Meet the Wedding Party
Lizzie Richards
Bridesmaid
Grace met Lizzie at her first job out of college. They were cubical neighbors and bonded over their shared love for the Chicago Cubs and became fast friends. Lizzie's gentle, supportive soul and infectious laugh make her a wonderfully warm person to be around, and Grace is so grateful to have Lizzie in her life.
Nicole Bourgeois
Bridesmaid
Grace and Nicole also met at work. Grace has always admired Nicole's fierce independence, and her never-ending, you-can't-make-this-stuff-up stories ensure there's always a laugh to be had. Nicole is incredibly selfless, caring, and genuine, and Grace feels so lucky to call Nicole one of her best friends.
Lyndsey Gullstrand
Bridesmaid
Lyndsey and Grace met in college through a mutual friend. They were roommates for three years - sharing all of the ridiculous memories only college roommates can share (hello, mac 'n cheese tutorial at 3 am) - until Grace moved to North Carolina. Lyndsey's youthful energy and spirit (try to) keep Grace young, and Grace is so thankful to have her around.
Alle Venturini
Bridesmaid
Alle is Grace’s sister-in-law and the sister she never had. Alle has been part of the family for over a decade, and the two share an easy, effortless bond and confide in each other for all things, "Don't tell Mom and Dad." Her intelligence and passion make Alle an amazing nurse, and Grace is so proud to call her family.
Angela Ross
Bridesmaid
"Aunt Angie" has always been the epitome of the "cool aunt" for Grace. Her open, non-judgmental ears and salon chair have been a safe place for Grace to land throughout her life whether it was boys, friends, school, work - anything. Aunt Angie is the ultimate support that every young woman should have, and Grace is so touched to have her by her side.
Mike Venturini
Officiant
Mike is Grace’s older brother who she has always looked up to as a role model and friend. Though Young Grace would never admit it, she always thought Mike was the coolest guy around. They fought, as siblings do, when they were younger but as adults have grown a special relationship of mutual care and respect. Grace is so comforted to have Mike standing with her on her big day.
Richard Cook
Best Man
My dad has always been my role model. He’s creative, active, intelligent, empathetic, and sarcastic and he truly has been the single greatest influence on my life. Throughout my childhood, Dad helped calibrate my moral compass by showing me the importance of honesty, integrity, and compassion. We played frisbee before school and toured the southeast in the Jeep on soccer trips together. Today we watch sports, ride bikes, enjoy beers and work in the back yard. Of the many words of wisdom he's shared with me, some of my favorite are “treating cooking like a chore will make it feel like a chore” and “the first ingredient in any good salsa is beer.” Naturally, our relationship has evolved over the years, but he's always been a constant presence. He’s not just a parent, he’s my friend, mentor, unwavering source of support, and he’ll always be someone I look up to.
Reid Phillips
Groomsman
After first meeting on a soccer field in 1996, Reid has been my teammate, classmate, roommate, and best friend. Through 12 seasons of club soccer and 4 years of high school soccer, Reid and I developed a deep understanding of one another. We can have entire conversations without saying a word and endless arguments about nothing at all. As my sparring partner on the field, in the classroom, and in life, Reid has always challenged me physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Through countless coaches, teachers, roommates, and heartbreaks, for the past 27 years, Reid has been a constant in my life, and I’m a better man because of him.
Carl Barnes
Groomsman
After being randomly assigned to the same freshman year dorm at NC State, I was initially skeptical of my new surfer-bro roommate but immediately warmed up to Carl’s mix of serious goofiness. Through 4 years of living together, Carl taught me the delicate art of being responsibly irresponsible. In the years since college, I’ve always admired Carl’s natural ability to grow up while staying young, becoming a father himself, but always staying a kid at heart. I’m grateful to have Carl to continue to learn from and grow with as we both enter our next stages of life.
Clay Campbell
Groomsman
I met Clay freshman year at NC State, and we were roommates in during our “super” senior year. Clay recruited me to my first engineering position and introduced me to the City of Pleasant Living (Shelby, NC – Clay’s hometown and the center of the known universe), where we spent afternoons on the lake, evenings working on cars, and weekends road tripping. I insisted on having Clay join me when I moved to Raleigh, and insisted he join me when I changed companies. Clay’s infectious charm captivates those around him, his ingenuity and persistence can get any job done, and I’m incredibly lucky to have him in my life.
Will Childs
Groomsman
Will and I were part of the same PF Chang’s pledge class and we immediately bonded over our shared interests in Star Wars, video games, and all things nerdy. Will is also a baseball coach, top chef, and history buff. Through years of gaming together, Will has taught me the importance of complimentary skillsets, inventory management, keeping the party together, and looking good. Will and I have traversed some of life’s darkest dungeons together, and I’m glad to have him by my side for all the adventures that lie ahead.