JAMES & JOANNE
Wedding Party
Julie Pierre
Matron of Honor
I have known Julie since I was 3 years old. I have always been her proud big sister! Julie is sporty and fun and not afraid to be different. She is confident in who she is and I love her for that. Julie is selfless and hardworking. If Julie puts her mind to something, there is no stopping her. Last year, I was Julie’s maid of honor! Helping with her wedding was fun, exciting and stressful at times. Planning her bachelorette party included hiking, good food, and close friends. Hosting a party in Julie’s honor was so much fun because she doesn’t know how special she is. I couldn’t plan this wedding without you!
Chiedo John
Best Man
Chiedo and I met when we were baptized on the same day in August 2012. I thought he seemed pretty cool, so afterwards, I asked him if he wanted to go eat some lunch. We kept hanging out over the years and he was instantly loved by my family has basically become an adopted Robbie. Chiedo has been through thick and thin with me and we have walked through several hard seasons of life together, which has made us stronger and hopefully wiser. I am blessed to call him my best friend and Best Man!
Claire Wilkins
Bridesmaid
I met Claire while teaching at Blue Ridge Christian School. I don't really remember how we became friends, but I think Angela invited us both to the gym. Claire loves cooking and, after our workouts, we seemed to always make our way back to her place for some delicious food. Claire is always energetic and ready to try something new. Claire is spontaneous and I like to follow the rules; we balance each other out. Claire is a motivator and a faithful friend. She puts her heart into everything she does. As a teacher, Claire cared for her students deeply. I am so excited for Claire as she enters motherhood. I can’t imagine my big day without you.
Dan Castle
Groomsman
The first time I saw Dan was at a Cru party in Harrisonburg. This pale, freckled kid came out on the porch and was wearing suspenders, khaki shorts, a bright neon t shirt and an upside down visor. That man ended up marrying my sister and becoming my brother-in-law and one of my closest friends. Dan, too, has walked though some deeply difficult seasons of life with me and always brings wisdom and perspective to our conversations. I'm so grateful for his role in my life!
Angela Morrison
Bridesmaid
I met Angela as "Ms. S" while teaching at Blue Ridge Christian School. I remember taking her home one evening after both of us worked the after care program. However, it was not until her second year and my third year at BRCS that we actually became friends. Angela convinced me to go to the gym with her and for whatever reason, I said I would. From workout classes to hiking and walks, we still managed to make time for coffee. Angela is loving and compassionate. While babysitting, I recently had to explain to a child that I am not Ms. S. (But what a great person to be compared to!) I can't imagine my wedding day without her!
Diogo Durante
Groomsman
I met Diogo (Joe-Go) through some work friends. We only talked a bit that weekend, but I knew we had a lot in common. When Diogo met me, I was at my worst and in a very difficult season, but he chose to love me anyways and see the best in me. He was an instrumental part of my emotional and spiritual healing process, and he invited me to a retreat that was transformational for me. Diogo was born exactly 3 days after me, and I often joke that God cut us out of the same cloth. I'm very grateful God brought Diogo into my life when he did, and I'm thankful to have him as a brother to walk through life with.
Annie Sakiey
Bridesmaid
Annie and I met for the first time during sophomore year at JMU through our friend Michelle. I lived with Annie junior and senior year in a house called the Shindig. Some of my favorite memories with Annie include people watching from our roof, going to JMU games, and falling asleep in Annie’s chair. Annie and I love to watch people more than we like talking to people, so sitting on our roof just made sense. Annie was much more studious than myself and a great study buddy, but like I said earlier, I usually just fell asleep. It was such a great experience to be part of Annie and JR’s wedding and to see the amazing parents they have become to Jackson.
Lucas Wood
Groomsman
I met Lucas at the very first local disc golf club event I went to when I moved back to Harrisonburg and we clicked instantly. Our senses of humor are very similar and we often struggle to find "the line". Despite being like 9 years younger than me, he carries himself much more maturely than his age would indicate. He, too, met me in the worst time of my life and chose to walk through it with me and help me become the man I am today. He, Diogo and I all work together now and frequently have lunch together and catch up. I am thankful for Lucas and for the purposes God has used him for and will continue to use him in my journey!
Heather May
Bridesmaid
I met Heather going to Aletheia Church. She is caring, always willing to help out, and extremely loyal. Heather loves watching sports and we enjoy going to many JMU games together, the only problem is that she doesn’t always cheer for JMU! I will not let her forget that JMU beat UVA in basketball! Heather played a large part in getting James and I together. Heather can be a little nosey, but isn’t afraid to ask the necessary questions. She has known James for many years and approved for this match to happen. I’m glad I trusted her! I can’t imagine my wedding day without her.
Ian Robbie
Groomsman
Ian is my "little" brother. Yes, I see the irony in that, too. It is my sincerest honor to be his older brother. We have always been very close and his relationship to me means more than he'll ever truly realize. He is quiet until he speaks up and says something hilarious. He is a deep thinker, and often is caught in thought. I'm so grateful that God chose him to be my brother, and I'm excited to celebrate this next step in the journey with him standing up there with me!
Mary Peale
Bridesmaid
Mary and I met at a community group through Aletheia Church. Mary needed a place to live and my housemates and I had an extra room. That was seven years ago and we are still roommates to this day! We enjoy many trips to Dunkin' Donuts and Chick-Fil-A. We often say we are the same person because we order the same things at restaurants and even match our outfits by accident. Through the ups and downs of life, including quarantining, we have always stuck together. We even started new relationships around the same time! As life continues to change, I know God has great plans ahead. I can’t imagine my wedding day without you.
Widler Pierre
Groomsman
I met Widler on New Years Eve 2020. He had just gotten married to Joanne's sister, Julie, and they were honeymooning nearby. They stopped by my New Years Party to hang with Joanne and meet me (we were not dating yet). Widler and I hit it off that weekend and we both quickly knew our friendship was going to be special. He has been an ear to hear my thoughts as I discussed my relationship with Joanne, a supporter to keep me focused on Christ first in my relationship, and wise council when I have needed it. I'm grateful to be his friend and even more so that we will be family soon!
Tara Garraty
Bridesmaid
I met Tara in the seventh grade and we were both extremely awkward. We passed strange notes to each other during class and usually avoided getting in trouble. Tara encouraged me to try the Manor Woods swim team for the first time. I was extremely nervous! I am so thankful that she insisted and as a result we became even closer friends. Dancing in your kitchen before swim practice are memories I will cherish forever. Most of our stories include random, crazy things that only happen when we are together. We are hardly ever in the same location anymore, but no matter where life takes us we are always quick to reconnect like no time has passed. I can’t imagine my wedding day without you!
Jason Forrest
Groomsman
Jason was the last Forrest sibling I got to meet. Jason and I share the love of family, community and sports. Joanne jokes that he used to not visit Harrisonburg until I came along. Whether is playing games at the table, watching sports, or playing disc golf, Jason and I will be there front and center. Jason is outgoing, friendly, and has never met a stranger. He is always out doing something with people. He is a good friend and a great brother. I'm thankful to welcome him as family and continue our friendship moving forward!
Emily Castle
Bridesmaid
I first met Emily at a community group through Aletheia church. However I didn’t know her well until I started dating her brother, James. Emily has a heart for people and welcomed me into the family immediately. After the first game night I knew we would become close friends. I look forward to and many more games of sequence and family vacations with you as my sister-in-law!
Steven Holsinger
Groomsman
I met Steven in line for a concert at church. At the time, I'd seen him around but didn't know him. We had a lot in common and started hanging out more. Our friendship evolved as we entered into some the hardest seasons in each other's lives. Those seasons brought us closer together. One of my favorite quotes is, "The fire burns, but it also refines." Steven is living proof of the amazing change Christ can bring through suffering!