Gregory + McKenzie
Wedding Party
McKenzie Hughes
Bride
McKenzie is an incredible person, the epitome of loving and caring, gentle and kind. She is beautiful beyond compare, and smart enough to land a rocket on Mars if she cared to try. McKenzie compliments me perfectly with her adventurous and crazy spirit that leads to epic unpredictable adventures. It seems that one day she is all about visiting a new country and the next she wants to enjoy a glass of wine and a night of movies and games. Among all her amazing qualities, her dedication to her Catholic faith and her personal values sets her apart from her peers. She lets her faith lead her forward and her heart guide her. I never imagined being so blessed! I look forward to loving and cherishing McKenzie for the rest of my life through whatever adventures may come. Written By: future hubby
Gregory Strong
Groom
Greg is a complete computer geek with the biggest heart and a laid back spirit (this might be why he complements me so well: because he will always fix my seemingly endless tech problems and is up for any adventure I throw out there all while giving the best hugs - my favorite!). He exhibits such a strong sense of duty to his faith and responsibilities, and is so discerning in his decisions. While we both work hard on our career journeys (IT and medicine), we share so many goofy memories together. I know that a life with him will be blessed with adventure and I can't wait to see that charming grin for the rest of my days! - written by his bride-to-be
Allie Patton
Maid of Honor
Sharing their love of adventure and music, McKenzie and Allie have a lot of memories from exploring the Dominican Republic to communicating telepathically during countless long band rehearsals. In their 11 years of friendship they have supported one another through tough times and celebrated each other after happy accomplishments. How sweet it is to have such an enduring and fruitful friendship!
Lincoln Rother
Best Man
Lincoln and Greg met in college in the computer labs. Throughout college they and their group of friends had many late night adventure and got into plenty of mischief in the computer labs. After college, Lincoln and Greg roomed together and Lincoln joined the gaming bachelor pad, paradise of the introverts! Knowing another type-A personality/chronic over thinker makes for a good friendship and some very interesting in-depth conversation.
Lizzie Heidrich
Bridesmaid - Witness
McKenzie and Lizzie have known each other since the second grade as part of the world-touring Heart of the Valley Children's Choir. It wasn't until they travelled to Greece that they eventually became best friends, scheduling lots of coffee dates and heart-to-hearts about all the things going on in their crazy lives. Lizzie eventually asked McKenzie to be her Sponsor as she converted to the Catholic faith and to help walk her down the aisle during her July wedding.
Jeff Strong
Groomsman - Witness
Jeff is Greg's older brother. Growing up together they competed against and played together in a lot of different sports, from track and wrestling to some truly intense competitions on the soccer field. Growing up, the two of them spent hours upon hours practicing soccer together in the basement, perfecting their one vs. one skills before the next soccer season began.
Nelly Ibarra
Bridesmaid
Nelly and McKenzie both attended St. Mary's Private School and were later brought to a strong friendship through the music department at West Albany High School. At first, Nelly followed Kenzie around like a long-lost little sister and it was pretty evident Kenzie was forever stuck with Nelly. The two have since traveled to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, quizzed each other on organic chemistry, and shared frequent impromptu dance sessions.
Joe Angstman
Groomsman
Joe and Greg met at college, where, during junior year, they were both RA's in the same dorm together. Joe is responsible for introducing Greg to the more competitive and frustrating side of video games. After college Joe and Greg were roommates in town and worked to put together one of the nerdiest video gaming bachelor pads you could imagine.
McKynzie Thompson
Bridesmaid
McKenzie's oldest friend from St. Mary's Private School lasted as a long distance friendship since McKynzie moved to North Dakota after the first grade. Since then, they have stayed present in each other's lives and McKenzie flew out to Bismarck as a bridesmaid for McKynzie's wedding in 2016. McKynzie and her husband later moved to Germany for his role in the military and raised their three girls. This friendship has truly stood the test of time and distance!
Erin Straub
Groomsman
Greg and Erin first met in the second summer of Greg's time at college. Erin went to college in California with Jeff, and ended up coming to live with Jeff in Ohio while the rest of Jeff and Greg's family were living in Ireland. Greg and Erin became friends over the summer, hanging out, watching movies, drinking beer, and playing games.
Adia Wolters
Junior Bridesmaid
McKenzie and Adia have been volunteering at the South Corvallis Food Bank for the past 3 years, where they first met. They have spent the better part of those years giggling, making light-hearted pranks, and talking at fast, caffeinated speeds. The pair can be found around town aimlessly shopping and taking silly pictures.
Sherlin Cisneros
Junior Bridesmaid
McKenzie and Sherlin met through Nelly, making her like a grand-little-sister (the sweetest & nicest!!!) Sherlin has spent many hours as company on the drive to drop/pick McKenzie at the airport to visit Greg throughout their time of long distance and thus knows alllllll the details. Besides their frequent errand-running, they share a love for skin care and relaxing weekends.
Mr. & Mrs. Hughes
Father and Mother of the Bride
Witnessing my parent’s marriage has shown me what grace, duty to family, and selfless love looks like. “Through sickness and in health, for richer or for poor” they have put their commitment to their marriage front and center, tackling life together as a team. I am forever grateful for such an amazing example to look up to, one that shows me that marriage - with patience and understanding - can only make life more beautiful. Dearest momma and dad, thank you for your endless support, guidance, encouragement, and love over the years.
Mr. & Mrs. Strong
Father and Mother of the Groom
Dearest Mom and Dad, It's been a wild 25 years of life, much of which was spent living with you guys. I learned so much about the challenges and benefits of marriage, and the importance of family from you. I have seen the marriage vows and can see all the times where you have both upheld them, during good and difficult times. I appreciate the examples you have set, and hope I can emulate all your greatest traits throughout my marriage. I know marriage will always have its challenges, but, thanks to you, I also know that every challenge has a way to be overcome.