Wedding Party
Karen Sinnett
Mother of the Bride
Karen will be officiate our wedding. She and Lisa's father began dating in high school and would be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary together this June (also the 26th) if Dave was still with us. Even though they will not be celebrating together, Karen will still be celebrating the love that they shared on her own this year. She is fiercely committed to her family. She has taught Lisa that hard work not always good times are what help you get through the years. That friendship is the foundation that let's the love transcend over the hard times. And without laughter (sometimes at yourself) it isn't worth it.
Dave Sinnett
Father of the Bride
While Dave is no longer with us his presence will be felt strongly during the ceremony. He passed away early in Lisa and Jon's relationship. Jon was able to meet him one time before he left us and Jon's support during this loss was very important to Lisa. Dave loved Lisa so much and he shared this with her often. There was very few times that Lisa left his company without hearing at least once, "you are a good daughter, number one. I love you." It was this lesson that he gave her. That good love exists and this is how she knew she found this in Jon.
Marion Tilley
Mother of the Groom
Marion unfortunately is unable to attend the ceremony in person. Jonathan owes his mom so much and values everything that she has taught him from her example. Marion has demonstrated complete commitment to her children and especially when things are tough. She loves to learn and eagerly shares her knowledge. Jonathan appreciates how she makes people feel comfortable and safe to share. He has learned the importance of perseverance & fighting for what is important to you because of his mom. it is great to see how close Natasha and Marion have become over the years. Both Lisa and Jonathan thankful that Marion has found new love in her relationship with Kevin- Both of whom will be joining the ceremony via Zoom.
Reggie Tilley
Father of the Groom
Jonathan and his dad have not always seen eye to eye. Pops can be grumpy, opinionated, and downright curmudgeonly.... but he is also utterly committed to his children. Jonathan values his father's practical wisdom and frank recommendations. He appreciates that his father has shown such incredible kindness and what true commitment to family really means. Jonathan appreciates his father's efforts to practice listen but finds at times that he wants to hear more of what his dad has to say. it is wonderful to see how comfortable Natasha is with sharing of herself with grumps (Reggie's self-selected grand parent moniker) and his wonderful significant other, Sandy. Unfortunately they are choosing to stay at home for the ceremony but intend to join the Zoom.
Gena/Catherine/Madilyn Paris
Sister of the Bride (and her kiddo's)/Witness
Gena is Lisa's longest friendship. It hasn't always been easy but Lisa has learned many lessons in this relationship. She has learned that winning isn't the only thing that matters and sometimes kindness should prevail. That when we feel safe we don't always let our best selves come to the table and that when this happens we should apologize, mean it and act differently in the future. Her daughter's Catherine (12) and Madilyn (9) don't know how lucky they are to have the best mom in the world. They are so important to Lisa as well. Lisa hadn't experienced that kind of fierce, loyal and protective kind of love until they were born. She would do anything for the three of them and knows that this is also true for Jon and Natasha because of them.
Chip Tilley
Brother of the Groom (and Family)
Chip is Jonathan's older brother who is married with two kids. Jonathan highly respects his brother and considers Chip the smartest person he has ever met. Chip always showed his brother kindness and included him, helped him with his homework, and actively defended Jonathan when things were hard. Chip demonstrated utter commitment to reaching his goals and helped Jon to see how effort can lead to reaching one's potential. Jonathan appreciates that Chip is both highly cerebral and a careful decision maker while also being deeply mindful of the impact of his words on his relationships. Both Jonathan and Lisa are thrilled Chip and family will be able to attend the wedding via Zoom
Natasha Tilley
The Person Jonathan has Learned the Most From
Natasha is Jonathan's and Beth's Child. He feels so lucky to have such a wonderful, thoughtful, and frankly brilliant child. Natasha has taught Jonathan to be in the moment- to find times for the two of them to just relax. He has learned to listen and really hear what someone has to say. He values that Natasha knows what she wants and advocates for what she needs. He is envious of her empathy and compassion for others. Natasha has taught Jonathan patience, to concentrate on evolution rather than the immediate situation, and to love someone completely. Lisa and Jonathan are excited to have Natasha give our vows during the ceremony as we bring these two families together.
Beth Taylor
Friend
Beth and Jonathan were married for several years and are the parents of their wonderful kiddo- Natasha. Jonathan is thankful that both have put the tough times behind them so they can work together to co-parent. Jonathan continues to learn so much from Beth as they continue to grow. Beth has shown Jon that deep forgiveness is possible- that it is ok to struggle- that it is the commitment that counts. Beth taught Jon that it is not the objects you give but the love that you show that define a parent. He envies Beth's determination when she sets her mind to something. Beth has practiced such incredible grace through Jon's and Lisa's relationship and has deliberately supported the fostering of Lisa and Natasha's relationship. We are thankful she can attend the wedding as a witness.