Wedding Party
Lane McArthur
Maid of Honor
Melissa and Lane met while working together in 2012 and have been attached at the hip ever since! Lane, being best friends doesn't go without hard times. Our friendship is a good blanket that you never lose. It starts out shiny an new and super soft and fuzzy. As you wash it and have it with you longer, you love it more because it's always there. Sometimes a thread breaks and you can't stop fucking with it and you end up making a little hole in it and you're sad because you fucked up your favorite blanket. I don't know where that last sentence was supposed to go, but now there's a hole in my favorite blanket. I still love it. Just like I love you. Thank you for being my best friend. Was it me singing at work or when I talked about my shoe farts that got you hooked? Your message was the one that took me the longest because I tried and tried typing out how important your friendship is to me and couldn't come up with the words. I love that we get mistaken for sisters and that we don't have to have a conversation to enjoy each other's company. You're always running around. You have Hunter's sports and your own hobbies, but you always find a way to spend time with those who are important to you even if it means you travel out of your way just for a 10 minute visit. Thank you for always finding time for us.
Logan Shaw
Best Man
Logan and Marcus met when they first started playing baseball in elementary school. Logan, without you I would still be the creepy corner kid and would have never met Melissa (or really any of my other friends). When I am the voice of insanity, you are the voice of reason and vice versa. Whether it's in times of getting into or out of trouble, you're the first person I can count on. Thank you for being my best friend. P.S. terminal velocity is a thing...look it up.
Lauren Kirn
Matron of Honor
Lauren and Melissa met and became quick friends in elementary school! Lauren, I don't remember much from when we met (25 years is a long time when it dates to 4th grade), but I can tell you that our friendship is timeless. Throughout the years, we have each held our own lives and grown in every way. We were besties from the Halloween party in 1999 to high school graduation, to our 21st birthdays, your wedding, 4 pregnancies, and now my wedding! When everything else changes, our friendship stays strong. Thank you for always being a constant in my life. I know that I will always have your unwavering support and insight through every hurdle life brings. I love you! <3
William (Billy) Ott
Groomsman/Brother of the Bride
Marcus and Billy met in 2018 at the beginning of Marcus and Melissa's relationship. Dear William Louis Ott III, We've had some crazy adventures and am looking forward to more adventures to come. Whether it's a 10 mile obstacle course full of electric shock therapy and pools of mud or a game of billiards, it's never a dull moment. I am glad that I will soon call you my Brother-In-Law and know that you'll always have my back.
Laila Edwards
Bridesmaid
Melissa and Laila met through a mutual friend *cough cough, Lane* in 2012 (maybe 2013). Laila, how did we even get here?! You hated me when we first met! And I was the loyal golden retriever who just wanted you to like me! I personally feel like our strong opinions and attention to detail built our friendship into what it is today. I love you for loving me as the person I am. If I had to describe our friendship to anyone...I'd have to ask them to watch the friendship between Cece and Jess in New Girl. You are so driven and beautiful and I am so appreciative of having you in my life. Our friendship is easy and calm when my life is at times, very rough waters. Thank you for being my calm in the storm.
Shane Lender
Groomsman/Brother of the Groom
Marcus and Shane met when Marcus was born. Shane, we met so long ago I can barely remember it. You were there for me when we made up crazy stories or blamed Robin for something we did. Our experiences were always eventful. You were such a monumental part of my life growing up and I count on you to continue be a monumental part of my life in the future.
Madison Bowers
Bridesmaid/Cousin of the Bride
Madison, you were my first ever first cousin once removed on my mom's side ;) . There are so many families out there who don't keep in touch with each other and I am lucky enough to say that I do and it includes you! I remember one time when you were a toddler you took a tumble down the basement stairs and you stood up and continued on with your day like it didn't faze you one bit. Just a perfect example that you don’t let things get in your way and that you use what happens to drive your ambition. I look up to you and everything you have accomplished in your life thus far. I can't wait to see where the world takes you. I love you so much.
Zane Chism
Groomsman
Marcus and Zane met while working at the license office. Zane, for some strange reason we both thought it was a great idea to work at the DMV. While I cannot say it was the best decision of my life, I can say I am so glad we met. You have been an amazing friend and somehow had enough patience to listen to me ramble on about nerdy shit. While others would typically smile and nod awkwardly, you fully engaged in conversation and we quickly became close friends. The world has gotten crazier and somehow the zombie apocalypse hasn't begun yet, but you're still a part of the zombie apocalypse team. Long-distance friendship sucks. But it's reassuring knowing our friendship can overcome the miles.
Joey Bowers
Bridesmaid/Cousin of the Bride
Melissa and Joey were introduced when Joey was born in May of 2007! Joey, I know we are hardly ever serious around each other but I want to tell you how incredibly grateful I am that we are family. I have watched you grow up from just a little baby! I am proud of every single thing you have accomplished and I can't wait to watch you progress through life. You are so authentically you! I love that you have such high energy but can be super chill at the same time. In addition to all of that you are incredibly smart. I love you so much and you are my favorite second first cousin once removed on my mom's side of the family in the whole world!
Mason Baumgarth
Groomsman/Brother of the Groom
Marcus and Mason met when Mason was born. Hey Mason! I saw you the moment after you were born. I was looking through a pane of glass at you with the rest of the family. As some of our family looked in horror and others in amazement - I looked at you with the knowledge that you inherited a double dose of Baumgarth as you flipped the bird to the crowd. I knew from that moment that not only were we brothers, we were best friends. Watching you grow into the young man that you are has been an honor and I am proud to call you my brother. Don't forget about me when you decide to do something stupid. I'll always have your back.
Robin Buck
Officiant/Sister of the Groom
Robin and Marcus met when Marcus was born. Melissa and Robin met over a game of spoons at the Baumgarth Christmas party. Robin...... We chose you as our officiant because we couldn't agree on which side you would stand on. So we agreed you'd stand in the middle. You standing in the center and speaking at the ceremony is the perfect metaphor for how you are perceived in our personal lives. Any time either of us need someone to talk to or someone to just listen - you're the number we call. When we are in the middle of a competitive debate, you are there with a level head and voice of reason willing to hear both sides before providing your wisdom. You've been a influential part of our lives and have inspired us to go on more adventures, experience more of the world, and never take life for granted.
