Wedding Party
Paul Wagener
Groom
PJ grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. He is a Marine Officer and a KC-130J pilot. Upon meeting (and initially rejected by) his future wife reading at their local country bar, PJ fell in love with Talon’s big heart, resilient spirit and love of all things nature. He was a city boy smitten with Talon’s country charm.
Talon Wilkerson
Bride
Talon is a Texas native and is currently working as a USMC Officer as an Adjutant. She fell in love with PJ when she got to experience his sweet love and caring soul. He’s her person and her match in every way.
Brian Uhler
Best Man
Pj and Brian met the first day of high school and have been best friends ever since. Between their nearly identical sense of humor, understanding of niche internet memes, and love of snowboarding, a friendship was forged that could not be tarnished by distance nor time.
Shyla Deaton
Matron of Honor
Talon and Shyla met in 2022 in Pensacola, FL. After discovering their mutual love of dancing, you could find them tearing up the dance floor most weekends. Whether it’s Zumba or line dancing. Shyla has been a steadfast friend and can out dance any rival.
Chris Wagener
Groomsman
Chris and PJ’s relationship started at birth. Their mutual love of bourbon, a trait they got from their father, always brings these brothers together.
Ali Martin
Bridesmaid
Talon and Ali met in high school in Texas in 2009 through playing softball together. After Ali enlisted in the Marines Corps in 2014, they still kept in touch until being reunited in North Carolina in 2023. Ali is Talon’s oldest friend that has been a constant friend for 16 years. She is a sweet loving soul and has the sweetest two little girls.
Paul Malatesta
Groomsman
PJ and Paul met when they were freshman in college and for four years spoke approximately four times to each other. However, after commissioning and several King of the Hill watch parties, the two became one and the same. The Marine Corps had to separate the two for their own good (and sanity) and sent Paul as far away as possible, Japan.
Mariah Panzera
Bridesmaid
Talon and Mariah met at a wine bar in downtown Pensacola, FL in 2023. They share a love of brunches, long conversations(gossip) and their kitties. Mariah is the life of the party and has brought a bright flame in Talon’s life.
Austin McWherter
Groomsman
PJ and Austin met at the Naval Academy and became roommates shortly thereafter during their freshman year. Austin did what he could for the then socially awkward PJ, and he continued to be a great friend well through flight school. A bond made by 4 hard years of the Naval Academy, the misadventures of flight school, and a love of 90’s country remains to this day.
Cheyenne Christovale
Bridesmaid
Talon and Cheyenne met at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA in 2019. A mutual love of the Marine Corps and family has kept them close through the years. She is a cherished friend whose presence is a constant support. Her unwavering loyalty has made her an invaluable friend.
Keith Whiteside
Father of the Bride
Keith came into Talon’s life when she was five by marrying her mother in 2001. From the moment they met they were buddies. He stepped into the Dad role immediately and even taught her how to ride a bike. Talon will always be grateful for his dedication to family and his strong compassionate presence.
Kathie Whiteside
Mother of the Bride
The originator of Talon. We can all thank her for Talon‘s stunning personality. Her love, strength, and unwavering support (opinions) helped shape who Talon is today. The big day is even more special with her presence (and the right amount of drama).
Sam Wagener
Father of the Groom
Sam has been PJ’s role model for as long as PJ could walk. His love of bourbon and guns are not the only things he has passed to his son. As a fellow US Naval Academy grad (‘92), he passed onto his son the virtues of service, a strong work ethic and the mantra “mind over matter.” PJ would not be the man he is today without his father.
Tami Wagener
Mother of the Groom
Tami raised her son by example: to be kind, patient, a little bit sarcastic, and most importantly clean. PJ’s big heart is a result of his mother’s even bigger heart. PJ would not be the gentleman he is today without his mother’s guidance, wisdom and love; even if she did give him a bowl cut when he was a young boy.
Phillip Cunningham
Officiant
Phil is an Episcopal priest and Air Force Chaplain, PJ’s godfather, and Sam’s childhood best friend. He has been present for every major religious milestone in PJ’s life. We are honored to have him officiate as a symbol of Talon and PJ’s bond in both marriage and service to this country.