Wes's friends are a really great group of people. I have really enjoyed getting to know them over the past 5 years through all the weddings and the Duke reunion.
Showing posts with label bridal party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bridal party. Show all posts
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Getting dressed: Groom Style
Wedding photos are so awesome. It is a lot of fun going through them, sharing them, using them to give inspiration to others. What isn't there to love about reliving each part of your wedding day? I'll tell you what: Getting to see all the things you didn't actually see the day of.
Wes's friends are a really great group of people. I have really enjoyed getting to know them over the past 5 years through all the weddings and the Duke reunion.
Wes's friends are a really great group of people. I have really enjoyed getting to know them over the past 5 years through all the weddings and the Duke reunion.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
A few more wonderful people
Hey all! I just got to Finland a few days ago! I know, it is crazy. We have a little over 10 months until the wedding which is prime planning time and I am off gallivanting in Europe. What was I thinking!?!?! Good news, though... we almost have all of our wedding vendors booked. I got a lot of the big planning stuff done this summer before I left. I have much to tell you.
But, that must wait because I have an important message from the groom. Since I got to talk about my some of my wonderful family and friends so should Wes! So, without further ado here's Wes to tell you about some of the important people in his life standing up for him in the wedding:
Wes says....
My little brother is pretty special in his own right. He’s super talented, and always ends up being good at nearly everything he decides to apply himself to- drumming, fishing, wrestling, track, pool, the list goes on and on. I have always enjoyed our time together, whether it was playing basketball in the driveway, running routes with a football in the street, or going fishing and lobstering in the Keys. He’s also been really helpful with my research, whether it was his helping my plant surveying efforts at Deering Estate or Camp Owaissa Bauer, or serving as gator bait (just kidding!) while catching sunfish and spotted tilapia in Big Cypress. I’ve also always appreciated the fact that he looks up to me the same way I look up to Brian. I am so excited to see the kind of man he grows up to be over the next 10 years. "
But, that must wait because I have an important message from the groom. Since I got to talk about my some of my wonderful family and friends so should Wes! So, without further ado here's Wes to tell you about some of the important people in his life standing up for him in the wedding:
Wes says....
"Before I go into specifics on the great guys that fill out my portion of the wedding party, I want to emphasize how truly blessed I feel to have so many very good friends and family members in my life. I think that I could easily have picked 20 men and women to stand up next to me if it wouldn’t have made the wedding photos so unmanageable and probably single-handedly caused a run on the market in gray cloth (for the bridal party outfits) that may have succeeded in sending us into the back half of a double-dip recession. Being the stalwart patriot that I am, I had to sacrifice for America, and identify only a few of the many people who I’ve been lucky to experience life with. I am incredibly grateful that they’ve agreed to come to Michigan from all over the country to stand with me on the most important day of my life.
BEST MAN: JOSH (Florida)
One of two Joshua Davids in the wedding party, Josh is my best and “longest-serving” friend (yeah, it is literally work sometimes to willingly deal with me regularly). Like all the people on this list, he’s an all-around great guy. Additionally, his and my personalities are particularly complimentary. I can name countless times where we almost got into BIG trouble due to all the hilarious, reckless, and fun thoughts that reside within his brain, but where we narrowly avoided most of the negative consequences of our actions due to my quick-thinking and slightly greater threshold of risk-avoidance for situations causing severe injury, illness, or death. I love the kid like another brother, and my high school years in particular would have suffered if we hadn’t met. One of my few regrets over the last 10 years has been living too far away to be able to regularly hang out with him. Despite all the time removed though, when we are able to meet, whether in Miami, Orlando, Nassau, Grand Cayman, or Cozumel, it’s like nothing has changed. It’s the way I expect it to be between him and I for the rest of our lives.
GROOMSMAN: JEFF (North Carolina)
“Dis how dey know you”! It doesn’t matter whether you call him JDM21, Mill-town, or Millaire; everyone knows Jeff is rolling to his own beat (of course he’s doing what I can best describe as several rounded horizontal fist pumps during that time). Jeff and I have been great friends since our freshman year at Duke. He’s an incredibly thoughtful and welcoming person that I may never have gotten to know as well as I have had the honor to if not for the trajectory of one golden-winged, and subsequently tarnished and uneaten, french fry at Elmo’s in Durham. He’s also one of the most competitive and imaginative friends I have, and we are sure to hold a ten-event competition we refer to as “The Decathlon” each time we meet up that includes some known and some lesser known (or altogether-made-up-on-the-spot) challenges to face off in mano-a-mano. As one of Durham County’s finest, and one hell of a model American, I hope he knows that I’ll always hold the laces out for him, as I’m sure he’ll do for me.
GROOMSMAN: ECK (Utah)
There’s a reason why “Cinco de Ecko” has become one of my favorite days of the year. For those of you who don’t know, it’s thought that the Germans who originally laid claim to this date named it “Cinco de Mayo” but now it’s mostly just remembered as Eck’s birthday- at least I think that’s why all the mexicanos and Parkers at Cosmic Cantina get so geeked up for it. I’ve known Eck, like Jeff, since my freshman year at Duke. Eck is a stand-up guy and one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. He is one of my favorite people to kick around ideas with. We spent a lot of time philosophizing through New England and the Canadian Maritimes, two weeks before our graduate school days began, as we made our first treks to Acadia National Park, the Bay of Fundy, and Cape Bretton, Nova Scotia. While our thorough conversations almost never result in an accord, we did both pass on trying the McLobster sandwich in New Foundland. I’m glad to call him one of my best friends.
GROOMSMAN: EGAN (Oregon)
Someone get this kid a mike at the reception! My boy “E” knows more lyrics to more songs than anyone- I guarantee it. Feel free to challenge him at the DJ booth. More than anything, I think Egan and I just get each other. He’s a genuine, hard-working, family man who knows what he wants from life and is primed to take it. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the great times we’ve spent together from skiing Beaver Creek and Vail, to hanging out in his home state of New Jersey, or when he’s come down to MIA. One of my all-time favorite nights took place with Egan and I living like high-rollers on South Beach, with courtside seats at the Triple A and VIP club tickets, becoming part of Dwyane Wade’s inner circle (literally), and staying at Nick Arison’s place overlooking Biscayne Bay. I love this kid.
GROOMSMAN: ZAC (New Jersey)
Zac has been my best friend at Rutgers since we lived on Jones Avenue as members of the same cohort in the Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution. He’s one of the nicest and most accommodating people I’ve ever met. I have always been able to rely on him to go with me to the Golden Rail or Corner Tavern, chat about our research, gossip about the goings-on in our department, or head to NYC or Atlantic City. He and I had a tremendous ongoing beer pong series that got to well over 300 games that first year of grad school though I can’t quite recall our head-to-head record or much else really from umm... two-thousand and..? I do, however, remember the Ice Bowl Series, a best-of-seven played in conditions that would make Lambeau shiver. Our beers were freezing in the cups within minutes of being poured! (Don’t worry honey, I think I pulled out the series win in 6...) Since then we’ve seen a lot of people and fine drinking establishments come and go but I’m confident the scarlet bonds we’ve forged here in Central Jersey will always remain strong.
USHER: BRIAN (Minnesota)
My older brother is flat-out an amazing guy. He’s an accomplished businessman and an even more accomplished and loving father to my four beautiful (and loud) nieces and nephews. I’ve always admired him- after all he was my big bro. But he has always been a great example to me of integrity and courage. Life may not always go as you’ve planned it, but if you charge ahead with dedication and hard work, you may well just land on a pretty special path anyway- I learned that through Brian. Because of our age difference and the miles that have often physically separated us, we have not always been able to be as close as I would like, but I’m looking forward to making sure that the family Megan and I will soon start together is every bit as loving and hectic as his so that they’ll fit right in together during many anticipated visits and holidays.
USHER: LANDON (Florida)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Dressing the maids
So, I had to introduce the maids because we are going to talk FASHION.
Next week, I will be going with two of my lovely maids, Colby and Rachel, plus the moms to look at some dresses for them. Thus, I have to get a more concrete idea of what I would like them to wear. And Josh, no, you will not be wearing a dress.
Since our wedding isn’t going to be super formal (cocktail attire) I would like the ladies to have knee length dresses. I honestly don’t want them to look stupid although it is tempting to make them wear something like this:
Ha! I have looked through 1,000 bridesmaid dress pics. And, it seems we could go a few different ways. First, I could pick one dress and make all of them wear it because I am a bridezilla.;;">
But, that seems unappealing because all my ladies are different. I love them for their differences so why not play that up? They could all wear a similar dress in the same color and fabric. I would then let them pick the style and whatever shoes and jewelry they wanted.
Or, I could give them some rules and then send them out to pick out their own dress so it would hopefully end up something like this:
I like, but I have heard from other brides that their bridesmaids hated this third option. It seemed that it puts a lot of pressure on the girls to go hunting for a dress that fit the style and color scheme of the wedding… and who has the time to do that when it isn’t your own wedding. So, I am leaning toward option 2. I would like it if the dresses were gray/pewter so that their purple flowers would pop against their dresses. But I am open to purple dresses, too. We’ll see what happens!
What do you think I should do? What did you do for your wedding?
Next week, I will be going with two of my lovely maids, Colby and Rachel, plus the moms to look at some dresses for them. Thus, I have to get a more concrete idea of what I would like them to wear. And Josh, no, you will not be wearing a dress.
Since our wedding isn’t going to be super formal (cocktail attire) I would like the ladies to have knee length dresses. I honestly don’t want them to look stupid although it is tempting to make them wear something like this:
Ha! I have looked through 1,000 bridesmaid dress pics. And, it seems we could go a few different ways. First, I could pick one dress and make all of them wear it because I am a bridezilla.;;">
After Six, From Dessy.com
But, that seems unappealing because all my ladies are different. I love them for their differences so why not play that up? They could all wear a similar dress in the same color and fabric. I would then let them pick the style and whatever shoes and jewelry they wanted.
Alfred Sung, all from Dessy.com
Or, I could give them some rules and then send them out to pick out their own dress so it would hopefully end up something like this:
I like, but I have heard from other brides that their bridesmaids hated this third option. It seemed that it puts a lot of pressure on the girls to go hunting for a dress that fit the style and color scheme of the wedding… and who has the time to do that when it isn’t your own wedding. So, I am leaning toward option 2. I would like it if the dresses were gray/pewter so that their purple flowers would pop against their dresses. But I am open to purple dresses, too. We’ll see what happens!
What do you think I should do? What did you do for your wedding?
Representin' the bride, yo.
I would like to introduce you to my maids plus an usher!
Colby and I have been friends since high school when we were in color guard together. We happened to apply to the same college, Albion College, so I approached her one day and asked if she would like to room together. Ever since, she has been one of my best buds. Most of the summer before starting college I was at her house or we were going on 3am Meijer runs shopping for nothing in particular. She has always been someone I can lean on. She is the Yin to my Yang. I love how spontaneous she is… whether it was rearranging out dorm furniture in the middle of the night or playing pranks on our neighbors. She picked me up from a lot of low times and we have shared some of the happiest times in my life. It only made sense to ask her to be my maid of honor!
Josh will also be representin' that day! Yes, he’s male. Josh and I have been friends since middle school. He knows more about me than anyone because we have been through so much together. I know it is a bit unconventional to have a male stand up on the bride’s side, but it wouldn’t be the same without him. He can always make me laugh and he is the most loyal person I know. If I needed him, he would fly across the world just because I asked. No joke. It mattered to me the most what Josh thought of Wes when Wes and I first started dating because I value Josh’s opinion so much.
My big sister, Nicole, is also one of my maids. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that she agreed to be in my bridal party. We didn’t always get along, but I love her so much. As sisters sometimes do, we tease each other…but I will tell you what, she will never let anyone else say anything bad about me. I looked up to her quite a bit growing up. She is incredibly beautiful and creative and I am lucky that I get to bug her to help out with some of my wedding crafts. Seriously, you give her some yarn, a stick and some glue and she can work wonders!
Lisa is a friend from college. She has graciously agreed to be a maid even though she is super busy in med school and taking care of her baby, Lucy. Isn’t Lucy freakin’ cute? Lisa and I lived together most of college as well and are in the same sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Her nurturing personality meant that she always was the one to take care of me when I was sick in college! She is a true friend. She is so good about keeping in touch with me and all her other friends and I admire that about her. Lisa always gives good advice. Having already planned her own wedding and married for a few years, I count on her for lots of planning and newlywed relationship tips.
Rachel... I love this girl so freakin’ much! Rachel and I also lived together for most of college and are sorority sisters. Rachel is always fun to be around. She will definitely be one of the people having a ball at my wedding. In college, when life got a bit too dramatic, I went to her for a no-fluff opinion. She was always there for me when things were tough and I know that 30 years from now she will still be there for me. Side note: She also has impeccable taste. In college, I often went into her closet for clothes and shoes! So, I know she won’t let me make the female bridesmaids look stupid. J We were in the same pledge class in our sorority so I feel like I share a special bond with her. She has such a big heart and I am so lucky have her as a friend.
Last but not least, is my baby brother, Andrew/Andy. He will be an usher on my wedding day. I am pretty sure that anything wedding related very much bores my brother, but he is such a softy deep down that he agreed to be in my wedding. He is by far the funniest person I know. I think he developed his sense of humor to balance out how crazy his sisters were/are. I know I annoyed him a lot while we were growing up but I am very proud to have such a down-to-earth and caring brother. He sat through every single one of my dance recitals with minimal complaint. He was even my “date” to one of my sorority parties when a stupid guy backed out of going with me. Wes and my brother get along so well it is scary…mostly because they both know every quote in the show Family Guy. Ladies, he is single and you would be lucky to date such a nice guy!
These are a few of the people who helped make me the person I am today. I guess this means I will have to introduce the groomsmen and the two other ushers soon!
Colby and I have been friends since high school when we were in color guard together. We happened to apply to the same college, Albion College, so I approached her one day and asked if she would like to room together. Ever since, she has been one of my best buds. Most of the summer before starting college I was at her house or we were going on 3am Meijer runs shopping for nothing in particular. She has always been someone I can lean on. She is the Yin to my Yang. I love how spontaneous she is… whether it was rearranging out dorm furniture in the middle of the night or playing pranks on our neighbors. She picked me up from a lot of low times and we have shared some of the happiest times in my life. It only made sense to ask her to be my maid of honor!
Josh will also be representin' that day! Yes, he’s male. Josh and I have been friends since middle school. He knows more about me than anyone because we have been through so much together. I know it is a bit unconventional to have a male stand up on the bride’s side, but it wouldn’t be the same without him. He can always make me laugh and he is the most loyal person I know. If I needed him, he would fly across the world just because I asked. No joke. It mattered to me the most what Josh thought of Wes when Wes and I first started dating because I value Josh’s opinion so much.
My big sister, Nicole, is also one of my maids. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that she agreed to be in my bridal party. We didn’t always get along, but I love her so much. As sisters sometimes do, we tease each other…but I will tell you what, she will never let anyone else say anything bad about me. I looked up to her quite a bit growing up. She is incredibly beautiful and creative and I am lucky that I get to bug her to help out with some of my wedding crafts. Seriously, you give her some yarn, a stick and some glue and she can work wonders!
Lisa is a friend from college. She has graciously agreed to be a maid even though she is super busy in med school and taking care of her baby, Lucy. Isn’t Lucy freakin’ cute? Lisa and I lived together most of college as well and are in the same sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. Her nurturing personality meant that she always was the one to take care of me when I was sick in college! She is a true friend. She is so good about keeping in touch with me and all her other friends and I admire that about her. Lisa always gives good advice. Having already planned her own wedding and married for a few years, I count on her for lots of planning and newlywed relationship tips.
Rachel... I love this girl so freakin’ much! Rachel and I also lived together for most of college and are sorority sisters. Rachel is always fun to be around. She will definitely be one of the people having a ball at my wedding. In college, when life got a bit too dramatic, I went to her for a no-fluff opinion. She was always there for me when things were tough and I know that 30 years from now she will still be there for me. Side note: She also has impeccable taste. In college, I often went into her closet for clothes and shoes! So, I know she won’t let me make the female bridesmaids look stupid. J We were in the same pledge class in our sorority so I feel like I share a special bond with her. She has such a big heart and I am so lucky have her as a friend.
Last but not least, is my baby brother, Andrew/Andy. He will be an usher on my wedding day. I am pretty sure that anything wedding related very much bores my brother, but he is such a softy deep down that he agreed to be in my wedding. He is by far the funniest person I know. I think he developed his sense of humor to balance out how crazy his sisters were/are. I know I annoyed him a lot while we were growing up but I am very proud to have such a down-to-earth and caring brother. He sat through every single one of my dance recitals with minimal complaint. He was even my “date” to one of my sorority parties when a stupid guy backed out of going with me. Wes and my brother get along so well it is scary…mostly because they both know every quote in the show Family Guy. Ladies, he is single and you would be lucky to date such a nice guy!
These are a few of the people who helped make me the person I am today. I guess this means I will have to introduce the groomsmen and the two other ushers soon!
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