Wedding Party
Maggie Olofson
Maid of Honor
Grace and Maggie became fast friends while attending middle school at St. Walter's in Roselle, Illinois. Playing on various teams, attending youth retreats, and generally giggling were some of their favorite activities. Though the two went to separate high schools, they remained the best of friends, still traveling and still giggling. They reunited at their now alma mater, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where the two continued to dance like nobody's watching. Maggie has always been one of Grace's favorite people, closest confidants, and partners in crime. A truly unstoppable duo, they have supported each other through all of the ups and downs and are so grateful to celebrate another milestone together.
Ramsay McGee
Best Man
Ramsay, Sam's younger brother, has seen Sam through all of his phases, from the Memphis wild child to corporate chef. The two are still obsessed with collecting pokemon cards, spending time on their family land, and fighting it out over Fortnite. Ramsay has not only taken up care of their familial home in Franklin, but has also gifted Sam with some of his favorite ladies--his nieces: Evie, Penny, and Daphne. Of course, we can't forget his wonderful wife Sara. Generous of spirit and family first are two of the phrases that come to mind when you think of Ramsay. Through thick and thin, the brothers have had each other's backs, and Ramsay is honored to continue to do so today.
Penny & Daphne
Flower Girl
These lovely ladies are Sam's nieces, daughters of Ramsay & Sara. The tenacious girlies are independent and love to hike on the family's land, mix something up in their "kitchen", color the latest Picasso, and play with Sam and Grace. We couldn't be more excited to have their cuties be a part of our special day and love them for welcoming Grace into the family.
Evie
Ring Bearer
The eldest of Sam's three nieces, Evie has the very important role of ring protection! Evie is a wonderful big sister and loves to create new games, draw, and play with her friends from school. She very affectionately likes to tease Uncle Sam by telling Grace he has a crush on her! Well, I guess she was right...
Neil & Kit Riordan
Father & Mother of the Bride
Neil & Kit met one summer at their alma mater, Western University in Macomb, Illinois. After a summer of fun (and classes), the rest was history. Providing a warm and happy home not only to their two children, but to all of the friends and neighbors they have collected throughout their lives, Sam and Grace aspire to emulate this team. Their love has stood not only the test of time, but the trials of life. More recently, Neil & Kit got an apartment in Nashville, so the whole family has been able to get closer, mostly over Sam's favorite new game... Tile Rummy! The two are so excited to be celebrating with everyone at Grace's wedding, and both her and Sam are so grateful for all of the love and support they've provided not only today, but everyday, especially for Grace. Simply put, to know them is to love them.
Jim & Susan McGee
Father & Mother of the Groom
Though deceased, these two have provided daily inspiration for Sam. Jim's love of nature and books are some of the shared interests Sam has taken to heart. Whether it was building an off-the-grid home by hand, teaching Sam the meaning of a hard day's work landscaping, or adding a first edition to the collection, Jim ultimately passed down the meaning of passion to Sam. Susan, or Sissy as she was affectionately called, was an incredibly strong woman, raising a house full of boys (and dogs!) while continuing to provide for the family. One of the first times Grace met Sissy, their truck had gotten stuck in a muddy divot, and Sissy wasted no time shackling it up and hopping on a tractor to free it! She was an extremely talented seamstress, sharp as a tack, and offered Sam wisdom, advice, and comfort especially when he most needed it. She lived for her family, and neither she nor Jim will be forgotten on this special day.