Wedding Party
Karen Derton
Maid of Honor
Here's to the one with infinite love for family, friends, and the small details in life. She is a nurturer, and a teacher of all things, and any good marketing label will grab her attention. "Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." -Muhammad Ali Karen and I share a friendship that began over a random night out 14 years ago and has stood the test of time as we grew together. Our nights that were once filled with social outings morphed into watching Karen enter motherhood and begin a family. Today, she is easily one of the best mothers I know. Still, she is as witty and fun as the day I met her. As Josh Abbott Band would say, "And when she laughs, you'll always take notice, because her heart's charm shines right through it all." Our years of friendship have been filled with being there for each other at every major life moment, for good and bad. I would take her children as my own, and it always feels as though I am the fifth member to their family of four. It is truly the definition of a bond between two individuals that have grown together and count on each other.
Alessandra Roosa
Matron of Honor
Here's to the one with infinite love for family, friends, puppies, working out, and a dang good time that is always worth telling about with life's stories. "Don't make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up." -Thomas J. Watson Alessandra and I share a friendship that began under unique circumstances that resulted in an instant connection. Who knew a lunch meetup eight years ago would lead to finding the duplicate of one's self in another person? If you ever need to know what either of us thinks or wants, ask the other because each of us is sure to know. As one of the most loving and driven individuals I have come to know, I have watched Alessandra morph her career and marry the man of her dreams over the years of our friendship. As Josh Abbott Band would say, "Most of the time, she's warm and friendly, like the hills that surround Austin." She is most definitely a Type A Personality, which means you can count on her to set the pace with new goals and be the master planner of any event. It was once a pleasure to support Alessandra on her big day, and I look forward to having her by my side on mine.
Meaghan Gabbert
Bridesmaid
Here's to the one who wears a bright smile, nurtures her family, loves Harry Potter, and is full of surprises that unravel over time like a fine wine. “They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” -Carl W. Buechner I will never forget my best friend, Dan, telling me we have to look around for a gift in Harry Potter World for this girl Meaghan. As I quickly questioned Dan's notoriously secretive side to find out who this Meaghan was, just days later, I met her at the Austin airport for the first time. That day, five years ago, I quickly realized Meaghan's smile was just as bright as her personality. As Josh Abbott Band would say, "She's as bright as the Dallas Sky. She always holds her head up high." Not only did Dan quickly fall for Meaghan, but I did as well. The past five years have been filled with seeing their family blossom from three to a soon-to-be family of five. Meaghan's foundation is protecting and caring for both her friends and family. She is witty and full of a surprising nerdy side that continues unfolding as the years go on.
Casilynn Taylor
Bridesmaid
Here's to the ambitious one that never settles for the status quo and will take a dream and run with it, but make reroutes in her journey to intertwine life's joy. "I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light." -Helen Keller Casi is a friend that walked into my life a few years back, and it was like I always knew her. She appeared one day, and now we have so many memories that it feels as if she has been there for over ten years. As Josh Abbott would say, "She's as free as bluebonnets in the summer." I have come to know Casi as a loving wife, sister, and daughter. She is a supporter of all things that anyone wants. Casi is also an aspirational small business owner that is always sure to have a goal. Regardless of what she seeks to be like a pro foodie blogger or a highly desired interior decorator, she will master it. She also finds ways to balance ambition by living life to the fullest, being silly, and celebrating every moment that comes.
April Andrews
Bridesmaid
Here's to the one that accepts everyone regardless of their flaws, brightens a cloudy day, and counts every blessing wisely for her family and friends. "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." -Eleanor Roosevelt April is a new friend that has entered my life, but one that has made me stop to realize this is what the journey is all about. After living in Huntsville for almost two years, I remember sharing with another friend that I just didn't think I would find the same friendship in my new home city that I have in with my girlfriends in Austin. However, it turns out new friends are worth the wait. April is someone that I have come to cherish more each and every time we share conversations, moments, and laughter. She loves her family, her friends, and God more than anything else. As Josh Abbott Band would say, "She believes in God's greater plan. She trusts that I'm a good man." April is one of the most selfless individuals one can meet, and she is true to who she is as a person, regardless of life's influence.
Aliza Wilson
Bridesmaid
Here's to the passionate soul that seeks a path worth waiting for. For her, it is not about money or one's worth but how you make her feel while she cherishes the precious memories you build in the process. "Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destinies. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over." -Octavia Butler When I needed to hire a new team member roughly five years ago, I never thought I would get a best friend. Aliza entered my life in a professional manner at first but quickly bonded to be someone I realized the meaning of work family with. The two of us have been through ultimate highs and ultimate lows together, but we have stood next to each other regardless of how much the ground shook. Aliza expects more out of people than they may know of themself, but she is patient in the process of teaching them. As Josh Abbott Band would say, "She's as hot as the Padre Island sun." If you ever need someone to proofread or teach you a new word, she is your gal. In fact, she would probably rewrite this quickly with words I have never heard of. Aliza is wise beyond her years and someone I can talk to for hours on end.
Jim Bryant
Best Man
Life is all about the experiences you create. Jim and I have created many great experiences over the span of 30+ years. From the moment of meeting Jim at age 6 in youth football, to the many days we spent at each other’s houses as adolescents, chasing girls while riding the strip in Florence, to being roommates in college, Jim has always been there through thick and thin. He is the person that I can always count on to be there when needed.
Tim Brothers
Groomsman
Tim and I both share a passion for our careers in Educational Technology. Everybody has that one person in their lives who quite possibly is the most OCD, but not until you meet Tim. Over 10+ years, Tim and I have created a strong friendship of helping one another and being a strong support channel when needed. Tim supported me through tough times, and I supported him when he choked on a piece of lettuce at Flora-Bama (inside joke). Tim is a true joy to be my friend.
Tim Andrews
Groomsman
If you were to put Tim in a category, he would fall somewhere around the “Don’t Tempt Me With A Good Time” list. Tim is what I call, “Good People”. Tim and his wife, April, are always available to go out to dinner or plan weekend getaways. If Tim were to have a walkout song, it would be “Buttons by The Pussycat Dolls”. After a few Old Fashions, he likes to “Loosen up them buttons”. Tim is fun, passionate, caring, and overall a great guy to have on a lineup for a true friend.
Chad Arnold
Groomsman
Music is responsible for the bond that was created between Chad and me. This story goes back to the early 2000s when I was promoting and booking bands for the local music scene in the Shoals area of Alabama. I took a chance on Chad’s Murphessboro music act called “Spiderfighter” and booked them for several events. We shared a love for music and connected instantly since we were both musicians. After college, careers and life choices took us in different directions. It wasn’t until Chad’s career in Educational Technology Sales that many years later would lead him strangely back to reconnecting after a cold call sales pitch. Chad is also no stranger to the bride. Oddly enough, Chad would also take a career path change to where Lindsey would become his manager in sales. Chad is witty, comical, and a charismatic individual whom I’ve built a bond with over many years
Kevin Stephenson
Groomsman
Kevin and I began our friendship over the years as mutual colleagues working in Educational Technology. We fought the same fight until recently, Kevin joined the dark side in sales. Without question, Kevin is the most caring individual I’ve met. He fits the mold of a great guy to be friends with. At the drop of a hat, he is ready for an adventure, a night out on the town, music festivals, and is willing to sacrifice through a bad dinner option on the beach. Even if it involves Russian work, release cooks serving Vietnamese fish. Lindsey and I both cherish his friendship!
Greg Meyer
Groomsman
Greg is known as “Punk” or “The Brother” to the bride. Although Greg loves to pester the shit out of his little sister, he is the protector of Lindsey. Winning his approval to take Lindsey’s hand was key. Greg and I have instantly connected since the beginning of dating Lindsey. Greg and I share a passion for music and proving to Lindsey that we are “always right”. I am thankful to have Greg, his wife Crystal, and the two crazy kiddos, Brianna and Kash, as part of my family.