#PillowTalkForever
Our People
Stacy Rogowski
Matron of Honor
Stacy is my long-time and childhood to adult-life best friend, partner in crime, shoulder to lean on, favorite joke-teller, quality advice giver, and person I can always count on. We have known each other for 25+ years having grown up together, played together, lived downtown RVA together, and celebrated Stacy's wedding and her 2 beautiful babies together. I was honored and thrilled to stand beside Stac and her sweet husband on their wedding day in 2017 and I am so happy that she'll stand beside us on ours. I also love knowing that one day we’ll sit in rocking chairs side-by-side, old and grey, telling bad jokes and laughingly reminiscing about our lifetime of friendship, adventures, love, and fun while our sweet and patient men roll their eyes and refill our wine glasses
Rick Pillow
Best Man
You can thank my Dad for my joyous arrival in the world in October of 1986. No, seriously; where else do you think I get my social butterfly bug from!? Dad is the hardest worker and deepest thinker I know. Anything I've ever learned of substance came from either his teaching or his arm around my shoulder. We've seen too many games, yelled at too many refs, and cheered at too many buzzer-beaters to think that the road stops here. There is no finer father, husband, or CEO out there; obviously, I had high expectations for my best man. Nothing thrills me more than beating his butt at golf right before I say "I do"... except for maybe saying "I do" (adds the bride).
Benjamin Ferry
BROH (Brother of Honor)
Ben and I met on what I originally thought was the worst day of my life in June 1991 when he was just a little smush. It only took one snuggle to realize I had just gained the gift I’d cherish most in life. I'd be here all decade long if I tried to put my love for him into words now. He is my unwavering best friend and one of my forever very favorite people to be around; I couldn't do this life without him. Ben has always been sweeter than me, ha, and has absolutely spoiled me with his love. Naturally, as siblings, but most especially as friends, we've played together, adventured together, celebrated together, cried together, and (most often) laughed together. We can have fun in an empty room! I couldn't be happier that he'll be within arms reach when Patrick and I say "I do" (then party!)
Jacob Sahm
Groomsman
Jacob and I first met at a District Board of Ministry meeting in 2016; I felt like someone heard me for the first time. He is more than a mentor; he is a spiritual brother I didn't know I had. We have prayed together, laughed together, coached together, and presided together at the Lord's table. It is that last example that I know binds us beyond all time and space. I couldn't imagine standing at the altar without him beside me.
Marisa Taylor
Bridesmaid
Patrick introduced Marisa and I just a few years ago but it was clear from the start that we were destined to be lifelong friends. Over the last two years, Marisa has offered me a lot of sound advice, a dedicated listening ear, a friend to count on, and a lot of laughs! She and her husband John were with us (and conspired with Patrick) when Patrick proposed and on that day (and every day since) they spoiled us with love and celebration. I'm thankful to have found forever friendship in this amazing couple and I'm thrilled that they'll both stand with us on the big day.
John Taylor
Groomsman
John and I first got to know each other in 2018 at Chester UMC. We initially only got together due to peer pressure from the significant others in our lives. The string of bougie gatherings and high-class restaurant fare could not separate us from the simpler things in life such as wings, booze, and football. John and I have formed a matching relationship that we can enjoy with our special women for the rest of our lives. Here's to that future Vegas vacation during the NCAA's!
Alex Mangano
Bridesman
Alex is one of my truest and most constant friends. We were besties in high school and then (I like to think) he followed me to CNU where we spent 3 years doing life together before graduating and living in the same building downtown Richmond to continue our adventures. Alex's smile makes me smile and I've spent the last 15+ years knowing that whenever I need a friend, Alex (and now his beautiful wife, Scottie — who became a bestie the minute Alex fell in love with her) will be there. I’m so excited to have them both as a part of our day and to have Alex stand with me for the start of another of life’s great adventures.
Nathan Decker
Groomsman
Nathan and I were brought together when I moved to the area in 2015. He has a warm and welcoming presence that makes you feel like the only person in the room. Nathan has played a key role in helping me navigate my way through ministry and affirming my gifts to be who God called me to be. We will also go to the grave with the belief that camo is always an appropriate color and pattern to wear at any social gathering. See you out in the woods after this, bro!
Maeghan O'Brien
Bridesmaid
Maeghan and I are sorority sisters but it has become abundantly clear over the years that she's more accurately a soul sister. I've often laughed that she is my guardian angel and that God placed her on this planet especially for me; she always seems to reach out to me exactly when my spirits need lifting. Maeghan is a one-in-a-million person and an amazing blessing to me. She's one of the sweetest, most genuine people I know and I am so thrilled that she'll be beside me on our big day!
Tauseef Sheikh
Groomsman
Tauseef and I were brought together by our mutual loathing of Economics 201 with MAJ Bang at VMI. That first class led us to watch our first soccer game together afterward; the world hasn't been the same since! That's all it took for him to become my best friend. Although he basks in the glow of the Royal White of Real Madrid CF, while I prefer the more austere colors of Manchester United FC, we always have and always will have each others' back. We both firmly agree that Cristiano Ronaldo, NOT Lionel Messi, is the finest footballer we have ever seen.