OCTOBER 13, 2017
Nicole & Damon
Inside: OUR LOVE STORY THE BIG DAY MEET THE WEDDING PARTY
OUR LOVE STORY My friend Norah took some of us to New York for the 4th of July. She had mentioned that her college friend from California was going to be there, too. The first night we went to a bar to meet up with the group, and I laid eyes on Damon. Oh boy, was he cute! He was very charismatic in introducing himself, and both of us had dumb smiles right off the bat. I texted Norah to ask if he was single. Turns out he was texting her about me at the same time! We had a good time at the bar, then all of us went back to their place for some late night games. He got to see my ultra competitive side, and luckily he adored it. I asked him if he wanted to go for a walk, and we immediately started sharing stories about ourselves and having an amazing conversation. The next day I freaked out. I liked this guy, but he lived across the country! I told myself to snap out of it, and enjoy the weekend. So, (embarrassingly) I ignored him the next two days. He was so confused! Luckily I realized what was in front of me and made sure we ended on a good note. I made him wait a little before we went on a first date, but after only about 2 months of dating, I knew he was the guy for me.
“FOR YOU SEE, EACH DAY I LOVE YOU MORE. TODAY MORE THAN YESTERDAY & LESS THAN TOMORROW.� - ROSEMONDE GERARD
THE BIG DAY Prelude Seating of the Parents Processional: “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Johann Sebastian Bach Welcome & Prayer Giving of Bride Scripture & Prayer: Chris & Ryan Mitchell Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Colossians 3:12-17 Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” by Chris Rice Message: Pastor Randy Johnson Marriage Vows Exchanging of Rings Unity Ceremony: “To Be Alone With You” by Sufjan Stevens Pronouncement of Marriage Prayer of Blessing & Benediction Presentation of Couple Recessional: “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
MEET THE
BRIDESMAIDS MARIA PHILLIPS MAID OF HONOR Growing up, I was fortunate to have not only a sister but a best friend beside me. You have been my partner in crime, and I will always value your opinion. Even if you are mom’s favorite! Watching my nephew grow up is one of the best honors I could ever have, and I can’t wait for the wonderful moments ahead.
ERICA PHILLIPS It may be an older sister thing to say, but you will always be the baby of the family to me. You consistently give us reasons to laugh and have fun, to be loose and carefree, and to openly express ourselves. While you may be my baby sister, you’ve taught me a lot, and I’m constantly impressed with how you’ve turned out
MELISSA MENDEZ No matter what the circumstance is, I love how you always find a way to electrify the conversation with stories and get everyone in on the joke. Your impromtu dance parties are a personal fave, and girls nights watching Jersey Shore were events that will never be forgotten. Now let’s fist pump the night away!
NORAH ELLISON What can I say about Norah? Too much! You are the life of the party and the friend I can always count on. I love your honest and blunt jokes and admire how others open up to you. I can’t wait to get nuts at the next Mets game and make sure we find you a baseball boyfriend. Cracker Jacks and sunflower seeds forever!
JILLIAN SANDERS You have been like another little sister since I can remember. I can’t thank you enough for always supporting me and encouraging me to be myself. You bring a big smile to all those around you and you have always been the life of the party. Thank you for all you have done for me especially this past year!
JENNIFER JONES FLOWER GIRL It has been with awe that we have watched you grow into the beautiful young woman you are. There is not a smarter, kinder, more mature teenager in the entire world. We know you are destined for great things. You are truly one of a kind, and we are so grateful to have you play a part in our big day.
MEET THE
GROOMSMEN
GROOMSMEN
SHANE RODGERS BEST MAN From the days we spent drawing superheroes to making homemade TV shows, backyard wrestling matches, and movies in high school — you have always been at my side as we’ve chased our dreams. I am forever grateful that we both constantly push one another to do more than what’s expected of us.
JASON SIMMONS Without your fearless spontaneity and deadpan wit, many of my fondest memories would fall vastly short. You are a bold man when it comes to pushing boundaries and poking fires, and that’s exactly what my cautious self needs to let loose and enjoy life. You are a great friend, confidant, and getaway driver.
CAMERON WOOD You have challenged and inspired me in all I’ve set out to accomplish. What I love about you is your passion for life, photography, knowledge, politics, beer, and especially baseball! Our friendship has grown so much deeper over the years, and I can’t wait to see what the next leg of the journey has in store for us!
BEN OLIVER Most people can’t remember who they went to grade school with, let alone still hang out with them 20 years on! What a crazy ride it’s been, my friend. From baseball cards in the spokes to college spring breaks, you’ve been an essential part of my life throughout. And I don’t see that changing any time soon!
STANLEY WILLIAMS You’re the definition of the life of the party. You’re definitely down to do anything, always, I love that about you. I can’t forget when you actually tried eating that raw octopus in New York City! You’re the true party animal of the group. You always bring great energy with you, and I love that.
BRAYDEN MENDEZ RING BEARER I’ve watched you grow up since you were three years old, and have decided that you may very well be the coolest kid in the world. To you, family is number one, and you look out for your sisters as if you were their big brother. I’ve always thought of you as a little brother, and am so glad it will now be official.
RECEPTION COCKTAILS @ 6:00 P.M.
LOCATION St. Regis Hotel 923 16th & K Streets NW, Washington, DC 20006 202-638-2626 DINNER MENU Plated Dinner Style: Roulade of Chicken, Norwegian Salmon, Vegetarian DIRECTIONS From Union Station: Take Mass Avenue NW to 16th Street, Stay on 16th Street for two blocks- the hotel is located on the left
DINNER @ 7:15 P.M.
THANK YOU We have waited with much anticipation for this day to arrive and give thanks to God for creating both of us to be with one another. We are also very thankful that our families and friends could be here to share this blessed experience with us. We are grateful for the distances that many have traveled to be here with us today. We hope our love touches you as much as your love has touched us. The love of everyone here warms our hearts and fills us with cherished memories, and we are truly grateful. To our parents, thank you for all of your love, guidance, and support in bringing us to this day. We have learned love from you and will in our marriage always return it to you. So what do you say to the people who have done so much for you and made you the couple you are today? Quite simply, thank you! How cool is this? Share your photos: @TheAlbumFactory TheAlbumFactory.com