Mother of the Bride
I wouldn't be the woman I am today without my mom. My mom has always inspired me to be a strong independent, and hardworking woman. Watching her succeed at balancing both a successful career and family is something that I have always looked up to and aspire to do myself. I will always treasure our girl's trips that we take together, our wine nights, and the close relationship that we have. I am so lucky to have my mom here to support me through everything. The wheels would literally fall off without her support including making this wedding a reality!
Father of the Bride
My dad has always been there to support me and help me through any situation in my life. Everything from the hours spent calmly coaching me through physics and calculus to things like helping me clean up the mess that happens when you decide to foster nine-german shepherd puppies. He has one of the biggest hearts of anyone that you would meet. I aspire to have his patience and calm demeanor no matter the situation. I am so lucky to have inherited so many of his genes as we always jokingly say, minus the math gene of course. Thank you Dad for helping me to get where I am today and for being the one to walk me down the aisle.
Mother of the Groom
My mother is one of the most caring, understanding, and patient people that I know. She has always supported me no matter what was going on in my life, and encouraged me to be the best that I can be at anything that I do. It goes without say that she is a huge reason that I am the person that I am today.
Father of the Groom
My dad taught me to work hard, stand up for what I believe in, and to always lend a hand. He may not have always agreed with my decisions but has always supported me. No matter if it was the middle of the night or the middle of the afternoon he is always willing to help. He showed me the meaning of putting others needs before your own. He has truly helped shape the man that I am today.
Matron of Honor
I am beyond excited to have Heather become my sister-in-law. Heather and Will were the first of Steve's relatives that I met. I feel lucky that we have become close through various nights out in downtown Kent and while sitting around a bonfire in their backyard. We also learned how much "trouble" we can get into together during a trip to New Orleans. Someone who also enjoys the great outdoors like me I treasure our weekly catchup hikes. So happy to have her as a forever friend and soon to be sister.
Best Man
Of Course, he is my best man. It's Will, He has had my back my entire life and would not want anyone else to have my back on what will be one of the greatest days of my life. Plus he has a nice beard.
Bridesmaid
I got to know Katie through Steve. It can be a bit nerve-wracking meeting your significant other's friends for the first time, and she welcomed me to the clan with open arms. I feel so lucky to have a friend like Katie, someone to take our dogs hiking with, hit the dance floor with, and someone to go on local adventures with me regardless of how odd it may be, from cat shows to alpaca farms.
Groomsman
This Guy... Let me tell you about this guy. Stephen and I got to know each other through the union of the Penny and Lentz clans. He is always willing to lend a hand, and help finish a bottle of bourbon. We have had a great time over the last several years, playing pinball, goofing off at work, and did I mention drinking bourbon.
Bridesmaid
We got to know each other through work initially. Our friendship really started during a work trip to Columbus, no better way to get to know someone than being stuck in a car for four hours with them! Our shared passions of caring for animals and travel has truly strengthened our friendship over the years. We took our first girls trip together to Mexico in 2016 and have continued to travel together since then. In total, we have gone on seven epic trips together including across the world to Thailand. I also call Jenna my 24/7 personal pet support line as she has helped guide me through all things medical that have happened to my pets over the recent years. I am so lucky to have Jenna by my side.
Groomsman
Since I couldn't make him a bridesmaid, of course, he's going to be a groomsman! My older brother, the one I have looked up to for so many years. Even when we fought like typical brothers and sisters he has always had my back. I am so lucky to have you as my brother. -Diana Brothers don't shake hands... Brothers got to hug.... Joe has been great and welcoming to me since the first time Diana brought me home. Getting to know him over some rum and a few rounds of golf has been great, maybe someday he will get that driver working. I am thrilled to have him as a brother-in-law and excited to have him standing up there with us on our big day. -Steve
Bridesmaid
Ashley is someone else who I initially got to know through work. We have really bonded over the years during work happy hours, and quarterly wine tasting trips in Geneva. She is also a travel enthusiast traveling with me and Jenna on many of the trips including Thailand. Ashley has been my rock when times get tough, the type of person you can call at any time to listen to your woes while also giving you back great advice. She has always been the perfect person to help me adult. So happy to have Ashley in my life and there as I say I Do.
Groomsman
Richard and I have known each other since middle school. We grew up skateboarding and playing sports together. We have always been close friends, and he is a friend I know I can depend on.
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met via a mutual friend while she was in graduate school at Kent State. I am so happy she forced herself into my life 6 years ago by inviting herself over to my house after that initial meeting. Lauren, forever my wing-woman was there the night that I met Steve and was right at my side helping me make my move through pinball skills. We have enjoyed so many memorable days and nights together over the years! I love having Lauren in my life and thankful she will be there for my special day.
Groomsman
Wait, did he really make the cut? Alright, I'm gonna level with you, he is only here because his parents are paying me. Andrew and I have been friends since middle school, he is like a brother to me, usually when you see one of us the other is not far behind.
Flower Girl
Gretchen is Steve's niece. She loves hamburgers (with ketchup and lettuce), princesses, and superheroes. When she isn't jumping off the back of the couch attacking innocent bystanders while wearing a tutu and hulk gloves, she enjoys swimming, dancing and singing. Gretchen is an avid painter and specializes in landscape and abstract watercolors.
Ring Bearer
Two-year-old Theo is the son of Laura and Andy Brown, Diana's cousins. He loves listening to Janis Joplin and watching Peppa Pig is also his jam at the moment. He likes to carb load but lives for his eggs. A potentially aspiring chef he loves to play cook. He also loves to count, say his shapes, letters, and colors. He is also a little globe trotter having gone to Puerto Rico, on a Disney Cruise, and Florida twice by his first birthday.
The Goodest Boy
For thirteen years Gizmo has been my main man. He's always there providing support through his overeager barks and kisses. Thankfully he loves Steve just as much as I do.