Jenna & Ryan
Wedding Party
Sara A. Nardone
Maid of Honor
Everyone act surprised! Of course the obvious choice for my maid of honor is my ride or die, forced best friend for life, secret keeper, and sister, Sara. I'll never forget when we were at a Navy Men's Basketball game together, being our weird selves, and someone turned around and said "I know this HAS to be your sister you're sitting next to. You guys are the same person." I have never been more proud (and slightly embarrassed) to be Sara's sister, but we simply can't hide our authentic selves when we are together. Thank you, Sara, for always pushing me out of comfort zone and for leading me to my future husband.
Jack P. O'Neill
Best Man
My younger, but certainly not little, brother. I'd like to think the power dynamic shifted when Jack hit high school and grew three inches taller than me. However, if I'm being honest with myself Jack has been kicking ass and taking names for me since he could walk. No matter what group of people he's dropped into, his lightning quick wit immediately makes him the funniest guy in the room and everyone's best friend. As the most hilarious and most fiercely loyal person I know, Jack truly is my best friend and the Best Man I know.
Kelsey L. Rock
Bridesmaid
Okay cue Sara pushing me out of comfort zone and introducing me to the most important people in my life. The year is 1998 and I'm in karate class trying to keep up with Sara's latest endeavor while she is outside climbing a tree with my soon to be best friend, Kelsey. A yellow belt, an everlasting bond over "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, too many laughs, countless vacations and 22 years later we are still inseparable. As cliche as it is, I would be lost without her (but actually I am horrible with directions and her sense of direction is impeccable). Kelsey, you are my girl.
Riley N. Mita
Groomsman
A bit shorter than me. A bit better looking. Laughs at my jokes
Jenna A. Anderson
Bridesmaid
We have the same name. Need I say more? But, it was actually our names that sparked our friendship back in Mrs. Riccardi's 5th grade class. Instantly bonded over causing our poor teacher confusion. 18 years later, Jenna Squared is still thriving. Thank you for always being my go to girl for a good time. Even if that means sacrificing your own fun to be our DD the night we all went out with Ryan. Thanks for allowing us to fall drunk in love.
Daniel B. Bowden
Groomsman
A bit taller than me. A bit better looking. Laughs at my jokes.
Kelly A. O'Neill
Bridesmaid
Kelly is arguably the coolest O'Neill of the bunch. (Defintitely the funniest, thinks she wants to work for the FBI, and, oh, I did mention she casually does some modeling on the side?) From the start Kelly and I's relationship has been exactly like Kelly: fun and easy going. I am so excited to officially be apart of the O'Neill family and call you my sister!
Andrew J. Nardone
Groomsman
When Andrew put my Easter outfit on blast the first time we met, I knew we were going to get along well. He's one of the most generous guys I know. In fact he was buying my brother and me drinks before I even met Jenna. He's the life of the party and is always quick with a joke. I'm really happy to get another brother, especially one that always "knows a guy".
Rachael A. Gott
Bridesmaid
Being set up on a friend blind date isn't weird, right? Right? Well either way, I'm grateful for that night we met in the sketchy basement of our freshman year dorm to watch Teen Mom. I wasn't sure if bringing popcorn to share would be too aggressive, but I'm glad I won you over with some Pop Secret. Since that night in 2010 Rachael has been my so called soulmate (sorry, Ryan). The person who just "gets you". I am eternally grateful for our friendship even if that entails being your 24/7 personal assistant.
A. Ricardo Garcia
Groomsman
Coach and I have been friends and company-mates since school. We lived together after graduation all the way through flight school when, after getting winged, Rick was forced to suffer and move to San Diego. As the most level headed and tidiest member of the Shire, Coach kept Griffin and me from living in absolute squalor. While my greatest contribution to him may have been walking him through the steps of a boxed mac and cheese recipe, Rick was always looking out for us. Whether that was making us feel at home in the great state of Texas or teaching us the best salsa recipe there is, Rick was "never leaving" our side.
Barbara D. Phelps
Bridesmaid
Barbs, Danni, Barbie, Dannielle, Barbara. Am I introducing her or answering one of her numerous butt dials? The world may never know. But, what I do know is that meeting Danni is absolutely the only thing I needed to get out of Introduction to Professional Nursing 501 (just kidding...). But, seriously, since sophomore year Dannielle has been my main hype girl. And thankfully she prepped me for addressing people by their middle name ;)
Griffin J. Burke
Groomsman
Griffin was the third member of the Shire, (a title he came up with himself), along with Rick and I. He refused to let a moment go by where we weren't laughing. Griffin is a one man party, an astrophysicist with a penchant for bolo ties and cherry pies. His limitless energy and ability to turn absolutely anything into a joke has earned him countless friends. It additionally led to a few situations where "lets have a few people over" became 100 person parties on a 6 hour notice. I've never had a friend more dedicated to making sure everyone with him was having as much fun as he was. Truly Great Friend.
Jessica L. Reusch
Bridesmaid
Everyone has that one person in their life that will literally drop everything to do anything for you. Jess embodies that to the core. Like the time she surprised me with a ticket to a Ludacris concert and then woke up early to make sure I made it back to school in time for my anatomy test. We had a great time, I aced the test (bonus points may have been applied...) AND Jess conveniently got to watch the Royal Wedding at 5am. Win, win, win- much like every time we're together.
Cody W. Hooker
Groomsman
Figuring out my boy from third grade recess actually lived only two doors down from me is how our friendship kicked off. We became fast friends spending almost every afternoon together. He was always one step ahead, introducing me to everything. My entire music library has come exclusively from this guy. He was the one to get me into lacrosse, a sport I'd never seen before, which led to a whole new group of friends. He managed the pool where our friends spent every summer day lounging. So whether it was playing rec league football, or getting in trouble at Sunday School, or going to USC-Clemson games together, Cody has been with me every step of the way.