Wedding Party
Morgan Paskert
Maid of Honor
Morgan and I "first" met freshman year of high school but soon found out from our grandfathers, who we learned were old friends, we had been together as babies. In a true full circle moment my Papa was a groomsmen in her grandparents wedding and here we are some 50 years later. Morgan is my other half: the Rachel to my Monica.
Justin Eaton
Best Man
Justin is my oldest brother and played the part accordingly while growing up. As with all siblings we went through levels of toleration but nowadays love any opportunity to spend time together, no matter where that is. You will likely find us drinking craft beer from a can/bottle with a glass of either very good beer, or decent bourbon next to it, while we play cards and get distracted by his two adorable kids.
Samantha McGlumphy (Vasquez)
Maid of Honor
Samantha worked with Jacob and I at the restaurant in Chicago. Almost all of my favorite memories from my time living in Chicago include her. A personal favorite being the night of the polar vortex. We walked Sam home in sub zero temperatures after a work holiday party at which she participated in a margarita drinking contest. We finally got her inside and as we were leaving, literally walking out of the door, all we heard was "before you guys leave would you like some homemade pepperoni roll?" Always the most welcoming hostess she is my big sister, favorite person and just one week after me will become Mrs. Vasquez.
Brenden Eaton
Best Man
The next in line of the Eaton boys, Brenden also played his part accordingly, with his own special touch of irritation that was made worse by the fact that, at the end, you still ended up cracking up with him, You will likely find us playing SkipBo, drinking High Life (bottles only), interspersed with shots of Malort, but cheap bourbon does just fine as well.
Margarita Angel
Bridesmaid
Maggie, mi hermana, and I first met working in DC and connected instantly. Although she is a few days older than me I am very much so the big sister, both literally and figuratively given our vast height difference. The best Friday nights were spent together eating Subway and binge watching entire seasons of a show. Our friendship is one where you can say anything without fear of judgement. She is the one who I can call at anytime of day with an impulsive, and typically financially irresponsible plan, and she's all in.
Grant Fitzgerald
Groomsman
Always described as "my best friend growing up", Grant was like another one of the Eaton boys. During and after college we talk less and don't see each other as much, but every time it's like not a day has gone by. You will see us drinking craft beer playing cards, likely arguing about the finer points of anything that doesn't actually matter.
Desiree Ruscin (Russell)
Bridesmaid
Desiree, the soon to be Mrs. Russell, is my oldest friend and the strongest person I know. We first met in grade school and have gone through everything together. We’ve been together over half our lives and have the type of friendship where years can go by without seeing each other and soon as we do it's like no time has passed. Through the highs and the lows we’ve always had each other and always will.
Xavier Graziolli-Martinez
Groomsman
Alexa's younger brother and one of the most naturally hilarious people I know. He ditched the cold weather of Cleveland for the desert of Arizona a while back but even the video calls are enough to know he hasn't changed much. You'll find us surrounded by extended family, maybe quietly taking shots of tequila, he's got a white claw, I've got a beer. People are always laughing.
McKenzie Eaton (Beesinger)
Bridesmaid
Kenzie is Jake's younger sister but my shot taking partner. The one who truly understands the importance of pickles both as a food and cocktail mixer. The one I can randomly text about anything and is always there to support my shopping habits. We are also really good at making sure one another gets surprised. She managed to keep it a secret that Jake was planning to propose. I did the same when two months later I didn't let it slip that she was about to become the future Mrs. Beesinger, even when she brought up she had a feeling her and her now fiance Winston might get engaged soon, and I had already known for weeks he had bought a ring.
Perry Howell
Groomsman
A much different part of our lives... Perry is one of our best friends in Chicago. A whirlwind of small apartments, loud bars with music (I don't think anyone would call those "clubs"), and late nights followed by slow mornings. Anytime we are with Perry there always seems to be one of two ends, either giant burritos from the closest corner mexican restaurant (salsa in squirt bottles on the tables, of course), or an extra large one topping pizza and free large cheese delivered at 2:30 am. Both ends involve Milagro shots.
Jaclyn Eaton
Bridesmaid
Jackie is our sister in law and my soul sista. The one I talk to about all the curly hair products and one of my donk shaking partners. The one who made us Auntie Lexa and Uncle Pookie. From girls trips to Target to secret trips to Burger King we are always on the same wavelength. Get us some crab rangoon and matching pajamas and we are good to go.
Austin Haines
Groomsman
Dr. Austin Haines, who we love to call by that title since we knew him before he had it, is Morgan's longtime boyfriend. Days out with them tend to always present a surprise, from multiple games of volleyball, to Morgan suddenly deciding that she wants to dance at a basement bar that you literally have to walk through another bar to get to. If Austin and I are together, we are likely drinking bourbon cocktails, or beer, and consistently gauging the mood of the girls to determine if we should be ordering another one.
Maria Ramos
Bridesmaid
Maria is everything light and bright in this world. We met freshman year of high school and she has always been the nicest person I know. I think everyone has that friend where "opposites attract" and she is mine. She was always willing to be my partner during freshman volleyball warm ups when I clearly had no desire to play - again the nicest person I know. She is beautiful, kind, smart and lights up every room she walks in to.
Andrew Proctor
Groomsman
Andrew and I worked at Great Lakes together, him constantly asking questions and trying to get me to admit that I didn't know something (I think he finally got me, but I still made something up - my Dad would be proud), while we worked and discussed beers and local breweries and dreams for future careers. He has since moved to Chicago with his wife, and is working at a different brewery. You will likely find us drinking more obscure beers, me nerding out and talking about the brewery and methods while he tolerates it and just enjoys the weird, high abv. sour beer for what it is.