My best friend of 28 years! We met when we were sophomores in college (introduced by Becky). They say "good things come in small packages" and that statement could never be more true with Michelle. She is tiny in stature but mighty in spirit and in her capacity to love. How she looked past my weird and questionable behavior back in college and come to love me unconditionally is truly a mystery and one of my greatest blessings. Michelle is the kind of friend who makes silent but mighty moves in the background on your behalf...and you often never know but somehow your day just got a little brighter or your load got a little lighter. All because a small but mighty protective friend was nudging the universe in the right direction just because she loved you. That is my Michelle.
Becky (Bedky) Polster - Maid of Honor
My best friend of 28 years! We met in statistics class in college when I basically invited myself to stay with her and her family in California for spring break. Becky also introduced me to Michelle and three of us became best friends for life. Becky is my fierce protector. She looks sweet and quiet (and is!) until someone in her bubble is hurt and then it's game over! When I brought Corey to Minnesota to meet Becky, he asked me if "the hard part was already over" after meeting Michelle. I said, "Nope, Becky is the one you need to worry about." Side note, I was never worried. I knew Becky would adore Corey...and I was right! Becky loves me hard and gives me space to be me and express myself even when it pushes her outside of her comfort zone. That's my Becky.
Ashley (Ash) Buzzalino - Bridesmaid
My big sister and one of the greatest blessings in my life. Ashley is far more than just a sister...she is a true friend, ally, and confidante. Even when we argued as kids and I was a pain in her butt MANY times, I knew that I could always count on Ashley to have my back, no matter what. And boy did I need covering! You know the saying that nobody can pick on your sibling except you? Well, that was us to a tee. Ain't nobody gonna mess with the Heinz girls! As adults, she has saved my butt more times than I can count and there is no doubt in my mind that my successes today are a result of her love and selflessness. I will forever be grateful for our relationship and hope I am half the sister to her that she has been to me.
Carrie (budDEE) Depasquale - Bridesmaid
My best friend of 38 years...all the way back to the 4th grade. Carrie married her high school sweetheart and I was was in their wedding 27 years ago! Other than my family, Carrie was my biggest source of love and strength growing up. Even as a child, this girl was wise WAY beyond her years, and she brought me through a very difficult and scary time. Carrie was my true north. Although time and distance have kept us from seeing each other more frequently, there is just something about our unique bond that keeps us deeply connected, and I am forever grateful for that. We like to say that Carrie is my anchor and I am her sail. Having Carrie stand up to support me on my wedding day 27 years after I supported her feels like a full circle kind of moment!
Camryn (Cam) Buzzalino - Bridesmaid
My oldest niece and the first person to make me an "Aunt BB". I have had the privilege of watching Camryn grow from an intelligent, strong, principled young girl into a talented, driven, articulate young woman with a beautiful future ahead of her. I was there for her first bath and her first day of high school. I cherish every moment I have had the privilege of being in Camryn's life. To know that she wants to stand up and support me during the happiest moment of my life is such an honor. Being Camryn's aunt has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
Cecilia (Ceci) Buzzalino - Bridesmaid
My youngest niece, God daughter, and my namesake (Christina!). I have had the privilege of having a front row seat into the life and times of this theatrical, extroverted, bubbly, intelligent young lady. She has never met a stranger and she is everybody's friend. She is the queen of random love notes strategically placed throughout my house. I cherish every "first" I was honored to witness, every fashion show in the living room, and every profound conversation about life. Being Cecilia's aunt has been another one of the greatest joys of my life.
Nicole (Nicki) Staha - Bridesmaid
My best friend from Austin, TX. We have known each other for 19 years. Nicole is THAT friend who is willing to jump out of a plane if her bestie asked her to...and I did! There's not many people that can say they'd jump out of a plane with you and Nicole was simply not going to let me do it alone! Nicole is one of the few people who is able to match my energy laugh for laugh, hug for hug, weird dance move for weird dance move. We laugh so hard sometimes that we exhaust each other! Nicole's radiance, grace, and charitable heart under just about any circumstance is exactly what draws people to her. We share a very personal and profound bond that will forever connect us. That is my Nicki.
Megan Machen - Bridesmaid
Megan is Nicole's daughter and my adopted niece. She calls me her "fraunt" (friend/aunt)! Megan and I have had a special bond since she was a teenager and our relationship has become the most beautiful blessing to me. I watched Megan grow from a smart, athletic, bubbly young girl into a strong, warm, kind hearted, driven young woman with a servant's heart. Her first job as a travel sonographer (think ultrasounds!!) was in Greenville. She chose Greenville because it was close to me and she knew I would look after her. To know that I made that kind of impact on a person life's to compel them to move across the country to be near me for their first "big girl" job is just the most humbling feeling. I love our special relationship! That's my Megan.
Dedra Channell - Lector
Dedra and I first became friends when we worked together at the health system about ten years ago. There was an instant connection because Dedra is loud, assertive, passionate, hilarious, and free spirited and I was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Dedra has a passion for helping those in need and finding beautiful ways to spread joy to those around her. Dedra is another one of those tiny but might friends of mine, What she lacks in height she more than makes up for in personality and energy! That's my Dedra!
Reggie James - Best Man
The man that became family over 30+ years ago. Even though he is my Brother -In-Law… he is Brother that every man should ever want in life! For years I’ve had the opportunity to walk a long side of someone who has demonstrated what real is. From navigating this thing called life, to showing me what it like to be a son, brother, husband, and father. Reggie has been there every step of the way.
Stephen McDowell - Best Man
My “Irish Twin” more like my Ying Yang Twin. The man that has been by my side from day one! The guy who has always pushed me to greater levels. The guy that has always let me know that he is the “Big” brother, no matter how big or strong I got. From baseball, basketball, football, or video games Stephen has been my biggest competition, yet one of my biggest supporters.
Amy McDowell-James - Best Woman
My Oldest Sister… the person who actually named her little brother. The Leader of the Pack, our second mom of the house, and always made sure things were done the way they are supposed to be. Through thick and thin, I know Amy is going to be there for you. So, when Big Sister Amy say something… you better be listening and ready to make a move. She may be the shortest in the group, but she’s the oldest with the biggest voice.
Rhonda McDowell - Best Woman
My second oldest sister. That’s down for anything. You better believe if you haven’t talked to her, she is going to call you out on it! So, you better beat her to it. If you know anything about our little family, Rhonda is the most competitive one in the group. She will challenge you to try her at anything. I can bet you one thing…. If is there, her road dog is not far behind her.
Amy Mitchell - Groomswoman
Bonus Sister #1… for over 30+ years I have had the chance to call her my sister! Just because we don’t have the same parents doesn't mean we aren’t siblings! In the 7th grade, I was honored to be adapted into their family as their bonus brother, but most importantly as Corey. And the bond has grown stronger and stronger over the course of these many years. Just like the definition for a bonus sister states…. Family isn’t blood relatives; they are the people that want you in their lives forever…and Amy has shown me that from day one! From middle school, through High School, up to now! I appreciate her allowing me to come into their family and allowing me to be her “Big Guy”!
Anna Paige Crouch - Groomswoman
Bonus Sister #2… for over 30+ years I’ve also have had the privilege to call her my sister! A.P. is the one that made me a “Big Brother." Often the quietest in the room, but you still manage to let everyone know that you are still here. A. P has a smile that lights up the room! It is not often that you don't see her with a smile. Continue smiling and chasing your passion to serve others, because that is what we were put on the earth to do! Again...Family isn’t blood relatives; they are the people that want you in their lives forever…
Jawon Stephens - Groomsman
Cousin/… He wasn’t always old enough to hang out with the crew, but he made sure that he made up for lost time when he was old enough. Out of all of my cousins, Jawon and I are probably have the most things in common. From leading youth, to serving the community. This guy is just an all-around stand-up guy! When you need him, he’s there… When you hit him up… You best believe he is going to call you by your last name when he answers the call. But one thing about Jawon…he is always going to have something up his sleeve to make you laugh.
Wongo Blocker - Groomsman
One part of the Four Horsemen. We practically grew up together … operated like brothers even if he is my cousin. If you didn’t know… now you know! Wongo is my down for anything cousin… If I was ever going to battle, I would definitely have my shoot first ask questions last brother with me at all times. But one thing about Wongo… anytime he is in your presence, you are bound for a good time!
Latwissie (Twissie) Martin - Flower Woman
Flower Woman/Cousin, or better known as "Is that your sister too?" Yes, I have a lot of sisters (hahaha)! Twissie was the first family member to meet my then girlfriend...now future wife! So it is only fitting that she lead Berri down the aisle toward her groom on our special day. Although my Flower Woman is not a little girl, she has always been the little cousin that has always called me her Big Brother.
From our early years up to adulthood, our bond has continued to stay strong and supportive along the way! I am so appreciative for our relationship as cousins, but I am more appreciative of the person she is.
Pastor Geoffrey Stephens - Officiant
God-Brother/Cousin of the Groom. Geoff is one of many first cousins that has always taken the time to look out for his little cousins.
From teaching me how to cut grass to teaching me how to fish or should I say watching me fall into Lake Rabon on my first fishing adventure (haha), that's a moment in life we will never forget! I appreciate you for teaching me how to do so many things, but most importantly, "Thank You" for just being Geoff! We are extremely honored that Pastor Geoff has agreed to bless our marriage and present us as husband and wife for the first time to our family and special friends!
I want to take this time to honor my parents for bringing me to this point in my life. The Bible says in Exodus 20:12; “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Thank you for bringing me into this world to make it a better place!
But Mama… There are not enough words that I could put together to describe all the love and sacrifices you have made throughout the years that made me who I am today! From your strength, your drive to make it happen each and every day, to your continuous and unwavering support that you have shown over the years, I am graciously appreciative that you are my mama! Not often does one share the title of "best friend" to all of her kids, but I can say that you are our best friend. My life, without your sacrifices, we be incomplete. So, I want to honor you in my wedding party because you mean so much to me! Our bond gets stronger and stronger by the day! Your care for others has molded me to be more like you every day! As we inch closer and closer to my special day, I want to say “Thank You!” Thank you for being who you are, and more importantly just being Mama to us. You have been our ROCK and our foundation. You have supported us no questions asked whether shouting out in front, right beside, and standing behind us. But no matter what, you have taught us to stand up for what’s right and be ready for the consequences if we are wrong.
As I take this journey from being your son, a brother, an uncle, and now becoming a husband, I am forever grateful and honored as your baby boy to bring your daughter -in-love into our family.
My parents have taught me everything I know about how to love and how to be loved. They taught me what honor, respect, faithfulness, lasting commitment and enduring love looks like through the good times and the bad. They taught me that it is in the bad times that we grow and learn the most. But it is the memories of the good times and the hope for more that keep us pushing through the rough patches and loving each other even when it's hard.
Throughout my life, my parents have gone out of their way to take wonderful ordinary moments and turn them into something extraordinary. From trading our Chevy van in for a motor home and traveling out west for nearly a month, to days-long rides in a sleeper Amtrak train from New York to Mississippi to see Grandma and Grandpa, to introducing us to the magic of live theater, to writing beautiful and affirming words to us on cards and letters, to surprising me at dinner by having our waiter hand me my college acceptance letter to my first choice college...my parents have spent a lifetime creating extraordinary moments for me and my siblings. The cornerstone of each of these moments was profound love and family. We are a small family but you wouldn't know it because my parents showed us that the world can be our playground and the friends we make along the way will become our family.
Wanderlust...if there was ever a wonder as to how I became such a lover of travel, look no further than Bob and Mary Alice. They taught me to be curious about the world and to seek new experiences. They showed me the excitement in allowing yourself to dream of adventures and far away places. Through our adventures, I learned that "home" is always where my heart is and that brick and mortar will come and go. As long as I keep my family in my heart, then I will always have a home no matter where I lay my head at night.
All that I am, and all that I ever will be in this life will be because of the foundation that my two magnificent parents gave me. Every tough lesson, every belly laugh, every random bit of knowledge, every ounce of forgiveness, every hug, every "I love you", every "I'm proud of you", every "I pray for you", has shaped who I am today.
I know I have put my parents through hell and I have tested them in ways that they never saw coming. But through it all, they have stood by me and made sure I always knew where "home" was and that they would always cover me, protect me, and love me. No matter what.
Mom and Dad, just look how far I have come!! I could not have done it without you and your loving support and belief in me. On the 28th of December I am marrying the man that you always wanted for me. The man who treats me just the way that Dad treats Mom. Oh how Corey loves me and cherishes me! He honors me and our commitment every single day. And you both being there to support us is the most special blessing that this little girl could ever ask for. I love you both so incredibly much. Thank you for loving me and my future husband.
