Emma & Meghan
Wedding Party
Susan Gresson (Emma's Side)
Mother of the Bride
Susan is Emma's mother, the women behind Emma's coffee snobbery and aversion to reheated chicken. In her youth Susan lived overseas & away from her family for many years. She has always understood and supported Emma's independent nature & sense of adventure because she "got it from her mama." Both Susan and Nigel had met Meghan before on visits to Oklahoma. When Meghan came on vacation with Emma, Nigel and Susan in Chicago in 2018 Susan informed Emma on the first day of the vacation that she " saw this coming for years and knew she was a good one." The best cheerleader a women could ask for Susan has always lifted Emma up and encouraged her to reach for more in all personal, career and life matters.
Echo Farrell (Meghan's Side)
Mother of the Bride
Echo is Meghan's mom. She is bold, driven, smart, and kind making her an incredible mother. Echo takes no prisoners, as she has owned her own travel company as well as real estate brokerage in Scottsdale Arizona. Echo and Bob have been the ultimate support system of Meghan's athletic career from the sidelines of swim meets at age six, to regattas at age twenty-two. Echo has always encouraged her daughters to go after what they want and in time of indecision remind them that "life is not a dress rehearsal." Ever since Emma spent sometime in Arizona and physically pushed Echo out of the way to help with dishes one evening, Echo informed Meghan after they began dating "I've always liked that girl" Meghan is proud to call this example of a strong woman Mom, and Mother of the Bride.
Nigel Gresson (Emma's Side)
Father of the Bride
Nigel is Emma's father. From her spontaneous and captivating nature to her high arches and veracious veins Emma is essentially Nigel's mini me. A partially retired dentist and nearly full time Bridge master Nigel resides in New Zealand with his wife of 33 years. A contagious fun loving character Nigel is a complete sweetheart, and his lack of filter always keeps Emma laughing. Although not often vocalized Emma understands how much of a treasure Nigel's unconditional love and support is. Knowing others that haven't been able to had the privilege of their father walking them down the aisle Emma is very grateful to be able to share this precious experience with her dad.
Bob Farrell (Meghan's Side)
Father of the Bride
Bob is a retired editor and writer, and one of the kindest and most likable people you'll ever meet. Meghan has often been called Bob Junior, which in her opinion is one of the highest compliments anyone can receive. Bob and Meghan have a very similar sense of humor, which they find so funny that they even laugh at their own jokes, because well... someone has to. He truly embodies patience, kindness, selflessness, and unconditional love. Meghan feels blessed to call Bob her dad, and is grateful he'll be walking her down the aisle.
Alice Matheson (Emma's side)
Maid of Honor
Alice is Emma's sister from another mister. They were born on the same day and have been kindred spirits since 1990. Although opposites they have been best friends for three decades and have that "cradle to grave" thing going on. Alice's loyalty and love knows no bounds. A fantastic travel partner they most recently traveled Thailand for a month together climbing water falls, attending lady boys show, and cruising down the Mekong. Alice is a incredibly smart, sassy women that has a heart of gold. She has always been there through thick and thin and Emma can't imagine having anyone else stand beside her on her wedding day.
Maddie Farrell (Meghan's Side)
Maid of Honor
Madelyne (Maddie) is Meghan's older sister. Maddie lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. The "A" personality to Meghan's "B" personality, Maddie has loads of energy and knows no stranger! She is generous and caring which has made her not only an exceptional older sister, but also an educator. Maddie has always looked out for her younger sister Meghan, and Meghan wouldn't have anyone else beside her as Maid of Honor than her older sister.
Rachael Gresson (Emma's Side)
Bridesmaid
Rachael is Emma's fantastic & only sister. Although younger in birth order Rachael is definitely the more focused, intellectual, responsible & driven of the two. Rachael lives with her wife Kelly in Washington D.C. Kelly is a gift from cupid himself. She has the sweetest nature & just adores Rachael. Rachael has been a giant support for Emma during the wedding planning process & more recently during most large life decisions. Although she may not admit it Rachael has a soft spot for her more spontaneous, risk taking sister. She always provides a voice of reason and thoughtfulness when Emma suspects she would rather shake her by the shoulders. Rachael is probably the most fierce woman Emma knows, admires and loves. She 100% wouldn't have been able to pick a wedding dress without her.
Abbey Lynch (Meghan's Side)
Bridesmaid
Abbey is Meghan's cousin on her mom's side. Echo and her sister Colleen were both pregnant at the same time and the two allegedly used to kick each other in the womb when Echo and Colleen would put their bellies together. Abbey and Meghan played Barbie and Ken as toddlers, went on trips to San Diego as teens, and have remained close through their 20s. Even though Abbey lives in Detroit with her husband Bart, the two pick up right where they left off whenever they get the opportunity to see each other.
Lydia Tawes (Emma's Side)
Bridesmaid
Lydia and Emma formed a bond in kindergarten through their love of dolls and all things girly. They attended the same high school and lived about a kilometer from each other for years. Lydia and Emma have a tendency to talk for hours and coffee is usually involved. Lydia (maybe her dad too) is the only person in the world that would believe Emma could do stand up comedy as she finds Emma's crass honesty and quirks more assuming than most. Even living worlds apart when they get together it feels like no time has passed at all. A bold and beautiful person Lydia has never been anything but positive, supportive and non-judgmental. Emma is so excited Lydia is traveling across the pond to stand by her side for this merry life event. She is truly blessed by this life long friend.
Rebecca Staff (Meghan's Side)
Bridesmaid
Rebecca is Meghan's best friend. They met when they were 16 while rowing for Tempe Junior Crew. The two went on to compete for the University of Oklahoma Women's Rowing Team together. Meghan is particularly grateful for Becca's patience with Meghan's fear of flying (which she's had to tolerate for over a decade now). Becca is bold, adventurous (her total count for countries visited is now at 69), and independent. She's always been someone Meghan could count on, laugh with, and travel with. She's the perfect Bridesmaid and exactly who Meghan would want standing up there with her on the big day.
Sierra Gornowicz (Emma's Side)
Bridesmaid
Sierra is a blessing from the wedding gods. She is the reason this wedding is actually getting organized and decisions are being made. Recently married herself in the beautiful Seattle area Sierra has been a tremendous resource for Emma. Their friendship started during Emma's time in Iowa as they both worked with the Rowing Team. Put it simply Sierra speaks Emma and has since the beginning. They share a passion for dancing till dawn, Mexican food aka margaritas, and enthusiastic car concerts. Sierra is one of the strongest, bravest and loving people and she makes Emma laugh till her ribs hurt. Sierra will be accompanied by her incredible husband, whom Emma also adores and their beautiful baby boy Devon. Emma is so grateful to have her as part of the wedding.
Luke Reynolds (Meghan's Side)
Bridesman
Meghan met Luke while she was in graduate school at OU. Luke is yet another rowing connection, and the cousin of a very close friend and former teammate (Brooke Holleman). Luke and Meghan became instant friends after becoming roommates, the only thing Meghan regrets is that she didn't meet Luke earlier while in Oklahoma. Meghan and Luke ran long distance, cooked, and enjoyed life chats by the bonfire together. The two are kindered spirits and platonic soul mates (too bad they're both gay). "You two would have had the most beautiful children" is a common comment Luke and Meghan have received from both of their mothers. Meghan is ecstatic to share this special day with Luke by her side.