Tara & Aaron
Wedding Party
Sarah L. Hopkins
Maid of Honor
Friend of Bride "Sarah and I met in the fifth grade and have been best friends ever since. Throughout our more than twenty years of friendship we have been friends, roommates, confidants, partners in crime, and celebrated all of life's ups and downs. These days we bond over our shared love of books, and I can't wait to sit in Sarah's stylist chair and catch up on all the latest news." - Tara
David L. Knight
Best Man
Friend of Groom David and I first met in June 2008, when unbeknownst to either of us, we were having our high school graduation parties on the same day. It turned out we were cousins as well through our grandfathers! He began gradually hanging out with us, and through over a decade of ups and downs, I'm proud to call this man my best friend. Whether we're playing music together, watching basketball, or just sitting down and having a heart-to-heart, I know I have a true friend in my corner who understands and would do anything for me. - Aaron
Janet L. Wheeler
Maid of Honor
Friend of Bride "Janet and I first met in 2004 as members of Indianapolis's National Mock Trial team, though we were fiercely competitive and often bumped heads. By 2006 our friendship had evolved and over the next few years we became inseparable. We've been holding each other up ever since, through college, relationships, jobs, and life. We've also supported each other through more than a few crazy projects!" - Tara
Jason N. Thompson
Groomsman
Friend of Bride & Groom Having known Jason for a couple years now via Tara's friend Janet, I've been pleased to engage with someone I feel is a kindred spirit with nerdy hobbies and intellectual pursuits. I always enjoy spending game nights and other outings with him, and I hope to have many more in the future. I'm delighted that he could stand beside me for today's ceremony. - Aaron
Stephanie A. Merkel
Bridesmaid
Sister of Groom "I finally met Stephanie at Christmas in 2018, a few months after Aaron and I started dating. He talked about her all the time, as they're very close. We hit it off instantly and have been close ever since. Stephanie is ambitious, sweet, and easygoing. She's been a caregiver ever since I met her. She's been instrumental in planning the wedding as she's been helping coordinate families in two different locations." - Tara My baby sister... I remember when she was born and I tried to hug her for the first time. We've certainly had our struggles since then, but I feel very fortunate to have had her there for the ride with me. Whether we were discovering music together or just lending an ear when the other was having a rough time, I know I can always count on Steph. - Aaron
Jacob D. Schwinghamer*
Groomsman
Friend of Groom Jake and I met upon entering junior high. We became fast friends, and we remained close thereafter, all through high school and college. No matter the occasion, I could always rely on him, indicative of the great person that he was. Though Jake has passed on and cannot be with us on our special day, we have chosen to include him, symbolic of the lasting place he will always have in our lives. As one of my best friends, I have no doubt he'd be standing here today if he were still with us. - Aaron
Melissa A. Loveless
Bridesmaid
Friend of Bride "Melissa and I worked together for a lot of years, first as mentor and pupil, and later as partners and friends. We've shared some difficult experiences through our job, but it's ultimately made us stronger as people. Melissa is also the organizer of our regular Fogo de Chao girls' nights! I can always count on her for an enthusiastic reaction to whatever crazy work story I need to share. Melissa, Jane, and I also share a love for the show Downton Abbey and would love to take a girls' trip to England one day." - Tara
Shane M. May
Groomsman
Friend of Groom Shane and I met in our first day of high school. It took a little while, but through some other friends, we gradually connected and became close over the next several years. Whether we were gaming it up together or navigating life through our college years and beyond, I'm proud to call him one of my best friends. - Aaron
Jane M. Asher
Bridesmaid
Friend of Bride "Jane and I started out as coworkers, and eventually got promoted together. She's my 'work momma,' and many of our employees have taken to calling her "Momma Jane." We share a love of pets, tea, a good Italian restaurant, and proper grammar. Jane has a dry sense of humor and knows how to tease me just enough to get me going without actually sending me into a panic. She had been threatening to wear a lederhosen to the wedding before I asked her to be part of our big day, and I think a small part of her was a tiny bit disappointed that she had to wear a bridesmaid's dress!"
Brett A. Zoglman
Groomsman
Friend of Groom Brett and I have shared many events together since middle school. After becoming friends in high school and rooming together in college, we've remained good friends throughout the years, whether that involves sports or the occasional gaming session. - Aaron
Leah M. Bailey
Bridesmaid
Friend of the Bride "Leah is one of my longest lasting friends from my college days at USI. Other than Stephanie she's my only bridesmaid from Southern Indiana. We didn't realize it at first, but Leah had been a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls at the same time as me (though from different assemblies), an organization with which I'm still active today. We both went on to have jobs in the 911 field after college. Leah and I have shared many dinners, lots of boy talk, rainy days in the campus library, and even built snowmen together outside of our apartment. Leah is always down for a good long chat whenever I need her!" - Tara
Camrin A. Wright
Groomsman
Cousin of the Groom Camrin is my youngest cousin, and he's one I've spent some of the most time with growing up despite our age gap. It's hard for me to believe he's 18 already, but I'm honored to have him at my side on this occasion. I hope to be there as he grows and finds his own special someone to marry one day. - Aaron
Erica S. Phillips
Bridesmaid
Sister-in-Law of Bride "I met Erica for the first time back when she and my brother were still in high school. He played football and she was a cheerleader. They were also both in show choir together. At the time I knew she was special just by how she cared about my brother, but I had no idea they'd end up being high school sweethearts, and a few years later be married with two beautiful daughters! Erica keeps him in line, and I truly believe he is the man he is today because of her care. She's also an excellent momma to the girls." - Tara
Grady E. Phillips
Groomsman
Brother of Bride "Grady and I struggled to find common ground growing up. He was athletic and social, and I was an introverted bookworm. Although we bickered at the time, I realize now he was a ton of fun growing up. Family dinners in particular were never, ever boring. Although he's mellowed out a lot, I see glimpses of his childhood self in his kids. We've become so much closer as we've grown up, and I'm lucky I can call him my friend, and not just my brother." - Tara I first met Grady shortly after Tara and I started dating. I had heard many a funny story from their childhood, so it was a surprise to compare that rambunctious boy with the father/husband in front of me. We've hit it off since then, and I'm thrilled to have him stand with me for the marriage of his sister. - Aaron
Eliza J. Phillips
Flower Girl
Niece of Bride “Eliza is a special little girl because she is the first child of my only sibling. She is so feisty and spirited, and I am loving watching her grow and learn and interact. She is beautiful, just like her mommy, and I love getting to see and play with her!” -Tara
Oakley L. Phillips
Flower Girl
Niece of Bride “Our sweet princess Oakley is the second daughter of Grady and Erica. When I look at her little chubby cheeks she reminds me of Grady when he was a baby. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to spend as much time with her as I’d like, due in part to the pandemic, I am so looking forward to getting to know her better and watching her grow!” -Tara
Kira L. Tolentino
Junior Bridesmaid
Goddaughter of Bride “It feels like just yesterday I was at the hospital peeking at her cute little face for the first time. Kira was the first child to call me “aunt!” I can’t believe she’s already a teenager- and an accomplished one at that. Having her and her mom and sister live with me was a ton of fun and I got a front row seat to watching her grow up. She’s whip-smart and so talented. These days I get to share my love of INORG with her. I’m so proud of her!” -Tara
Emma K. Tolentino
Junior Bridesmaid
Goddaughter of Bride “Emma is a smart, easy-going, artistic kid. She’s my nerd buddy and always helps keep me up to date on the latest slang and trends, and sometimes even music. She is always a hoot to hang out with, and I love sharing adventures with her, big and small. I also get to share INORG with her and I can’t wait to see where she decides to go with it!” -Tara
Logan W. Loveless
Ring Bearer
Friend of Bride “When I first met Logan he was deeply interested in policemen, army men, weapons of any kind. His mom’s stories about him asking for a Swiss Army knife for his birthday always have me on the floor. He hasn’t changed at all! Aaron and I were so pleased that he agreed to help us out on our special day!” -Tara
Landon R. Loveless
Ring Bearer
Friend of Bride “When I first met Landon, I thought his little elvish face was just like I had seen in his baby pictures. He was a lot more shy back then, but these days he’s quite the comedian. He also promised me a dance!” -Tara
John D. Phillips
Usher
Cousin of the Bride “John, or Johnny as I called him growing up, is the closest cousin I have in age. Maybe that’s why we’ve always gotten along particularly well as adults. I always always have a good time with him, bonding over our love for Colts football, Ninja Turtles, and food. I love reminiscing about our southern roots and time spent in Tennessee together with him. We live far apart nowadays, so seeing him is always a special treat!” - Tara
Nick A. Merkel
Usher
Cousin of the Groom Despite being cousins, Nick and I haven't spent much time with each other throughout the years, and it was not until recently that I realized how much common ground we have. I'm honored that he was willing to be a part of our special day, and I'm eager to see what the future holds with our friendship. - Aaron
Hon. Mark S. Massa
Officiant
Family Friend Indiana Supreme Court Justice
DeWayne E. James*
Groomsman
Friend of Groom DeWayne is one of my oldest friends as we first met in second grade. While we lost touch here and there during childhood, we have consistently been close since high school. He is one of the most charismatic people you'll ever meet, and I feel our mutual passions in life make for some lively debates yet great support and respect for each other. I'm lucky to have a friend as good as DeWayne, so it pains me that he cannot join us on this day. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts as he will be deployed overseas in service to our country at the time of the wedding. - Aaron