Special People
Katy Nelson
Matron of Honor
My closest confidant. My sister. My best friend. We have shared many cries, laughs, and laughs until we cry. She would never miss a big moment of my life, no matter if she had to drive 8 hours overnight to get there. She is one of the most genuine and compassionate people, always putting others first and has got me through a lot of tough times throughout my life. She tells me bluntly what I need to hear and has never been one to hold her tongue :P I've always looked up to her and she has never guided me wrong, except maybe at the Bass Nectar concert ;) No exaggeration when I say I wouldn't have been able to plan this wedding without her!!!
Cecil Shorts III
Best Man
Cecil and I met my freshman year of college. During my first year, Cecil took me under his wing and was there for me every step my freshmen year. Our friendship grew quickly and we became roommates by my sophomore year. Cecil showed me the ropes and taught me a lot of valuable lessons early, helping me to become the person I am today. I have always looked to Cecil as not only a role model, but truly a brother. As far as football goes, we both loved the game and spent numerous hours training together. I'm very thankful for our friendship and the brotherhood we share.
Rosa Lamattina
Bridesmaid
I met Rosa at an open gym the summer before our freshman year of college. She wasn't very nice at first, but that didn't last long :D. By our sophomore year we became super close and by junior year we were living together. My workout partner. My motivator. My best friend. We went at each other hard everyday in practice, but there was no one else I'd rather share ice baths with, have Chipotle dates, or just act stupid in the apartment with. Rosa is one of the most caring and reliable people I know. I could count on her for anything, whenever I need her, in whatever circumstance. She is the true definition of a friend and I am so thankful for her.
Ronnie Collins
Groomsman
My only blood brother. I can't thank him enough for leading the way. Growing up, I wanted to be exactly like Ron. Everything he did, I wanted to do. I was that annoying little brother that always wanted to be around him. I appreciate everything he's done for me and all he has taught me. I'm truly honored I get to call him my brother. As I've always told him, "Whether you like it or not, I'm the best brother you got." Life wouldn't be the same without Ron!
Brittany Jarrett
Bridesmaid
Brittany and I met in college and became close our sophomore year, then eventually lived with each other for our junior and senior years. B is someone who I could rely on to pick me up if I was down, and put me straight in my place if I needed to hear it. She is always down for a good turn up and dancing, which I love to do with her (as long as she doesn't turn diva on us LOL). I don't know if there was anyone else who wanted the absolute best for me more than B. She has always had my back and would fight for me until the end of time. She is my hype woman and is always lifting me up. I am so thankful for our friendship!
Chaz Jackson
Groomsman
Chaz and I met during my freshman year. Chaz was a basketball player so our schedules were different, however our friendship grew throughout the year as we spent more time together. We became roommates and great friends. Chaz has always been there for me throughout my time in college. His mother has become a second mother for me and I've appreciated everything his family has done for me. Truly a brother to me, which I'm very thankful for our brotherhood.
Crystal Gatchel
Bridesmaid
I've known and been friends with Crystal for more almost 15 years now. We were high school teammates on the basketball and track teams and grew to be super close my junior and senior years of high school. Bonding over music, laying out, and working out, Crystal and I never went a day without seeing each other.. summers included. As years have gone by since high school, no matter how far apart we live, she is still someone who feels like home and who has been there since the beginning. Everyone needs a friend who will just sit and listen, and Crystal is that person for me. She is now a hardworking momma of a beautiful baby girl- but still manages to grab a cup of coffee with me whenever I'm in town. We have shared so many milestones and I am lucky to have her still by my side as a friend.
Eric Legott
Groomsman
My brother from another mother! Eric and I became friends in 4th grade. Most of all, if not all, of my childhood experiences were spent with Eric. Growing up, there were many times where I told myself I wouldn't do certain things. The statement quickly changed as Eric and I grew older. I would never have guessed that I would really enjoy snow skiing and much more. I got to experience my first ever MLB game at Yankee stadium with Eric and his family and that was a childhood trip I'll always remember. Eric, aka Larry, has always supported me in everything that I've done. He is my brother and he has helped me grow so much in life. (My favorite white boy).
Lauren Prosko
Bridesmaid
Like Crystal, Lauren is a friend who I gained in high school through sports. She was brave enough to legally commit to our family through marrying my cousin Bill, and because of this I am lucky to call her family! Lauren is one of the most fun-loving, caring, kind-hearted souls on this planet. She is also one of the strongest women I know, being a mom to 2 beautiful little girls as Bill periodically gets deployed for duty in the Army. I can't wait for our families to have the chance to grow closer as Junior and I build one of our own!
Joshua Rivera
Groomsman
Growing up, I had the responsibility of babysitting Joshy. Being the older cousin, the responsibility was given to me by default. However, I'm sure as he would tell you, I was the best babysitter he had. Not because I was the safest, but mostly because half of the time I didn't know where he was or what he was doing lol. But, all that mattered was that when my aunt got home he was still breathing and still in 1 piece with no broken bones. I truly thank Josh for our friendship (and Jessie for trusting me to babysit).
Emily Albanese
Bridesmaid
Emily was my first college roommate. Being my first new friend in college, we went through a ton of craziness at the very early stages, transitioning together and figuring out how to "college." Emily and I shared a ton in common from the jump. We were (and still are) so weird and silly together, making my freshman year of college one of the best. Things only got more fun when we added Rosa and B to the mix. Emily is different than any other friend I have in the sense that she knows the stages of Junior and I from the start. The 3 of us probably hung out more than Junior and I did alone haha. Thankful for the friendship that Mount Union brought me in Emily!
Shamar Bridges
Groomsman
Sandbox kids. Shamar is a childhood friend that quickly turned into family. Shamar and I competed in sports since the age of 8. Growing up we were always the most competitive in whatever sport we played. Shamar, until this day, has been one of my biggest supporters in my life journey. I'd like to think Shamar is lucky that he was my friend because I kept him out of trouble. However, I'm sure he would tell you the opposite in that I was lucky he was around because he kept me out of trouble and showed me what not to do. Whenever we get to link up, it's like we never missed a beat.
Erica Collins
Bridesmaid
Erica, Junior's sister, was the first person I met from Junior's family. I learned quick how Hispanic women move and function: fast and no time for BS. LOL! Erica went out of her way to make me feel welcome and a part of the family from the jump. There's been numerous times she has asked me if I'm sure I want to spend the rest of my life with Junior and their wild family hahaha. She has always looked out for both Junior and I as a couple. It's evident how close Erica and Junior are as not only siblings, but best friends. I couldn't imagine celebrating this special day without her having a big part in it.
Tyrone Collins
Groomsman
"Big Cuz." Tyrone was the cousin I always looked up to. Throughout his high school career he was one of the best in his class. Whether it was football, basketball or baseball/track, he stood out. I always wanted my sports career to be very similar to his. I'm very thankful I had the opportunity to grow up watching him. Our friendship has grown so much over the years and I cant wait to see his children grow up and compete. I appreciate all the cuzzo has done for me.
Mike Gregg
Officiant
Mike has meant a lot to the both of us. He has been there since day 1 and has been a constant guide through the twists and turns of our lives as individuals and together as one. Mike's friendship has been one where he would do anything for us, as we would him, and he would be there in a blink of an eye. The influence Mike has had on us spiritually made it a no-brainer to have him as the person who will be joining us in unity.