Maid of Honor
She's my (Steph's) best friend from my hometown in Waltham, MA. Before Rob, there was Michelle. We explored the world together, had date nights, shared secrets, and had all sorts of crazy life adventures together. (Like the time we GPS'd our way through a jungle or gave our beach chair to the bath salts lady, or the time when, actually let's just leave it there lol). Mich, you're friendship has been a blessing, you have literally walked through some of my darkest days, genuinely celebrated my wins, laughed at my ridiculousness, flown across states just to spend a couple of days with me, and the list goes on. We are family, we've been through it all, so when Rob came along- well you know how that goes.... need I say more? Love you so much! ps. don't worry Mich secretly you're still my soulmate.
Best Man
What can I say about Jameel...Man, if you ever need something, don't call this guy because he won't answer his phone! LOL!! I have known J since we were in middle school trying figure life out, and we have been boys ever since. SO many memories and some that well... we probably should keep to ourselves, but I just want to say this- I AM STILL mad at him for getting a brick thrown through my car window! Jameel is someone that definitely knows all my juice and someone that I can talk to about anything. The best thing about Jameel is he will shoot it straight every time we talk and its something I have always appreciated. One of my best friends, my brother, much love J!
Bridesmaid
The youngest of Rob's daughters and the one with the most sass. Kylie is such a free spirit and made dating her dad easy. I could not have been more blessed of how accepting and loving she has been with me from the beginning, even BEFORE Rob and I started dating, she was my biggest cheerleader. Through the years our bond has only grown stronger and now she's become my tag team partner. Together we dominate in ganging up on dad when it really counts---like the time we convinced him that buying a puppy was a do or die decision. Love you munchkin!
Best Man
J, first of all, you know I was better than you in football! HAHA! J always has something to preach about whether it's his philosophy on life, a situation, and most importantly that he has woman figured out. I always enjoy getting his short videos to our guy chat showing what he did to his house or the hot tub that nobody is ever in, but I still love my boy. I have known J for 30 years and we have always had a strong friendship that has gotten us through some good and bad times, and most importantly kept us close no matter the distance. I admire all that he has accomplished, and I could not ask for a better friend. There is only a small circle of friends that know everything about me, the good, bad, and the ugly and J is one of them. He has never judged me and is one of those that I would always call when I just need someone to lend an ear. Mad love to you J! Thanks for being my boy.
Bridesmaid
Rob's second oldest daughter and my...student. As many of you know Madison recently graduated and double majored in journalism and mass media communications--meaning A LOT of writing and A LOT of editing. Guess who used to get the late-night texts (and I mean 3 AM late), for requests to edit her essays and who got jealous that she wasn't asking him? Madison, you have always made me feel welcomed and loved. I have told you this before but many years ago you totally melted my heart from a brief encounter with a TSA agent. LOL We were going through security and when he asked you where your parents were, you quickly pointed at me and said, "my stepmom is right there". There was no hesitation as you responded, and it made me realize that you genuinely accepted me into your life. I thank you for how loving you have always been and how honest you are with me. I love you so much!
Groomsman
My middle son and definitely the most free-spirited. A lot of people say he is my twin and to that I would say "yea I can see the resemblance, but I am definitely the better looking one" HAHA! I admire how he can get along with anybody and lives life one day at a time, enjoying whatever it has to offer. Eriq is definitely my "let's go to the club" son and he is all about it. We have had some great times just hanging out, laughing uncontrollably playing Uno, and just being in the moment which comes very easy for us. We did our first trail marathon together and well let's just say Pops left him in the dust! JK, I wish, He actually left me at about mile 18 and I cut out at mile 23 but he finished, and I was so proud watching him finish that race. He has my passion for life and helping others which makes me a very proud dad. I envy his drive for life and to do what he loves to do no matter the cost. He has an infectious smile and his personality drives everyone to just want to be near him. I am very fortunate to have such an amazing son and am thankful for all the times we have been able to share the past few years. Love you son!
Bridesmaid
Technically she'll be my daughter-in-law, but we are so much more than that. Throughout the years we've developed a bond like no other---we often question is this TMI? Should we not talk about these things with one another? Is this topic crossing a boundary? And then we usually decide nope it's not- and carry on with the over sharing. It's hilarious, disturbing, but you know much needed all the time. LOL Britt, I'm so grateful for the relationship that we have and could not picture this day without you. From sobbing on the phone together, to sending NOVELS to one another just to tell a simple story, you are easily someone that truly understands me. I love you so much! PS she probably understands me so well because she is married to Rob's son---who is literally just as stubborn as Rob!
Groomsman
My first born! What can I say, Tim was the one that had to go through my trial and error of being a young new dad. He made it very easy, well except when he decided to pour syrup all over my new carpet when he was three! LOL After providing serious consequences (just joking) he made my job of being a dad so easy. Through all of the soccer, baseball, wrestling, and football practices, we have made so many fun memories that we talk and laugh about to this today. Like the time when I was so mad at him that he was arm tackling in practice, I put on my big boy football pads and made this little 8-year-old boy tackle me for hours until he got it right. Maybe not one of my best dad moments BUT I always did it with nothing but LOVE son! No but seriously, Tim made my job so easy growing up and I would not change anything as we learned life together with me being such a young father. Now he is grown, and I couldn't be prouder of my son and all of his accomplishments as a marine, a husband, and a father. He is stubborn like his dad, but he is one of my very best friends. I always enjoy our father son talks on the way to or home from work. I love him to death and always cherish every moment we get to spend together. Love you son!
Bridesmaid
Rob's oldest daughter and the first of all the kids that I spent a lot of time with even before truly dating her dad. Fun fact- Sierra and I lived together for a few months after Rob, and I met. She is the true definition of a ride-or-die. One time during a girl's night, Sierra made sure that every man who approached our vicinity (regardless of the intention or even if they weren't coming to talk to us directly) was made aware that I was taken by her father, by continuously yelling " THIS IS MY DADS GIRLFRIEND AND I'M HIS DAUGHTER SO DON'T TRY AND TALK TO US". It was hysterical and such a good memory. Sierra, thank you for accepting me so quickly, protecting my heart when it needed it, and agreeing with me no matter what even when I'm wrong just to prove a point to dad lol Love you so much!
Groomsman
Vance came into my life when he was about to turn 4 years old. Another one of my great dad moments was the first time he rode in my car; I was trying to impress Vance by spraying my cologne on him before we meet up with his mom. Well let's say my aim wasn't the greatest considering I was driving, and I sprayed directly into his eyes. As you can imagine, that didn't go so well, and I had a lot of explaining to do. HA! Vance was this shy little boy that wouldn't shake your hand and just stare at you when you asked him questions. I quickly got him out of that :) But he was such a sweet kid that I couldn't get mad at him because all he wanted to do was ride his bike, skateboard, or just hang out with his new siblings. When I say this kid was EASY to raise, I mean he was EASY! He never gave problems and was always respectful. I never saw him as my stepson because I loved him no different from my own and in my mind, from day one he was my son. We shared a lot of good times together and it is so rewarding to see how this once shy young boy grew up to be a vocal and headstrong young man. Whenever I needed something to be put together, Vance was always eager to help. Through all the good times and his lucky dice shirt, I was very blessed to have Vance come into my life. Love you son!
Officiant
David has been a close friend of mine since college. We played football together, shared a dorm room, and sure had some crazy college memories! One of the most memorable ones was when we ended up in the ER, in Mexico of all places on, a spring break trip, and well lets say David wasn't too happy with me when they were placing staples in his head! Sorry bro, but that scar is a good ice breaker!! Anyway, we hit it off from the moment we met, being from the same hometown, and sharing the same values--we have been friends ever since, truly appreciate the friendship we share. PS, This guy can BBQ a mean steak!!!
Honor Attendant
Ed "preacher" Harris, man we go way back! This is one of the other few guys that knows all the good, bad, and ugly about me from my childhood days. If I ever need a strong voice of reason or just someone to pray with, Ed has always been my man. One of my true best friends and definitely blessed to have his friendship after all these years. We have so many memories going back 30 years but the one that comes to mind, is when I "let" him take my position in football in high school-- Ed you are lucky I broke my leg bro because I definitely would have made that tackle on Douglas! lol!
Flower girl and the ring bearers
Initially we were going to have our wedding in Texas, and these three munchkins (3 out of the 4 grandkids) were going to be a part of it. However, when we decided to change it to a destination wedding the parents of said munchkins decided that they did NOT want to be the only people in MX for the wedding with responsibilities and they made the executive decision to remove their children from the entire trip. LOL, but we are still going to honor them in a small get together post-wedding.