Kimberly &J.W. (John Wayne)
Wedding Party
Kimberly Sluss
Bride
For those that don't know me, I am originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia. I moved to Gainesville in June of 2015 to live close to my mother, brother and his family. Although I will always consider Virginia "home", I truly enjoy Florida. Hey, if I hadn't moved here, I never would have been able to date J.W.! Talk about a long distance relationship!
J.W. (John Wayne) McNeal
Groom
For those of you who do not know J.W., he is a Gainesville, Florida, native. He knows just about everyone in and around Gainesville and will give you the shirt off his back if it would help you. He owns Tuffy Tire and Automotive in Newberry (Jonesville) where he has been helping people solve their automotive problems for over 18 years. If you get a chance to talk to him, he loves to talk cars and racing! (Written by Kim)
Vincent Williams
Best Man
Vince and J.W. became good friends many years ago when J.W. helped him with an automotive issue (imagine that). They have remained close friends through the years even though Vince and his beautiful wife, Tina, live in Jacksonville. Kim has enjoyed getting to know them both and has gained two new friends! J.W. and Kim are very glad to have them here to celebrate our special day.
Ron Crum
Best Man
Ron is one of J.W.s best friends. He has been there for J.W. through thick and thin. Any man that allows another man to keep his collector cars in his garage for two years must be a good friend! J.W. and Kim enjoy hanging out with Ron and his wife Peggy at the Gainesville Street Rod Drive Ins held the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Publix on 39th Street. We are very thankful to call Ron, his wife, Peggy, and their son, Anthony, our friends.
John Ray McNeal
Son of the Groom
John is J.W.'s only child. He is Kyra and Mia's father and his married to his beautiful wife, Christina. John, Christina and the girls live near Fanning Springs, FL (about 30 minutes from our home in Archer). We are so happy to have him part of our wedding. J.W. is especially thankful to have him standing up front with him.
Jesse Sluss
Son of the Bride
Jesse is Kim's only child. Kim was very humbled when J.W. told her that he wanted Jesse to stand up with him at the wedding. Jesse and his beautiful wife, Traci, are expecting their first child, Annabeth, in January 2020. Kim and J.W. are so excited to have three beautiful granddaughters to love and spoil! Jesse and Traci live in Fayetteville, NC.
Carolyn Godbey
Matron of Honor
Carolyn is Kim's late husband's oldest sister and Kim's best friend. They have shared many heartaches, and many joys, including this one. Carolyn and Kim have served together on three mission trips and enjoy hiking together when they get the chance. We are very excited to have her participate in this special day with us. As a side note, Carolyn and the entire Sluss family have been very welcoming to J.W. and we are both very grateful for that.
Kyra McNeal
Bridesmaid
Kyra is J.W.'s oldest granddaughter. She is a lovely young lady and we are so excited to have her participate in our wedding.
Yarden Herb
Bridesmaid
Yarden is Kim's niece. She is the oldest daughter of the bride's brother, Thomas (Trey) Herb and his wife, Limor. Yarden is very athletic and an accomplished gymnast. She and her younger sister, Ella, are a joy to be around and spend time with.
Ella Herb
Bridesmaid
Ella is the Kim's niece. She is the youngest daughter of the bride's brother, Thomas (Trey) Herb and his wife, Limor. Ella enjoy's ballet, singing, diving and gymnastics. She and her older sister, Yarden, are a lot of fun to hang out with.
Mia McNeal
Flower Girl
Mia is J.W.s youngest granddaughter. She is a real charmer so be on guard or she will steal your heart!
Blue (the Chihuahua)
Ring Bearer
Blue is J.W.s Chihuahua and most definitely one of the family. He is 11 years old and was born with a birth defect that causes him to keep his back right leg raised all of the time. He is not in any pain and is a very happy dog. We can't wait to see him run down the isle with our rings hanging on his collar!
Betty Maye
Scripture Reader
Betty is J.W.'s sister. She and Kim have gotten to know each other well over the past couple of years and have become good friends. We are very happy to have Betty play a special role in our ceremony. We love you Betty.
Limor Herb and Trey Herb
Jewish Wedding Blessing
Limor is Kim's brother's wife. She speaks fluent Hebrew and has graciously agreed to speak a Jewish wedding blessing at our ceremony. Kim's brother, Trey, we translate the blessing in English. Thank you both.
Merry Weston
Brides Helper and Floral Artist
If you like the flower arrangements and other decorations please let Merry know. She was instrumental in preparing them. Kim and Merry purchased the flowers from various stores all over Gainesville and worked together to bring Kim’s vision of a garden party to life.