Wedding Party
Wendy Ashby
Maid of Honor
My best friend. We’ve raised our children together, worked at the same company 3 times, lived near each other, and shared a lifetime of experiences together. She’s definitely my ride-or-die friend. Our kids grew up together, Gus tagging behind Erin who was a few years older, idolizing the teenager. We took trips together, shared many a meal, talked each other off the ledge more times than we can count. We’ve talked way into the night, rocked babies, cooked, been out on the town. She is responsible for saving my life. We talked every major decision with one another and have no secrets. We decorated our homes pitching ideas to each other, and I have had more of her furniture in my home than my own. What can I say, she’s my bestie.
Dave Thomson
Best Man
The closest thing I’ve ever had to a father; I’ve known Dave for as long as I can remember. I used to go see his band when I was a pre-teen living in the hill country of Texas. My mother managed his band and his solo career. When he went to Alaska with the band he stayed there, and suggested my mom and I follow. This led to my time in Alaska and an incredible childhood, which grew to a paternal connection that I needed so badly. He helped form me into the man I am today.
Carrie Dolores
Bridesmaid
Carrie is my niece from another mother, and my friend. We lost her sweet mother, Linda, my friend since the 8th grade 2 years ago. Linda was responsible for introducing Leon and I when I first moved to Texas. After Carrie’s move to Texas, she and I became even closer friends. She has been my Girl Friday from the very beginning of our plans, helping wherever she could and being a creative collaborator and support! I have watched her grow up from a baby who would never stay in her bed, into the dynamic, vibrant and fun young woman she is today. It’s my honor to have her as part of the wedding party, and I treasure our friendship. It’s like having my friend, who ran the face painting booth at the Alaska State Fair for decades, present and part of our wedding.
Robert Shields
Groomsman
My best friend “Berda” and I have known each other for over two decades. We’ve helped raise each other’s kids, attended birthdays, funerals, parties, you name it. We have been on adventures that have solidified his title more than any other friend I have ever known. We’ve gone to concerts, consoled each other when sad, celebrated when there was a reason to, and been there for each other when times were tough. I couldn’t imagine getting married without him there. I look forward to many more years of friendship and seeing him in a tux!
Sandra Sackett
Bridesmaid
Sandra was my next door neighbor in Oak Point. We looked out for one another, shared favors, talked across the fence, enjoyed many meals together, and were each other’s lifeline. Sandra is such a good friend. She was there at the beginning of my relationship with Leon and shared the journey with me. We had to become friends. Bella, her youngest, came over my house to hang out all the time. They were there during all of our early relationship and I’m so honored to have them sharing this most precious time with us.
Jeremy Lewis
Groomsman
Jeremy is my oldest cousin but may as well be my brother. Being only a year apart has made us able to share our experiences in real time, following each other through life events like graduating high school, going to college, having kids, and now, getting married! We, too, have been to many concerts and events together. Jeremy is my benchmark for what it means for someone my age to be successful in life and love. Together with my younger cousin Joel, we are literally “The Three Amigos” and can do the salute on demand!
Katy Stelter
Bridesmaid
Katy and Leon have a very special bond. Although Leon is her uncle, they are very close in age and the best of pals that share a very special take on the world. But I’m not going to talk about that. Katy has been a support to me in our relationship from the very beginning. She was the first one I confided in about the text he sent me when I wasn’t sure if I should take it seriously. As she was leaving, she turned and winked and called me “auntie.” We both laughed yet, here we are. The four of us were supposed to hike the Inca Trail to Manchu Picchu when COVID restrictions came along 2 weeks prior to our departure. I thought I’d be a support when she opened her first salon, and I was incredibly impressed by her business savvy. Not only is she incredibly talented, winning professional accolades, but her customer service and drive are a force to reckon with. Yet, she is humble and personable and loads of fun. I can’t imagine anyone as deserving to be part of my wedding party.
Joel Lewis
Groomsman
Joel is my younger cousin and the part of me that yearns for purity of mind and soul. Joel is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. A great musician, father, and doting husband, Joel is one of the only people that knows more about music knowledge than I do. Joel is the other member of “The Three Amigos” along with Jeremy and I. Seeing him grow up into the man he has become makes me proud, like being proud of a little brother. I am so glad to have him as part of my wedding party. I’ve been to his wedding, now he is part of mine.
Cynthia Zinakova
Bride
Cynthia is self-aware, self-reliant and self-evident. When Cynthia and I met, it was like oil found a way to get with water. Ever since, I have tried to find out what makes her tick. Even though I haven’t found it yet, I promise I will keep on trying. She is the most compassionate person I have and will ever meet. You guys are in for a a treat. This is my girl, and always will be.
Leon Cooper
Groom
What can I say about the man I love? I can tell you that he is highly intelligent and sensitive, incredibly romantic and loves everything Texas. He loves being outdoors, and is crazy about fishing. But all this sounds like a resume. What’s important to me is that he makes me laugh all the time, and we have so much fun doing the simplest things. He gives me butterflies on a regular basis. We met at mutual friends’ biannual parties, and then one night he sent me a text saying he had been in love with me for 2 years and was sick of keeping the secret. He swept me off my feet and I haven’t landed yet, and hope I never do. We spent 6 years in a long-distance romance until he an I moved into our home in Huntsville. I can’t wait to spend my life with him, and I look forward to every adventure.
Pastor Veronica Davidson
Officiant
I met Pastor V at the airport. I was going on a consulting job and my flight was delayed at DFW. They kept announcing a service over the loudspeaker, so I finally decided to go since I had walked around and done all the time wasters I could. Soon thereafter, I helped her host an online event (because she is technically challenged), and we became fast friends. She is that friend that reaches out to make sure you’re okay. In fact, she and another lady drove to my house in Oak Point because I didn’t call back soon enough. She is funny, glamorous, and down to earth to her core. I regularly attend her women’s prayer call on Thursdays at 6am, and she has been a frequent house guest. I love Pastor V, and I think you will too. It’s perfect that she’s marrying us. When I asked her, she was jumping up and down, then stopped to tell me “it’s about time!” She says we’re going to party like it’s 1999. And if you ever want to join the prayer call, you are welcome. It’s 6-6:30am central time, so if you want the recordings, call 712.432.1085, pin 237163. The prayer call number is 667-770-1523,,237163#