Wedding Party
Eden Aiken
Maid of Honor
Eden is one of the many sisters of the bride. She is kind, caring, witty, and incredibly intelligent. Currently, she is attending Nursing School at ETSU with aspirations of becoming a Nurse practitioner. Jules and Eden have been playing pretend and imagining this day for as long as either of them can remember, and obviously with Jules as the bride (because she always took the spotlight as a child). Eden knows Jules' main component of this fantasy is the perfect guy, which Eden knows she found in Matthew. She said "Jules and Matthew’s journey together has been nothing short of inspiring. One of the most beautiful things about their relationship is witnessing how they have helped shape each other into the incredible individuals they are today. Their love is not just ordinary—it’s the kind that feels like it belongs in a storybook, filled with magic, unwavering support, and deep admiration for one another. They have grown side by side, lifting each other up through every challenge and celebrating every joy. Theirs is a love that embodies the essence of a fairytale—pure, enduring, and truly special." Eden has a plethora of talents, with one being her ability to perceive and meet other's needs without them asking for it. She is an innate helper, which she plans to showcase as the maid of honor.
Trudi Aiken
Bridesmaid
Trudi is also a sister of the bride. Her fun, bubbly personality is both inviting and contagious to all who meet her. Trudi often spends her time with her family, playing volleyball, and watching movies. She loves deeply and fights for all she loves- she is someone you want by your side to celebrate and live life with. Trudi says that she is most excited to dance and to finally have Matthew as a brother (although she has considered him a brother for a while now). When asked about her favorite memories with the bride and groom, she says "Just watching them- because I don't have just one favorite memory of them. Every time I am around Jules and Matthew I have a new favorite memory. I have been blessed to watch some of the funniest people fall in love over the years." You will undoubtedly find Trudi making sure Jules is having a great time by ensuring she is laughing and dancing all night.
Willow Aiken
Bridesmaid
Willow, the bride's third sister, is the sweetest person you'll ever meet. She is a high school freshman who is passionate about loving people where they are, treating people with kindness, and living each day fearlessly. Willow is widely known as everyone's favorite, especially with kids. Additionally, Willow is a natural competitor with her involvement in both volleyball and pole vaulting and is a future Survivor Champion. Matthew has been in Willow's life since she was 7 years old. She recalls that some of her favorite memories include Matthew and Jules treating her, Nori, and Tobias to ice cream after their many playground adventures. However, she has recently enjoyed being with Jules, Matthew, Eden, and her boyfriend, Parker and “straight hanging out”.
Rayley Hayes
Bridesmaid
Rayley is a cousin of the Bride and is quite literally her oldest friend as they are only 4 months apart. In her own words, "(We) grew up together and spent an incalculable amount of time pretending we were in movies (and even attempting to make our own), having Nerf gun wars, playing American Ninja Warrior on the playground (hyper-extending elbows in the process), and making our siblings play the most obscene roles we could while playing pretend." This very accurately describes the nature of their friendship and bond over the years. Rayley compliments Jules' outgoing, bright, and joyful nature, with her easygoing, nature-loving, and helpful personality. Rayley is the type of person you want around to help you relax and put you in a better mood in any situation. She often found herself helping Jules do this when they would get in trouble for playing tic-tac-toe on their AP US History notes during class and she plans to bring this relief to the bride on her big day. Her favorite memory with Jules and Matthew was very early on in their relationship, at the dawning of “California Redwood”. She insists if you do not know what she is talking about, you should definitely ask the bride and groom to tell you that story.
Marley Hayes
Bridesmaid
Marley is a cousin of the bride! She works as a paramedic in Pinellas County, FL. She spends most of her time reading, tending to her plants or chickens, and fishing. Marley and the bride have always been close, but they grew closer in 2018 when she lived with the bride and her family. In that time she became the chauffeur of the bride and groom when they first started dating and could not yet drive. This act shows the character of Marley- always going out of her way to make sure the people around her feel loved and happy. She is also fiercely loyal, spontaneous, and always down for a good time. She describes her favorite memories with Matthew and Jules in the little things such as, "All the laughs, jokes, and jabs that came with the overly competitive game nights. The meaningful 2 AM hot tub conversations where hopes and dreams were shared. All the car rides shamelessly screaming to Hamilton at the top of our lungs." To know Marley is to love her- you will find her unapologetically celebrating beside Jules and Matthew during their milestone (especially on the dance floor).
Nori Aiken
Junior Bridesmaid
Nori is the bride’s youngest sister. She is the most friendly person you’ll ever meet. She is incredibly intelligent, kind, thoughtful, and fun. You will mostly find her playing her favorite sports, basketball and volleyball, or playing with her friends. She prides herself on her artistic abilities and has made many precious art pieces for the bride and groom. Nori has grown up with both Matthew and Jules watching over her. In fact, all the weekends that Matthew and Jules would watch her were some of her favorites. She says “Matthew and Jules make everything more fun” as a testament to the kind of couple Matthew and Jules are. Even at 10 years old, you’ll find Nori taking care of everyone around her on this day until it is time to dance (ask her about the possibility of her doing the “queen of Africa)
Katie McLamb
Guestbook Attendee
Katie and Jules met their first year at Tusculum together. They played indoor and beach volleyball together during their time at Tusculum and were roommates for a year. Additionally, they bonded over their love and desire to work with children, and now Katie is a 3rd grade teacher. Katie is someone who you will immediately become friends with- she's fun, spontaneous, and incredibly loyal. She finds herself most content when she is in nature whether it is hiking or camping, when she spends time with her friends and family, and obviously when playing or coaching volleyball. Katie considers both Jules and Matthew as some of her closest friends making her love for the couple that much greater. Between all of the late nights talking and laughing to outings with the friend group, she finds it hard to choose just one favorite memory. However, she recalls their time at Passion together this past January as a particularly amazing time. Katie plans to make sure everything runs smoothly to ensure Jules will be able to stay present on this big day. She is beyond excited for the future Palazzos and all God has planned for them.
Carly Sosnowski
Gift Table Attendee
Carly is a ball of energy who loves staying active and making every moment fun! Her bond with the bride began years ago—first as her travel ball coach and later as teammates playing volleyball together at Tusculum. From coaching to competing side by side, their friendship has been built on teamwork, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Carly is truly unique- she's always keeping everyone around her on their toes, incredibly authentic, and deeply empathetic. She cares for those she loves and is the most competitive person you'll ever meet. She adores the couple and is beyond thrilled to celebrate their love and support them as they start this new chapter together!
Ethan Palazzo
Best Man
Ethan is the oldest brother of the groom and the best man. Ethan has a tremendous heart, loyal to a tee, and deeply cares for those around him. He has an unrivaled love for his family and those close to him. He is also considered the funniest person on Earth, per the groom. Some of Ethan's hobbies consist of playing basketball, watching sports, and spending time with family. Some of his favorite memories with the bride and groom go back to the beginning of their relationship, when they first met at Camp Greene. He will do his one dance, "if necessary", but he looks forward to helping Matthew and Jules with anything they need for their big day. Ethan says he is excited to watch his little brother await his bride and "begin a new chapter in life."
Nicholas Palazzo
Groomsman
So many ways to describe this goofball of a brother to the groom. Let’s start with this — Nicholas is a gentle giant. He cares deeply for those he loves. Nick doesn’t take everyday things for granted, he finds joy in them. It’s where he gets his nickname, ‘Simple Nick’ from. He is one of the funniest people you will ever meet. Don’t be fooled by his quiet nature either, Nick is extremely passionate about fishing and will talk your ear off about it if given a chance. Nick is currently on the bass fishing team at King University, busy catching hogs and studying for his calculus exam. When asked about his favorite memory of the bride and groom, Nick said battling it out while going tubing on the lake takes the top spot. Don’t be worried if he’ll be on the dance floor, he assures us that he will be there all night, “making the party lit”.
Benjamin Palazzo
Groomsman
Benjamin is the youngest brother of the groom and one of his groomsmen for the big day. Benjamin is an avid movie watcher and loves to play video games. He even holds the record for most losses in College Football versus the groom by a pretty large margin (though he may tell you differently). Despite the losses, Benjamin has learned so much from all three of his older brothers and currently heads into his Senior year of High School. He plays basketball and baseball for his high school team and is incredibly smart (though his brothers may say otherwise). He truly has a big heart and is a learner who picks up on things quickly. Some of his favorite moments with the bride and groom come from countless game nights and adventures (Ben is a board game fanatic). If you see him at the wedding, he very likely will be hitting the "griddy" or possibly even "the Tommy". The bride and groom know and love him for his big smile and great compassion.
Garrett Priest
Groomsman
Everyone knows the type of person Tracy Lawrence was talking about in Find Out Who Your Friends Are. Matthew and Jules are fortunate enough to not only know somebody like that, but also get to call them one of their best friends. Garrett Priest is that person. Garrett is the Life of the Party and brightens any room he walks into. To know him is to love him. One of the first friends Matthew met in college, he also played football with the groom and was an absolute DAWG in the trenches of the offensive line. Garrett’s hobbies are hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. His favorite memory of the bride and groom is going to Passion with them the past two years. If you find yourself asking, “Where’s Garrett?” (this is a common query) you can safely assume he’ll be on the dance floor. When asked how he’d handle any objections at the ceremony, Garrett tells us, “I will definitely handle business if anyone objects. They can deal with me [and Brayden].” More than anything, Garrett knows and loves the Lord. Christ’s love shines through his everyday life and actions. He has been a true brother in Christ for the bride and groom, and many in the bridal party. If you get the chance, ask him about what the Lord has done in his life. He‘ll be eager to tell you all about it.
Brayden Phillips
Groomsman
One of Matthew's college roommates and teammates, Brayden and the groom have probably spent the most time together as anybody these past few years, through countless (literally) hours of meetings, weights, and practices in the same position room. They have also spent this year interning together, so, safe to say they know each other pretty well. Brayden is a natural-born comedian and part-time troll hailing from the great city of Tallahassee, Florida. He enjoys fishing, playing video games, and hoopin' in his spare time, and while he claims to have defeated Garrett and Matthew in NCAA, that statement could not be further from the truth. Brayden could not pinpoint one specific moment as his favorite with the bride and groom, saying he has so many, but their endless conversations and "philosophical discussions" that take hours to finish stand out the most to him. Brayden has had an up-close view of Matthew and Jules's relationship, and even hid the story of their engagement so well, Jules had no idea it was even coming (a great story to ask him about). Brayden is also one of the funniest people Matthew has ever met, but beyond this humor, he is an incredible friend who loves the Lord and helps his brothers grow in their faith. He knows no stranger, but if he did, he would promptly tell them about all God has done in his life. There is quite literally no one else like Brayden on the planet, and the bride and groom are lucky enough to call him one of their best friends.
Tobias Aiken
Junior Groomsman
Tobias is the brother of the bride, but he tells everyone he is also the brother of the groom. Matthew and Jules have been together since Tobi was an infant. So, he has never known of life without Matthew! He also does not know Jules without Matthew. Like Nori and Willow, he has spent countless hours and “date nights” with the couple as his babysitters and recommends everyone to taste Matthew’s steak because he makes the best! He said some of his best memories include Matthew and Jules taking great care of him when he’s sick, and how they both always play with him. He is super excited to get to be a part of their day and bring out some surprise moves on the dance floor (ask him about the queen of Africa…)
Liam Colohan
Usher
The bride and groom met Liam on their first weekend in college on the way to a bonfire. Liam quickly became one of their closest friends and, while being on the golf team, also quickly became indoctrinated on the concepts of American football and the proper naming of ‘soccer’. Liam is originally from the beautiful countryside of England. His journey to the United States has been a big leap, filled with excitement and a bit of uncertainty, but he says everything changed the moment he met Matthew and Jules. Liam recalls his favorite memory of the bride and groom as such: “It was actually on my first full day in the country, and to say that they made me feel at home would be an understatement. I had just arrived in a new country, to a state I’d never been to before, and I had no idea what to expect. Matthew and Jules immediately welcomed me with open arms, showing me the ropes and making sure I felt comfortable and included. From that day forward, they’ve become not only some of my closest friends but a true family to me in this new chapter of my life.” “It’s amazing how sometimes the universe brings people into your life at exactly the right moment.” Liam added, “Matthew and Jules were those people for me, and I’m forever grateful for the bond we’ve built since that first day I arrived. I’m honored to be a part of their big day!” Liam is a true gentleman and the best friend you could ask for, even if he does need a reminder on who won the Revolutionary War every now and then.
Bode Patton
Usher
One of the groom's first friends at Tusculum, Bode and Matthew roomed together during their first year in the infamous Kat Hall. Bode enjoys duck hunting and golfing in his spare time. Bode is a true friend and a Swiss-Army knife of a person. Not only does he know a lot, he has done a lot, and is able to teach just about anybody how to do just about anything. Watching the bride and groom during their first year of college, Bode's favorite memory of the bride and groom consists of their philosophical debates and discussions on religion. He also recalls their conversation one night, where they predicted the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Bode cares deeply for those closest to him (except Johnny) and is a truly loyal friend who will be there through any circumstance. The bride and groom are fortunate to call him the greatest conversationalist they know and, more importantly, one of their best friends.
