Groom
Jonny is my honey bee! It has been such an honor and privilege to learn and grow alongside him! Jonny loves to play Magic, Sonic games, and Street Fighter (we're picking up Tekken, but he's learning faster than I anticipated so it may not last much longer). He is a rational, yet sensitive man who is dedicated to those he loves. If you know, you know! I would like my vows to honor him, so I am not saying much here. He is who you all know and love!
Bride
Tay is my lovely bride to be. She is wonderfully kind and thoughtful. She is always willing to go the extra mile for those that she cares about. She means the absolute world for me, like I'd fight a bear for her. Tay loves nature and her succulents but is not afraid of a night of sipping and painting. She always can find some way to make me laugh and I do my best to return the favor. She is so creative and finds any way to bring a smile to everyone's face. I know we all can think of many times when she lit up the room with her positive energy and charm. I could go on and on, but I'll let my vows do the rest of the talking. Stay tuned!
Officiant
Cakes (Beverly) is the most-bestest grandma in the world! She is hard-working, caring, thoughtful, and knows how to spoil her many baby cakes'. She always knows how to lend a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. I can always count on her to be there for me. Story time! I had the honor of coming up with Cakes' nickname. As a toddler, I decided grandma, nana, grammy, etc. just wouldn't cut it. I stole her nickname for us kids and made it into a special name for her! As a kid, I remember getting to stay with Cakes on the weekends; She would make us peanut butter, butter, and jelly sandwiches, she would let us eat popsicles for breakfast (sorry mom), and she would cook us any meal we wanted, no matter how random it was. Cakes truly shines the color turquoise as she is so comforting and loving. I love you the most google infinity no take-backs!
Mother of the Bride
My mom is someone who has always offered endless love and guidance. She is headstrong, dedicated/devoted, enduring, and much, much more! However, there is more than meets the eye. Our journey began when she met me as an infant. She took me in as her own. I was able to grow up with someone to call Mom. I could look out into the crowd during my concerts and my ONE (miserable) spelling bee, and know that she was there. She gave me the motivation to push myself and earn straight As throughout my childhood years. She has helped me to grow, flourish, and develop into the woman I am today. If there is anyone to thank for the wedding planning, it would be her!
Mother of the Bride
Danielle is someone who I have gotten the chance to understand, know, and rediscover over the course of my life. She is witty, smart, relatable, understanding, and persevering. Although our story together was not perfect initially, we began to get to know each other over time. I learned that I could discuss anything with her: women's rights, politics, philosophy, and life in general. We connected most over screaming goat videos and Jake's farts (Adventure Time). I remember studying for my Global final with her and passing with a 99% with her help! Even though I would try to stay home from school sometimes, she handled our situations with grace and patience. I am excited and happy that she is able to attend our wedding at this point in her journey.
Mother of the Groom
It wasn't easy for my mother to raise the lone boy in a house with up to 8 other sisters, but needless to say I think she did a pretty good job. My mom has always made sure that we learned and walked with the teachings of Jesus, even when the rest of the world might abandon the notion. There may have been some moments of tension, but when push came to shove, we could always work past those differences. She was always there to make sure that we were all ok, even if some of us (probably me a lot) didn't see it. When I wasn't being a knucklehead, we were always able to talk and have a good laugh about it later. With all of that said, I could not have asked for a better mother who is always looking towards my well being and has done an amazing job making my future wife feel welcome into the family!
Father of the Bride
My dad is the light of my childhood. Even now, he is someone you can go to for a good laugh. He is not only a kid at heart, but a voice of reason. Do not let the tough facade fool you! My dad is not only a fighter, but a lover and a Giants fan (Jonny says yuck). My fondest memories are those we spent on Sunday mornings (when he actually had time off from work). He would help with a big breakfast and spend the afternoon laughing away with us on the couch watching Tom & Jerry; We made it very clear then that he is the big dog and I am the little dog. He was (and is) also an instigator; He would walk around the house with his WWE belt practically begging to be hit with a chair (I was too small, couldn't do it). All of us kids tried hard, but I have a feeling he let us win the belt, just a few times. I am so glad I have you to call Dad. Thank you for all that you do!
Father of the Groom
My father is a humble man of few words (but don't let him fool you, he can be a jokester). Softspoken, but not reserved when it came to doing the right thing, my father is truly a man of God. He is always looking to lend a helping hand with no expectations of anything in return. Even when you want to pay him, you to have physically force the money in his hand, he is that generous. His work ethic goes beyond what I think most people could handle, with a seemingly endless motor and the will power to keep moving forward. I have taken that to heart and in all of my work look to emulate his drive and ability to go beyond what I think I can do. I will never forget the moment where he confronted an out of line and disrespectful driver who dangerously cut him off and then callously tried to blame my father for what happened. With a much louder but still in control tone, my father dismantled this man's wildly incorrect interpretation of what happened. With the truth standing in front of him (and an angry but justified man), the man recanted his story and apologized. That encounter taught me that you stand up for yourself in a respectful manner when you know you are correct, no matter how hostile the opposition is. In essence, that day, my father taught what it is to be a man.
Maid of Honor
Kendra is an amazing sister and an outstanding woman. She has the biggest heart and a boatload of patience to deal with me (Tay). In the past, we used to be at each others' throats; Now, we are the best of friends, and even better sisters. She is such a special person with a heart of gold. No one can top her ability to love and give her all. Kendra specializes in assisting students with varying needs during the day and serves the general public at a local restaurant by night. Whenever she has the time, she is being pestered by me, spending time with our mom, talking to our other sisters, spending time with her dogs, and hanging out with her partner, Dante. I am more than honored that Kendra has agreed to be my Maid of Honor.
Best Man
Eric is another long-time friend whose character cannot be understated. Albeit with some questionable rationality (just kidding, he's not crazy). Eric is always good for an interesting conversation with a multitude of subjects. Whether I want to indulge in my interests in animation or comics or just be silly with classic internet videos or even chop it up about relevant history or politics. I can remember many nights when we all would hang out in the basement playing cards or playing Mario Kart. Eric has been and will always do his best to do whatever he can to help, no matter what.
Maid of Honor
Kaitie has been by my side for just about a decade. We have cried, laughed, gotten lost, ran around (in search of a lost Vuze), relaxed, journeyed, and more together. She has seen me at my best and my worst, and has still chosen to stand right next to me the entire time. She is the most genuine, solid, welcoming, and loving human I know. Kaitie is a full-time nursing student in North Carolina (we are hopeful that she will graduate in May to pursue her career)! She also works as a server; If you ever need good service near the Carolina Panthers' stadium, hit her up! In what little free time she has, she is studying and calling me on FaceTime to catch up. Sadly, Kaitie cannot make it to the wedding but will be celebrating with us in spirit. Jonny and I will be sending our best wishes to her as she continues to succeed! <3
Best Man
Anthony and I go way back. Meeting way back in Kindergarten, Anthony and I have a long history. One of my most profound memories is when I was gun-shy to ask someone to dance back in high school. He brought me out and gave me the pep talk of my life. Needless to say, it gave me the confidence I needed, which is something that has helped even to this point. Even to this day, I know I can always rely on him for sound and fair advice. Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend, but he still deserves the shoutout for being an amazing friend.