Maid of Honor
My mother always told me how special the bond of two sisters can be. Haley and I have a 13 year age difference and as a teenager that was pretty difficult for me to grasp. Fast forward to adulthood and no truer words were ever spoken, our mom was right… my sister is my best friend. She sacrificed so much for me; she moved all over the country to be my caretaker when I wasn’t in good health, she took care of me and enabled me to progress in my career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her support, I am forever indebted to my “small buds.” I love my sister more than I can put into words and there was never a second thought as to who I wanted by my side on our special day.
Bridesmaid
Sisters from another mother is the most accurate way to describe my best buddy. We have so much in common it’s crazy! From our love of the Navy to country music, sneakers, food and concerts… I could literally go on for days. We’ve moved state after state and somehow have been able to be stationed together, we’ve even been roommates a time or two. Sandy is an absolute beast and she is the best at whatever she sets her mind do, she has always been in my corner and I will forever be in hers.
Bridesmaid
The brides first and oldest friend, circa 1984 ❤️ no one knows me better than “Shams.” We are cousins and lived down the street from one another nearly all but a few of our childhood years. As children we spent every day hanging out together until the street lights came on. I have more memories then I can possibly put into words, Alicia and I are more like sisters than cousins. We shared a love of basketball at a young age, way before girl leagues were a thing, Alicia and I played on an all boys team in an all boys league and as you probably guessed it, we won it all and were league champs! She's an incredible wife and a mother of three boys, somehow she manages to be an all in basketball mom and a brilliant math teacher.
Bridesmaid
The bearer of all the secrets… Vicky and I were lab partners in Mr. Botwell’s 7th grade Science class, once we became friends we were inseparable. We even got our first jobs together at the local movie theater, The Ford-Tel. Vick is the greatest friend anyone could ask for, when I moved from Detroit to Miami, she took the time off of work to help drive the Uhaul with my brother and I. We drove straight through to make sure we made it on time. If you have Vicky in you corner you are a one lucky soul because she’s an angel.
Bridesmaid
I changed schools twice in 7th grade, the first one didn’t go so well and I was apprehensive when I walked into my first day at Riverside Middle School. But something about that science class was the turning point for me, I met both Sameena and Vicky in that class! Sameena and I played sports together as well and in high school we had lockers next to each other. We have been so close since we were just kids and I had the honor of being her Maid of Honor. She is an absolute Superwoman and I couldn’t have gotten this wedding planned without her. A wife, scholar, a successful entrepreneur and mother of two really bad ass little girls! One of whom is just like her Aunt Heather… watch out world!
Flower Girl
Aunt Heather’s favorite! Lily is so excited to be our flower girl and I am so happy that she accepted my invitation! She is the sweetest young girl you will ever meet and has such a free spirit and the most beautiful soul. Oh and we totally look alike… I can’t wait to move home and spoil her like crazy!
Bridesmaid
Just two girls wandering around Italy in the early 2000’s, we became instant buddies and have been ever since. We traveled the world and literally went to war together while serving on the USS Emory S. Land. No one was more excited than Nat when I moved to Los Angeles and she and I eventually became roommates and continued to make memories to last a lifetime. She introduced me to all things Disney and it wasn’t long after that I too became obsessed! I am in awe of all she has accomplished, she graduated from USC and has been working in politics since leaving the Navy, she is an amazing wife and mother. I had the honor of being Natalie’s Maid of Honor and godmother to her son Henry, they are flying in from California to be apart of our special day and I can’t wait to see them both!
Bridesmaid
My ride or die since Navy bootcamp Division 266, we were so lucky to not only not bunk across from each other but we also went to the same school and were on the same ship stationed in La Maddelana, Itlay. No matter how far apart we were stationed we remained close and we have always been there for one another. We have a special bond that will never be broken. “Moe” as I call her and Neela are flying in from Hawaii to be apart of our special day.
Jr. Bridesmaid
Watching Neela grow has been such a blessing, I’ve been luckily to be apart of her life since the beginning, I even bought her, her first pair of dope shoes! I a sucker when she’s around, if she says she likes something it’s hers…. She is so special, spunky and incredibly smart, I love being her “Tia.”
Best Man
The first to meet Heather, and a huge fan of hers from that first day. As with most of the Groom’s Crew, a loyal and loving family member. It is an honor to have this guy by my side on this special occasion and in my life.
Groomsman
Both the greatest Las Vegas tour guide, and an inspirational figure in my life. Gus helped show me what a blessing life is and never hesitates to remind me how lucky I am to have found Heather.
Groomsman
My favorite son and of course one of my greatest gifts. Has constantly shown me that you can do anything you set your mind to. Manage a surf shop by day and train for pro wrestling in the evenings and weekends. A great life for sure, and I couldn’t be prouder to have him in my Crew!
Groomsman
One of the fellas that has been in my life since we were toddlers. Literally a lifetime of stories and memories. No special occasion and party is complete without the attendance of “the Dude”. Heed my advice and share a drink with this guy.
Groomsman
When I left my relatives to serve in the Navy, I have been fortunate enough to meet my brother from another Mother in 1998. He has had the biggest impact on my career and is a lifelong friend. There’s tattoos to prove it. Blessed to have him be a part of this wedding.
Groomsman
Another life long “big brother” since we were in diapers. No finer man who embodies his service motto of Semper Fidelis. I am truly honored to have such a wonderful family and grateful that so many made the long journey from both coasts to join Heather and I.
Jr. Groomsman
Not just here to look cute. Unbeknownst to him, he has been given one of the most important roles of the evening. Stay tuned for some epic memories!
Candle Lighter
The oldest of the kids, she has grown into a kind, smart, and compassionate young woman, as well as a wonderful mother. Watching all three kids immediately bond with Heather has been truly wonderful. Thank you for providing the ring bearer kid.
Candle Lighter
The baby of three amazing children. Just like with her siblings, this wedding would not be possible without Freddie’s blessing and love. We are so lucky to have her in attendance. Why she was thoughtful enough to send Heather a Mother’s Day card and not send Dad a card on Father’s Day is a question for another time.
Ring Bearer
So long as the ceremony does not conflict with nap-time, and our grandson keeps the rings out of his mouth, he’s gonna do just fine, and may even try to steal the show.
Usher
The youngest of the crew, meet my brother Kevin or “Kevinator” as I like to call him! Tom and I always joke that Kev was born with a six pack.. lol 😆 He’s the total package; brains, braun, looks to die for and he’s learned to be quite the carpenter since becoming a homeowner. I can’t say enough about my little bro I love him to pieces and am so happy he agreed to be apart of our special day!
Officiant
My brother Tom and I are so alike, from his comedic comments to passionate discussions. I’m sure I’m to blame for his passion for sneakers and dressing well! I give him a free pass for being a Michigan State University grad and recruiting our brother Kev to join him. I even root for their team (sometimes) when that are not playing Michigan that is… He has so many talents and he’s following his dreams living in Baltimore with a dope job at Under Amour. It was Javier’s idea to ask Tom to marry us and I couldn’t agree more, he’s the perfect person, if fact I was kind of mad at myself for not thinking of that first. 🧐 I can’t wait for the wedding 💒 to see what he has in store for us!
Usher
Usher
TJ has such a kind soul and he is the hardest working person that I know. He’s an an avid outdoorsman. Duck hunting is his passion, he even owns his own boat and it’s really cool looking! I’m so proud of the man he has become.