Wedding Party Member
Andrew and Peter met in Kindergarten and quickly became partners in trouble-making. They were often separated on the school bus and in class but what every teacher and three thousand miles of middle America failed to realize is that you can separate their bodies but never their bond. Andrew and Jackie met in high school, when the Whitman gang and the Hanson crew decided to merge pals. While Andrew ate way too much honey all the time at lunch, it was because he was too sweet of a guy not to.
Wedding Party Member
In the summer of 1994, Jackie finally had a baby brother. Over the years, he was always willing to play whatever role Jackie and Kasey needed him to play in their many theatrics, and received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the Father's Day Video. Though stationed across the country, he is always there to listen and offer comic relief. Jackie is so proud and honored to be his sister. Ever since Peter met Anthony, he has been many things: goofy, sometimes ridiculous, but also kind, generous, sincere and genuine. These are the qualities Peter knows that he brings to our wedding party and wedding day, and why he is looking forward to being his brother-in-law.
Wedding Party Member & Keeper of the Rings
Peter has known Bridget for as long as she's been alive. It's crazy to think that from the first time he met her, when her face was melting off of her face, that she would have grown into the smart, confident, caring young woman she is today. She was the first person Peter told that he was going to ask Jackie to marry him, and the first to see the ring - she kept the secret like a champ. For this reason, she has been chosen as Keeper of the Rings. Jackie has gifted Bridget with many nicknames over the years; from the Cooked Squash to Boo Boo Buttercup of Love to Little Miss Boo. Jackie would always call Peter with the "Bridget Story of the Day" while at college. They've shared many adventures as PB&J. Her hugs are the best and she always knows how to make Jackie smile. (Freckle power!)
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Freshmen year of high school, when Jackie barely spoke, the first thing she thought to say to Dan was, "Old people smell funny." Not only did Dan embrace the weird, but this was the start of a lifelong friendship filled with laughter, rides around town, and ten banana cream pies. He has a heart of gold, is always there to listen but beware - he plays a mean game of thumb war. Dan Ballester is a ride or die kind of friend. Whether it's stealing two people's identities to enter an event he and Peter had not signed up for, pulling off Xbox swindles at the Walmart, or just being there with a pizza and six pack of beer on a Friday night when they both got home from work - he is someone who will be there in the good times and the bad, and has been the #1 Fan of Peter & Jackie's relationship.
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When Peter thinks of Dave, the first thought to come to mind is that of a mountain. He is quiet, large, and stubborn as a rock but he remembers the days when that wasn't the case. Many here who don't know Dave from childhood would find it hard to believe he was once a whiny little biter. One can only assume Dave was jealous that Peter was born 7 months ahead of him or because of Peter's superior good looks, but Dave used to bite him all the time - until the day that Peter worked up the courage to bite him back. Dave never bit his cousin, or anyone else, ever again. Arguably, Peter set him up for the success Dave has seen in his life today. He has grown into a fine young man who we are honored to have in our wedding. Jackie had more to say but Peter took up all the space - love you Dave.
Wedding Party Member
Jackie & Jason have known each other since high school, when they were both wee little babes too nervous to talk to people. He has one of the most kind and giving hearts of anyone she's known, makes a darn good pizza, and is always there when you need a friend. Make him laugh - he has the best giggle in all the land. Jason is one of the best, most loyal friends anyone could ever hope to have. Peter finds it difficult to put it into words what exactly his friendship means to him so he will let the poet, Jesse Frederick, do it for him: "Everywhere you look, everywhere you go, there's a heart & a hand to hold on to. Everywhere you look, everywhere you go, there's a face of somebody who needs you. When you're lost out there and you're all alone a Jason is waiting to carry you home..."
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If you need an honest yet constructive opinion on anything in your life, a good book selection, or a solid video game review then Jerimiah is your guy. Though Peter inherited him as a friend from Jackie, he feels like he built a unique friendship over mutual enjoyment of the aforementioned things. His opinion is always valued and his counsel often sought. That is why he ranks among the chosen few. Hail King Bergstrom, ruler of Sigma Tau Delta of Lesley. Jackie was always impressed and inspired by the thoughts Jerimiah shared in their many English classes, and is forever grateful for inviting her over for video games and food when she needed a break. He always encourages Jackie to try something new and reminds her that all is possible when you have the right people there to support you.
Matron of Honor
Born 17 months after Jackie, Kasey was her first friend and entertainment partner. While there is far too much to write here to truly capture their sisterhood, there are some things that immediately come to mind. Kasey makes Jackie laugh more than anyone else, is known for her impressive song lyric knowledge and fluency in pig latin, and has a giving nature that knows no bounds. She is always down for anything, always there when needed, and holds true to PPG for life. Peter says the moment he and Kasey truly became family was when he witnessed the balsamic vinegar incident. Kasey is often the most bubbly, positive person in the room, is always willing to help and is genuinely smiling when she does it. He is thankful for her efforts in welcoming him to the family.
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Next time you're at a party, head to the living room and look at the couch because that's where you'll find Katrina and Jackie. Over the years, they've shared their love of Pride & Prejudice, movies about awesome ladies in general, and sharing yummy food in the comfiest of clothes. She encourages Jackie to believe in herself, is always driven to do what is right, and is the most loyal of friends. (Fun fact: Her last name means friend!) Katrina is a dedicated teacher with a will of steel and a heart of gold. She supports you when you need a kick in the butt, like when she kept Peter at her house until he applied for the Roca job. Her faith in you is unwavering. She's always there to problem-solve. She's a calm presence in an otherwise crazy world and we're all the better for knowing her.
Wedding Party
Lauren. The L stands for loyal. Even after Peter forgot to pick her up for school, or made fun of her nose/her in general, she was still always there offering friendship and kindness. Since middle school their friendship has only grown stronger and he's excited to be back-to-back wedding buds with her. Lauren always brings joy to anyone she meets. She's always smiling, happy go lucky, and could have had a career as a detective. She and Jackie have spent many milestones together - semi's and proms, sweet sixteens and sleepovers, surviving math and even learning the outline of Texas. She's always willing to listen and offer a helping hand. Just don't buy things to make breakfast the next morning or she'll disappear before the morning sun. We promise she's real.
Wedding Party Member
Lyndsey and Jackie met in the lovely land of Lesley. Lyndsey was involved in and started many community service projects at school and Jackie was always inspired by Lyndsey's way of creating something for the betterment of others. She is generous with her heart and her time, and Jackie is grateful their paths crossed again a few years ago. She embodies Iroh's wisdom, "You have light and peace inside of you. If you let it out, you can change the world around you." Peter hasn't known Lyndsey for very long but what he does know is that 50% of the sounds that come out of her mouth have been laughter. He genuinely enjoys her company. After being invited in sharing in her and Kappes' wedding day, seeing the love and devotion present in their day made him all the more excited to do the same.
Wedding Party Member
Peter's sister is one of the most driven people he knows. She never stops pushing forward until she reaches her goals. She doesn't know the word quit and doesn't allow those around her to know it either. She helped pull him through a Stats class, create a fitness plan, and encouraged him to move forward with his relationship with Jackie - leading to their wedding day. As the older brother he teases her a lot but honestly he is lucky to have a sibling like her...almost as lucky as she is to have someone like him. Mikayla is quiet and fierce. It's more than the fact that she has nine lives - she's incredibly focused on achieving what she puts her mind to. Jackie sincerely appreciates not only that Mikayla welcomed her into her family but actively includes her and makes her feel loved.
Wedding Party Member
Jackie: "I should say, 'So into hanging out, or so into me?' No, I can't say that! Untype that." Paulette: "No, you have to! It's so good! I'm going to send it." And so, while Jackie was driving, the text to Peter was sent at the hands of Paulette ten years ago. Without Paulette's encouragement, who knows what would have happened. Anyway, Paulette has been more than her little sister but a trusted friend and buddy for adventure. She knows what to do, man. It didn't take long after Jackie and Peter began dating for Peter to feel like he gained another younger sister. One of his fondest memories was the time she came to sit in his Anthropology course with him. Even at thirteen years old she showed a willingness to learn something new. This value is why I believe she has been so successful.
Wedding Party Member
Cryin' Ryan, Sobbin' Dobbins. If there was a human embodiment of a matted wet blanket that you would find under a highway overpass on the bad side of town, it's him. But once you get over it's disgusting exterior and wrap that blanket around you, you'll find a warmth and security you never knew could be true. Ryan is a dear, long time friend and in a pinch there is no one more reliable. I am truly honored to have Ryan be a part of our day. Jackie did not write the above. When she thinks of Ryan, she thinks of the color cyan, being asked if he should pay now or later, and the many late night AIM chats to feed her procrastination and make her feel less alone. A man of few words, he is always there to listen to as many as you need to share with him.
Wedding Party Member
Dr. Sinead: While Peter has only gotten to know her over the last few years since she crawled out of that hole called her doctoral degree, he has found a warm, endearing presence who is always willing to help a friend even if that means just trying to keep them calm while they furiously build a crib with no written instructions. He values her friendship and is proud to have her stand with us for our day. Sinead is incredibly sweet, gracious, loyal and kind. She actively believes in the lost art of a handwritten note or holiday card, which Jackie loves to bits. During stressful and sad times, she was always there to listen, offer advice, and check up on Jackie after. On a day that will be filled with joy and nerves, Jackie is grateful to have Dr. Sinead to help keep her together.