Debbie & Mike
Wedding Party
Megan Lamon
Matron of Honor
Megan and I have known each other since college - 2003 to be exact. Our story is a bit different from most friendship beginnings - we actually hated each other for the better part of 2 years, all thanks to a boy. *rolls eyes* Once we actually put our differences aside one late night in April 2005 and had an 8 hour conversation on Yahoo Messenger (aging ourselves here!), we realized that we were actually best friends, and have been ever since. I was maid of honor at her wedding and I am Aunt Debbie to her two kids with Eli - Lucas and Evelyn.
Kim Riley
Matron of Honor
I met Kim in 2006 after she started working for my dad at BAE. The day my dad met her he said, you guys would be great friends! I didn't get to meet her until St. Patty's Day, when I was home for spring break and I went out with her and her now-husband Kris. What turned into a drink at one bar turned into a whole night of drinking, dancing (in cages!) a late night diner experience, and us proclaiming each other our twin over the song "Clint Eastwood" by Gorillaz. I am happy to be Aunt Debbie to her and Kris's two kids - Kayleigh (more on her later) and Kolton.
Kimberly McGrain
Bridesmaid
I met Kim during my first year with the Marching Ravens in 2021, though we didn't become closer until my second year. A part of the trumpet section, she's an outgoing, 90's-00's music loving person and naturally I was drawn to that, and we've become great friends! She's my gameday dance buddy, loves to make fun of my book obsession, and we can talk for hours about any- and everything. I look forward to many more shopping trips and good times together, and am so happy to have her beside me on this special day!
Natalie Sawada
Bridesmaid
I met Natalie the day I first auditioned for the Marching Ravens back in May 2021. She was the section leader of the clarinet section, and we became fast friends. She's basically a mini-me, scary in its own way! We've done amusement parks, 5K's, football games home and away, parties and everything in between together. I look forward to many more adventures with her, and am so happy to have her in my wedding party.
Megan Morse
Bridesmaid
Megan is Mike's oldest younger sister. I met her for the first time in July 2017 when she and Gretchen came down to Baltimore to go to the Blacklight Slide event that I was also going to. That ended up being a weekend of trivia, Despacito, drinks and hilarious times that we still talk about to this day. Meg very quickly adopted me as Family Debbie to differentiate between friends with the same name, and we have had many deep, heartfelt conversations about life and relationships and can't wait to have many more with my future sister!
Gretchen Dilla
Bridesmaid
Gretchen is Mike's youngest sister, who I met the same time I met Meg in 2017. We bonded immediately over our shared love of both penguins and lavender. She is one of the sweetest people I've ever met - someone who still believes in sending physical cards and remembering all birthdays and anniversaries. I love going and visiting her, her husband Joey and their daughter Lizzie in Pittsburgh - always a great time! I'm so excited to have my future sister by my side on this special day!
Kayleigh Riley
Junior Bridesmaid
Kayleigh is the daugher of Kim (mentioned above), and I met her the day she was born in 2010. She's the lovely lady who made me an "aunt"! I've loved watching her grow up from a shy toddler who wouldn't even acknowledge me, to a dancer, gymnast, karateka (karate), basketball player, and now musician! She's also my newest coaster buddy and I can't wait to experience more coasters with her. I'm so proud of the young woman she is becoming and look forward to watching her kick ass in the future.
Evelyn Lamon
Flower Girl
Daughter of Matron of Honor Megan Lamon, Evie is one of my "nieces".
Lizzie Dilla
Flower Girl
Daughter of Bridesmaid Gretchen Dilla and Groomsman Joe Dilla, Lizzie is Mike's niece.
Greg Wolf
Best Man
Mike met Greg through his golf league, the Dinklebits. An incredible friend to both of us, he has been there many times through thick and thin. After I (Debbie) moved to Baltimore, Greg offered up an extra room, leading to a wonderful and fun roommate situation that spanned the worst days of the pandemic, and included many hours spent watching Law and Order: SVU. He is always up for troublemaking with us as much as helping us out of trouble. Greg enjoys attending concerts with us and indulging in his and Debbie’s favorite shots – lemon drops!
Ray Henry
Best Man
Ray is Mike’s dad. When we heard about the southern tradition of having your dad as your best man, we knew it would mean the world to us to have him up there. One of the first times I met Ray, we bonded over a huge love of books and history. We love hearing stories from his past, and I love reading all about his rich family history, which he has painstakingly gathered into a volume that spans nearly 500 years!
Melvin Chandler
Groomsman
Mike has known Melvin for quite a few years, meeting him after moving to Baltimore and through his golf league. Melvin has been another rock star friend in times of need for both of us (although he will probably not admit it). He loves to tell me how much he “hates” me, but has even fully admitted he would always be there for me (despite what he tells others lol). He saved my life once and I’m sure he would do it again (…right?). :p He’s always up for a good time and we can’t wait to have more fun times together.
Steve Kopecky
Groomsman
Steve is Mike’s cousin Dixie’s husband. He has also been Mike’s long-time DC commuter mate, meeting up most Wednesday and Thursday mornings on their train ride into the city. A huge whisky lover, he has introduced both of us to some delicious libations over the years. He is an avid skier and goes on amazing trips each year! We’re so glad Steve has agreed to stand up with us on our special day, and we look forward to more hangouts on their lovely rooftop deck.
Joe Dilla
Groomsman
Joe is married to Mike’s sister (and Debbie’s bridesmaid) Gretchen and dad to our flower girl, Lizzie. We are proud to call him brother-in-law, and love playing games, going to amusement parks, and talking about everything under the sun when we’re all together!
Dylan Morse
Groomsman
Dylan is Mike’s favorite (only, lol) nephew — the son of his sister (and Debbie’s bridesmaid) Meg. He has been Mike’s ride-or-die wedding wingman over the years, and fun fact – Dylan and I share a birthday (May 9 babies are the best)! He has played many sports over the years and is currently looking into law schools. We’re so happy Dylan has agreed to be a part of our special day!
Hannah Morse
Groomswoman
Hannah is Mike’s niece – the daughter of his sister Meg - and is one of our favorite people. Always up for a game or playing a sport, she is one of the most active people I’ve ever known. Case in point - she is the only one in the wedding party to have been on ESPN’s Top 10 Plays of the Week. (Look up “Hannah Morse game winning shot” and watch her in action!) She will probably forever have to teach me on every visit we’re together the rules of Donut, as I consistently do not remember, and she has the patience of a saint to keep teaching me over and over! We love you, Han!