October 22, 2022

Helen, GA

Shelby & Russell

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Meet our family and friends that have helped get us to this day!

Anna Williams

Maid of Honor

"Organic chemistry has got to be the worst college class ever created. Because of that, Anna and I both found ourselves in evening tutoring classes back in 2013 to try and stay above water. I saw her come in by herself one day, so I asked if she wanted to sit next to me. And for some reason I haven't figured out yet, she has kept me around ever since. Anna has taught me to be the best version of myself and has stood by me through thick and thin. I am honored she is willing to continue that by standing right next to me on my wedding day." -Shelby

Emily Ferrall

Bridesmaid

"Oddly enough, I went over to Anna's apartment to study for the first time after we met in organic chemistry and met her roommate, Emily. The three of us bonded over dogs, lame Friday nights, movies, and trying to survive college. Anna left us in 2016 to move to New York, and Emily and I continued living together through my two years of grad school. Emily has also seen me at my absolute best and absolute worst. Make it known, she is the main reason I made it through my graduate program--both her and the pups!" -Shelby

Alyssa Ragan

Bridesmaid

"I joined UGA Redcoats as a freshman clarinet player in 2012 and found myself leaning on the other freshmen clarinets over those next four years. Although Redcoats was the true beginning, Alyssa and I became close friends when we both entered the same graduate program in 2016 and had practically every class together. During that time she let me steal pretzels from her in class, studied with me for those hard exams, and helped me job search when class got boring. We graduated together in 2018 and have both been working in emergency management ever since!" -Shelby

Makimsey Morris

Bridesmaid

"Mak also joined Redcoats as a freshman the same year Alyssa and I did. From Friday night dinners before home games--to Saturday night dinners after home games--to driving back in soaking wet uniforms--to summer weddings, I could always count on Mak to do life with me, no matter what the spontaneous plan was. She even committed to running a 15k and half marathon with me. There's no one else I'd rather judge the world and be unemotional with than this girl right here." -Shelby

Samantha Harris

Bridesmaid

"They say that cousins are the friends you get to grow up with. Although for most of my life Sam has been in Texas and I have been in Georgia, it hasn't once stopped us. The memories go back an eternity, from beach trips and Black Friday shopping to weekends at Grandma's putting bath bubbles in the hot tub and getting sunburned from being in the pool too long. It was a pleasure standing next to Sam on her big day back in January, and my day wouldn't be complete without her standing next to me as well." -Shelby

Melissa Bergmann

Bridesmaid

"Melissa will tell you that I was not introduced to her soon enough after Russell and I started dating, being she is his sister-in-law. Most know I don't do well with new people or in big social settings, but Melissa welcomed me with open arms at any and every family gathering. Russell went out of town that first year and had to miss his niece's birthday party; I went to the party by myself just to drop off gifts and ended up there for the entire event. I've called her for help on interview outfits, stopped by to bring my stress level down, and sat on the beach with her for hours and hours, just enjoying life together." -Shelby

Richard Bergmann

Best Man

"Richard will be the first to let everyone know he wanted a little brother and that's how I came to be; little did he know he'd end up stuck with me! Despite sibling brawls and turf wars, Richard has been there since day one (literally), looking out for me and teaching me throughout the years. From school bus rides to last minute cross-regional trips for video game conventions or soccer matches, Richard has been that example, that friend, and that confidant I could always count on." -Russell

Mark Speir

Groomsman

"If Richard covered the home front, it was Mark who got me through the school years! From first meeting on the baseball diamond and then becoming classmates in 3rd grade, Mark has, to borrow from Forrest Gump, been "my best good friend" for over 20 years. Whether we were determining if there was Still a Space Race for the school science fair or navigating middle and high school, Mark was and continues to be that reliable, trustworthy partner in crime." -Russell

Jordan Copelan

Groomswoman

"Of our close group of friends, Jordan is the glue that keeps us all organized. Originally high school classmates and friends, Jordan became a cornerstone of my college years, as we both attended Kennesaw State University. She was a rock for me during tough times away from family, keeping me sane or as close to it as possible. She has also guided me through many adventures, including Atlanta United matches, out of state trips, and even helping me figure out my wardrobe." -Russell

Mills Bergmann

Groomsman

"The third Bergmann brother; although he grew up usually a state away, our Cousin Mills was Richard and I's missing component growing up but was there to play catch after holiday meals or to head out on Minor League Baseball adventures. Thankfully, we grew closer as the years went on, and you know its always going to be an adventure when Mills comes to town; whether it's playing 1080 Snowboarding as kids or chess with adult beverages, he continues to mean so much as both family and a friend." -Russell

Robbie Naar

Groomsman

"For anyone who has met Robbie, they know how easy it is to get to know and befriend him, and my experience was no different. Meeting Robbie was like meeting an extension of the bond between my brother Richard and I as we discussed games, movies, and all sorts of nerd pop-culture; he doesn't even hesitate to answer our 11 pm calls to discuss the latest Marvel movie! I'm fortunate to have a brother and even more so to be gaining Robbie as one." -Russell

Matt Webb

Groomsman

"Few things react well to bullets inside a Soviet nuclear sub silo deck and even fewer words are able to describe my relationship with my coworker Matt. We both started in new roles at work around the same time and were soon quoting movies at each other across the hallways and cubicles, much to the dismay of our colleagues - including a certain coworker, Shelby Naar! When not quoting Forrest Gump, The Hunt for Red October, or Apollo 13, Matt and I are usually discussing bourbon, telescopes, or future rocket launches; it was his wit and humor that allowed me to survive my first few years at GEMA and to really succeed professionally." -Russell

Glenda Bryson

Officiant

"Glenda has either been lucky or unlucky to know Russell and myself for several years. Although we both met her through work, the three of us took opportunities to travel and spend time together outside of work. We love her immensely and know she is the perfect person to bring Russell and I together on our wedding day!" -Shelby