Wedding Party

Grace Straub

Matron of Honor

My sister and “twin” growing up. My idol for a million reasons. As a new mother, a wife, a hard worker, goofball, kid at heart and Disney lover, Gracie emulates every bit of who I am and who I aspire to be. If you want to laugh, Gracie has the humor, stories and impersonations to entertain. Even more though than any of that, if you want to feel love and support this is the person you want at your side. Gracie couldn’t apply herself to a friendship or situation where she isn’t able to give her true self or 200% effort. It may have taken my a few years to find my better half, but Grace was always telling me I deserve the best. Having my sister at my side on November 5th is the greatest testament to support I could ask for as Max and step into the next chapter of our life.

Lee Perry

Best Man

Being new to Arkansas, I was invited by a friend to their friend’s shop. I didn’t know that I would be helping that stranger the very next weekend to push his non running car half a mile down the road. I couldn’t tell if I was more impressed with this stranger’s vehicle or that somehow, he had tricked me into the physical labor of his car relocation all the while he was on his phone! None the less, the start of a great friendship with Lee. Bouncing between his shop and mine to start (but never finish) projects, running amok in Memphis, or getting into random shenanigans, there is never a dull moment with him. The non-running vehicle bond that began our friendship is priceless. Possibly because the money spent to acquire and attempt to fix those vehicles will never cease.

Aileen Santry

Bridesmaid

Even though we went to the same small College, it took a pilgrimage trip to Italy to find this friendship while abroad. And what an unexpected souvenir. We made a few keystone memories in that first week, almost burning down Casa Papa Giovanni with a hair straightener, celebrating NYE 2015 with a Shakira impersonator in Assissi’s Comune Square, and summiting Ponte Grande after a deep self-reflection task. How neat that our personal accomplishments and reflections didn’t stop there. DC’s half marathon, Toledo’s Acoustics for Autism, or taking on Bryce Canyons 30k Ultra – each day of friendship with you tops the one before. However, there are no events or stories that can capture your spirit and participation for how you influence the world daily. No matter what day of the week, or the person you cross paths with, I know you always leave it/them better than it was before.

Nico DelPiccolo

Groomsman

Where to start with Nico. I remember meeting him for the first time. My initial thought was, “What an interesting haircut.” Then I learned he was going into pre-med and I knew he would that if he was going to make it as a doctor, I had a story that he would love. At the time I had just recently decided that I no longer wanted one of my finger tips and Nico couldn’t wait to offer me help in getting on the mend. Our time at Michigan Tech was filled with adventures from visiting his family in Wisconsin, playing pool, and of course playing soccer. That is when we weren’t caught in the middle of our prank war. I would elaborate more on those stories but to keep this family friendly you will have to ask us those stories in person.

Katie Dul

Bridesmaid

How did I get so darn lucky to have found this recent friendship that feels like it’s existed for years? Katie met me for the first time while I was standing on my kitchen counter cleaning the cabinets. A true giver, always baking sweets for others or sending care packages, my ability to think of others and make them feel loved was deepened by the example that Katie sets. Before even meeting her, Max had always said “Katie is awesome!! I can’t wait for you to meet her!” He could not have been more correct. Awesome doesn’t even grasp the person Katie is. Now that Katie and Henry are in Auburn, NY – our friendship has developed with exchanged messages and calls about our shared desire for spreading positivity and kindness. I cannot wait to see both Katie and Henry on their wedding day September 2022.

Matt Frantz

Groomsman

I can’t forget Matt…but Nico can and does regularly. That doesn’t mean we are all any less friends. Matt and I have known each other since the 5th grade when we played soccer together and we became good friends in high school. When I heard he was going to Michigan Tech I decided I should too! You wouldn’t think that someone who can play every musical instrument known to man would enjoy living with me, someone who can barely play the radio. Even still we have a ton on memories throughout our 20 is years of knowing each other. It wasn’t until college that I understood Matt’s humor and just how brilliant it was. Throughout our time at MTU we grew very close and I regularly what a funny, sneaky witty and adventurous person he is! I couldn’t imagine what college would have been like without Matt running around unknowingly creating stories I will never forget.

Stephanie Wisdom

Bridesmaid

One of the best things to come from moving to Arkansas, a friendship with Stephanie. I hadn’t even met Stephanie before she was messaging me offering to chauffer me around Blytheville when I visited January 2020 and was trying to surprise Max with a birthday dinner. The friendship that we built from the get go was never anything other than our genuine selves. We study at the Mexican restaurant at 10am on a Saturday or Sunday and then end up either grocery shopping together or helping the other with house chores while talking about life and all the things we’ve overcome. One of the most humble, down to earth, toughest women I know, Stephanie truly has heart of gold.

Trevor Wisdom

Groomsman

If there was a mold for a mechanical engineer, Trevor broke it, but that’s okay because he could probably fix it. The textbook definition, as I knew it, was a person in dress clothes and would never get dirty, this was not Trevor. The person I met and was going to be rooming with that summer was in the apartment parking lot working on a car in grease covered overalls, yes overalls! I’m not sure if they never went out of style or Trevor brought the style back but man I was jealous that I didn’t have a pair! I realized that this quiet guy had all the same interests and hobbies as I did he just knew more about them than I did (he definitely earned his last name). Trevor was a great mentor that summer showing all that Arkansas has to offer, even when it appears there is not much here and turned into someone I am happy to say is a great friend.

Felicia Burns

Bridesmaid

From grade school to our 30’s?! Man it sure is fun to look back and think about all the different things we’ve gone through and grown through. Friendship with Felicia has honestly been one of the biggest consistencies in my life. No matter what stage we found ourselves in, there was always time for each other. Just like George Straight lyrics begin with the song Check Yes or No state “It started way back in 3rd grade” so did our friendship. Though the time we do get to spend together is always few and far between, each moment that I get to spend with Fe, I am blown away by her drive and desire to be the best mother and woman she can be. Watching her constantly put energy into those that she loves and the goals that she has for herself burns and admirable impression in my heart. Supporting each other and seeing each other grow really is a continued joy.

Lee Smither

Groomsman

The first time I went to the Smithers house I quickly learned that humor and banter was the primal language when Lee asked me if I wanted something to drink. Feeling quite thirsty and appreciative I replied, “Yes!” Much to my amusement, Lee responded by quickly shutting the fridge and a direct “How’s it feel to want?!” Here I learned that Lee would pick on me any chance he got but he could also take what he dished out. My belief in karma and our friendship was solidified later that day. While riding his beloved Big Red three-wheeler, Lee hit a pothole and went flying over the handlebars. Luckily only his pride was hurt. Since that day, we were always up for going riding. If it would run that is. More often than not, I relied on his numerous machines because -yes you guessed it- mine were nonfunctional. We have built nearly 20 years of memories together picking on one another and going riding among other things.

Ellen Hilker

Bridesmaid

No one loves like Ellen. No one! All I remember in college is that one second Ellen wasn’t there and then the next she was. And everything after that is memorable. Ellen has the ability to tune out everything else in the world and be more present in the conversation than anyone I have ever met to this day. We had the pleasure of working for student activities together and being a part of campus ministry. But years after graduating and a few other life changes, Ellen’s friendship was there like a rock. A friendship that never left but only grew stronger with time and picked up right from where it left off. She makes you feel your worth, like a couple million bucks just by having a conversation with you. Lucky for me I was blessed to meet her my first year in college and throughout the stages of life have been lucky enough to continue to have her at my side.

Max (Tuna) Smith

Groomsman

With a first name like this how could we not be friends?! Max is an amazing person that is always willing to help and asks very little in return. His support comes in multiple different forms, from asking him to help build a shelter that should “only take a weekend” on a 90-degree day or just coming over to hang out on a random day off. He is the type of guy that you can literally call in the middle of the night to drive three hours to pick up your truck that didn’t quite make the journey to Michigan. He would give the shirt off his back. Though it may be sleeveless. I am so very thankful that I was able to convince this great person to move from the land of milk and honey down to Arkansas!

Adrian Bragg

Bridesmaid

We all have that one friend who is always 3 steps ahead and planning the next adventure. Adrian is on the next level when it comes to loving life but even more so, loving people. It wasn’t until middle school that we entered each others life. Without a doubt I can say every experience with Adrian after that was never dull, always filled with laugher, and consistently left me with a heart that was even more full than when I had arrived. The adventurous spirit Adrian brings, and shares has been a part of my circle since middle school. At one point in high school we talked about packing up and both moving west. How amazing that she did it and is loving the Phoenix sun. It’s because of Adrian that people think I am Canadian. Specifically because volleyball practice - the name “Adrian” was too long to yell. There was no other solution than shortening the name by yelling the letter it began with, “A” which when yelled sounds like “Eh?” Asparagus hunting or picking step parents locks, we never had/have a memory in the making.

Nathan Lesley

Groomsman

This was the first person from Arkansas that I met that knew what Hockey was. To make it better he was a Red Wings fan, so naturally we became friends! Much like Lee Smither, the first time we hung out together it involved ATV’s and both Nathan and his brother flipping over the handlebars. Only suffering emotional bruises, we were all able to laugh about it. At work, Nathan was the person I could collaborate with and he was always willing to help me with projects. Friendship like this made me forget I was at work. Nathan and his family have always treated me as if I were family. There have been many children’s birthday parties, family outings and board game nights. Nathan has always been my sounding board since I moved to Arkansas and was always going to give me honest advice. Because of this I know he supports Allie and I and it is an honor to have him stand in our wedding knowing that this journey will not be temporary!

Laurie Knueven & Tim Broud

Officiant

Laurie and Tim came into my life during college. I worked with them in campus ministry. We spent multiple spring break trips together on habitat for humanity and volunteered in the community often. After graduation that mentorship turned into friendship. Happy hour at our favorite places, sketchy weekend trips, and a million other adventures. No matter what curve ball life has thrown, we each have one another to count on. Really, its not only friendship that we have its family that we've created. Who better to marry you than two of your best friends who love you endlessly!

Angela, Geno, Sara and Mario.

To my siblings

Though they are not standing in my wedding it does not make them any less important to me and this list would not be complete without mentioning my siblings. Geno, Angela, Sara and Mario thank you all for putting up with the middle child who craves attention for all of these years. You all have shaped me more than you realize and are always there for me. I can’t express the love and appreciation I have for all of you and I am grateful to have you all as my Family!

Ava Hukill

Flower Girl

Carson Fritch

Ring Bearer

Nelly & Suzie

Greeter