Quinlin & Jabari
Wedding Party
Quinlin O'Donnell
Bride
Fun facts about Quinlin: As a kid, she wanted to be an actress or waitress when she grew up. She started her college career at The University of Missouri as a journalism major. She can wiggle her ears, even one at a time. She failed at playing piano, guitar, and cello. Still a karaoke enthusiast. She lived in South Korea for about 6 years (sorry Mom and Dad) where she taught English to students ranging from ages 3 to 15. Yes, she speaks Korean. She is in her 10th year of teaching and is currently working in the KC Public School District at Northeast Middle School where she teaches beginner-level English Language Learners (ELL)--immigrant and refugee students. She prefers to drink room temperature water. She thought she might marry Jabari on their 4th date. Pineapples on pizza!
Jabari Wright
Groom
Jabari is currently working as a supervisor at Ford. He is also taking college courses in pursuit of becoming a zoologist. Jabari knew he wanted to marry Quinlin just a month after they met when she showed him nothing but patience, support, and encouragement through hard times and big life changes. Jabari's top 10: 10. Meat lovers pizza 9. Pasta, other 8. Fettuccine Alfredo 7. Steak 6. Talking to strangers 5. Football (a newly self-proclaimed KC Chiefs fan) 4. Truly Hard Seltzers 3. Music 2. Animals 1. Family, Quinlin and Quinlin's Family, and friends
Kelsey O'Donnell
Matron of Honor
Kelsey is Quinlin's older sister by 23 months. Quinlin is grateful for all of the life lessons Kelsey has taught her like 2 pennies are actually NOT more than 1 quarter, it's never wise to reveal a Christmas gift first, and mud will not actually swallow you whole. Kelsey and Quinlin share an array of memories together ranging from domestic trips centered around community service, ski trips, and exploration to traveling Europe together during Kelsey's time at Oxford. Kelsey now lives in New York City with her husband and incredibly charming, smart, hysterical, creative, independent daughter.
Nick Wright
Best Man
Nick is Jabari's older brother by 4 years. He was born in Germany while his father was stationed abroad. He is responsible for surprising the family by bringing home a Blue Nose Pitbull, Mercedes, 11 years ago. She is still a part of the family today. Nick is the most loving and accepting person that Jabari knows. Jabari loves his high energy, enthusiasm for life, and consistent positivity. Jabari has immense admiration for his older brother and truly appreciates the guidance he's given him through life. They tie for first place for best smile AND best conversation.
Laura Swan
Maid of Honor
Laura and Quinlin originally met in the summer of 2009 in South Korea during a month-long summer camp, organized and sponsored by their alma mater, The University of Missouri. During the camp, Laura and Quinlin built a friendship while quarantining in a successful attempt to escape infection of the Swine Flu and simultaneously managed to aid in creating and structuring a mini-community resembling actual civilization comprised of language lessons, massages, yoga classes, music lessons and a full-blown Olympics, orchestrated by none other than Laura Swan! Later, the duo both taught in Korea and were always completely responsible together. Now, they live 5 minutes apart and share a love of beer, kimchi, and education.
Jason "J-Rock" Allen
Groomsman
JRock is Jabari's cousin. He is from Brooklyn, but moved near Charlotte, NC a couple of years ago to be closer to family. Jabari loves JRock's big heart and swears he should be a comedian. His natural, unintentional humor is one thing that makes everyone around him feel comfortable. JRock was one of the first family members Quinlin met during a visit to NYC after Jabari and Quinlin had been together for just a couple of months and he welcomed her with open arms. He is like a big brother to Jabari.
Jessica McCracken
Bridesmaid
Jessica and Quinlin met in 2017 when they were both teachers at Kansas City International Academy. Jessica is now a middle school ELA teacher at Raytown South and Quinlin teaches English Language Learners at Northeast Middle School. They share a love for cheese pizza, red wine, and figuring out the rather odd behaviors of middle school children. Jessica is intelligent, outgoing, thoughtful, truthful, and incredibly supportive and understanding.