Wedding Party
Gerrilynn Foltz
Matron of Honor
Gerrilynn and Melissa met on Gerrilynn's first day at Central High School. Melissa has had the immense pleasure of getting to say she was Gerrilynn's first friend in America!! Gerrilynn is an amazing friend, mom, and un-biological sister. In their 15 years of friendship, they've shared so many laughs and just a few tears together. While they may live a few hours apart, and not get to spend as much time together as they'd like, when they are together it's like nothing has been missed. I could not imagine anyone else standing next to me on my big day. Thank you for all your love and support through the years. You're my favorite Video Game Partner, and I can't wait to make more memories with our little families.
Wayne Fowler
Best Man
Wayne and Joshua met in 2019 when they were roommates in the barracks at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Since then, they've spent countless hours being idiots together and making memories neither of them can actually remember (and those they can remember cannot be spoken of).
Brayden Pond
Bridesman
Brayden and Melissa met in Mr. Scott's chemistry class at Central High School and immediately bonded over a mutual dislike of the same person. (You wouldn't like her either, we promise.) In the years since, Brayden and Melissa have spent countless hours contemplating what they're doing with their lives, watching trash tv, cracking jokes & supporting each other through it all. B - I cannot believe we are finally here. After all these years, I've finally found someone that even you approve of! Thank you for always supporting me, and making sure I didn't end up with the wrong person. I love you one, I love you twice, I love you more than beans & rice.
Casey Greene
Groomswoman
Joshua and Casey (and her twin brother) were built-in best friends, which is pretty easy when you're only 11 days apart in age. Being best friends with your cousins makes for a really great childhood. As they've grown, they stayed the best of friends and even know make time to game together on Discord.
Alexis McCann
Bridesmaid
Alexis and Melissa met in person for the first time in 2011, shortly after the birth of Melissa's nieces. About a year later, Melissa had the honor of standing next to Alexis as she said "I Do" to a life with Melissa's eldest brother, Joe. Since then, every time they're around each other they soak up every minute they can. Instant best friends is a pretty good deal when you're in-laws. Alexis is an amazing mother, an even better friend, and the best bonus sister anyone could ask for. Lex, thank you for coming into my life when I needed you most. Although we live forever apart, I know I can call you whenever I need a shoulder to cry on or someone to laugh at me when I do dumb things. I really did hit the lottery getting you as a sister-in-law.
Christopher Doyle
Groomsman
Brothers by birth, friends by choice. A 9-year age gap can make a relationship between siblings a little hard to maintain, but these two have defied those odds. Sometimes more like a dad than a brother, Joshua and Christopher grew close when they both lived in Colorado. Both ending up in Florida meant the two could grow even closer, and work to maintain that relationship no matter the states that separate them.
Madilyn Simmons
Bridesmaid
Madi and Melissa met in 2021 when they were neighbors at arguably the worst apartment complex ever! The night they met, Madi went over to discuss work and they spent HOURS talking about life, love, and everything in-between. Since then, Madi has quickly become a pillar in Melissa's life. Madi and her husband Nick (the officiant) often co-host parties with Melissa and Joshua, as well as plan couples dates which always end in laughs (and usually a sleepover). Mads, thank you for everything you do for me. You are the sweetest soul, and I am so thankful I talked to Nick that day waiting for a funnel cake. You light up a room, and I can always count on you to be my voice of reason. I couldn't imagine starting this new journey without you by my side.
Tyler Greene
Groomsman
Joshua and Tyler (and his twin sister) were built-in best friends, which is pretty easy when you're only 11 days apart in age. Being best friends with your cousins makes for a really great childhood. Tyler and his wife helped Joshua capture his engagement, in a whirlwind of events that cause the location to change last minute.
Dany Walker
Bridesman
Dany and Melissa met their sophomore year of high school in passing. By junior year, they were the best of friends. When they weren't driving around singing at the top of their lungs, you could find them at one of their houses laughing about everything under the sun. Dany and Melissa have seen each other through the lowest of lows, and the highest of highs over their 15 years of friendship. Everything from Melissa's discovery of turtle tails, to Dany's discovery of who he really is - they've grown together as adults and have maintained their friendship through it all. Babes - I cannot believe we are here. I saw you say "I Do" to the love of your life, and now you're standing next to me while I do the same. Never in a million years would I have expected our lives to turn out this way, but I'm so thankful to have you next to me through yet another life defining moment. You are the best friend I could have ever imagined.
Autumn Farler
Groomswoman
Autumn and Joshua met while they were both enlisted in the US Navy and stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. They became friends quickly and have spent the years since being each other's confidant, sounding board, and an important part of each's support system.
Ashley Turnbough
Bridesmaid
Ashley is the reason we're all here! If it weren't for her, Melissa and Joshua would have never met. Ashley came into Melissa's life through her brother, Dany, and has been Melissa's "little sister" ever since. They have shared lots of laughs, jokes at Dany's expense, and a number of "come to Jesus" conversations over the years. Melissa also had to honor of doing Ashley's makeup when she got married a few years ago. Ash - I am so glad that I got to have you as my unofficial little sister. You are one of my favorite humans and I am so thankful to have you in my life. You really are the reason for the happiest days of my life, and I cannot thank you enough for that.
Cole Chapman
Groomsman
Joshua and Cole met in 2019 while they were enlisted in the US Navy and stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. They bonded instantly over similar life experiences, which is an almost unbreakable bond. Since meeting, Joshua and Cole have maintained their friendship regardless of the distance between them.