Lauren & Derek
Wedding Party
Abbey Thelen
Matron of Honor
Abbey is Lauren's youngest sister. From a young age, Lauren and Abbey would stay up late talking in their rooms about everything and this continues today, albeit over the phone. Abbey is one of the strongest people Lauren has ever met and has been a rock for Lauren and others close to her. She is one of those special people that you can have a deep conversation with one minute and be laughing to the point of tears the next. Abbey has some of the best dance moves, so watch out!
CJ Stam
Best Man
CJ is Derek's older brother and best friend since Derek could talk. CJ and Derek have enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, growing their businesses, and of course golfing! They have shared many adventures together such as driving across the USA as teenagers, living together in their bachelor years, Eurorail trips and the biggest adventure of all....growing up in a Stam household!!
Emily Talbot
Maid of Honor
Emily is Lauren's younger sister and have shared friends and fun over the years. Whether it was playing soccer in their cul-de-sac as children or playing on the State Championship soccer team together in high school, they enjoyed growing up together. Emily leaves people in tears of laughter and has a huge heart for others. She and Lauren have shared many great memories cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners as well as traveling to different states and countries together.
Chris Marvin
Groomsman
Derek met Chris when he began dating Derek's step-sister Kathryn in 2016. He and Derek have grown close over the years through family get-togethers and vacations at the beach and mountains! Derek enjoys Chris's laid-back personality, wit, and family-centered values.
Ashleigh Alcorn Houle
Bridesmaid
Ashleigh and Lauren have been friends for decades. Lauren and Ashleigh shared their love of sports and academia as teammates and classmates throughout middle school and high school sports. Ashleigh is a supportive friend that also brings out one's goofy side. From being stranded on the side of the road on the way to prom to driving cross country, Ashleigh and Lauren have shared in many memorable adventures.
Jeremy Gray
Groomsman
Jeremy and Derek became good friends while working together in the hospitality industry in 2001. They can have an entire conversation using just movie quotes! They love Braves Baseball, ping pong, classic music, and--did we already say-- movie quotes?
Brittany "Britt" Woolford
Bridesmaid
Brittany and Lauren were roommates in graduate school at the University of North Texas. Overcoming the challenges during grad school and beyond, Britt was a constant support and joy in Lauren's life. Britt is a thoughtful, fun, encouraging friend. In spite of moving several times since UNT, they remain close and enjoy hiking, running, and exploring new places together.
Kyle Thelen
Groomsman
Kyle is Derek's soon to be brother-in-law (married to Lauren's youngest sister Abbey). Kyle, being the only other male under fifty, made for a great companion for Derek at the Talbot-family gatherings. We cannot fail to mention their shared interests in golf, dogs, chess, jokes, and Talbot women.
Ericka "Baer" Gunther
Bridesmaid
Ericka and Lauren met on their official visit to Colorado College and immediately committed to being college roommates before committing to play soccer at CC. Both highly driven and competitive, Lauren and Ericka loved their time on and off the field together. They went on incredible adventures to the Sand Dunes, X-games, San Francisco, and backpacking through Europe. Ericka is an inspiring friend and brings joy everywhere she goes.
Matt Maddox
Groomsman
Matt is Derek's brother-in-law, married to his step-sister Laura. Living only minutes away, Derek and Matt enjoy golfing, cooking out, and spend time with Matt and Laura's children Ellie and Caleb. Matt has always provided great advice to Derek with comedic flair.
Jessica "Kautz" Swearingen
Bridesmaid
Jessie and Lauren met on the soccer team at Colorado College, and it's been one crazy adventure after another ever since. Jessie was always there to give Lauren a quick affirmation in their defensive huddles on the field or to listen and give thoughtful advice. Ever the prankster, Jessie has the best sense of humor and brings joy to anyone around her.
Nick Prince
Groomsman
Nick and Derek have been friends since childhood. Growing up down the street from one another they got in their fair share of childhood trouble, but they grew into model citizens! Nick and Derek enjoy outdoor sports together and can most often be found on the Frisbee Golf course with Nick's children and dogs in tow.
Kayla Balcom
Bridesmaid
Kayla and Lauren met during graduate school at the University of North Texas. With their busy schedules, they enjoyed classes and practicums and navigating downtown Denton together. Kayla has a beautiful heart for people and always sees the best in others. Although their careers relocated them to several states, Lauren and Kayla reconnected in Atlanta and have been enjoying exploring the best of what Georgia has to offer!
Rafael Miranda
Groomsman
Rafael and Derek met through a golf league in Celebration, FL. After being paired up a couple of times, they became life-long friends. Rafael's competitiveness and good-nature keeps Derek on his toes, whether they're golfing or playing a game of virtual chess--which Derek usually wins...he claims to have proof.
Sarah VonStrohe Pierce
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Lauren met in elementary school and stayed great friends over the years! After numerous family ski trips and winning a soccer State Championship in High School, Lauren and Sarah continued their love of sports meeting up for college football tailgates. Some of Lauren's favorite memories with Sarah have been in Arkansas--floating the river and celebrating her marriage to Nick in Little Rock! Friends from college still ask Lauren about her friend with the gorgeous blonde hair and kind smile.
Robert Jett
Groomsman
Robert is Derek's brother-in-law, and married Maggie in 2013. Living minutes away, Derek and Robert have shared a love for Robert and Maggie's 3-5 dogs (depending on how many they are fostering) and being outdoors. They both are excellent cooks, especially when it comes to Salmon.
Audrey Stam
Junior Bridesmaid
Audrey is Derek's oldest niece and holds a special place for Lauren and Derek. Audrey and Lauren have enjoyed going on walks, watching movies, and playing games over the past year, especially during quarantine. Audrey's kindness, joy, and sense of humor have made Lauren feel welcome into the Stam family, and Lauren is thrilled to have Audrey standing next to her as she marries Derek.
Ryan Balcom
Groomsman
Derek met Ryan through Lauren's good friend & bridesmaid Kayla. Now that he and his wife live in Atlanta, Ryan has become a close friend of Lauren and Derek's as well. Ryan can always be counted on for a great conversation, the latest sports updates, amazing cooking, and new cocktail recipes--any whiskey drinkers out there?
Neil Stam
Groomsman
Neil is Derek's favorite teenage nephew. Derek has loved having a front row seat to Neil's upbringing and the values instilled in him. Neil and Derek love golfing, fishing, and playing video games together. Now that Lauren has joined the mix, Derek has enjoyed beating Neil and his Dad in 2-v-2 basketball (but not for long)!
Jacy Wicker Phillips
House Party Attendant
Lauren met Jacy playing club soccer while in middle school. They shared lots of laughs, joy, love for soccer, and faith over the years. They were blessed to travel the U.S. together for countless soccer tournaments. The other teams always knew The Dallas Texans were coming, mostly due to Jacy's "Hey Y'all!" to everyone we met. To this day, Jacy has a contagious smile and brightens up any room.
Nicole Habern
House Party Attendant
Nicole and Lauren met through mutual friends and had an instant friendship. Nicole's warmth and love for life are obvious to anyone she meets. She and Lauren grew even closer while Lauren was attending UNT. In addition to their shared faith, they love two-stepping!
Leslie Jordan Walker
House Party Attendant
Leslie and Lauren met when they were young, but became good friends on the Lady Tigers softball team. In addition to having a generous heart, Leslie has an infectious personality and can make anyone laugh. She and Lauren stayed in touch throughout college and have fond memories of visiting the MHS soccer girls in Arkansas! Now that Leslie is back in Texas, Lauren is grateful to see her on trips back to Dallas.
Christine Minnick Hill
House Party Attendant
Christine and Lauren started as friends in cleats at a young age. In adulthood, they have enjoyed float trips in Arkansas and playing on kickball teams together. Christine is a steady, positive person that has an immediate comforting effect on those around her. She has been a great friend over many years, and Lauren cherishes their time together.