Thompson Wedding 2025
Wedding Party
Grace Davie
Matron of Honor
Marissa met Grace during graduate school at the University of South Carolina in 2017 working in their sustainability office and they've been soulmates ever since! Marissa is Grace's dog, Eevee's, godmother and even officiated Grace's wedding in 2022. They text each other every day, literally. This day wouldn't be complete without Grace as her Matron of Honor.
Alex Blout
Best Man
Brad has known Alex for as long as he can remember. From playing rec soccer as little kids all the way to playing club as seniors in high school, they have been as close of friends as can be. He would pack a sleep over bag during summer practices as it was presumed he would spend the night anytime they hung out. Brad couldn't wish for a better friend and person to be his best man standing next to him on his wedding day.
Carlye Hubert
Maid of Honor
Marissa and Carlye met on Bid Day in 2013 where they both ran home to Alpha Xi Delta, but their love for each other really started over a dinner at Moe's where they shared chips and salsa. They've been roomies in college and during their time in Tampa together. Carlye has been waiting for this day to shine as MOH since she baked muffins for Brad on Marissa & Brad's second date. Pro tip: Ask if you can see the flying sour patch video of them together, you won't regret it.
Drew Bailey
Groomsman
Brad and Drew met in highschool when they both tried out for the soccer team and they have been best friends ever since. No matter what sport/game they play, they are usually partners (even when Brad is horrible at golf and Drew plays every day it seems). From road trips to Tallahassee to playing in a soccer league together with a team named after their favorite beer (FC Mango Cart for life): Brad's wedding day wouldn't be right without Drew standing up there with him.
Kate Dunn
Bridesmaid
Marissa and Kate met in 2014 when they were going to potentially move in together as roommates - it was love at first bite at Flippers Pizzeria. Kate is Marissa's introverted soul sister and same sense of humor bestie! She is also Marissa's on-call nurse for any small ailment at any given moment, and Marissa knows she loves it, even when she rolls her eyes as she texts her a diagnosis back. Marissa is a self-proclaimed proud aunt to Kate's daughters, Penelope & Peyton. This day wouldn't be complete without her!
Keaton Marn
Groomsman
Brad isn't certain when Keaton and him became friends. Keaton lived in the same neighborhood as Alex growing up and Alex just started mixing his friends together to make things easier. Thankfully, it couldn't have worked better. From playing manhunt in the neighborhood to FIFA tournaments in the game room, Keaton and Brad have always been around each other. If you need someone to read you something from across the room, Keaton may be the worst person to ask BUT if you are looking for someone to always make you feel included in conversation and treat you like family, you can't find a better person than Keaton.
Dayna Wolfe
Bridesmaid
Dayna and Marissa met during recruitment weekend for their graduate program in Higher Education. From the minute they had brunch together, they knew they were besties (seriously, it was a Stepbrothers movie moment)! They took every class in grad school together, every gym class together, and every tailgate together. Marissa might say she's her "voice of reason" as a bestie. She knew she had to have Dayna by her side on her biggest day!
Justin Vergauwen
Groomsman
Justin and Brad became friends in middle school running track and cross country together. If you ever want to get Brad fired up, just ask him about his and Justin's 4x400 relay in 8th grade at the county meet where Justin "got a side stitch" while running the third leg of the race. Absoultely ridiclious. But to stop being dramatic, Justin has always been down to do whatever with our friend group and is always someone you can count on to liven up the mood and just be a genuine human. Brad couldn't imagine not having him up there with him when he says "I do".
Emily Thompson
Bridesmaid
Marissa and Emily met because she's Bradley's sister! Although Brad's known her for longer, Marissa is sure to remind him all of the time that Emily always has HER back. Marissa loves shopping and doing bonfire nights with Emily! Marissa is beyond blessed to have a new sister and couldn't imagine a bride squad without her by her side.
Josh Tolliver
Groomsman
Josh (or as a lot of us call him Tolly) and Brad met in high school through Alex and Keaton. Tolly would always be down to go to the fields to play soccer or whatever other nonsense we got into on the weekends looking for something fun to do. Tolly is quick to edge someone into something and even faster to get out of it when the same thing is tried to be pushed onto him. He always keeps the mood high and is certain to make a night memorable. Having him stand up there with Brad on his wedding day will be a contributor as to why that night will be memorable as well.
Dianna Russo
Bridesmaid
From belly laughing in a Walgreens together when they first met, to Dianna being the wedding budget planner extraordinaire, Marissa couldn't imagine this day without her sister-in-law (but, basically sister) by her side! She's the only person who I think is more excited for this day than we are and is the human who gave us the best things in our family, Emma & Grady (sorry, Nick). If you see amazing decor at the wedding, and love the food, you can thank this wonderful bridesmaid.
Nick Russo
Groomsman
Nick and Brad have a mutual love for making fun of Marissa. As her brother, it's just natural for him to tease her about things. For Brad, it's great because he can tease her too before they go home and he is back to being at her beck and call. From talking sports and what parlays we are playing that week, to laughing at whatever crazy bet Mike Russo places (that hits more than ours for some reason), we always find a way to laugh with and at one another and Brad is glad he's getting him as a brother on his wedding day.
Amber Rivera
Officiant
Marissa met Amber working at the University of Tampa her first week on the job, and her life hasn't been the same since! Amber is a big part of Marissa & Brad's love story - Brad first reached out to her at Amber's 30th birthday dinner to which she responded (omg, this isn't about YOU, marissa - iykyk). Marissa and Brad have done mini vacations and played intense games of Mario Kart with Amber and her husband, Alex. They both think Amber is the perfect person to guide their ceremony for them!