Melissa & Justin
Wedding Party
Sammy Dennis
Best Man
Sam and I met at my workplace back in Atlanta. He and his fiance, Clara, had come in to learn about CrossFit, but it didn't take much to convince Sam that Ninja training was the way to go. After a few weeks of working out at the gym together I remember turning to him and asking, "Why aren't we friends?..." And thus the legacy of the greatest friendship in history began. I am telling you right now, your best friend is not as great as Samuel Dennis. This carpenter, mechanic, electrician, plumber, builder, artist, Crossfit-Ninja is more than just the very definition of "Masculinity", but he is also the most loyal, encouraging, and uplifting Best Man a guy could ask for.
Alora Macias
Maid of Honor
She was my (Melissa) birthday present when I turned 2, and I was NOT PLEASED. When I was 4, there was a bathtub incident, and I still say it was just a game to see who could hold their breath longer and I was just helping her win because I am a really great sister..... But as we all know, time can change our minds, and today, I look at my sister and I see someone I would drown for. Alora is so supportive, she is eclectic and fun and strong. Shes a wonderful mother, a solid example, comic relief and the best friend a person could ask for. She is the best birthday present I could have ever had, and I am so lucky to have her standing beside me on the big day.
Stephen Guy
Groomsman
Guy has been an incredible, positive influence in my life over the past year. It became clear to me that he and I would be great friends after our first introduction (organized by the great Melissa, herself). During our first meeting we briefly dove into various philosophical topics and found that we shared a lot of the same ideas when it comes to personal development and responsibility. Then, what started as personal accountability partner meetings to hold each other up to higher standards, morphed into the beginning of a business venture to help other people discover the same level of potential in themselves that he and I try to bring out in each other every day. It's been a blessing to have Guy in my life for the past year, and I look forward to continued friendship for years to come.
Maddy Slater
Bridesmaid
Maddy is the kind of person you can trust with your favorite book series, and know she will give it back in mint condition. Shes the one that you can call in the middle of the night and she will yell at you for calling so late, and then come rescue you from whatever ridiculousness that you have gotten yourself into. She will love your dog more than she loves you, and that makes me love her even more. Maddy is the bravery I wake up wishing I could be, She is the honest truth I struggle to see in the mirror, and the understanding acceptance everyone longs to find. I am honored to have her in my life and by my side when I say "I do"
Andrew Verstraete
Groomsman
Andrew calls me the Alabama version of him, and it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that he, too, is the Michigan version of me. If you were to try to evaluate our friendship, our similarities, and compile a metaphor that accurately represents us, I would tell you not to worry about it because I already did: We are both singing the same song (Careless Whisper, obviously), but I am George Michael, and Andrew is Seether. We have a lot in common, but I must say that Andrew's genuine, loving attitude, his incredible humility, honesty, and strength, are all areas in which I aspire to reach his level. He is a Godly man, one who puts his belief into action, not just words. It's been an honor to witness his impact on our community, and a blessing to call him my friend.
Randi Thompson
Bridesmaid
Randi did not like me when she first met me, and to be honest, I didn't like her either. We both had preconceived notions of who the other person was, and we both got over it. I am so glad we did. She is my oldest Alabama friend, and has been a supportive shoulder through my hardest times. On my darkest nights, I leaned on her and she was a light. She is full of laughter and a childlike sense of adventure that is a contagious beacon of joy. She is a blessing in my life, and I am honored to have her by my side when I pledge.
Nelson Lusk
Groomsman
Me (Age 5): "What game are you playing?" Nelson (Holding Game Boy, Age 4): "Spider-Man." Me (Age 5): "Can I play?" Nelson (Age 4): "Sure." From that point on we were inseparable friends for the next 10 years. For those of you who knew us at that age, I apologize! Nelson and I were always getting into trouble when we were together! Though I'm sure I'm responsible for leading him into trouble just as much as he's responsible for leading me into trouble, our friendship was one of the greatest aspects of my childhood. When I moved away from Huntsville, I assumed our friendship was over. It was hard to keep in touch. BUT!!! Last year I moved back to Huntsville and he immediately offered me a place to stay while I adjusted to the area. Our friendship is just as strong now as it was then.
Audri Macias
Bridesmaid
Audri has been a part of my life since college. She was the cute high school girlfriend that I was sure my brother Richard would never be able to keep. Shes obviously way out of his league. ;) She must be crazy, but she took his last name, and I got another sister. Win for me, win for him..... good luck to her! Shes beautiful, and sweet, and just odd enough to mesh with our family dynamic. Its not often I get to see her since shes a kickass Airforce chick, but I am so excited to share this amazing time with her!
Ronnie Moore
Groomsman
When we were kids, my mother used to tell me, "Justin, you don't like them now, but one day you're going to be good friends with your brothers." And I would scoff, "Ha! No way! They're stupid!" Ronnie and I, especially, did not get along well at all as children (sucker punches, throwing each other down stairs, slamming faces into plastic dressers, etc.). "No, Mom. We aren't going to be friends." Well, here we are today and I can tell you; they're my kind of stupid. Ronnie has been one of the only people I've talked to on a daily basis no matter what city I lived in over the last 6 years. He's an incredibly loyal, thoughtful, and hilarious person who brings joy to anyone who has the pleasure of meeting him. Despite my efforts to hate his guts forever, it turns out Mom was right.
Suzanne Area
Grandmother Of The Bride
My Grandmother is by far, the best person in the entire world. She has done more for me in my life, than any other person in it. She has taught me how to be a lady, how to be strong and brave in the face of difficulty. She taught me to put on my big girl panties and kick fanny. She taught me ladies dont sweat, we perspire. My grandmama is the strongest woman I know. She taught me what love means, and how sacrifice can be hard, but sometimes it is the only way. My good qualities either came directly from her, or were nourished by her attention. I could ramble on and on about how important my grandmother is, but instead, I honor her by asking her to walk me down the Aisle.
Alex Moore
Groomsman
Every once in a while I'll get a phone call from Alex, my youngest brother, and he simply says, "Hey, brother! I was just thinking about you and I thought I'd give you a call and ask you something. What I can pray for you for in your life right now?" I smile every time. Alex, Ronnie, and I have been best friends and simultaneous adversaries since as long as all three of us can remember, and this wedding wouldn't be the same without my youngest brother up there with me.
Lorien Dean
Groomsman
Since I met Lorien he has demonstrated time and time again that he is trustworthy, intelligent, kind, and altruistic to such a degree that it is borderline incomprehensible. He is always ready and willing to step in and help in any and all situations in which help may be needed, whether he gets a "thank you" or not. He and I have held each other accountable, learned from each other, and leaned on each other for strength more times than I can count, and my wedding would not be complete without having such an incredible man, and incredible friend as he is standing beside me on the big day!!!