Wedding Party

Elizabeth Talbott

Maid of Honor

Jennifer Finney Johnson

Matron of Honor

Chris Gher

Best Man

Chris is the brains of this operation. Any adjective would fall short and he's every cliche to describe how much he means to me as a friend. We have had a lifetime of stories, certainly too many to share in 800 characters. Suffice it to say he's been there for every first in my life since 1991. His advice is always sought and his counsel always welcomed and if things go right at this wedding, we may just end up with a dozen donuts saran wrapped at the end of the night or a Totino's pizza in the oven, box and all.

Bo Madden

Groomsman

Every group has one and he is ours. Bo could very well stand for beyond opulent because he is so dreamy. As dreamy as he is, he is an even better man which is why, in 1996, in the biggest upset since NC State bested the boys from Houston, I was ecstatic to take home the Trade and Industrial Arts Award. I understand why Jimmy Valvano ran around with excitement that day because I did the same thing. Bo can fix anything and knows more than I ever will, but on that day, I prevailed (which may explain why I was an usher in his wedding). I display the award proudly, not to boast, but to remind myself that anything is possible and that for one day, I was better than Bo because all the other days I fall short. He is a good friend and better husband and father and I look up to him always.

Bella Cretacci

Flower Girl

It's been a pleasure watching this smart, young lady grow up. I've eaten and enjoyed more faux food than I could've ever imagined in her presence. She is smarter at 4 than I probably was at 8. I will miss hanging out at the house and helping read her bedtime stories and putting her to bed. She is as cute as a button with an infectious smile. I am thrilled to see her with her big girl nail polish and lip gloss at the wedding and dancing the night away at the reception.

Levi Sumpter

Ring Bearer

Hoping a spot in the wedding will make him forget about how I really hurt his finger on my first, and not coincidentally last, time watching him. I closed the trash chute just as he was putting his hand out and it was not good. As soon as his Mom and Dad got home he simply said, "Nathan did it." It is that kind of honesty that puts our rings in good hands; I know he will let us know if anyone messes with anything. My friends' kids had always called me Uncle Nate, but Levi made me legit. An inquisitive youngster, I could sit and mold Play-Doh and play trucks all day with him. He may be a little upset I am moving as we will no longer get to go to the zoo together, but I can't wait to have a lifetime of fun with him doing other things.

Terry Michels

Officiant

What does a hero look like? Is he as strong as the Hulk? Does he fly like Superman? Or is he the guy that took me to all his church league softball games and showed me how to have fun while playing hard? Or the guy that went out back and threw the ball with me whenever I wanted, or was the all-time pitcher in epic backyard wiffle ball games that did not ease up just because I was his son? Or is he the guy that, even though there was a report card full of A’s, held me accountable for the B in Health? Or is he the guy that gave me everything I needed and most of the things I wanted because that’s what dads do? He has been there for everything and guided me through all things, so it’s only right that he be a part of our special day.

Braden Cretacci

Usher

Braden is the brawn. Having ushered with Braden before, I’ve seen his ushering skills firsthand so this was a no-brainer. I know the room will be seated quickly and efficiently which means that much more time for the reception. At 6'4 with Braden overseeing everything from the back, I feel confident the shenanigans will be limited (unless he starts them), until the reception then all bets are off, especially if Baby Got Back is played and his karaoke skills are put on full display. We attended the Southern Illinois University together, taught together, and someday may co-author the Ripley Chronicles (our experience as new teachers) together. He is a great teacher (totally jealous of his ability in the classroom) and friend. Forever my NGLP, he had to be in the wedding in some capacity.

Joe Szynkowski

Usher

Like Braden, he did not grow up in Olney and it shows. He was not subject to that Olney drinking water because the second half of the brawn in the back, towers over the Olney boys. Whether it was running fly routes on Orchard Drive or jumping the fence after a night at the Perfect Shot, Joe is the lightning that always accompanies the thunder. His resourcefulness is second to none. Not only did he build a successful online writing business, but he is also the same man that taught me all you need are some Tostitos and shredded cheese and you have yourself some nachos. A true friend, he gave me a place to stay when I needed it and most importantly, if not for him, I never would have met Rachel in the first place so he really is the reason for this whole wedding.