Michaela & Alexander
The Wedding Party
Fabiana Villacis
Bridesmaid
I met Fabi at UNCG our freshman year through a friend I knew previously from Fayetteville. And she truly has become one of my best friends. Fabi is so many things that I admire. We are so different, but it is those differences that make our friendship really work. My favorite memories with Fabi are our infamous ‘library nights’ where I admittedly did more sleeping and complaining about the homework than the actual homework. But you better believe we were back in that library the very next night, all night long. To the point that the sun would come up and Chick-fil-a would open. We played hangman, rented conference rooms for holiday parties, and had a really great time together. And, as an honorable mention we also spent almost every moment with Danny, Fabi’s boyfriend. The three of us have really been through a lot together. Family struggles, academic struggles, staying sane through the height of the pandemic, and more major changes than I could count. I have truly been blessed in the friendship that I have found with the both of them.
Austin Travelstead
Groomsman
Austin (now Pastor Austin) has been a prominent figure in my life since my senior year of high school. I always heard that he was a man of God from how he loves every person around him; and I can say that it is very true. He is someone you don't want to miss out on meeting. Laughter and joy fill the room whenever he enters. My favorite memory with Austin was when he, Michaela, and I went to Charlotte for a leaders conference. He and I stayed at a super 8 motel and he told me his ‘secrets’. How he wakes up in the morning and studies the Word. I have since adopted that into my own life and it has made a drastic difference. How I see God, and my relationship with Him. Austin's been more than an example of faith and perseverance in my life and he's one swell guy.
Marisa Ayers
Bridesmaid
Marisa and I have known each other since middle school. But simply put, we’re the worst. Haha not really, but we’re just very shy. We always were intimidated by each other even though we got along great! But we did finally form a strong friendship in 2021 and I couldn’t be happier! My fondest memory with Marisa is when we went to see Harry Styles in Raleigh. There was so many firsts on that trip. First time trying brussels sprouts, first concert without our parents, first time hanging out for that long. But it was so so fun! We ate so many vegetables in our hotel room, promised to stay up late and fell asleep as soon as we got in bed, and just had a nice time enjoying each other’s company. I am so so proud of everything she has accomplished and for her pursuing her dreams. When Marisa has a passion, she is extremely dedicated to it, and that’s one of the things I admire most about her.
Elijah Wilson
Groomsman
I met Elijah my senior year of high school, but I didn’t get to know him until a year later when I became his assistant coach for cross country. I felt a bit bad because I didn't want him to think the only reason I was getting to know him was for his sister. He really is a special person. Some of my favorite memories with him were when I got to pray with him at a retreat and when he, Pastor Zach, and I took a trip to Tennessee for a conference. It was a Hispanic conference and the three of us didn’t know Spanish. But we both made fun of Pastor for trying to speak Spanish. It was all around a good time. It was during that time that Michaela and I started getting to know each other. So it was like fate that PZ had picked the two of us to go on that trip. He's also been a great coworker, and he pushes me unknowingly to be better. I believe he's gonna do great things in life.
Monica Wilson
Bridesmaid
I don’t think that my sister and I could be more different from each other. And growing up, I’m gonna be honest, this was a big issue. But we certainly have come a looong way over the past couple of years. It’s funny that I have known her since the moment I was born, but it wasn’t until recently that my sister and I have grown to know each other more intimately. Our differences compliment each other so beautifully, and I’ve actually come to realize that we are a lot more similar than I may have once thought. Regardless of the Venn Diagram I appear to be trying to create for you all, the key component when it comes to Monica and I’s relationship is joy. We have found joy within each other and honestly it makes me emotional just to write about it. When we are together it is a guarantee that there will be bountiful laughter. Those are my favorite memories with her. Whether that is riding Cat Woman’s Whip over and over, or making Trillers, or heaven forbid I decide to bake at dad’s house; we are sure to be found in some corner laughing so hard we can’t breathe. And Monica starts tearing up which just makes me laugh even harder. I am so grateful for the relationship I have found with Monica, and I am happy to say that I am so glad that we are sisters.
Nicholas Saleeby
Groomsman
Nicholas and I have known each other since 2014. However we didn't truly become close until our junior year of high school. I have a ton of awesome memories with Nick, from him breaking a cup in the gift shop at Disney, to us to going to steak 'n shake at 1:00 in the morning. But I think my all-time favorite memory was when I got to see him give his first testimony. For us to go from where we were at the time to who we became is truly astounding to me. Every memory that I have with Nicholas is a solid one and being friends with him has pushed me to where I am now. I appreciate him more than he knows.
Reanna Vaughan-Williams
Bridesmaid
The time I met Reanna also happens to be my favorite memory with her. In an orientation before the start of our freshman year at UNCG, all of the art students were in a room and there was an activity to do dares that were written on little pieces of paper. The dare that I picked up said “ask the person beside you to be your best friend and get their number” and it just so happened to be Reanna! I asked her and she said of course! And on the first day of school, I walked into my Womens Gender Studies class and she was there! So we have carried on the joke of being ‘besties’ but it honestly has become true since then. Reanna is one of, if not the most determined person I know. She is the only one of our UNCG friend group to actually get her degree on time (and it’s the same one she started with!) One of the things that I really admire about Reanna though is her strong sense of herself. She knows exactly who she is and no one could ever take that away from her. She is thee influencer, and I love that about her.
Xavier Lewis
Groomsman
I met Xavier my freshman year of college. He was the new guy on our youth team. Zay is the complete opposite of myself, which is one of the reasons I appreciate him so much. I love and treasure our friendship to the moon and back. One of my favorite memories with Zay was our first time hanging out. We went to a chicken and waffle restaurant. I got to know a little bit more about Xavier's life . From this meeting I found how pure, talented, and extremely humble he is. My other favorite memory was when we were at a conference and he gave me a word. Zay is the perfect example of Christ and being empathetic. Some see that as weakness, but not having those skills is a true weakness as a man.