing strikes out on the ol diamond. Recently scored the game winning run on a gusty call to send Washington (State) home in the Little League World Series. Bro Jams also like to play HORSE but has never beat me. Great student. Semi-good Fortnite player. Good Artist. Typical early teenager with good dance moves. Bro Jams
Flower Girl
Julia is the daughter of our dear friends, Clint and Brenda Sears. We got to meet her the day she was born. Julia is a hoot to be around, and watching Clint and Brenda be Mom and Dad to Julia puts fuzzies in our hearts. We are honored to have her be a part of our wedding party. Julia Goolia (as Derek calls her) just turned 4 years old, and fits all the stereotypes that come with being a sweet toddler. She listens when she wants. She has opinions about everything and is rarely wrong. She loves all things Disney. She prefers snacks to meals. She loves making friends. Julia will be more than happy to tell you about 'that one time when I was little...." We think Julia is really cool because she listened to lullabies by Tool as a babe.
Ring Bearer
Tate. Scotch Tate. Duct Tate. Tater Tots. The Tate-ix. Son of Brother Patrick and Kristin of Westerville. New older Brother to little Carter nephew. Blossoming personality. Tate is 2. Kate and I have only had a handful of opportunities to hangout with Tate because we're separated by 2000 miles of pure America but we know from our experiences that he loves the movie Cars. We've seen the movie multiple times and he has a collection of 17,000 toys from the movie. He also loves animals. We got him a stuffed Big Horn Sheep and it was his favorite for a while. No big deal. Only 2 years old but this marks the 2nd time he'll be lacing up his Ring Bearer boots.