Ian & Iara
Wedding Party
Yomaris Figueroa
Maid of Honor
Meet Yomi: older sister/Mini Mami, voice of reason, yogi life guru, and shero. In the way of most older siblings, she knows how to give me a swift (metaphorical?) kick in the pants when needed and the (very) occasional comforting hug ;)
Elaine Mosqueda
Matron of Honor
As legend goes, we shared a womb, but got split at birth. This beautiful bombshell and boss babe is my soul twin and partner for life. From giggly slumber parties and late night dance fests, to weekly cyber dates and frequent visits to the Chi, we've always found a way to obliterate the long-distance odds and stay united.
Isaac Fenwick
Man of Honor
I wish I had words to describe what this man means to me. Isaac was the best co-worker I've ever had, has kept a watchful eye on my mental health, and is the best Selena karaoke partner a gal could dream of having.
Anna Payne
Bridesmaid
God knew this woman would be an impact for good in my life and conveyed the message as soon as I laid eyes on her. She's a third of a trio of best friends, together since 7th grade. We've shared laughter, tears, prayers and fears and have stuck by one another through it all!
Frankie Robinson
Bridesmaid
The glue of our trio of 7th grade besties, Frankie is my muse. She inspires me to get creative and never settle for 2nd best. She also reminds me to stay connected to the people I love the most!
Jennifer Tyrell-Smith
Bridesmaid
Jennifer and I met at Mercer in a class tailored to community outreach. Early on in the semester, we had to take an overnight trip to the "wilderness." I don't think I'd ever really heard her talk before then; she finally spoke up that night, and I've never been more floored by a first impression of anyone in my life. Her strength (physical and otherwise), her brilliance (physical and otherwise), and her humor have helped carry me through some pretty dark times. She's a superstar!
Lowell Loggins
Best Man
Lowell and Ian first met at Forest Park. Their friendship was initiated at work, but solidified on their motorcycle trips through the country. As best buds, they've supported each other as they've advanced their careers and personal lives, and Ian is honored to have him as his Best Man.
Tim Willey
Groomsman
Tim and Ian met in EMT school, after which they worked together at Forest Park, as well as the Georgia World Congress Center. They, too, traversed the country on their bikes and spent countless nights solidifying a wonderful friendship that would yield too many blessings to count. Ian and Iara are forever indebted to him and his gracious acts of kindness.
Theo Johnson
Groomsman
Ian had prayed for a little brother for years growing up before being blessed with his brilliant and doting sister, Kara. Years later (we won't go into how many exactly), God revealed Ian's brother from another mother. They met when Theo was hired at Forest Park, moving up from Valdosta to pursue opportunities to meet his goals in the Metro Atlanta area. Theo exuded a spirit of positivity and can-do attitude that made him instantaneously endearing, and Ian recognized instantly who Theo was to him. Watching Theo find his footing in such a difficult field while remaining true to who he is has been one of Ian's greatest joys. Getting to share this day with him? That's a special bonus!
Chip Tyson
Groomsman
Ian and Chip met while working at Forest Park when then FAO Tyson worked on Ian's shift to help fill a leadership role. The two would have many lengthy, in-depth conversations over the years (anyone who has engaged in discussions with the two can clearly grasp the compounding conversational effect.) Throughout their collateral career progressions, Chip would continue to serve as a mentor and listening ear, and Ian would, in-kind, be a sounding board and alternative perspective. Moreover, whether enjoying hockey, sharing an educational opportunity, or simply digressing in discourse, the two would become good friends.
Casey Mize
Groomsman
Ian was the first grandchild. As such, he longed for another kid to share the blame with... Along came Casey. Ian loved his cousin so much that he named his teddy bear after him, and was so grateful to his aunt for bearing Casey that he named the family dog after her! The Hogans would go each year at Christmas to visit family in Texas. One of the first years they couldn't make it out west, the Mizes decided to make a surprise visit to Georgia instead. While eating breakfast early one morning, a knock came at the carport door. A young boy was found at the screen door proclaiming, "Hi! I'm Casey Mize!" Endearing and hilarious as always, along with a beautiful wife and two wonderful kids, Casey and Ian remain tight to this day.
Matt Voelker
Angel of Honor
If you wanna be successful in life, build great friendships that last beyond the grave. We know we've been blessed by someone when their presence in our life is still felt long after their corporeal form has gone. Matt inspired Ian in ways big and small, helped him solidify many of his core beliefs, encouraged him to think outside the box, and steered him toward enjoying elements of life he may not have discovered on his own. Matt was truly his best friend, and rarely a day goes by when something doesn't trigger a memory of him. We will be leaving an empty space to symbolize the presence of our Angel of Honor for the ceremony. We know Matt will be smiling down on us on Ian's special day.
Christian Goodlette
Officiant
Our father likes to tell us that I knew him even before he was born. I'd look lovingly at my mother's belly, babble to him and hug him, understanding full well the role he already had in my life. Christian has and always will be my companion. We communicate through sneaky glances, discrete snorts, and bearhugs. We always have each other's backs and know how to support one another in ways incomprehensible to either of us, but, nevertheless, profoundly visceral. My little brother has gotten to witness more parts of my journey with Ian than really anyone else has. The three of us have traveled together, lived together, shared tough times, and loved together. We are so proud to have him officiate the beginning of our journey as husband and wife. We love you, Broder!