Erika & Richard
Wedding Party
Annika
Matron of Honor
Annika has taken on the role of "cooler older sister" since day one. Gone are the days of stealing clothes from her closet and taking her car out for lunch during school days. (even though I tried my hardest to put the driver's seat and mirrors back exactly how I found it, she somehow always knew) Throughout our adult years, Annika became the keeper of my secrets and the one I always go to for advice. She has not only witnessed but also contributed to the biggest chapters of my life, making her the perfect Matron of Honor.
Fallin
Bridesmaid
Best friend since '94 - from playground pranks and sleepless sleepovers to college roommates, travel partners and everything in between - Fallin and I have shared every detail of our lives. Known for her contagious laughter that can light up any room, she has been my confidante, partner in crime, and constant source of strength through every part of my life. Fallin standing by my side as a bridesmaid adds an extra layer of joy and will undoubtedly make the day even more special.
Jalen
Bridesmaid
There's a reason people always called us twins growing up. Jalen and I practically share a brain, finish each other's sentences, and know what the other is thinking without having to say a word. From middle school sleepovers and high school homecomings, to navigating adulthood, kids, and everything in between, Jalen has been there through it all the last 20 years. Jalen has the most contagious kind of laugh that can bring joy to every moment. I couldn't imagine this day without her love and encouraging smile next to me.
Molly
Bridesmaid
Molly quickly became my pandemic ride or die as we met online in the midst of Covid-19. Forced to stay home (pre-vax times), we bonded over text and phone calls and became the best of friends in no time at all. When the world finally opened up again we went to get permanent bracelets together, and the rest is history! Molly is the most supportive and encouraging person, friend, mom, and confidante. She's not just a bridesmaid but a soulmate that came at the perfect time.
Karen
Bridesmaid
There hasn't been a more fun time in my post-college life than the time Karen and I spent as roommates in Jacksonville. Between nights spent at the beach bars, hosting themed parties at our house, and time spent at home with the fireplace on watching TV, Karen and I became like sisters. Even though 1,000 miles now separates us it feels like no time has passed whenever we're together. Adventurous, spontaneous, and my favorite Latina with the best dance moves, Karen's constant support and positive attitude has always been a calming presence in my life and makes for the perfect addition to the bridal party.
Cayla
Bridesmaid
If Cayla had a tagline it would be "once a bride, always a bridesmaid" but that just means she is such a great friend that everyone wants her in their wedding! Cayla and I met the same way Richard and I did - through the Austin UCF Alumni group - and quickly bonded over our shared love of sarcasm and quick banter. Cayla's fiery energy always has the power to lift me up and turn any situation into a good one. Our double date nights are a favorite around here we wouldn't have it any other way. Cayla's infectious spirit has a way of reminding you not to take anything for granted and I'm so grateful for a bridesmaid and friend like her.
Leland
Best Man
We met our freshman year at UCF and along with Tony, Jeff, and Matt blazed a path of chaos across Orlando for the next four years. Leland went from squatter to roommate and the rest is history. From the epic Icing rivalries to the controversial “training” - or lack thereof - of his dog, Sadie, we always kept it interesting. Through the years, Leland has been a constant source of wisdom and encouragement and he’s always been there when I’ve needed him to be. He is a seasoned Best Man and I know I’m in good hands.
Tony
Groomsman
Tony volunteered to be my big brother when I joined a fraternity and we quickly became just like family. Instead of providing mentorship, Tony raised hell right alongside me. His favorite pastime - and source of many of our great stories - is going fast. In addition to his need for speed, Tony is as optimistic and cheerful as they come and has a laugh that’s guaranteed to make you see things his way. While we have had mostly fun times together over the past twenty or so years, there have definitely been a few sad and scary ones, but Tony is always there no matter what.
Jeff
Groomsman
Randomly assigned as roommates freshman year of college, Jeff and I thought the other was the weirdest person we had ever met but quickly became friends. We continued living together throughout our time at UCF with Jeff somehow conveniently missing each moving day, a privilege that repeatedly granted him small bedrooms. Jeff was always the most coveted beer pong partner because of his sniper-like ability to land balls in cups and his natural gift for shit talk. Together, we were unstoppable. Now, Jeff lives on the bottom of the world and even though it’s been at least a decade since we’ve played beer pong, his epic one-liners live on across 15 time zones.
Michael
Groomsman
When Michael and his wife, Cayla, attended their first UCF watch party, they sat across from Erika and I and we knew immediately that we would be friends. He enjoys visiting breweries as much as I do, which makes for plenty of good times. When he isn’t lost in the wilderness taking wildlife photos and channeling his inner Steve Irwin, Michael is always up for a good adventure or an afternoon beer. His eagerness to play devil’s advocate keeps things interesting, and sometimes weird, but laughter always ensues. Erika and I are lucky to have met the Wights and count them among (read: only) the married couples we do things with.
Zach
Groomsman
My soon-to-be Brother-in-Law, Zach, is Annika's Husband. When I met Zach over Thanksgiving in 2019, I knew he was the standard against which I would be measured. Game on. Since then, we’ve spent many more holidays together and Zach always seems to emerge as the voice of reason or the man with the plan. He admirably marches to the beat of his own drum, seemingly immune from judgement. In a way, he reminds me of myself, which is likely why we get along so well. They say a marriage is a union not only between a bride and a groom, but of family and friends too. Zach is the perfect addition to both.
Matt
Groomsman
Always referred to by his full name, Matt Rey rounded out the gang early on with his universal kindness and unwavering cheer. He also has unshakable confidence, but that’s a different story. Never one to shy away from a good time, Matt is always the life of the party and when Matt’s around, you’re going to have a good time. Matt is loyal and generous, always looking out for his friends. We have had many great times and plenty of times when we’ve gotten on each other’s nerves, just ask him about smashing pumpkins. In any case, I’m lucky to count Matt Rey as a friend.