Michael & Leslie
Wedding Party
Leslie Christine Marshall
Bride
She says “For those of you have never met me, get ready you are about to embark on an interesting journey - just ask anyone who knows me! Let’s start off by dragging the elephant into the room. I’m difficult, hard headed, blunt, hot tempered, a perfectionist with high expectations. I’m very capable, rather fearless and have an all or none personality. I either like you or hate you - but don’t worry you are invited so you made the cut! On the flip side you’ll never meet someone more loyal, dedicated, generous, creative or honest. I love wholeheartedly, speak and live freely, and would stand beside and fight to the death for anyone I love. An absolute Daddy’s girl the greatest gift he gave me is a love for creatures, especially dogs. “ He Says “A big city girl with a country girl heart. She's intelligent, quick tempered, fun loving, generous, and has an all in attitude. She will tell you what she feels, so don’t make her mad! I definitely grabbed the tiger by the tail when I swept her off her feet! She is my best friend, soul mate and true love. She walks proudly and confidently beside me, knowing I will protect her the best I can. I can finally understand what it feels like to be complete. From our first date I knew by the way she laughed, smiled and shared her life with me, that she was truly amazing. I can’t wait to make special memories with her for the rest of our lives. She is the final piece to my jigsaw puzzle.”
Michael Jason Grace
Groom
She’s Says “Jason is the perfect yin for my yang! A lot of his personal strengths (think techy stuff for example) are my weaknesses and he readily shares. He has a fun - loving, outgoing, yet calm and easy going personality. He’s tough, yet not afraid to show his emotions. He loves animals, shopping and traveling and appreciates a life with home cooked meals and holiday traditions! We even share our favorite holidays! Dressed up in a suit or dressed down in camo he wears it well and makes life look easy! Talk about the perfect catch - he has never been married and has no children. This makes it really easy to catch up on our late start to a wonderful new life together!” He says “For those of you that don't know me, I'll give you a run down. I was born in Sarasota Florida, spent most of my summer vacations in Alabama. I can dress up or dress down, just depends on my mood or occasion. I'm hard working, outgoing, a quick study and a lil on the tech savvy side, but still a country boy at heart. I enjoy camping, shooting, the paranormal, fossil hunting and am an auto enthusiast. I can talk to anyone and usually make friends everywhere I go, kinda like running for Mayor. Most might be inclined to call me a city boy but I can manage in the woods just fine. In fact although I do like shopping and finding great sales - I would much rather sleep in the open under the stars on a cool fall night! I have always longed to let my inner cowboy out!”
Melanie Lewis
Maid of Honor
When a church youth group leader from Iowa decides to plan a trip to Chicago and is introduced to a girl who lives there with a desire to help and way too much time on her hands - a unique bond starts. The two team up to make it work and show the kids a great time and somehow become friends over the next week. As they said their good byes and thank yous - I’m quite sure neither one ever expected to see the other again. But an occasional phone call, a fb message, a desire to explore the others world strengthened the unlikely friendship despite the physical distance keeping them apart. The obvious solution - travel! So they did, a weekend here and there never more than a few days, always leaving them wanting more. These two have experienced some of the best and worst moments in life together. Somehow, always there when the other needed her, to laugh or cry, listen or yell. Proof that true friendship really does exist and is possible despite the distance, the odds or differences. Melanie has always encouraged Leslie to follow her heart and dreams no matter how crazy they seemed. Leslie has tried to show Melanie the life and excitement of the big city while Melanie has relentlessly tried to prove to Leslie that sometimes you just have to slow down and watch the corn grow. Somehow almost twenty years later these two seem to settle in a hot tub somewhere in the middle talking about where they will be running the next day.
Jeffrey Burger
Best Man
Talk about a tangled web… When it came time to choose a best man, Jeff was the obvious choice. Not only is he Leslie’s brother - but the two share a very close and unique friendship. After being separated and only seeing each other a maximum of twice a year for over 30 years, Leslie moved to Florida to be near him full time. A necessary thread to complete the web. Jason and Jeff have been close friends for over 27 years. The two shared similar interests and the friendship grew. They survived several years of being room mates, as well as being co-workers. Often times Jeff would join Jason’s family for holidays when he could not be near his own. One could say they were brothers by choice. About 25 years ago Jeff introduced his roommate (Jason) to his sister. Over the years while vacationing in Florida the three would often spend time together. Jason would even dog sit for Jeff and Leslies’ dogs - the one and only person the siblings trusted to do so. Jeff and Jason strengthened their bond even more when they became Masonic brothers. Jeff is the author of a series titled The Wings of Steele first released in 2012 in which both Leslie and Jason are key characters… just another thread in the web. It seems only fitting to ask the person at the hub of the web to stand as the best man. What started as friendship will now become brotherhood in all aspects!
Melissa V
Bridesmaid
Of all the people in the wedding party - Melissa is the newest to enter Leslie and Jason’s lives. When Jimmy told Leslie how special the new girl in his life was and that he thought this could be the one, she was very skeptical. It wasn’t long before he confided to her that he wanted to take the next step and buy a ring. Jimmys Moms’ words rang in her ears “There will never be anyone good enough for Jimmy in your eyes” - yet her heart and instincts told her this really was the one. Leslie was honored and thrilled to be a part of the proposal. Jimmy, Melissa and Skylar came to Chicago for that planned proposal during a very unexpectedly tragic time. Emotions ran high and everyone was on edge but amazingly the girls hit it off. She wasted no time in jumping in to help and doing her best to fit in. Out of a tragedy a new friendship rose. After three weeks together while sitting at the dinner table Melissa admitted “ Jimmy told me I better get this right cause I had one chance and if I blew it Leslie would never give me another - I was scared to come here” We all laughed yet inside we knew it was true - we knew we had witnessed a miracle and that Melissa had beat the odds! Melissa is a beautiful soul, generous personality, and loving wife. The now three formed an even stronger bond. When Leslie announced her new relationship with Jason it was Melissa who welcomed him with open arms and encouraged the romance. Together, now four we have cried hard and laughed loudly.
Jimmy V
Groomsman
A former drivers ed student, Jimmy would go in to visit and help in the classroom. These two just connected and a bond was formed. Eventually Jimmy’s late mom grew curious of their relationship, stepped in to see why, and a family friendship grew. Over 10 years later, quite literally living across the country from each other - they still talk almost daily. They seem to instinctively know when the other needs them, are able to read each other behind the masks, share their inner emotions, seek advice they will accept from no one else, stand by each other through good and bad times, hold each other accountable, and yes sometimes even fight like siblings! The truth is that Jimmy is the closest thing to a son that Leslie will ever have. Jimmy has a huge heart and has repeatedly been there for Leslie and her family. And she would do anything she possibly could for him and his at any time. Jason asked Jimmy to be his groomsman because he respects their relationship, trusts Jimmy unequivocally, values his friendship with Jimmy, loves his sense of humor and knew without a doubt that Jimmy would play a role in the wedding so because he likes him he wanted to spare Jimmy the embarrassment of standing up with the girls!
Vanessa E.
Junior Bridesmaid
Meet Vanessa! The daughter of Deanna and Todd. Her father and Leslie were great friends in high school. After many years of separation, life circumstances reunited them and they picked up right where they left off! Although our bride is not usually a fan of “young people” - knowing Vanessa since birth has changed that and helped create a special bond, paving the way for others. If we could get a glimpse into the past, I believe Vanessa would be the embodiment of Leslie’s childhood. She is very high energy, smart, creative, independent, curious and so much fun to be around! Although according to Leslies older brother, the one main difference is that Vanessa is well mannered. Vanessa also loves dogs and at an early age quickly bonded with Nitro, sealing a place in Leslie’s heart and giving these girls a powerful connection. Unfortunately Vanessa has been on the sidelines for several of Leslie’s losses and life changes, despite the adults trying to lessen the impact. So, when Jason proposed to Leslie, she just immediately knew she wanted Vanessa to share in the festivities and joy and she was the first chosen member of the wedding party!