Wedding Party
Kathryn Sydes
Mother of the Bride
Kathryn is a free spirited adventurer. Kathryn has three children, Nick, Sam, and Natalie Peach is in the middle. Kathryn holds degrees in Nursing and Anthropology, as well as an MPH in Epidemiology. She is currently working as a Sr. Clinical Research Associate specializing in cardiac implantable device clinical trials. Kathryn has traveled the world for work as well as for fun, living for periods in London, Perth, Belgium, and the jungles of Zaire. She has now found home at Lay Lake where she enjoys kayaking, long walks with her dogs, jet skiing, boating, telescope astronomy, and well... the list just goes on. Kathryn will never say no to an adventure, and she has big plans for the year of more scuba dive trips and explorations with her loving partner Bill. Kathryn is a natural healer, an animal lover of all kinds, and a gentle yet strong willed woman. I, as her daughter, feel so blessed to be raised by such an intelligent, confident, grounded, and resilient woman. I would not be where I am today or who I am today without her guidance, grace, and spunk!
Suna Sahinoglu
Mother of the Groom
Suna is a kind and gentle woman, and when you get to know her she really blossoms with energy and fire. Suna, Mehmet, and their three children Göktürk, Efe, and Hakan have been dual citizens of USA and Türkiye for decades. Suna is a strong and intelligent woman who has BS and MS degrees in Chemical Engineering, and currently is teaching at Auburn University Montgomery. She is a considerate and compassionate person, patiently taking care of others and making people around her feel comfortable and assured. Suna makes the world more colorful, joyous, and engaging with her bright smile and personality. In her leisure time, she can be found playing the piano, and reading, or grading exam papers, if not spending time with her 5 cats!
Mehmet Sahinoglu
Father of the Groom
Mehmet taught at METU-Ankara, and Texas A&M, his alma mater, and Purdue, and Case Western Reserve Universities, as a Fulbright and NATO scholar, later at Troy U-AL as an Eminent Scholar. He is the founder of the Cybersystems and Information Security graduate program in Auburn University Montgomery, where the family moved to from Cleveland, OH in 1999. Mehmet authored textbooks by Wiley, and several memoirs. Mehmet was and still is a great support to his children throughout the years as a passionate dad. Dr. Şahinoğlu’s long academic career took him and his wife to academic conferences all over the world. Therefore, they explored the places and got to know people of different cultures, and values, which helped them raise open-minded and tolerant children.
Shannon Hancock
Maid of Honor
Shannon is the light from the fire. She is incredibly intelligent, multi-talented, and funny. Shannon graduated from Sanford University magma cum laude in Political Science with a concentration in World Studies. Shannon is a talented theater actress with a focus in musical theater and dance. Shannon and I first became trusted business partners in developing Vulcan Yoga Teaching School. Our adventures of running a female owned and operated business led us into a beautiful friendship rooted in respect. Throughout the years Shannon has taught me so much on grace, patience, and love. Her spirit of yoga is kind, gentle and yet extremely fierce, while my style of yoga is hot, strong, and passionate and that is how we came up with the perfect slogan for our school "Forage the Fire Within!". It is because of Shannon's beautiful light I've been able to make it through dark times, and enjoy life with love and compassion. Shannon is a strong woman, poised, and bold, and I am grateful to call her my best friend.
Ponyo!
Best Pup
Some angels have wings, and others have paws....and then there is the one and ONLY Ponyo! Pon is a free spirit and certified "good girl". Pon has been Natalie’s emotional support animal for the past 11 years. Ponyo loves booty scratches, long walks, and mischief. Pon also loves snacks and can preform "tricks" for you. Ponyo is the keeper of my secrets, the therapist at my bedside, my teacher, and my friend. 11/10 would recommend Ponyo as best doggo. Ponyo has taught me about unconditional love, dedication, and finding the little things in life to bring joy every day.