Laura & Alex
Wedding Party
Kelly Jones
Maid of Honor
Kelly and I met in high school, where we bonded over theatre and the joys and tribulations of being red heads. Despite living in different states during college and our early 20s, Kelly remained one of my closest and most loyal friends. She has seen me through heartbreaks, stood by me when I had my son, laughed with me, cried with me, threatened bodily harm against anyone who hurt me, and generally been there for me through any and everything over the last 25ish years. We may be busy adults now, but no matter how long it’s been since we’ve talked, there’s no doubt about the strength of our friendship.
Miles Passell
Best Man
More of a brother than a friend, Alex met Miles in middle school, and they were inseparable until Miles and his (now) wife, Sara, moved to Colorado a few years back. In high school Alex spent so much time at his house he had his own bed. They definitely have a special bond, and it’s a good thing I like and get along with Miles and Sara so well or I’m afraid this wedding wouldn’t even be happening. Since they don’t get to see each other often anymore, I’ve accepted the fact that Alex will spend most of the wedding and/or days leading up to it catching up with him, but at least they are always entertaining to watch together.
Wendy Derrick
Bridesmaid
I've literally known Wendy my entire life. We grew up in the same church and lived in two different neighborhoods together as kids, carpooled to school in high school, and worked together as adults. Wendy's influence is why I got into technical theatre in middle and high school, and I pulled her back into it after college. She has played a huge role in who I am, what I do for a living, the music I listen to, the things (and person) I love, and probably a good bit of my affinity for the weird and macabre. Wendy and her husband Luke also introduced me and Alex. She thought we would get along even before we met, and they’ve remained our main DragonCon buddies ever since.
Luke Carter
Groomsman
Alex met Luke while working at Blockbuster in high school. They are very much kindred spirits and tend to bring out the adventurous side in each other. Whether it’s exploring an island, going to a concert, or taking jujitsu, Alex and Luke always have a blast together. When they hang out, they seem to be up for anything, which is equal parts hilarious and terrifying for everyone around them, especially me and Wendy. Add Miles to the mix and they’re pretty much guaranteed to get into some kind of trouble, but it’s hard to be mad when they’re all having so much fun together. Luke makes any party a little more fun, and he and Wendy will always have a special place in our hearts.
Katie Corwin
Bridesmaid
Katie and I met a few years ago in a running group after she had just moved to town, and we instantly clicked. We were both training for half marathons, so we spent a lot of time running together and talking (and complaining about how much we hate running). She's been my primary listener when I needed to vent, cat sitter when I'm out of town, and medical expert on everything from COVID to gallbladder attacks. I feel a kindred spirit in Katie in many ways (beyond our mutual ptsd from all that running). It’s not your destination that’s important or how fast you get there, but the friends you make along the way.
Mark Troop
Groomsman
Alex couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law than Mark. Just this year alone, the amount of help he has been in renovating Alex’s house in Roswell should qualify him for sainthood (and a general contracting license). The first time Alex met Mark was when Bree brought him home for the holidays. Mark took it upon himself to completely rearrange Alex’s living room in the basement while everyone was asleep. I’ve been told it was much better afterward. That’s pretty much who Mark is. He fixes things you didn’t even know were broken and leaves everything a little better than he found it, including the Robbie family.
Leigh Thomas
Bridesmaid
We met after college through a mutual friend group and had a shared love of all things gaming (video, tabletop, and board), Dr Who, and kitties. Leigh is one of the very few women I know who may actually be nerdier than me, so of course I found that incredibly intimidating at first (still do sometimes tbh). In our 20s we got into all sorts of trouble but had SO much fun doing it. 15ish years later we are older and wiser and live in different states, but she’ll always be my partner in crime (and Codenames). PS - If Leigh and I ever run away together like we always joked, someone remind Alex that I warned him. 😉
Ashram Clark
Groomsman/Bridal Escort
For those who don’t know, Ash is my son. I am so very blessed to have both him and Alex in my life and that they get along so well (sometimes a little too well, like when they gang up against me in my own house!) Ash is now 20, but was only 12 when Alex and I met, so he’s known Alex for a good bit of his life and all during his frustrating teenage years. They have very similar interests and Alex probably hangs out with Ash more than I do, watching tv or playing video games together after I’ve gone to bed. I definitely sometimes feel outnumbered in the house, but only when I’m awake and everyone’s home (so basically most of the time.) But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Lydia Anthony
Flower Girl
Laura's neice
McKinley Troop
Flower Girl
Alex's neice
Thornwell Simons
Officiant
I met Thornwell at a local coffee shop in Columbia over 15 years ago. Over the years I’ve become close friends, brunch buddies, and gaming partners with him and his wife, Virginia. He has one of the most impressive book collections I’ve ever seen and is one of the few people Alex and I can nerd out with about fantasy book series. Thornwell is truly a unique character, a lovely human, a great storyteller, and kind of an old man at heart (all part of his singular, lovable charm).