The Wedding of Stephanie & Zachary
Wedding Party
Anna Ballard
Matron of Honor
Anna is not only my sister, but she is beautiful, independent, creative, caring, loyal, hard-working, dedicated, a natural leader and a perfect planner! So it was no question for me to ask her to be one of my matrons of honor! Growing up Anna easily became my best friend. She was someone I could go to about anything and trust. We found ourselves doing the most goofy things, such as our youtube dances (btw this included dancing in grocery stores with cans of ravioli) and sliding down the hallway in laundry baskets. We were always laughing together and maybe sometimes ugly crying. Even though we are miles apart now, our bond still stands and I am proud to call Anna my sister. She truly is amazing.
Xavier Hayes
Best Man
Easist decison of my life was making my Brother the Best Man. I am who I am today because of Xavier and my Mother. Xavier has made a plethra of sacrafices that i could never repay him for. When times get tough, difficult decisions, or even jut thinking about the next course of action I should take. The first thing I ask myself is, "what would Xavier do in this situation?". I'd say I'm a little more open than my brother when it comes to speaking your mind, but I strive to take the more "calculated" approach that my brother would.
Erin Kershner
Maid of Honor
When I thought about picking my MOH, I immediately thought "sister", but I couldn't think about the word "sister" without thinking about Erin. While Erin may not be my blood sister, she is my sister at heart. She's more than just a friend. She has easily become one of the closest people to me and she has had a huge impact in Zach and I's relationship. When Zach got stationed in Cali I was discouraged, but I stumbled across Erin's facebook post to rent out a room in her house. Her post was the only affordable option for moving to Cali. After a few conversations, I discovered that she worked in the same squadron as Zach as well as her boyfriend Caleb. What are the odds. Moving across the country where I knew no one became the best decision I ever made because of Erin. While Zach was deployed we made a promise to go out and explore something new every Saturday. She became someone I trusted and knew I could go to about anything. She was there for me in some of my toughest times. If someone asked me to pick one person you know you could depend on it would be Erin, which is why I knew I had to pick both a maid of honor and matron of honor.
Kenneth Riggins
Groomsman
When I first saw Kenny at the airport, headed to basic training, I had quite the laugh on the inside. Oddly enough, he ended up being in the same flight as me in basic, sleeping only two bunks away. We overcame basic training together and ended up at the same base, doing the same job, and I'm proud to call him my wingman. One thing about Kenny is, he loves to debate. There's been plenty of times where we sit and debate a topic for hours, and still not understand the other person's side. Regardless, kenny is one of my most adventurous friends. Anytime I ask him if he wants to go with me somewhere, he's always down to go with me. Most importantly, Kenny has become more of a brother to me.
Sarah Doby
Bridesmaid
Sarah is my youngest sister! We are a whole 15 years apart! Sarah is smart, beautiful, sweet, caring, loving, and talented! She has always been far better at sports than me and is an incredible volleyball player! Sarah is exceptional and far more mature than her age! Her engagement with the church and the community is amazing! I couldn't imagine having my wedding without her by my side. No matter the distance between us she will always hold a special place in my heart. I am proud to be her big sister and am proud of the young woman she is becoming! Her future is bright!
Ricardo Gonzalez
Groomsman
My first day on station in California was March 26, 2020. My first deployment started December 4, 2020. In the 9 months I had before deployment, I didn't meet a lot of new people. On the day of departure for deployment, I noticed there was only one other crew chief, so all the work that needed to be done to get us there was up to Cardo and I. We made it there safely and spent 5 months together deployed, working out, and exploring the city of Abu Dhabi. We built a relationship that would last for a lifetime.
Jordan Monds
Groomsman
There isn't much to do at Campbell University where I first met Jordan. The people you meet and the relationships you make, help make the college experience worthwhile. We've watched each other study for hours on hours when we lived together. Jordan made me a movie star, by allowing me to be a part of the casting on a film, where I played quarterback on a high school football team. From the time we first spoke, Jordan has always had a plan to always keep moving forward in life regardless of obstacles in the way. The saying, "started from the bottom, now we here", directly describes the experiences I have shared with Jordan. They can never be forgotten and will never be taken for granted.
Brittany Boothby
Bridesmaid
I read a quote once that said "God puts people in your life for reasons. Some to learn lessons from, others to help you along your way, and others to help you realize how strong you really are". Brittany just so happens to fulfill all of these roles. Brittany has been the best unexpected friend. She is someone who I have learned to trust. Someone who I know will support me and have my back, but also someone who will tell me when I am wrong. Someone who understands me a little more than most. Someone who is honest and down to earth. She is someone who has made me feel a little more at home since becoming my roommate. The best part is that she comes with a bonus.... my favorite 3 year old, Kyrie! Kyrie and Zyair have become the best of friends. Having someone else love your son just as much as you is a blessing. The love her and Kyrie have for Zyair is something that is priceless. I am grateful for you Brittany!
Wesley Earp
Groomsman
Wesley Earp. Man there's so much to tell in this story, but you had to have been there to understand it. I met earp at campbell through a mutual friend of ours, Cameron. I knew Cam for a while before I knew Wesley. Wesley was always in and out of the library at school so, initially i wasn't able to get to know him. After years of talking to wesley, through the worst times and the best times. I would describe Wesley by three things: Self motivated, God loving, and Self Employeed. Wesley its the founder of the WeInvested Podcast. I call wesley the money guru, as he has shown me countless ways to have multiple sources of income. I talk to Earp about anything that help bring more money to me and my family, and he is easily one of the smartest men I know.
Caleb Franklin
Bridesman
Caleb is my step-brother or should I say bonus brother because having him as a sibling is truly a blessing. Caleb is unique and not your typical college boy. He is responsible, smart, loving, kind and hard working. He cares about others and is God loving. Growing up, Anna and I used to pick on Caleb only because we knew it would get under his skin.....and it worked. But, when you grow up in a house full of girls... what else would you expect lol. Watching Caleb grow into a young man has been beautiful. I think my most favorite thing now is watching Caleb interact with my son. Watching my son's face light up and watching him giggle at his Uncle Caleb brings a warmth to my heart that I am grateful for. We are lucky to have Caleb in our lives and I wouldn't want to spend my wedding day without him.
Caleb Russell
Groomsman
Caleb and I's friendship was meant to be. When Stephanie moved out to California, she rented a room out of someone's house. Coincidentally, that person was Caleb's girlfriend. Caleb also was deployed at the same time as me but was sent home early because of a back injury. Steph used to call me all the time, and tell me about how much Caleb and I had in common. After coming home from deployment, it didn't take long for us to get on the water together and go fishing. Ya'll should ask Caleb who's the better fisherman.
Juni Pickering
Groomsman
I met Juni in college as well. Juni and I have this ongoing competition with each other because of sports. I used to watch him drop passes in flag football all the time, but that didn't stop me from talking to him everyday. Juni was always the "life of the party" kind of person. Now a days, Juni tends to his children and continues a successful career as Subcontract Administrator for ManTech. Juni helped me prepare for the different experiences fatherhood would entail. Becoming a father is probably one of the biggest challenges in my life. Knowing what to expect, as opposed to not knowing and being unprepared, made me a better father, husband, and anchor for my family.
Bradyn Harper
Groomsman
The military has a intersting way of bringing people of different backgrounds, lifestlyes, and upbringings together. When I first met bradyn, I was going to our support section to get everything I needed to send a Jet in the air. Bradyn doesnt remember this first interaction, but I only remember it because of his infectious positivity. Most people go to work, go through the motions and complain about their jobs. Even though bradyn didn't like being in the support section, it didn't effect how he interacted with the airmen passing through. Later on that year Bradyn came to my shift, and I realized we share alot of the same hobbies. Without turning this into an essay, the biggest thing you should take away from this relationship is, bradyn and i would wipe your whole team out on the paintball feild.