Nathan & Gabrielle
Wedding Party
Kathleen Polezhaeve
Matron of Honor
I moved into Kathleen's house the year after I finished my undergraduate degree without meeting her or seeing the house in person. It was a random listing on Only Girls LU and a risky move - but I'm so glad I took a leap of faith because Kathleen has been an incredible friend ever since. We have gone through some big life changes together and Kathleen has always been such a supportive and encouraging friend. I have crashed at her house many times when I just needed to get out of Lynchburg and her family has always welcomed me. Kathleen feels like family and I couldn't imagine not having her by my side on my wedding day!
Joe Camera
Best Man
I have known Joe for 24 years now; I met him when I was 1 year old. I don't remember meeting him but I do remember growing up with a younger brother, and what a time that was. Through all the good and bad times, Joe has always been the one I can count on in all things. There was never a time I wouldn't have considered him to be standing next to me on the day of my wedding, and now that that day is here, I could not be more thankful for how our relationship has grown over the years and that he will be standing next to me on this big day.
Emily Budowanec
Bridesmaid
I met Emily a few years ago at work when she started as a new counselor in our department. She was the type of friend I didn't know I needed at the time. Both her awkwardness and adventurous spirit have brought so much joy to my life. Since meeting, we have gone country line dancing in DC, we have explored LA, we have gone zip lining in Pigeon Forge, and we have had several more local adventures. She shares my love of french fries and ice cream and has always been a friend I can talk to about anything.
Derrick Battle
Groomsman
I first met Derrick briefly on a trip to visit Liberty my senior year of high school. The meeting was brief but the friendship to come would be anything but that. I ended up living on the same hall as Derrick my first year and we even became roommates for a couple years after that. From going home with him for Thanksgiving or heading to Villanova for a college football playoff game, the memories built will last a life time. Even living states apart now, Derrick is still one of my closest friends who I know will be around for many years after this day. Back in college we both knew we would stand by each other when these days came, and I couldn't be more grateful that this still stands true today.
LeeAnna Early
Bridesmaid
I met LeeAnna when she was interning a few years ago in the office I work in. It took me a bit to get to know LeeAnna because she seemed pretty quiet at first glance, but after spending some time with her, I have seen the sarcastic, dancing, and feisty sides of her. She has always been a great listener and comforting presence and I have been so thankful for that in our friendship. I can always plan to have an honest conversation followed by a fun time, lots of laughter, and a glass of wine with LeeAnna.
Heath Read
Groomsman
I have known Heath for about 4 years now. I first met him at a birthday party for his brother that his sister was hosting back when I was neighbors with her. I actually met Heath's whole family and stayed at his house once before ever meeting him. But once I did, it took no time for us to click and become the friends we are now, and that all started in a car ride to pick up Chick-Fil-A catering for that party. Between golfing, video game sessions, and sport outings, Heath and I have built a friendship that will last a lifetime and he is someone I am honored to have standing with me.
Victoria Jacob
Bridesmaid
I met Victoria on my very first day of class when I started at Liberty University in January 2012. Since then, we have been on a research team together and we have worked two different jobs together. Victoria has been a constant in my life and has been around for all of the big moments so I am so excited that she will be standing next to me on my wedding day!
Peter Johnson
Groomsman
Where do I even start with Peter. I probably should take you back to 2013 when I first met him in a completely, his fault, coincidental way. And that way was him running a stop sign (after stopping) and t-boning into the driver side of my car while I was driving. What a guy. After never really wanting to see him again to forgetting who he was, we reconnected at church a little over a year ago. Not surprisingly, he had not forgotten who I was and came clean to me that he was the one that crashed into me all those years ago. Of course by that point it was all in the past and a good laugh we actually shared between us. And from that point forward, there was nothing to stop our friendship from reaching where it has come to now.
Jessica Postell
Bridesmaid
I met Jessica a few years ago at work. She brings so much energy and joy to everything she does. She listened to me as I talked nervously about dating someone new and encouraged me so much as I got to know Nate. We always seem to be talking about our next venture in life whether its buying a house, picking out paint colors, getting a puppy, scheming about our engagements, or weddings and wedding planning. I'm so thankful for her friendship and her excitement for new things!
Zach Bukolt
Groomsman
Zach Bukolt, the youth pastor from New York. I met Zach almost 3 years ago when we both ended up going on a missions trip with our church to Pittsburgh. It was a short weekend trip with short interactions and that was about it. Until 6 months later in the summer when Zach approached me (literally every week for like a month) asking me to join and help serve in the youth group for the high school. I finally agreed (it was honestly just a work conflict that was preventing it) and that started our friendship. Over the next few years of serving together and even being on a slow pitch softball team together, Zach has become one of the people I trust the most in his guidance, and he has become one of my closest friends.