Ray & Danielle
Wedding Party
Brittnye Aven
Matron of Honor
Late night drives through Clinton. Sonic after class. Wicked. Disney. Voice Recital. Brittnye and Danielle have shared so many memories throughout their time at Mississippi College and after. The Galinda to Danielle's Elphaba, these two were destined to be best friends. They survived many a teaching observation together and saw each other through some of the most difficult classes. One of the best things about Brittnye is her tender heart. She is fiercely passionate about the people and things she loves most in life. Her not so hidden talents- 1) being able to name all Disney animated features in order, 2) doing a mean Celine Dion impersonation (which decade Celine do you want?), 3) actually being Cinderella in the flesh.
Joel Leach
Best Man
The year: 1996. The place: Mrs. C's (Mikie's) room. Ray and Joel were in 5th grade together and had become very close friends. They taught the classroom, possibly school, how to love and play soccer. They wrote, constructed, and starred in a play (because there was no such thing as too much attention). And they collectively annoyed the fire out of their loving, patient teacher. So when Mikie was put in the unenviable position to let the class know that Ray would not be coming back to school because he was in the hospital, Joel ran out of the room crying (sorry buddy). He spent the next 2 years coming to Ray's house every Friday to play Goldeneye while Ray recovered, and hasn't left his side since.
Sarah Little
Matron of Honor
It was the laugh. Danielle was sitting in the cafeteria at Mississippi College her freshman year and heard the most infectious laugh. Sarah has kept Danielle (and everyone who knows her) in stitches ever since. Well, one they became friends anyway....Danielle was a little scared of Sarah. Actually Danielle just wished she was as fun and free-spirited as Sarah. From bonding over music classes, to vacations together (hello Destin), to life after college, Sarah and Danielle have been there for each other through the good and the bad. Ever the truth teller and fun seeker, this one has a heart of gold. She is also a wonderful mom- but don't let that fool you. This girl can still stay up, have fun, and hang with the best of them!
Nate Davies
Best Man
Nathan X. Davies... Ray's twin. Sure, Ray is older, smarter, and has a way cooler limp, but honestly - its like looking into a mirror. They were both engineering majors at The Ohio State University, grew up playing soccer, have only sisters, and became technical consultants/salesman rather than engineers. But what really makes them similar is their sense of humor and likability, even though Ray still has the slight edge. It still remains to be seen whether or not anyone else laughs at their jokes, but they sure do find themselves funny. Especially at each other's expense. Just ask Nate how they met: people were simply trying to enjoy a couple soda-pops when out of nowhere, Nate thought it would be ok to ridicule a bashful young Ray about his hip issues... Rude.
Lacey Smith
Matron of Honor
She got engaged at Disneyworld in Belle's castle. This was the first conversation Lacey and Danielle had when she first started teaching theater at Tupelo High School. How could they not be friends?! In the two years that Lacey lived and taught in Tupelo, she and Danielle formed a uniquely close bond. They knew everything about each other's day to day celebrations and struggles. Add in fun dinners, heart to heart conversations, a theater camp, and a 16 hour day at Magic Kingdom, this friendship has been solidified for the ages. The constant giving nature and kind spirit of this woman is incredibly inspiring. She goes above and beyond not only in word, but in action. A word of caution...do NOT challenge her in any Disney trivia. She will slay you!
Brandon Brunner
Groomsman
Its not a competition!! Its not... really. But it might be. Brandon and Ray aren't so childish that they make things a competition... how can you even compete on who has the better hair, or the cooler Homage gear. See? It doesn't even make sense. Unless we're talking quantifiable things like who can run faster or who has worn more earrings in their lifetime, then Brandon wins because he cheated. The two have been friends (and not competing) since 9th grade, when just fitting in and being liked was hard enough. So in that regard, I guess you could say Ray looked up to Brandon, but I doubt he would ever admit it. Since then, the game is mostly about who gets the spotlight when all the guys get together... and Ray definitely had it once, so you could say competition is heating up.
Mary Frances Massey
Bridesmaid
A constant fixture in each other's lives through school, family, and extra-curricular activities, Mary Frances and Danielle have known each other for what seems their entire lives. Dance recitals, years of showchoir, and musicals aside, this childhood friendship has grown to be much more. Mary Frances is a giver. Period. She constantly puts others before herself, is an advocate for the community in which she lives, and diligently works hard at everything she puts her mind to. Even through her busy schedule, she will make time for anyone because that's the kind of friend she is. PS- She is also insanely talented. And Funny. Also, her cats are half siblings with Danielle's cat, Mila. #fam
Steve Bryson
Groomsman
Steve is one of the only people to have been friends with both the bride and groom before the two even knew each other, and without him, the two may not have met!! A housemate twice to Ray and a brother to Danielle, Steve is family. Much like an adopted child they're always worrying about... or loud uncle they can't get rid of (not that they ever would). You can find the three of them at Buffalo Wild Wings at least once a week discussing the favorite parts of their day, or perhaps on the tennis courts giving it their best 'Serena'. Steve is the funny best friend that can also have the longest real life talks. His giving nature and kind heart are just a couple reasons why everyone loves Steve. Seriously. You can't help but feel like you've known him your whole life.
Stewart McMillan
Bridesmaid
Even though Tupelo is a small town, sometimes people don't really get to know each other until later in life. Stewart and Danielle's younger siblings were close friends growing up. It wasn't until Stewart got married and moved back to Tupelo several years ago with her husband, Victor, that their blooming friendship began. Stewart is the picture of grace and kindness. She is one of the hardest workers and is the model of inclusivity. Not only does Stewart work extremely hard at her job, she is also an incredible mom. Her kind and caring heart make her such a lovable friend. Do not mistake her gentle nature for meekness- this girl becomes a beast when it comes to her basketball team- The Golden State Warriors!
Michael Baer
Groomsman
Michael has been there since the beginning. He and Ray shared the bulk of their middle school and high school classes since they met in fifth grade. He was an integral part of those Friday nights in the late 90's filled with 'chips and cheese' and Mario Kart. He was even there the day Ray slipped on ice playing in the street and cut his chin open. Did Michael push Ray? Is it Michael's fault Ray fell, basically breaking his hip, leaving him with a horrible limp and a charming personality??? No... why would you even think that? But if he did, it was so that years later, he could yell out in the middle of Algebra: "HIP COUNT!" And their classmates could hold up two fingers, while Ray, confused, would only hold up one. Funny... and also math related!
Kelli Pfirrman
Bridesmaid
A wedding means a blending of families. Danielle never had any sisters, so she is thrilled to gain one through Kelli! They initially met in Ohio where Danielle got the short and sweet meetings with everyone, but they recently got to spend some time together at the beach and got to know each other better while floating through the waves in Destin. Even in their short time together, it is easy to see that Kelli is incredibly kind-hearted and fun, but also an amazing sister, daughter, and mother. Her two perfect children, Connor and Delaney, have been given the adorable positions of ring bearer and flower girl. Kelli and her family have a great bond, and its a family Danielle can't wait to blend with.
Chad Frerer
Groomsman
Ray grew up with only sisters, always wanting a brother to bond with. Chad is the unlucky winner of this position. Picture a brother who constantly asks dumb questions, always needs help figuring things out, and even occasionally needs help tying his shoe - this is what Chad is inheriting. Fortunately its been great so far! Although they haven't known each other long, the two have already started forming that brotherly bond while discussing cars, business, high tech toys, and work. And it turns out they have a lot of common. Both of them played soccer, love the same music and movies, and enjoy spoiling Danielle. Now we just have to see how good he is at tying shoes.
Kelly Stephens
Bridesmaid
A fixture in the Frerer family for years, Kelly and Danielle have become super close. Family dinners, holidays, you name it- Kelly has been there. They've bonded over many a shopping trip (hello home goods) and get togethers. She is incredibly supportive and one of the most genuinely kind women you will meet. She cares greatly about the people in her life and is a very loyal friend. This fashionista is the first to celebrate others and the first to volunteer her free time to help friends and family. Dogs hold Kelly's heart, though she has come to check on Danielle's cats more than a few times. Her golden doodle puppy, Lottie, is her newest love, but Sonny, Chad's dog, will always be her baby.
Peter White
Groomsman
He's tall. He's handsome. He's an elite athlete, and an undeniably talented performer. Give him a pencil and he'll create a masterpiece. Give him a guitar and he'll show you why you shouldn't have quit practicing. All these things and more are why we love Ray. And don't get me started on his humility! But ya know who is pretty great too? Chris Mullins. Just a genuine pleasure to be around. Much like Mark Weiss and Dan Arrasmith. All great Buckeyes and great men. Who am I forgetting... did we talk about Brandon? (speaking of great Buckeyes)... OK FINE, thats probably enough. Peter is beyond great and everyone loves him. He truly is good at everything and has helped Ray push himself and hone in both his physical and creative skills. Almost as much as Chris Mullins.