Noelle & Thomas
Our Wedding Party
Samantha Pearsall
Maid of Honor
My friendship with Sammie began back in our Cossitt Elementary School days. Sam is two years younger than I am and most of our childhood memories include rounds of MASH, Indian Princess weekends, and providing playground advice. Our friendship has only grown through the years - no matter our wildly different time zones. Sam continues to be a constant in my life and has thrived through unique challenges. I have cheered for her elite gymnastics routines over the years and now have the joy of traveling the world to see her as a Cirque-style acrobat. Sam and I have been to 5 different countries together and Thomas and I cannot wait to visit her and Joris as they both begin traveling Circus performances. I have known Sam was a special friendship from the beginning form the joy she brings, the humor she has, her drive for adventure, and the emotional support we have always had for each other. We have only become closer as our physical distance expands (huge shout out to video calls). I cannot imagine this day without her by my side.
Ramsey Senger
Best Man
I met Ramsey Senger in January of 2004 in a dusty basement classroom in the English Philosophy Building at the University of Iowa. Wearing a charcoal peacoat and exuding a confident gallows humor, Ramsey shocked the classroom by announcing that his business at the university was preparing and delivering drugs, and that business was good. Of course, he was referring to an internship position at the campus pharmacy, but the effortless guile and wit unsettled my subconscious and I'm convinced that, even back then, I began to suspect I'd located my future Best Man. Since then, Ramsey and I have maintained our friendship across thousands of miles, countless moves, multiple deployments, and a number of powerful tragedies and triumphs. Over the course of nearly two decades, the bonds of friendship established on that frigid winter evening in 2004 have endured and evolved. I've had the opportunity to embrace not just Ramsey, but his entire social network - friends and family all, and there is no one I'd rather have at my side on one of the most important days of my life.
Amanda Freebeck Fazio
Matron of Honor
Amanda is my oldest sister and my wedding day would not be complete without her. Amanda and I have been close since I was little as she often played the role of babysitter for my friends and me. Amanda was the leader of many dress up sessions and bowls of ice cream in my childhood. I followed in her footsteps as a dancer growing up and love that she still gets to dance to this day in an adult company! Amanda and I also share a deep love for Disney and hope to vacation there many more times together. My most recent trip was thanks to her and her dance team. Amanda and her husband, Anthony, have embraced our Jurassic Park obsession and went to the Jurassic World Dominion premiere with T and I two days before their wedding. That is dedication. I’m full of joy getting to have Amanda be one of my matrons of honor.
Mitch Kang
Groomsman
Mitch is another Iowa City veteran I met through my friendship with Ramsey, and a core member of the Unforgivables. Mitch is one of the most generous and thoughtful human beings I've ever encountered. The proverbial "shirt off his back" guy, but with a taste for Jameson. Mitch was one of the first people I met that proved that success need not breed arrogance or condescension. He is true, and he'll be the first person in your corner if you need a friend or ally. I am so happy that he'll be present to spend the day with me on my wedding, and lend his own brand of chaotic, lovable energy to the entire affair.
Meghan Freebeck
Matron of Honor
Meghan is the middle Freebeck sister and the one who always encourages me to not put myself in a box. Through our childhood, it was Meghan’s closet I was steal clothes from and cherished moments of getting ready together in the mirror filled bathroom. If you need a conversation starter with meghan - ask her about our raccoon. I followed in Meghan's footsteps and joined the high school poms team, became obsessed with Harry Potter, and had any interest in reading. She is the reason I was able to be a part of the Macys Day Parada and go to New York when I was 17 (without a parent). She and her husband, Bob, recently embraced their cosplay skills with T and I at the San Jose SiliCon Convention. They slayed their Witcher cosplay as Thomas and I were nerds for The Expanse. My wedding day wouldn’t be complete without Meghan standing by me as my other matron of honor.
Jake Halverson
Groomsman
I first met Jake on R&R from my Iraq deployment in 2010. I remember the exact date - June 9, 2010. I remember the date because it was the same night the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers to earn their first Stanley Cup in a painful number of years. Jake was downtown and driving the euphoric celebration at a bar, the name of which I cannot recall. Since then, along with Ramsey and Mitch, Jake has formed the most sports-attuned member of our Unforgivables clan. I've watched our sports teams win championships, avoided grievous snowboard injuries, and played an unhealthy amount of Playstation with Jake in the decade-plus since that June evening, and I'm certain that this wedding will be more enjoyable and memorable because he's in this party.
Andrea Theotikos
Bridesmaid
On ADPi bid day, I received a text from Sam telling me I needed to find Andrea (and Elizabeth). And I am so thankful I did. Andrea and I bonded quickly and she became my pledge kid and future roommate. Countless college nights were spent on our couch, going to theme parties or sticky floored bars, and getting very late night Queso (or spinach dip). Andrea had continued to be a beacon of joy and encouragement through the years and has never shied away from finding her voice. She has become a phenomenal pediatric nurse which allows her to travel and create a life she loves. Our friendship has only grown deeper as we both embrace our true nerd. Musicals, board games, crafts, and legos. I am so thankful she lives in Illinois as I get quality Andrea time every trip home.
Daniel Smith
Groomsman
The story of Daniel and I's meeting is a bit murky, most likely owing to the fact that I was less than 2 years-old when it occurred. I vaguely recall an embarrassing red birthmark on his forehead and a towel covered in viscera. However, what is clear is that among the brood of 4 boys that occupied the Smith home for more than 2 decades, Daniel was the heart. His earnestness and loyalty have bridged so many arguments and other gaps that have occasionally appeared between the margins of brotherhood over the years. He is a terrific husband and father, as he is a brother, and I am honored to have him in my party on such an important date.
Charlotte Detchon
Bridesmaid
Grad school brought me this amazing friend, Charlotte. Char has been one of my closest friends in Denver who is always up for camping, wine, and she also happens to be Beasley's favorite auntie. Charlotte is a fierce advocate, stellar therapist, and an even better friend. She lives her life true to want she believes in and wants. Despite being a hardcore feminist - I have convinced her to watch the Bachelorette with me every week, a true friend. Charlotte and her new hubby, Mike, have embraced me as their third wheel since our connection in 2017. Many wine nights, soccer games, park days, bach nights, game nights, and drunk adventures to dive inn resulting in perfect sleep overs. Charlotte and Mike have left CO for the cliffs of New Zealand but will return for our celebration, party accordingly.
Jonathan Smith Welter
Groomsman
Third in the Order of the Smiths, Jonathan and I have staked out similar life career paths in public service. When we were young, I remember Jonathan being the perfect stereotype of a younger brother, from an older brother's perspective. He followed us around (Daniel more than I) and watched as he grew, emulating at times, improvising at others. He has charted his own course in adulthood and as a result has a wonderful family that he would do anything for. Because Jonathan is a good man, a good husband, a good father, and a good brother, I am honored to stand beside him in my wedding party on my wedding day.
Chelsea Murach
Bridesmaid
I am so thankful Chelsea and I randomly sat next to each other on the first day of orientation at our freshman dorm (LAR). Chelsea and my friendship solidified the night we stayed up until 4 am in order to view the wedding of the royals- William and Kate. Many late night Gumby pizza sticks were our saviors as we navigated dorm food and all nighters in the UGL. Over the last 12 years, Chels and I have gone from frat parties to Chicago dinners and now get to embrace Colorado mountains together! Thomas and I have loved getting to camp with Chelsea and her husband, Ryan, and trying to learn (fall) snowboarding. And - we have started a wonderful tradition of continuing our childhood birthday Benihana dinners for our holiday birthday.
Joseph Smith
Groomsman
The youngest and feistiest of the Smith brothers, Joe and I have always had a special kinship. It was odd, the day I realized it, given our 8 year age difference, but Joe and I have shared the same interests over the years, and often the same perspectives on world events, family foibles, and videogame culture. We also disagree on a great deal, and for that I am thankful, because my youngest brother challenges us all and in doing so, builds confidence in resolve. I am thrilled to have my youngest brother, and closest approximate, with me in my wedding party at this crucial milestone in life.
Elizabeth Lima
Bridesmaid
I have my sorority to thank for this amazing human. Elizabeth and I were roommates in college and survived a summer of debauchery together at U of I. We ventured to many Illini baseball and gymnastic meets and frequented Joes Bar. Of course, we saved ourselves many bad college hang overs thanks to Queso, pizza, and Cracked Food Truck. E was by my side during a confusing college summer and has been by my side ever since. With states between us, Elizabeth continues to be one of my closest friends and social work supports. Elizabeth is an incredible hospital social worker and someone I frequently go to for support and guidance. She is another reason I have a soft spot for Ann Arbor. Nothing could stop me traveling back to celebrate her including my broken foot during her engagement party and a pandemic wedding. And now I get to be an auntie to her little dude, Aiden.
William Paul O'Neill III
Groomsman
William and I first met in Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA, in 2008. I didn't realize it at the time, but William would end up becoming my most constant companion through my five years and two deployments in the United States Army. William is effortlessly confident and loyal, and he's stuck it out in the Army for much longer and in service of a much grander career in the military than I ever imagine (or ever could have managed myself). He's a good man, a wonderful father, and I consider him a lifelong friend. There are some things you go through that you'll never be able to adequately convey with people unless they were there, and William is that person when it comes to my time in the Army. Just as we shared our ritual - 20:00 Cigars at our COP in Jisr Diyala, Iraq, I can't wait to share a cigar in toast of my wedding in late October with my old Army buddy.
Martha Strong
Bridesmaid
The only person to get me into Michigan gear is Marth. We became close friends after we found each other on a facebook roommate group and, lucky for me, Martha moved into the Gilpin Denver house. Martha has become one of the most constant people in my life. Marth is a huge reason for my direction into child welfare As a fellow child welfare social worker, there are few people who can understand our world and marth has been a source of laughter, reason, and comfort during crap cases. She is my go to person for work vent sessions over sushi, camping, and doggie play dates. A true colorado partner. Thomas and I have asked Martha to officiate our wedding as we see her as someone we both trust and feel comfort with. She was also the very first person to hear about and meet Thomas. She has seen us through it all.
Jeremy Ring
Groomsman
Jeremy and I were first cousins born no more than 11 hours apart (I'll leave which of us is the eldest to you to decide). From our first pre-school finger painting course through senior year of high school, we were inseparable. Without a doubt, the most hilarious person I've ever met, and his humor makes you feel welcome and loved (and slightly light-headed from laughing so hard you forget to breathe). The spectacle of how amusing he is only increases with celebration and alcohol, so I consider all of you just as lucky as I am that he'll be attending in my party. Jeremy was always a compassionate, loyal defender to his cousin, who was often the target of crude insults and physical violence, but I must say that I value the gift of laughter he has repeatedly given me over the last nearly-four decades even more than his protection. He's a wonderful father, a doting husband, and I am so thankful that he will be a part of my wedding day.
Owen, Piper, and Louis
Ring Bearers and Flower Girl
We are thrilled to have Thomas' nephews and niece bring joy to our ceremony just like the joy they have given us during many Iowa trips and Thanksgivings in Colorado. We are very intentional about teaching them the correct dinosaur names, showing them adventures on the gondola, and spending any time we can we them.
Beasley and Hammond
Dogs of Honor
Noelle adopted Beasley the summer of 2018 and kept her a secret from her parents for 6 weeks. B continues to thrive, catch bunnies, and protect the home. She is the perfect cuddler. Noelle came across a post for a puppy named T-Rex on a Husky rescue group in May 2022 and even though Noelle didn't want a boy puppy, she tagged Thomas, finding the name and breed right up his alley. Thomas took the joke as a suggestion and immediately filled out the adoption paperwork. T-Rex became Hammond (aka creator of Jurassic Park), made his way to his new quaint Littleton home and the rest is history. He's a cuddly, floppy eared husky/malamute mutt who is loving B, the mountains, and his crate. Thomas' husky of 14 years, Leia, crossed the rainbow bridge in 2022. She was his true partner and will be in our hearts the day of. We were lucky to have brought her on the venue tour and received her paw of approval.