Kaitlyn & Peter
Wedding Party
Linda Smith
Mother of the Bride
There isn’t anything as exciting as your only daughter getting married. Kaitlyn was a cherished princess to her father and I know his presence and love will be deeply felt on her wedding day. Peter now has the honor to forever cherish the piece of my heart I’m bestowing to him. Peter also has the task of embracing Kaitlyn’s precocious, stubborn and strong personality that is built on the the unbridled love she gives so easily. I know he is in for a wild ride! Love you!!! “A life with love is a life lived” Ed Sheeran
Wayne Lough
Grandfather of the Bride
A beautiful baby that Grammy and I adored. A skillful driver of her pink electric car on our porch. Riding her bike, still with training wheels, with me in Everglades National Park talking up a storm the whole time. Kermet the frog backpack flapping and bouncing around on her as she rode the sloping driveway at our house. Riding the scary “beginner” bike trail in Alabama that turned out to be “advanced” to the amazement of some older riders. She wanted to go again even though I went over my handlebars to start with. Watching the patience and love of her dad and mom for her. Her crying on the way to the hospital as I told her that the little sister she wanted was named Nicholas. Her conning me into going to her school to watch a rehearsal one afternoon; I was the only one there to watch. Seeing the amazing closeness and love with her Grammy. Her protectiveness towards her brothers. Going turkey hunting with me in her camo jump suit, and telling the old men in the coffee shop she would "get a big one." Then snoring while I was calling the turkeys. Helping her wiretie parts on her old Honda so she could get to college and work. The pride we felt getting to watch her graduation from nursing school. Listening to her talk about her life as a travel nurse. How does the time fly by so fast? Know that I love you very much. Your bright smile and smart comments always brighten my day. I wish Grammy was here to see you now. I look forward to more memories as you start your married life!
Joanne and Ilias Kalessis
Mother and Father of the Groom
Peter told us about his new girlfriend, Kaitlyn and sent us some pictures. We were so excited to meet her! Christina and I planned a girls trip to Florida. We had a great time getting to know each other! My husband, Ilias was traveling for work at the time. In 2016, my husband and I decided to go for a trip to Florida to see Peter and for hubby to meet Kaitlyn; he was looking forward to meeting Peters girlfriend!!! As we recall, we went out to dinner to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day; a new love has blossomed!!! We had a wonderful time getting to know each other! Kaitlyn and Peter are a wonderful match; they have a lot in common and may their love grow stronger with each year!!!
Anna Kate
Matron of Honor
Katie and I met our sophomore year in Fletcher Hall at Florida. We both enjoyed cooking and wanted to spend as much time outside of our rooms as possible (you can imagine what transpires when women live in close quarters). We were fast friends and by Spring Break of that year, we booked a trip to Puerto Rico! The following year we lived in a house in the student ghetto together where we learned how to fend for ourselves and bonded over tricky professors and failed relationships. (If you know Katie, you know how good her home cooking is, which certainly elevated my college experience.) After we graduated, Katie was there for some of the most challenging days of my life and made a point to come visit me no matter which state I moved to next. She has always felt like a sister, always made me feel at home, and always makes me laugh. I look forward to standing beside her on the big day and I wish her and Peter a lifetime of happiness (and good food)!
Kayla
Bridesmaid
Kaitlyn, where do I begin. I think I got the better end of the deal dating Nick, I got you too. One of our first memories together was bonding over cocktails on the back porch. Now we are constantly making new cocktails to add to the list for our bartender Nick to make us. From your sassy, take no crap personality to supporting and pushing me to become a better me, even if I don't want to hear it. There's no one else I'd rather have sushi days with, lunch beers and move 100 times. That brings us to Movin and Groovin moving company. For all your adventures with work and life. I'll always be there for you and tell you let's go! I love all our adventures we have been on and I'm so happy to stand by your side on this next big adventure you and Peter are about to endure! Love ya long time
Lindsey
Bridesmaid
Kaitlyn and I met in the break room at Tampa General Hospital. We bonded over our frustration with coworkers and our love of food. We made plans to get burgers after work and the rest was history. Kaitlyn has been such a great friend and work wife. I can’t think of someone I would rather have by my side whether it’s a medical emergency or her yelling at drivers for me, even though it was probably me in the wrong. Kaitlyn has been the best work wife and I know she will make a wonderful wife to Peter!
Lara
Bridesmaid
The saying Cousins are our first friends is probably some cheesy crap I saw embroidered on a pillow or something but it’s totally true for us. From our first “jobs” serving Grammy and Grampa food at the Frog Poop Cafe and taking mud baths in the tree holes in their yard to making strawberry margs and staying up late talking, you have always been a constant in my life. We have gone through our times of closeness and distance, of course. But no matter what you are reliable for an ear and a sassy commentary whenever I need it (whether I know it or not). I’m so excited that the day we’ve always talked about is finally on the calendar! You’re my oldest friend and I’m very happy to be by your side when you tie the knot!
Raquel
Bridesmaid
I don’t really remember much about the day I met Kaitlyn, but I do know it was love at first site! I spent countless weekends at her house, volunteering myself as the sister she always wanted. Rummaging through the fridge and playing man hunt through the neighborhood. We talked about school, boys, and all things Mrs. Smith wasn’t supposed to know about. Then we ended up going to high school together and that’s where the Three Musketeers were founded, as we adopted Joe. After high school graduation, we still managed to keep in touch and spend time together! Needless to say, Kaitlyn is the big sister I always needed. I respect her honesty, loyalty, and her willingness to interject her opinion where, let's be honest, it's needed. So excited to be part of this chapter, love you lots!
Christina
Bridesmaid
I met Kaitlyn when I traveled down to Florida to visit my brother Peter back in 2015. He introduced her as his new girlfriend. He had called and told me about her and (they were dating for a little while at that point) how excited he was for me to meet her! I was mostly excited because I would have another girl to chat with! When I saw them together I knew it was meant to be. They way they acted around each other it was like they had known each other for years. I got to know Kaitlyn over the years they were dating and patiently waited for Peachtree (Peter) to pop the question! So happy for my brother and future sister to say I do!
Joe
Bridesman
When I first met Kaitlyn in high school she was a quiet one but had such sharp wit—I knew we’d be good friends. From skipping class for Starbucks or going to the mall for a movie with Raquel, our friendship grew into something special. One of those friendships where you can go a while without speaking and then pick up right where you left off as if it were just yesterday. While I’m mildly jealous that Peter gets to have more of her time, I’m so happy for this incredible couple to finally tie the knot!! Love you Kaitlyn!!
Adriana
Flower Girl
Our beautiful niece and daughter of Christina and Nick Busch!
Mark
Best Man
When I met Peter back in 2006, I certainly had no idea our friendship would grow into such a strong, life long bond. A friendship that flourished during the good times, and strengthened during the bad. We quickly became close after meeting through mutual friends on Ohio State's campus in Columbus Ohio. Over the years since, we've shared many similar interests and fun experiences, as well as the roof over our head multiple times as roommates. Now Peter is starting the next chapter of his journey with Kaitlyn. I'm so happy for them both, excited to see how they navigate the years to come, together.
Nick
Groomsman
I met Peter and Kaitlyn both for the first time down in Florida in 2018. My wife Christina (girlfriend at the time) and I drove to visit for spring break. It was nice to have another guy to hang out with while the girls planned their future weddings together. Can’t wait to see these two say I do! Alsooo for Adri to have a cousin sometime after haha!
Reid
Groomsman
Peter and I met each other when he moved to Gainesville. Shortly after, Peter and Kaitlyn met and their relationship grew, as did our friendship. We worked together through two rough kitchen jobs over a period of years, during which time Kaitlyn finished nursing school. After she graduated, they moved away and we grew apart due to the distance. However, much time passes though, I will always consider Peter to be one of my closest friends. Since I've met him, I've seen both Peter and Kaitlyn become stronger together. I'm excited to see them finally getting married.
Brian
Groomsman
Peter and I met in high school while taking similar classes and sharing the same group of friends. We used to run around his neighborhood, play video games (and still do), and make late night trips to Denny's, while we put off our school work. Peter would come out to my house in the country, where we would ride 4wheelers and shoot off fireworks all summer break. While we parted ways as we went off to college, 20 years later and our friendship is still going strong!!
Nicholas
Groomsman
I’m supposed to write about a favorite memory I have of us together but I’m struggling to choose just one. There was the time I launched my loaded bake potato across the house at you, or the time you kicked Jordan’s butt for picking on me because “only I get to do that.” However if I had to choose my favorite memory it would be our last lobstering trip in homestead. The day started with the boat launched, truck parked, and us tied to the dock by 8AM. Now we just had to wait on your best friend Raquel to get there. 2.5 hours and 1 expensive Uber ride later we are heading down the channel. Perfect flat calm day we get across the bay to where we can lobster in just a few minutes. Toss the anchor in at our first spot and dive in, nothing. We spot check the rest of the afternoon, still nothing… till we hit our last spot! No sooner did we hit the water and dive down did the tide switch and boy it did switch fast! I don’t care how hard we swam there was no making in down 15 feet to the lobsters staring at us. We must’ve spent an hour taking turns but that current never let up. So we went home exhausted and defeated but that day was one of the best unsuccessful fishing trips I’ve ever had. Kaitlyn I’m so happy for you! I look forward to making more memories like that day with you and Peter! I wish nothing but the best for both of you! Congratulations on getting married!
Patrick
Groomsman
My favorite memory with my sister would have to be when Kaitlyn went with me on my 4th grade trip to St. Augustine. We were in a hotel room by ourselves because she said, “I’m not watching anyone else’s kid that I don’t have to.” Another highlight of that trip was eating ice cream in the 40° weather while everyone else was getting hot chocolate because they were too cold, but my ice cream wasn’t melting because it was cold! This picture is from that trip when we went to the lighthouse and climbed over 200 steps to get to the top!
Luke
Groomsman
My favorite memory with my sister is when I went to stay with her and Peter in New Orleans last summer. We went and explored the city, including the infamous Bourbon Street! We also went to the aquarium and beat the clock on a couple escape rooms! We ate at some very good restaurants such as breakfast at the Rube Slipper and of course lots of beignets! It was a lot of fun spending time with my favorite sister and her fiancé. Excited to be a part of your wedding!!
Sherry Taft
Officiant
Although you can’t help the family you are born into or who your relatives are, sometimes in life you become so close to someone they become an extension of your family. I have been a part of the Lough/Smith family for almost 40 years and watching my “niece” Katie grow into the amazingly beautiful and confident woman she has become has been an absolute joy. The best thing I can say about her is that not only do I love her like family, but she also happens to be one of my favorite people! We’ve had a lot of family trips and late-night talks and seeing her fall in love with Peter has been a highlight. I am humbled and honored to be asked and able to officiate the ceremony uniting these two wonderful people and helping them on their way to a life time of happiness!