Nicole & Luke
Wedding Party
Maddy Augustine
Maid of Honor
Maddy and I met in college at Simpson where we both joined Pi Beta Phi. Throughout our first year at Simpson we always found ourselves spending time together either in the Pi Phi house, going on trips to Target/TJ Maxx, or getting coffee. Maddy became my best friend and we even lived as roommates and made some of my favorite memories at Simpson together. She is always the one I can go to for advice, guidance, and celebration through any situation or any chapter of life. Since graduating from Simpson, Maddy and I always remained close no matter the distance between us. She has a heart that abounds in grace and kindness from the Lord and what an honor it is to be loved by her. I always knew that I would ask Maddy to be my Maid of Honor and I am so blessed to have her by my side!
Austin Meadows
Best Man
Austin and I have been best friends ever since I remember. We met very early on at Grayson Elementary and hit it off ever since. Due to our competitive nature, we both love competing against each other and found a bond through playing various sports and activities. Austin is the most humble, funny, and personable person I know. I can always count on him to be there for me and help me through difficult situations. He never fails to make me laugh. His love for Christ is his best attribute and the most impactful reason for our friendship. While many of our other friends went alternative routes, Austin remained strong in his faith, making him a person I knew I could be lifelong friends with. I am so blessed and thankful to be able to call him a friend.
Ally Adams
Bridesmaid
Ally and I met during grad school at Georgia Southern in Savannah. We quickly bonded over our obsession with Taylor Swift and the upcoming Reputation Tour. Most of my best memories in Savannah include her and our crazy group of friends. Throughout grad school, there were many nights spent studying a little, singing karaoke a lot, and stressing out over school together. Ally is someone who will do absolutely anything for her friends. She is adventurous, kind, and dedicated to her people and she is one of my very best friends. If she asks you to hop on a plane tomorrow and go on a trip, she's being serious and you should always say yes. She is not only a great friend to me, but she is also a great friend to Luke and it is such an honor to have her in our wedding!
Tyler Skidgel
Groomsman
I met Tyler "Ty" Skidgel while attending UNG in Dahlonega. Prior to entering my first year, I lucked out through a random roommate assignment to have Ty and Ryan Thomas as my "suite mates". Ty and I bonded early through the game of basketball, which I started playing more and more at UNG. Ty can attest to how horrible I was starting out playing and even now, but the countless hours of one-on-one with Ty are a true testament to the proverb "iron sharpens iron". Ty is quietly one of the most athletic persons I know and can hold is own in any sports domain. Ty and I also enjoy listening to music, watching movies, and eating good food. Ty was relatively shy when I first met him, but once you break through to him, you can see how much of a stand up guy he truly is.
Taylor Harper
Bridesmaid
Taylor and I met when I was a Junior at Simpson. Taylor joined Pi Phi and I was lucky enough to have been selected as her "Big". Little did I know that a sisterhood pairing would lead to one of the best friendships I could ask for. We have so many great memories from Simpson and recently she moved down to Bluffton and I am so blessed to be able to continue to make memories with her as a neighbor! Taylor has the best sense of humor, an infectious attitude, and bravery unlike anyone I know. Taylor and I's differences are what make us even better friends, despite being younger than me there are so many things I look up to her for and I know she always be a part of my life.
Drew Parten
Groomsman
I met Drew while attending UNG. Unlike Ryan and Ty, Drew lived down the hall from us in the same dorm. We first met at a hall meeting where Drew introduced himself and his career goals. Everyone in the room could tell by his accent that he was from a small town, Franklin County that is. Thankfully to our friendship, his accent and small town tendency of speeding everywhere quickly changed. Drew is so competitive that he doesn't even realize that he is competitive. He won't admit to it at least. The competition between us helped fuel our friendship, though I haven't won much against him as Drew is incredible at every sport. Drew is a true leader, point guard, and quarterback. He is an even better friend and someone who I look up to in many ways.
Mary-Grace Hupfeld
Bridesmaid
Mary-Grace and I met also at Simpson and through being in Pi Phi together. Mary-Grace and I always shared a special bond as we both studied Athletic Training and could relate in understanding the challenges and commitment that came along with it. She is one of the most athletic and competitive women I know but she also has the biggest heart for anyone and everyone she meets. Mary-Grace and I not only had the joy of being roommates in Pi Phi, but we also got to be roommates and experience a very special trip to New Zealand. I have always admired Mary-Grace for her faith, the way she will never stop loving on those around her, and her competitive nature to always push herself past anything that tries to hold her back. It is such a joy to have her stand by my side on my wedding day.
Ryan Thomas
Groomsman
As mentioned previously in Ty's description, I met Ryan at UNG. I knew quickly that Ryan and I would be friends due to our similar likes and interests. Similar to all of my other friends, Ryan is an incredible athlete who loves to have fun playing multiple sports. I learned so much through his style of play in basketball and was eager to try and mimic him. Ryan has a contagious personality and laugh. He knows how to have fun and make others around him comfortable. Ryan helped me get out of my introverted shell. He can brighten everyones mood and is the life of the party. I am proud to be friends with Ryan as he is trustworthy, persevering and hardworking. I know he will make an excellent father to his new born and continue to be the incredible father that he is to his wife, Lily.
Ashley Ebel
Bridesmaid
Ashley is my lovely Sister-In-Law and what a blessing she is to our family. I first met Ashley when her and Tony came to visit in Savannah. Luke and I had not even started dating yet but we were stuck at school studying, Tony and Ashley came and brought us Cook-Out shakes and we walked around campus with them. That was my first time seeing Luke interact with Tony and me getting to talk to Ashley. It's such a cool memory now knowing all of the amazing family trips to come! Ashley is the most down-to-earth person I have ever met, she has a bright energy that just makes you feel happy to be around her, and being her friend means I know I will always have someone in my corner. She is the sister that I have always wanted and also such an amazing friend and I am so thankful for her!
Tony Ebel
Groomsman
As you can guess by the same last name, Tony is Nicole's brother. Nicole comes from a great family, so you should know that Tony is pretty great too. Early on while Nicole and I were dating, we both traveled to Kansas City. Tony and I had the opportunity to spend some time together on that trip and there I learned how lucky I am to have such a great future brother in law. Tony and I connected easily and were able to talk together for hours. His passion for his interests is contagious. I know I can talk to Tony about the latest MLB news and ask for help on any technology issue that I may have. Tony is mild manner and extremely kind. He welcomed me into the Ebel family better than I could have ever imagined. I knew early on I meant more to him than being his sisters SO, but also a friend.
Emily Bacon
Bridesmaid
Emily is Luke's sister and wow was I so intimidated to meet her for the first time. Emily has a presence of poise and grace unlike any other person I know. She welcomed me with the biggest hug into their family and I cannot wait to officially be Sister's-In-Law. I always look forward to spending time with Emily, she has such a generous heart I look up to her in so many ways. I am so lucky to not only consider Emily my future In-Law but also a really great friend. I know she will always support Luke and I in whatever it is our future holds, but I also know that I can pick up the phone and call her any time for support, advice, or just to have someone to talk to and for that and so many other things I am extremely grateful and blessed.
Brad Bacon
Groomsman
Brad starting dating my sister, Emily, while they were in high school. As any protective brother, I was skeptical but quickly grew a liking for Brad. Brad is one of the funniest, smartest, and likable persons I know. He always makes me laugh. I know I can come to Brad whenever I need solid advice and help. He doesn't hesitate to help out in anyway he can. Brad is an incredible provider and protector for my sister Emily. He is the perfect husband for her and I am proud to call him my brother in law. When I started dating Nicole, he helped her learn the "Thayer" way of how to do things, something she and I are both thankful for. Not only is Brad my brother in law, but also my friend.
Mason Flynn
Usher
Mason and Miles moved right next door to me in Woodland Brook when I was in Kindergarten. Despite being identical twins, they have unique personalities and also each have a personal friendship with me. One of my best memories of Mason and I was when we were always teammates playing two on two tackle football with Miles and another neighbor. I loved getting to play with Mason who helped me enjoy the game of football. Additionally, Mason's passion for call of duty helped me gain a liking and skill, that is still not matched to that of Mason's. Mason has a personality that others want to embody. Mason can be friends with anyone and gets along well with everyone he mets. He is kind, loving, and caring and makes for an incredible friend that I am lucky to have.
Miles Flynn
Usher
Miles has always been a great friend to me ever since I remember as an elementary school kid. I looked up to him and Mason as older brothers that I never had. I was proud to say that I was friends with older kids and that there were older kids that were friends with me! How cool to be able to say that while being in elementary school. Miles was mature for his age and helped shape me into a better human and person. I learned a lot about how to be "cool" and carry myself from him. Miles is fun to be around and makes you feel like a friend very quickly upon meeting him. He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in and care for others. These qualities amongst countless others make him a great friend to have.