Wedding Party
Maxwell Blanchard
Groom
This guy. Who's this guy? It's me! The man you're all here for (well, half of you at least). If you're unfamiliar with me I guarantee you I'm at least statistically the most interesting man you'll meet: O- blood type, left-handed, webbed-toe, geographic tongue, diabetic, and also gay (whoops). But beyond that, I hope I've made you painfully aware of my sense of humor, my love of family and friends, and just generally being a little scamp. Perhaps many people would find it difficult writing so glowingly about themselves. Not me! I'm great. Thank you for coming to our wedding.
Matthew Gallagher
Groom
Look at himmmmmm. Oh my gosh isn't Matthew just the best? Someone should marry him. Maybe me. You see, Matthew is the man who can do it all. He's sweet, he's funny, he's smart, he's sociable, he's attentive, he's spontaneous. He's thoroughly changed my life and if you've known him, I'm sure he's changed yours. Matthew has been my guide through life's adventures, my rock in life's darkest moments, and my comfort to come home to. I've written countless words about Matthew, but I feel like my most important are still coming. In Mexico, I hope to say them.
Alec Blanchard
Best Man
I first met Alec on August 28th, 1994. He wasn't much of a talker. But in the years since, Alec has been the best brother you can ask for. There's something very special about growing up with one brother. Someone who immediately understands and humors whatever stupid joke you're making. Someone who takes your advice and runs with it in a way you were never able. Someone who's always there to lend an ear, a hand, or anything else you need. In life, you only get one brother, I assume. I'm glad mine was you, Alec.
Michael Gallagher
Best Man
If you ever find yourself alone in a room with this man, prepare, because you're in for the best conversation of your life. Mike Gallagher is an expert in deep, meaningful friendships, as evidenced by being Best Man in no less than 30 weddings. Luckily for us, he's lending his veteran talents for perhaps his most important gig to date. Extremely intelligent, insightful, and wielding a surgical talent for prioritizing the important things in life, Mike Gallagher is a guy you want in your corner.
John Masterson
Groomsman
Johnny Boy leads an adventurous life, and always has. Currently, he is traveling the country in an RV as a digital nomad, but he's done stints in Malta, South Korea, and the dangerous wilderness called South Florida. John is no stranger to bizarre situations and always meets them with aplomb. John is a reliable, resourceful friend, an excellent cook, a capable boat captain, and a pretty decent opera singer. Whatever goes down in Puerta Vallarta, he's ready to make it a blast.
Frankie Heller
Groomsman
I'll cede to Matthew here: Frankie Heller has been one of my closest friends since high school, and he has a knack for finding and appreciating the best things in life. He's the first one to create mischief and the last one to cause trouble. He’s effortlessly funny, genuinely kind, and thoughtful in a way that never asks for anything in return. And with his uniquely quirky charm, Frankie has a way of turning even the simplest moments into stories you remember for years.
Thomson Mai
Groomsman
I believe that the best way to make a place feel like home is to have family there. And in Atlanta, Thomson is the one I credit for creating my Atlanta family. Loath as Thomson is to admit it, his heart is as large as the amount of days he manages to avoid working. He's organized themed potlucks, coordinated Halloween outfits, and planned cabin trips, all with his ATL family in mind. His lightning quick wit makes this generosity feel effortless and natural. Of course it's a great time; it has to look good for the photo.
Udarius Blair
Groomsman
Udarius embodies "still waters run deep." At first blush, you may find him soft-spoken, but you'd only think that if you haven't seen him lead multiple teams of very large rugby players through rip roaring bar songs. My jaw was on the floor. He's a natural leader because when he speaks, you want to hear what he has to say. UD's a man who keeps his cards close his chest but when he shows his hand, he's all in for you. Easy-going and driven, dependable and curious, friendly and discerning, I dare you to figure him out. You won't be sorry.
Matt Wright
Groomsman
The first time I met Matt, he told me, "I'll probably never see you again." Joke's on you sucker, you're in my wedding! Now, there is a real danger having a groomsman with the same name as my groom, so please make sure I don't accidentally marry him. But it wouldn't be that bad of a mistake. Matt is an incredible friend, and exactly who you'd want to meet going through college. We've laughed together, cried together, gamed together and most importantly watched One Piece together. As we always say, easy game, easy life.
Osvaldo Broesicke
Groomsman
It's hard to think of a time when Osvaldo is ever not charming. This is a guy you can throw into any situation and he'll walk away with at least three friends, a new recipe, and plans for next weekend. Ozzie shows up everywhere he goes with the best attitude of the group because he creates good times. I mean, he's the one who sold us on Mexico, if you're looking for someone to blame. He's curious, gregarious, audacious, flirtatious, studious, and humorous. Most of all, he's got your back through thick and thin.
Chris Jenkins
Groomsman
Christopher Jenkins first caught my attention during my freshman year at Georgia Tech when he wondered, profoundly, why don't they make a snuggie, but for the rain. The rest of us, after a beat, all said, "So like a poncho." It was then I realized that he, like me, was a huge dork. A staunch devotee for the art of the awful pun, Jenkins and I share a penchant for derailing a conversation by making a stupid joke. But perhaps Jenkins's best trait is when he decides to go for something, he commits 100%. When presented with one of my hare-brained schemes, he says, "That's a terrible idea. Let's do it." And now he's agreed to another one: being in our wedding.
Jeffrey Peebles
Groomsman
Mr. Jefferson Davis Winthrop St. Claire Peebles is a man of taste. Matthew first met Jeffrey as his boss, but I came to know Jeffrey as he was setting up a concert in south Georgia in a barn, strung up with Edison lights and a platform for the band. For a birthday. Matthew may be discerning but he learned from the best. Jeffrey's keen eye can find the proper placement for a bookshelf, the correct turn of phrase in an email, and what exact color your cabinets need to be. What results is any time spent with Jeffrey feels curated, warm, and utterly charming. We'll be employing his talents to ensure our wedding may be similarly engaging.
Evy Zagami
Officiant
Evelyn Zagami knows how to command a room, so it was a no-brainer to ask her to take command of our wedding, which is what I assume officiants do. In the decade (!) I've known her, Evy and I have jumped out of a plane together, floated down rivers together, and also used normal people means of transportation like riding in cars together. Evy is a shrewd judge of character, and I was confident she was going to approve of Matthew, but egg-on-my-face because their shared history with Coca-Cola, affinity for Costco, and an effortless back-and-forth made them click faster with each other than I did. What gives! So it feels only right for someone who so utterly gets the both of us to guide us to the next stage of life. Buckle up, she's a professional at this, we've been assured.