Alex & Megan
Wedding Party
Meredith Neal
Matron of Honor
Growing up, I never appreciated what it meant to have an older sister. I was always more focused on doing something to annoy her like stealing her clothes or eavesdropping when she was with her friends. But, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to learn how awesome it is to have someone to look up to. Meredith is such a strong person and an even more amazing mama to my 3 nephews. I am honored to have her next to me as I begin this new and exciting chapter of my life.
Makenzie Keith
Maid of Honor
Imagine trying to wrap-up nearly 14 years of friendship in a single paragraph – SO HARD. But, I’ll give it a go anyway. As I’m sure many middle school friendships start, we became friends after we realized we had a mutual disliking for a boy we both “dated”. Come to find out, we had many more things in common, and clicked instantly. You could count on us being together just about every weekend growing up, most likely getting into something we had no business doing, but we had the time of our lives nonetheless. Makenzie became like a sister to me over the years. Even after going to separate colleges and living in separate states, she has always been a rock of a best friend. I can always count on her to be there no matter what, so there is no way I am getting married without her there too.
Logan Hahm
Bridesmaid
Logan and I happened to be sitting next to each other during Bid Day for our sorority and our first conversation went something like this: Logan - “I have two cats.” Me - “No way – I have one too!” Instant friends. Juvenile? Maybe. But, either way we both got extremely close over the course of two years in our sorority and beyond. Together, we experienced break-ups that were healed with a little wine, a few life lessons and many nights laughing until we were both in tears on the couch with Dominos pizza in hand. After college, Logan moved to Charlotte and I to Raleigh, but our friendship has stayed strong over the years and we always pick-up where we left off. I couldn’t imagine my day without her in it.
Annie MacLellan
Bridesmaid
Annie was one of the first friends I met freshman year at East Carolina in 2012. After all the “fam” dinners at the dining hall, half-gallons of Barefoot Moscato and late study nights in Joyner Library we became very close. When Sophomore year approached, Annie, Megan (Bridesmaid) and I decided to move into an apartment together. We were roommates all throughout college where we leaned on each other in hard moments and had the best time for all the rest. If it weren’t for Annie, I probably would not have been at the Province the night Alex and I hit it off - as if I needed another reason for her to stand next me on my wedding day. We’re family.
Megan Pawtowski
Bridesmaid
I met Megan at the same time I met Annie (Bridesmaid) while they were roommates freshman year through my roommate - funny how that all works, right? Anyways, I grew fond of Megan by the way she always lit up a room with her grand sense of humor and big heart. I cannot count the times over the years that Megan has made us all laugh to tears. We became like family after living with each other throughout college, but “nose goes” when it came to waking her up in the morning. After college, Megan also moved to Raleigh where our late night shenanigans and weekend trips continued, as did our memories – here’s to creating more as my bridesmaid.
Jackie D’Aleo
Bridesmaid
I am so happy that I met Jackie through Megan (Bridesmaid) at East Carolina. Jackie is the type of friend that everyone needs in their life – she’s so supportive, dependable and would do absolutely anything for anyone if they needed it (except maybe give-up her late night meal from the ‘Dillo). From Spring Break in Daytona to ringing in 25 at a log cabin in Asheville - all while attempting to tackle adult life together, I’ve known for a while that I would want Jackie there on my big day.
Kelly Schroeder
Bridesmaid
Kelly and I first met in college through mutual friends, but became close after we had both moved Raleigh for work. We quickly bonded over a mutual love for Fleetwood Mac and 80s dance music. Kelly also won me over with her dry and sarcastic sense of humor – seriously, she is hysterical. Hopefully she doesn’t hate me for forcing her to wear a color other than black for a bridesmaid dress, but if she does, we’ll just have to dance it out to Toto.
Caroline Le
Bridesmaid
Carol and I met through Annie (Bridesmaid) while they were both pursing their Masters from East Carolina. Still living in Greenville while most of us had left made them find themselves in Raleigh most weekends on Kelly’s (Bridesmaid) couch. From late nights at Milk Bar, obsessing over thicc corgos and venting about work, we’ve grown close over the years. I cannot wait to have Carol in my Bride Squad.
James Christmas
Best Man
I couldn’t think of any other person better to fit the best man title for me than my father. He is the person who raised and taught me to be the man I am today. He has always been there day in and day out. He has loved and provided for me more than I could ever explain in this description. I can only hope to be the father one day as he was for me. I love you pops.
Matt Donnelly
Groomsman
Matt was the first true friend I met at East Carolina. He lived with Farley (Groomsman) three doors down on my hall in my dorm. We shared interest in only the finer things in life: Toby Keith, Wings Over Greenville, Philly cheesesteaks from the Mendenhall, Trailer Park Boys, and of course enjoying the cheapest booze. I could always count on Matt being there for “just a couple drinks” or going to the gym and doing some "curls for the girls". Matt has been there for me on numerous birthdays and other special occasions and I’m glad he will be standing with me on the big day.
Chris Oleson
Groomsman
I met Chris in my early years at Middle Creek High School. Through football, trucks, xbox, UFC, and his parents adorable giraffe decoration, we instantly became friends. As we got older, we stayed close through our annual beach trips with our friend group and bonfires at his house. I had the honor of being one of his groomsman when he married Nicole and now I couldn’t be happier to have him stand beside me on the big day.
Jon Oleson
Groomsman
I met Jon around the same time as I met Chris (Groomsman) in high school. Much like me and Chris, Jon and I quickly became friends through mutual interests. Throughout high school and college, Jon and I spent countless hours nerding it out playing NCAA and Battlefield on Xbox. Once we got older, (Specifically 21, for “legal purposes”) I could always count on Jon battling with me through our Skol challenge during our annual beach trip. I also had the honor of being one of Jon’s groomsmen when he married Katie. Now it’s going to be an honor to have him stand by me.
Tyler Holt
Groomsman
Tyler and I first met while playing little league baseball in our younger days. It wasn’t until the beach trips with Chris, Jon, and the rest of our friend group that me and Tyler started becoming good friends. We both had a passion for craft beers, gin, smoking/grilling, and David Allen Coe. I’m glad to call Tyler my friend and have him as one of my groomsmen.
Bryan Newsom
Groomsman
Back in early 2017 Bryan, or as I refer to him "Newsom", got hired by Wake Forest and was placed on my squad. We instantly became great friends and almost inseparable. From running call to call, running RADAR, being bridge trolls, or stuffing our faces with snacks at 3 AM, I couldn’t ask for a better partner at work. Outside of work we have had countless summer pool days, an endless amount of beer pong games, and Makers Mark fueled rounds of Wii golf. I can always count on having a great time with Newsom and I know he’s always going to have my back at work.
Austin Farley
Groomsman
I met Farley my freshman year at East Carolina University. Farley lived three doors down from me in Fletcher dorm with Matt Donnelly (Groomsman). One of the first memories I have with Farley was walking into his dorm room, wearing cargo shorts, and him immediately grabbing a pair of his non-cargo shorts and throwing them in my face for me to change in. Oddly enough, ever since that moment we became friends. I can always count on having a good laugh and a good time with Farley and I’m glad to have him be a part of my wedding.
Joe Thomson
Groomsman
I’ve only known Thomson for almost a year now, but I couldn’t be more sure to have him stand with me on the big day. Joe is one of the most realistic, inspiring and well rounded guys I know. He has pushed me to pursue my dreams and goals of starting my own food truck/catering side hustle and pushed me to become a better police officer. From jamming out to rap music, to holding the Circle K down while drinking cawfee - I couldn’t ask for a better friend than Joe.