A lot of people have contributed their time and hard work to get us to our wedding. Our parents and other family have been tremendously supportive and helped us squeeze through more than one logistical maze. Our friends on both sides have helped us celebrate finding each other in this wild and wacky world. We appreciate everyone who has helped before the big day and everyone who celebrates with us on The Big Day!
The folks below will stand beside us in our sacred moment. We couldn’t be happier to have them with us!
Jennifer Allen, Guestbook Attendant
Jennifer Allen has been a close friend ever since freshman year at Swansboro High School. “Jennifer #1” to Jenn’s “Jennifer #2,” the two were thick as thieves their first few years in school. The two have remained close over the past few years and thank goodness because now we now know what a French 75 is. Don’t know? Guess you had best ask Jennifer #1.
Philip Hamilton Brice Jr., Officiant
Ever met someone and said “Hey, we’re gonna be best friends?” Well that’s basically how the friendship between Jenn and Philip started. After taking an improv class together at DSI, Jenn told Philip they should start a duo group and become best friends. And they did. Philip was also the person she went to for advice when she started dating her new beau Mr. Adam Bianchi. Philip had a front row view of their budding relationship and it’s only fitting he should be the one to officiate the marriage. Even Atticus knows that “Mr. Philip is the fourth most important person at the wedding.” Behind Atticus. Oh, and the bride and groom.
Mandy Butler, Bridesmaid
Mandy is a phenomenon to behold. She and Jenn didn’t hit it off all that well the first time they met but quickly bonded over their mutual love for thrift shops and sushi. Mandy is by far Jenn’s most famous friend. Don’t believe us, Google her! She’s always up for a concert and a road trip. If you need a conversation starter just ask her about Counting Crows, vintage Pyrex dishes, or anything related to theater.
Matthew Carpenter, Groomsman
Matt is a delicate soul who helped Adam understand the finer details of interpersonal relationships when he arrived on campus. Matt was especially insightful about the best way to work with professors to get the most out of a UNC education. Since graduation he has gotten respectable. When he’s not globetrotting and making deals, he’s renovatin’ and grilling up a storm. If he needs a little Cooter nap halfway through, don’t worry – he generally puts the bar/casino/library/wings joint to bed at the end of the night.
Demitrian Cook, Usher
Demitrian and Jenn became friends when he went through his Red Robin manager training. Demitrian has always been a fierce and fabulous friend. Beware his competitive streak, as he might just encourage the wedding guests to start a flag football game or conga line. Who knows? His nickname is Superstar Bear, and trust us when we say that wherever he goes he is always a Superstar!
Carrie Griffin, Maid of Honor
Carrie is more than Jenn’s Best Friend. She’s her “Seester.” Carrie and Jenn have been close ever since Heather introduced them back in 1997. In the years since Heather’s passing the two have grown incredibly close relying on each other as they would a real sister. Carrie is a ball of fun and movie quotes. Carrie is to be counted on to bust out in random songs, in fact she puts the “Carrie” in karaoke! If you ever need a reason to start a conversation just talk to her about roller coasters or Disney. Face it folks, she is Jenn’s bestie for a reason. Carrie and Adam got to bond when she helped Adam search for the perfect ring … which ended up being one of the very first rings they scouted.
Rebecca Hinson, Bridesmaid
Rebecca, or Becca, speaks fluent sarcasm. It’s even better when done with British accents. She and Jenn became close one night long ago when they jumped in a DeLorean and went back in time to a land with no internet access. Long before Jenn promised herself to Adam she and Becca were destined to be married and have a daughter named H-Vac. They may not marry because they have gone on to each find their own loves, but the dream of retiring in Florida and drinking pitchers of martinis is still a possibility. Ring pops and Red Stag solidified this friendship and Becca has become one of the most important friends Jenn has ever had.
Nicholas Kannen, Usher
Nick is the “Peas” to Jenn’s “Carrots.” Jenn and Nick have been close friends all the way back since the days of Trav-L-Park. They lived together for awhile in Charlotte and share a mutual love for DUKE basketball. And while he’s on the exclusive “first-time-parent” sleep routine, if you are curious about anything BBQ he’s the guy to talk to. Also, he and the bride are undefeated in beer pong.
Adam Mundy, Groomsman
Adam and Jenn met the first week they were rushing Greek life at a Kappa Sigma / Sigma Kappa bowling mixer. Wow, that statement is super 90’s. Adam and Jenn have remained close through all of their multiple moves in life. He has always been there for moral support and gives the best hugs. Seriously, go and hug this guy when you see him. Now Adam and Adam have teamed up to commiserate about all those “Eve” jokes and plot out the perfect burger and brew combination.
David Newsome, Groomsman
Jenn’s big brother. He’s one of the funniest guys in the land and is ALWAYS down to sing some R&B. If you’re looking for him the day of the wedding check the karaoke stage first. Dave’s first love is his family, followed closely by his love for UNC sports.
With sons in tow, David and Adam braved a reptile safari that peaked with David helping rangers corral a 25-foot anaconda that seemed to be taking an interest in the children nearby. Shenanigans and family helped make these two fast friends.
Meg Pierson, Bridesmaid
Meg was easily Jenn’s first improv crush. They met in Greenville, SC when Jenn decided to take her first improv class. Meg was, and still is, stunning to watch on stage at Alchemy. To Jenn’s delight Meg thought Jenn wasn’t half bad as an improviser either. The two became great friends while Jenn was in Greenville and even better friends once they discovered their mutual love of mixed tapes and LaCroix.
Greg Ray, Groomsman
Adam first heard stories about Greg from friends while Greg was studying abroad. Aside from a lot of French jokes, Adam didn’t know what to expect when Greg rentré à la maison. But it didn’t take long to paint a full picture of Greg’s deepest loves: Tar Heel basketball and Beavis and Butthead reruns. When he wasn’t busy earning graduate degrees, Greg could be found bumming out at beach houses up and down the NC coast and rescuing Adam from (literally) the end of the (bus) line.
Jason Richardson, Groomsman
Jason and Adam have been friends since a very questionable stint at the Weekly World News. They followed that up with a number of questionable road trips to increasingly questionable destinations. Since then the two have tried their hand at starting a business, planning a film, planning a podcast, cooking the perfect rare steak, building and deconstructing a number of electronic devices and moving major appliances after midnight. Jason has also been there to support Adam through quite a few of life’s challenges and celebrate the wins. Like meeting that new girl, “Jenn.”
Allan Scott, Groomsman
Allan and Adam have been friends since late in the twentieth century. When they’re not busy sorting out people mixing their names up, they’re sorting out the finer details of pop culture and fiscal policy. With backgrounds lost in the hazy fog of rural small towns, Allan and Adam have compared notes on recipes for that most perfect of delicacies, boiled peanuts. From annual pilgrimages to the beach with their boys to high-stakes blackjack in Vegas, Allan and Adam have traipsed around the country and come through it the best of friends.
Kelli Thomas, Matron of Honor
Best friend doesn’t begin to say what Kelli means to Jenn. Hetero life partner? Besties for Realz? Guuuurlfriend? Nope, none will even scratch the surface to what Kelli is to Jenn. They have been close ever since Jenn lived in Fayetteville and they both worked for Red Robin. The love these two share for each other is so great it’s confused more than one person, including Kelli’s mom. They once spent an entire managers’ conference holding hands. Some say they speak their own language, and they are right. But that language is just a mixture of inside jokes and movie quotes. Best way to make Kelli happy is to just step back and “let her do her.”
Gene Vinson, Usher
Gene and Jenn became close while they worked together at the Red Robin in Greenville. And even closer once Gene left to do bigger and better things. Gene is one of Jenn’s most trusted friends who will always have her back and is up for a good beer and night of fun. Can’t find him? Don’t worry, just listen for his laugh that will fill the room. Beware ladies, this guy is a charmer!
There are many more people we want to thank – beloved family, great friends, their patient significant others, old friends and new. To everyone in the wedding party and everyone else who has supported us, thank you!