Louise & Brayden
Wedding Party
Beth Poulos
Mother of the Bride
The woman who has been there for me my whole life. She has been so supportive and loving through this whole process. She is the reason I chose archaeology, anthropology and German, she put me on my study abroad to Berlin, which changed my life. Never did I think that I could learn a language so fast and with so much love and it would not have happened without her stating that she would get me there, no matter what. She was more excited for me to go than I was and even told me to stay. I am glad I didn't because I wouldn't be getting married now. I credit my mom with almost every dream I have ever had, fostering my love for fossils and natural history. I truly would not be as successful without her. Even when she could not travel with me to Europe to show me all the places she loves so much, she still finds a way to get me there, no matter the means, just like she would when I was young, taking me to Disney World, even if it meant draining the bank, just to see a smile on my face. I don't have a negative memory from those times. She is my fiercest advocate, my backup, cheering on my comedy, travel, and my love for digging in the dirt. She pushes me to stay true to myself and only myself, to do what I want with my life and ignore what other people say I should do. She is always telling me to do the things that she was always too scared to say she wanted to do. Well, I'm doing them, Mom. I am so grateful to be your daughter. I love you, Mom.
Mike Collins
Father of the Bride
My Dad and I have not always seen eye to eye but I don't think that I would have it any other way. We have never truly understood each other, I grew to have many differing ideals than he does, but it has pushed both of us to grow as humans and furthered our relationship. He did not intially love my career path but when the time came for me to decide what I wanted to do with my career, he did research and still sends me multiple articles everyday about what archaeologists are finding that he reads and truly enjoys to share with me. Without my dad, I wouldn't have seen New York, California, The Yucatan or Berlin. I wouldn't have learned how to ride horses, drive stickshift in Morehead, or discovered a love for motorcycles that still gives my grandparents a heart attack. Sure, we have had our disagreements on culture and bloodlines, my ties to the church, career choices and marriage but we push each other to be better people. Neither of us are perfect, we have our differences but overall, I would not be the woman today without him. I see so much of him in me, a fiery personality, a passion for the world around me and immense ambition. He is always pushing me to get one more degree, do one thing better for myself, trying to get me to my maximum potential. I know that without him, I wouldn't be so stubborn in doing things my way and getting where I need to be. I am so grateful to be his daughter. I love you, Dad.
Georgia Stathopoulos
Nouna, Godmother
My Nouna has always played a very special and spiritual part in my life. I could always count on seeing her and my Nouno at church every Sunday. You could always hear her in the choir, her voice stands out from everyone else because she is the most passionate, not only about God and what she's singing, but our church and me too. Her heart is so big and has room for everyone she has met and everyone in our church. It makes sense why my grandparents and my Nouna and Nouno have always been such good friends. She sparked my interest in Greek Mythology during Greek School. After every class, we would gather in the church to pray, talk and discuss our Greek Myth of the week that she would send us home to color. That was the first time I think I got to know them. From then on, I knew I was passionate about uncovering the mysteries of the myths. She did what she could to tutor me in Greek when I couldn't attend anymore and took care of my Nouno after his accident, who always found me at church to make sure I practiced my Greek for a few minutes. It is only fitting that she plays this role in my wedding. I hope I am making them both proud, both in my career and in my relationship with God and the church. I wish Brayden could have met Nouno but I know he'll be watching as Nouna helps us take our first steps, together, as husband and wife. Thank you for everything, Nouna, I love you.
Stacy Collins
Stepmom of the Bride
Just like my dad, it took Stacy and I a little while to develop a relationship. I truly did not understand (and still don't really get it) what having siblings is like. I didn't get the picking on each other and I was dealing with my own issues at school but slowly, Stacy started to become an advocate for me. Helping and bettering my relationship with my dad, including me in girl conversations with her daughter, Alaina, and helping me understand how to deal with the other girls at school. Stacy for the last few years, helped provide a friend and confidant when I needed help or boy advice. She knew how to handle fights with my dad and helped show me what a healthy relationship with siblings and marriage looked like. Although I didn't work well living with so many people, seeing her is always a highlight of coming home. I am so grateful thaat she came into my life, even if it hasn't always been so easy for me to see the hundreds of ways she has benefited my life. I just want to take time to thank her for the kitchen conversations, bringing me along to Dominic's house shows, plenty of videos of her dancing in the living room, wine drunk games, years of Christmas celebrations that she made feel brighter and more festive, and last but not least, bringing my dad and I closer and showing both of us how to be better together. Thank you for all that you do.
Kasey Brown
Maid of Honor
Kasey and I have been friends since our junior year of high school. We met at our exes' lacrosse game, where she heard me talking about my dog, Motley, when he was only 9 weeks old. This sparked a conversation about Motley Crue that I will never forget. It was clear at that moment how similar we were, we even had the same favorite band member; Tommy Lee. From that point on, we went through everything together, break ups (at the same time, for the same reason), concerts, she even started dating my godbrother, Michael, who is the Best Man. She has been a constant in my life, for three years now, and I know that isn't going to change. I trust her with all the big moments in my life, with the best parts of me and the ugliest. She always reminds me to keep my standards high, with everything, and lets it be known that I deserve only the best and I really hope I do that for her too. She means everything to me and I am so happy that I now get to share my wedding with her, but hopefully every Easter now too. She has become like a sister to me in many ways. She is caring, kind, and hilarious. She always makes time to see me when I'm home and I want her to know how much I appreciate her. She is and always will be family to me.
Lexi Halter
Bridesmaid and Reception Hype Woman
Lexi and I have not been friends as long as my other friends that are in my wedding have been, but I value her just as much. She was my rock while I was sick and unable to be in classes fall semester. She would come over and we would make food, watch Big Mouth and talk about everything. She is my favorite person to go out with, even though she seems to be oblivious to the dangers and I always have to act as her body guard, even getting into some not-so-peaceful issues. I would do anything to keep her safe. She keeps me sane while somehow driving me insane with some of her relationship choices but if you offered me all the money in the world, I wouldn't trade anything about our friendship. I love supporting her through everything she does and I know that she will always be in my corner. I'm so happy I get to remember this day with her by my side, forever. Even if I was in the wrong, she'd argue that I'm in the right. I love being with Lexi, she has enhanced my life in so many ways. I am so grateful that she popped into my life. Thank you for getting me out of my apartment when it was hard and keeping a spare key for me. Thank you for watching my snake, even though you're terrified of her. Thank you for coming into my life when I needed you most.
Gabby Tumolo
Bridesmaid
Gabby and I met while looking for roommates our senior year of high school. That room arrangement didn’t work out but I am so happy we did. She has helped with so much in the wedding, especially the little things that are hard for me to dream up. She always hypes me up, especially when I am feeling awful about myself. She is a downright gorgeous human. If I had to assign her a color, it would definitely be pink. She is always rosy and sunny when you talk to her, even if those aren't the emotions she is feeling. She is an amazing friend who helps me analyze all of the sides of a situation. She is sympathetic, loving and maternal, with a most welcoming disposition. Being with her is like talking to a ray of sunshine. Being in her apartment is warm and comforting. She is always there to greet you with a hug. She is someone you can count on 100% of the time to be there. She is a beautiful human and I could not imagine having anyone else in her place. Gabby is perfect, even if she doesn't see it. I am so happy met her and I am so excited to have her in my wedding. This day truly could not be what it has turned out to be without her. I want her to know that she is a truly wonderful human being and none of her efforts go unnoticed.
Jenna Ballinger
Bridesmaid
Jenna and I met through the same site meant to help you find your college roommate that Gabby and I met through. Jenna was the first person I attached to. Jenna and I were supposed to room together in Scioto and both major in archaeology. We did all of our college planning together and encouraged me to make my final decision on UC. We even went to Admitted Bearcat Day together, which was dreadful in the moment because we both felt awful but is now a funny story that I will never forget. However, on the way down, she revealed to me that she could no longer afford to go to UC. This broke both of our hearts but our friendship never waivered. She came to my prom and was apart of my friend group and I’m proud to say that she finally made it to UC as a nursing student. She is a glowing, gorgeous soul and having her in my life is a gift. I am so happy that I have the privilege of getting to include her as one of my bridesmaids. She has always been so supportive and loving, I’m so lucky to have a sweet soul like hers standing next to me at our wedding. Jenna, everything you have done has paid off and I’m so excited to be apart of your future.
Lankika Mendis
Bridesmaid
Lankika and I have been friends for almost four years. Recently, Lankika and I went through a rough patch and didn't speak for a considerable amount of time. However, I kept thinking about how I could not possibly get married and go through this big day without the one girl who was so much like my sister. The girl that I consider a platonic soul mate. She has seen me through the best and the worst times. I knew that she and I needed to make amends before I got married because this big day would be so different without her. Life just did not feel right without her. Thank you for welcoming me back into your life, Lankika, and thank you for being my honorary sister. My life is not the same without you. I am so grateful to have the privilege of being your friend. Thank you for staanding next to me, always. Life with you will always be exciting and full of love. Here's to music festivals for the rest of our lives. I hope we're in the pit when we're 80 years old somehow. Thank you for beginning this chapter with me. You will forever be my girl.
Christin Miller
Mother of the Groom
My mom has been my biggest supporter through and through, my whole life. There’s have been uncountable ups and downs, and I wouldn’t be were I am today without her. She has pushed me from day one to excel, to work hard for what I want and do what ever it takes to get there. The work she’s put in everyday to provide for me and my siblings through the years pushes me to show her that it was for something. She never made it seem like there was a struggle, even through the loss of my stepfather, and the way she handled the hard times on my siblings and I is better than I think anybody else could have. She has always been by my side for anything I have wanted to do, from being busy all the time in high school, with college classes and engineering, to joining the navy and wanted to travel the world. I will always be appreciative of everything she’s given me and I couldn’t ask for anything better. I love you mom.
Joel Gable
Father of the Groom
Growing up, spending time with my dad was the average 2 household situation, seeing him on Wednesdays after he picked me up from school, and every other weekend trying to make that time worth it. I remember the countless number of LEGO sets that we built, and going to visit him on Fridays with my grandparents going to see him at work. With that, we were never as close as we could have been, but I wouldn’t take back those memories for the world. He was always so happy to hear about the A’s I got on tests, and being able to coach my sports. He and my stepmom gave me 2 wonderful siblings that I know are going to grow up in the best household possible. Moving in with my dad during high school may have not seemed helpful at the time, but it brought us so much closer in the long run. He saw me grow up a lot faster than most people have to, and gave me the mindset that I could do whatever I had the mindset for, especially joining the navy. He is the best dad anybody could ever ask for and has always stood by me no matter what. I love you dad.
Michael Manos
Best Man
Unfortunately, Brayden could not have his best friends stand with him at our ceremony so my godbrother, Michael, stepped in as best man. Michael also stepped up as Brayden's sponsor for his baptism into the Greek Church and will become the godfather to our future child. Michel has been a brother to me, standing up for me against boys, retrieving my things from ex-boyfriends, keeping me safe and keeping gossip about me at bay, especially in the last few years. He tells me when he doesn't like someone I am around and I knew that it just wasn't the case with Brayden. Although, it is dissappointing that Brayden’s friends cannot be there on this day, I don't think I could imagine a better best man. Michael has been my best man my whole life. He always stuck up for me and stuck by my side and treated me as if I was his real sister. He took Koumbari seriously, the same way his father does with my Papou. Our family history goes back generations and although it took us a few years to come together, I wouldn't have it any other way. I will never forget in middle school, I was in the church kitchen with his father, Jack, Michael and George. Jack pulled me close and made Michael and George promise that if anyone did anything to me, no matter how big or small, to be there and to protect me. I never forgot that day and I don't think Michael ever did either. Michael was the brother that I needed and that was present. I will forever be grateful to him for that.
Jonathan Lash
Groomsman and Reception Hype Man
Again, unfortunately a close friend of Brayden's cannot fill this role. I have known Jonathan since kindergarten. He and I walked into Elementary School together and walked out of High School together. We went to our 7th grade school dance together with one friend group and went to prom together with another. If we went through a dark time, we always came out of the other side with each other. I was assaulted on the street of Cincinnati by someone I loved August 8. Jonathan was down there the next morning. He was my first call. When I moved to Cincinnati, he was the only friend to come see me and it still remains that way. I told Jonthan that he would be the hypeman at my wedding when I was 13, after seeing it on a video, so when we made this decision, I texted him first. I always knew that he and I would stay friends. Through my entire life, just like Michael, he has always been there, without fail. I couldn't imagine going through life without him. Every big moment, he has been there for me. We would even text in a groupchat on Kik late at night because we really thought we were so much older, watching Nick @ Nite at 2am in the summer. From 5th grade graduation and our first school dances, all the way to every Homecoming, Prom, all the way to graduation, it is only fitting that he has a role in my wedding.
Tristan
Groomsman
Another friend of mine, filling in for Brayden's side, Tristan, is a very special friend. We did not meet one day and become friends, it was a gradual build up and I could not even tell you when exactly we became more than just two people stuck in a classroom together. We originally met at a district-wide choir concert and got in trouble for laughing too much and interrupting reharsal. Then, freshman biology, sophomore music theory, which we both slept through or cried about our bodies hurting, junior year AP biology and finally, senior year, nothing at all. During Covid, we would have "technical issues" and go get brunch together, then we'd make a day out of it with the mall, Starbucks and World Market. Tristan is the only person who can make me laugh as hard and as much as Brayden does. Tristan and I balance each other. I embarrass him and he makes fun of me for being embarrassing. We have worked together, been in school together, went to two homecomings, prom, and graduated together. I don't know what day it clicked with us but I'm happy that day came because a life without him would be a much darker one, without the person who kept me sane during Covid and without someone who can always tell me the real, hard truth and make me laugh my ass off while doing it. No matter how distant we get, our ties to each other will never break. We will always be standing with each other and that is why when Brayden came to me for men to stand with him, it had to include Tristan.
Wyatt Thatcher
Groomsman
I have known Wyatt since October of 2022. Wyatt has been one of my best friends and one of my biggest supporters. There are many things since I met him that I truly do not know how I could have gotten through without him. Wyatt is a calming force for me. Even through a 10 month deployment to Asia, he would answer and listen to me cry or be the first to know big announcements. He was very weary and protective when things got serious between me and Brayden, but always supportive of my decisions, even if he thought I was absolutely insane. I know Wyatt is someone in my life who would do anything for me. He is someone I can call and count on to come all the way from base in Oceanside, if I really needed him, and I did. When I asked him to be a groomsmen because Brayden could not have his friends next to him, he said "thank you for inviting me and for giving me a role. I wouldn't miss it for the world." I know this role in our special day means as much to him as it does for us and that is a special person to have involved in our wedding. I want to thank Wyatt for all the times he shouldn't have been able to respond to me and still did and for always making sure I knew he was still alive because he knew I worried so much that I would have nightmares. Thank you for coming back home safely and thank you for being the best friend I could have asked for.