Heather & Damian
Wedding Party
Jenae Briggs
Matron of Honor
There truly isn't enough room on this website to talk about Jenae and I's fantastic friendship. Jenae and I have been friends for so long we call each other sisters. People say we even look alike! I am the godmother of her children. She is my weekly therapist. We have gone from late-night partying to early Saturday morning soccer games. I truly don't know where we would be without each other. We have gone through life's ups and downs hand in hand.
Anna Giotta
Bridesmaid
The throuple is over... For those of you who don't know the inside joke, Anna and her lovely Husband, John, took me in as the forever 3rd wheel. I wouldn't have gotten through my last days as a bedside nurse without her. One of the best host and party planners I know, and queen of the charcuterie board. Christmas wouldn't be the same without her!
Emily Frost
Bridesmaid
There is absolutely no way I would have gotten through nursing school without Emily. She basically let me live in her room in Richmond for way too long before I finally moved in with her and Courtney. I helped her walk the streets of Richmond in our early years and she talked me off of way too many ledges during my house buying process. I wouldn't have found my first home without her!
Courtney Kendall
Bridesmaid
"Courtney with the Good Hair". There would be no late-night dance parties if it wasn't for Courtney! She was the honorary nurse at the nurses' study table and the house mom. She is the host of the Oprah Porch. The woman who introduced me to T.I.B.A.L. When I think back to all my amazing memories after moving to Richmond, Courtney was a part of them all.
Gino Cordero
Best Man
Even though life took us continents apart we remained throughout many years of distance. While being there for each other on a joke-to-joke basis, this man has also been there as a pillar when life got challenging at times.
Todd Shepherd ("Shep")
Groomsman
2008 seems so long ago, but the near-death experiences we have shared with each other created an unbreakable bond that holds true to this day. This man and I are each other's post-war support system and I could not be prouder to call him a dear friend.
Nicholas Boykin
Groomsman
Nick, you will forever be Lieutenant Boykin to me. God put this man as a very important part of my life when it came to accountability and encouragement. Who would have thought we would have become some of the closest people due to a very challenging time in Iraq? Thank you for always answering the phone, calling me on my stubbornness and irrational decisions. Thank you for being you and joining us today. I know you'd rather be somewhere in the Middle East.
Elmer Collins ("E")
Groomsman
E, the love I have for this man goes beyond words. He took on a very important role in February of 2021, and I will be forever grateful my family has you near. Now that I am home for good, I hope you know that you can always count on me. From the day I found out he was dating my sister, up until now, with three beautiful children, I am glad, and I know I speak on my family’s behalf when I say you are one of us. Thank you!
Shaun Kober
Usher
Mr. Kobes, two different countries, same mission. Who would have thought that me walking into Tiger Muay Thai, looking for work would create another type of brotherhood? The path I chose and the encouragement you always offered will never be forgotten. The daily banter and current advice will always be a two-way street, the daily meme sharing, to dealing with the loss of our POPS. Thank you. Here is to more steak nights in the future.
Brian Ricard
Usher
Ricky, I still don’t know why I call you that. I was lucky enough to have met you in Kabul, you have no idea how much the friendship we’ve created has helped me overcome a very difficult time in my life. Your positive outlook on life (most of the time) and your unconditional support have shown me that you mean what you say. And today, I am honored to have you share one of the most important days of my life with us.
William Rainey
Usher
Man oh man, leaving Kabul I believe made our friendship stronger. From joking, lifting, rolling and watching horrible Nicholas Cages movies. To both experiencing some recent challenges due to incredible loss, to always being supportive and caring. To not only being there for me but for my family. I am glad we crossed paths and we are truly honored to call you a dear friend of ours. Thank you for always answering the phone and giving the best advice after joking for an hour about a bad one.