Wedding Party

Melissa Tanner

Matron of Honor

We share the same first name, a tattoo and so many memories. We met at a pool hall where we both worked right out of high school and who knew after hanging out that one night, that a fun, exciting, life-long kinda friendship would develop. We've been through it all together. Boys, breakups, and life. She's the friend you want on your side, fiercely protective over the people she cares about, and one of the biggest hearts I know. We are family by choice and she will always be my Bennie Boo! (our song, Bennie and the Jets)

Mark Russell

Best Man

We met in 1988 when Mark was 1-years-old, and I was just born. Despite our young age, we knew we would be best friends. We grew up doing everything together - hanging out with friends, playing soccer, running cross country and track, and getting into trouble. He is someone I have always looked up to as a role model on what to do, and more-often-than-not, what not to do. I appreciate Mark for being a great big brother, being my best friend, and his ability to eat 27 chicken wings every Sunday.

Kelley Thrasher

Matron of Honor

We met working a promotion together and the rest is history. We shared so many things in common it was unreal. With no sisters and only brothers, we knew we would be soul sisters from the start. Our hobbies and passions are so aligned that hanging out with each out just became so fun and easy. She's that friend who is always down. Down for my last minute road trips, modeling my photo shoots, full moon crystal ceremonies, hiking a mountain and everything in between. Her love for animals and those in her life is amazing to witness and I feel so lucky to call her my friend.

Thomas 'Boomer' Russell

Best Man

We met in 1991 after my mother birthed him. He’s the younger brother I always wanted – someone to have fun with and beat up on. He’s got your back no matter what and he's always good for a laugh - usually at his own expense. He is one of my favorite people to hangout with - whether its playing together when we were kids, country concerts, Bills and Sabres games, or telling stories over beers. Boomer loves hockey, quoting Remember the Titans even though it came out in 2000, Garth Brooks, and his man-crush Marky Mark Whalberg.

Tara Shupe

Bridesmaid

My first friend! Well, technically that would be my brother but as my cousin we spent our whole lives together. With us being the only girls out of a group of 7 we had to stick together, and we did just that. From playing in treehouses to swimming in our Grandpa's pond we loved to be outside. When we weren't outside playing, we would be over at each others house putting on a show for the family to showcase our sweet singing skills :) She's an amazing photographer and human and has dedicated her life to humanitarian efforts and puts so many others above herself. One of the strongest, and kindest people I know.

Eric Fernandez

Groomsman

Running together for Arkansas made us teammates, but our post-long run "recovery" of beers, brats, and rock n' roll made us friends. This man-child and I have done it all together - from getting rowdy on Dickson Street to having Thanksgivings with his family in St. Louis. He's one of my best friends and I appreciate his child-like enthusiasm for life. Eric loves the St. Louis Cardinals, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and crying during Disney movies.

Shamaline Sivagnanam

Bridesmaid

Sam for short, we met wearing 80's running attire sweatband and all. From shooting t-shirts on stage into a crowd at Rockfest, to multiple trips to Portland it didn't matter what we were doing; we ALWAYS had fun! She's an adventure friend for life and one that inspires me everyday. A few of my favorite memories include her and our always entertaining camping trips. She is the most independent, artistic and smartest person I know. If you don't believe me, just ask her what she does for a living.

Scott MacPherson

Groomsman

We met on my recruiting visit to Arkansas and immediately, I could tell I liked Scotty – he’s funny, tells a lot of stories, and has a ginger beard just like me. We hit it off due to his welcoming nature, intoxicating personality, and red Volkswagen van. After college, Scotty and I both moved to Missouri and the shenanigans continue to this day at the expense of our livers. Scotty loves telling stories, bourbon, and going to the shoe show.

Alexandra Phillips

Bridesmaid

Her friends call her Alex. We met through mutual friends and there was something so effortless about our conversations. You know that friend that listens to your stories fully, 100% intentionally and without judgement?Yeah that's her. We've been there for each through the good and the bad and anything that life sends our way. Without hesitation, without judgement, just openness and some crude humor. We share the same love for travel, fitness and taking nothing in life too seriously. She's my ride or die and if you need a travel buddy, she's your girl!

Drew Butler

Groomsman

We were teammates on the Arkansas track team, but our friendship blossomed like many in the Midwest do - floating down a river in Missouri. We bonded over country music, cheering for losing sports teams, our fondness of middle America, and Matthew McConaughey. I appreciate his great conversations, dark-sense of humor, ability to just keep livin'. Drew loves 90's country music, the Chicago Cubs, and shouting.

Doug Porter

Usher

A year and a half younger than me, but always acted like my big brother. We grew up playing outside, running our lawn mowing business (don't tell the IRS) and teasing our little brother at any opportunity. As we've gotten older we still enjoy hanging out with each other. From working at an office together to summiting Mt. Elbert and camping in the woods for a week, it's nice to know I always have my 'big' brother with me. He loves BBQ, KC, and going to weddings and this one is no exception.

Christopher Porter

Usher

My baby brother! In a dynamic of three you always have sides like two against one and so on. Even though we were all out numbered growing up, it's nice to know he's always on my side. As the big sister, I would watch him when our mom was at work, make him dinner, and anything else he needed. I don't think there is anything I wouldn't do for him and he wouldn't do for me. He has an abnormal obsession with sports, and don't you dare offer him kale; he won't eat it. If you think I'm a picky eater, let me introduce you to Christopher Porter.

Haenle Russell

Flower Girl

Ella Russell

Flower Girl