Emily & Michael
Wedding Party
Emily LaBianca
Maid of Honor
It all started when our mom's met in a mommy homeschooling support group. We enjoyed American Girl club together as sweet 7-year-olds. As we got older, we loved discussing what we were reading and writing, and playing Nancy Drew games together (and still love doing all of the above). When we went away to college we became even closer, despite her family's move, and made many trips between New York and Pennsylvania. We call ourselves the twins (we have the same first name, are one day apart, etc...). When she went with me to Haiti during college, I knew God was calling her to abroad to serve Him. I am so proud of her and so glad that she is flying across the ocean for the big day!
Rebekah Bailey
Maid of Honor
Becky is the life of the party! She is imaginative, whimsical, and elegant. She has been my support system through my senior year of college and post-college life. She is a good listener, and a sweet friend. She has been so much fun to plan this wedding with. I am so glad she is one my maids of honor!
Paul Rizzi
Best Man
Paul is Michael's fraternal twin brother and his best friend. Paul is kind, strong and hard-working. When they were growing up, Michael and Paul spent hours together building legos, playing ping-pong, and shooting basketballs. Although they are 100s of miles apart, they are still very close. Paul is studying mechanical engineering at Southern New Hampshire University. We are so proud of him and happy that he is the best man!
Jonathan Harris
Groomsman
Jon is incredibly creative, funny, and intelligent. I love how I can go to him and ask him to fill me in on the latest in everything! From pop culture, to sports, to politics, he knows it all! He is also incredibly good with directions, which was helpful when growing up because I am directionally challenged. Jon is a strong, handsome, intelligent warrior and fighter and I am proud to call him my brother!
Anne Spence
Bridesmaid
Anne and I were roommates our sophomore year of college. She is very sweet, classy, and a brilliant writer. I love how confident Anne is in herself and how she does not take herself too seriously. She was a breath of fresh air to live with! She is now a strong wife and mommy. When we lived together, I knew she had many brothers, but little did I know that three years later, I would be marrying one of them! It is funny how God writes our stories if we let Him.
Gilead Spence
Groomsman
Gil is married to Michael's sister, Anne Spence (a bridesmaid) and a father to Michael's adorable nephew, Zar Spence (our ring bearer). Gil is fun to be with, bold, and creative. He does an incredible job of tenderly loving and providing for his family. Michael has memories of teasing Anne and Gil when they were dating and seeing Zootopia together. Now Gil is another fun brother!
Karly Harris
Bridesmaid
Cousin Karly! I am so glad she is a part of my life. We are the only girls in the family and have had fun sticking together! We live a country apart but have seen each other nearly annually, usually for a family reunion at the beach in Emerald Isle or when we were younger, playing around Granny Grunt's California desert backyard (getting into trouble :P). Lately, we have been together for one too many funerals, but Karly is a warrior princess and I am proud of her. She is incredibly loyal, intelligent, a history buff, and is working hard to get her nursing degree. Love you Karly!
Patrick Rizzi
Groomsman
Patrick is the middle Rizzi child and was the one who introduced Michael and Emily (read Our Story on the home page to learn more about how Michael and Emily met). Emily and Patrick served together as spiritual leaders on campus. He is fun, smart, and friendly and enjoys collecting books for his personal library. He loves Jesus passionately and serves him with everything he has. Michael has fond memories of playing video games, enjoying nature and serving with Patrick at ministry outreaches. Patrick is studying psychology at Regent University.
Hannah Stremmel
Bridesmaid
Hannah is a beauty! She is fun, vivacious, and has really blossomed into her own! We quickly became best friends when she started going to my church in middle school. Hannah can be quiet...until you get to know her! I have loved traveling with her to Belize for a mission trip in high school and having endless sleepovers and birthday parties. Although we live far apart now, Hannah is following God's call on her life and I am so proud. It is hard to believe she will soon be a Mrs. as well! I am so glad she is a part of my special day.
John Rizzi
Groomsman
John Rizzi is Michael's oldest brother. He is industrious, and a patient, strong leader who perseveres even through life's challenges. He was the first Rizzi to attend Regent University (where Emily and Michael met) so we have him to thank! John is now a financial planner and is engaged to be married to the lovely Rachel this September!
Brianna Miley
Bridesmaid
Bri is a lovely soul. We have been friends since she was 3 and I was 6. We have supported each other through the awkward stages of becoming who are today. We have gone on countless family vacations together and always celebrated the Superbowl together. We traveled to Haiti in 2016 where we danced with the beautiful Haitian children under the hot Caribbean sun and told them about the love of Jesus. Through the years, we taught Vacation Bible School to rambunctious 5 year olds and Bible study to high school girls at our church. Now she is a lovely, intelligent warrior of a college student and I could not be prouder!
Ruby LaBianca
Junior Bridesmaid
Ruby is the vivacious, imaginative, whimsical, younger sister of Emily LaBianca, my maid of honor. She is a talented actress, and I have had the privilege of watching her on Broadway. It has been fun to watch her grow from a curly headed "Shirley Temple" to a beautiful young woman! So glad she is in our special day!
Zar Spence
Ring Bearer
Our adorable one-year-old nephew!!! Michael and I are so thankful for him. I am sure he will be the center of attention!
Rev. Carl Harris (FOTB)
Officiant
My dad. How blessed am I to have him. He is a beautiful balance of fiery and gentle. He taught me what a husband should be like through his wonderful selfless love for my mom. I am amazed by his faithfulness. I am so glad he gets to both give me away and unite Michael and I in holy matrimony.