The Wedding Party
Jay & Alex are proud to present... the wedding party!
Message from Alex
I am honored to introduce to you my bridal party- a group of young women whom I love and value so much. Each of them, in their own way, have helped mold me into who I am today. They are making quite a sacrifice to be with me - traveling hundreds of miles and taking time off work to make this unique day in my life one that cannot be forgotten. I am overwhelmingly blessed by their friendship, love, kindness, and generosity... and to simply have them in my life.
Message from Jay
I was blessed with two sisters, whom I love dearly. But I cannot say I do not have a brother. The truth is, each and every one of these men have been that to me and more, over the years, months, days, hours, and moments of our friendships. Blood or not, I consider them brothers. They are blessings from God, the Giver of all good things. I am humbled that they call themselves my friends and thankful that they will stand with me as Alex and I enter into the next season of our lives.
Whitney Covalt, Matron of Honor
My name is Whitney Covalt and I'm Alex's older sister. I've been married for 11 years to my high school sweet heart, Ryan Covalt. We have an 18 month old little girl named Adelynn who I get to stay at home with! I also trained in MMA for 3 years and really enjoyed it! We spend a lot of time with the young adults from our church and are looking forward to what God has planned for this group!
When Alex was very young she used to think that Cat Woman was her mom.... she used to insist upon it actually. So one day my mom told Alex to direct us to her "real" mother's home. Alex took us all over the neighborhood in search of her "mom".... needless to say we never found her!
Jim Williams, Best Man
I was born in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Lancaster when I was young and have lived there most of my life. I went to two high schools and three colleges before I figured out what I wanted to do with that life and, while I'm still not sure, for now I'm an IT pro working in Hilliard. I enjoy fast cars, guns, knives, and long walks on the beach.
There are so many stories that it's impossible to choose one, and even if I could, I doubt I could do it justice. But there's a story surrounding all these stories, a story of twelve years of friendship, of love and pain, laughter and loss, and that's the best story of all. And the story continues...
Jordan Monyhan, Maid of Honor
I’m Jordan, Alex’s older sister. I grew up in Pennsylvania before moving to South Carolina and attending Clemson University... GO TIGERS! I currently live in Honolulu, Hawaii (yes, it is as amazing you're thinking), and in my free time I enjoy the beach and training in Muy Thai, Jiu Jitsu, and Boxing.
When we were kids, the three of us made “radio shows” on our tape recorder. Alex was a guest on the show who always told jokes and made up songs. She was only 3 or 4, so the songs and jokes didn’t make sense, but my favorite song was called “Diaper Rash.” If you ask her to sing it, she probably still remembers the words (because I do!)
Brandon Novena, Best Man
Hi I'm Brandon. I have a beautiful wife and 2 wonderful boys! Family and friends are the most important things in my life! Jay is like the brother I never had! I met Jay 22 years ago this coming year. Our friendship has grown and reached levels people dream of having with another person. I have been blessed to have met such a caring and Godly individual.
I met Jay when we were 8. He was across the street from me walking with his bike when I asked: "Are you going to Matt's?" Jay replied: "No, my bike broke and I'm walking this way" while still walking with his bike dragging its chain across the street. I responded, "What happened to your bike?" Jay said, "The chain fell off... Would you like to walk with me and come over to my house?" I replied, "Yes!" and that was the beginning of the best friendship anyone could ask for!
Chelsea Gose, Bridesmaid
Hello! I am Chelsea and I am from Vicksburg, MI. I graduated from Michigan State University with Alex in 2012. I am currently a 2nd grade teacher and I live in Lansing. I am getting married in July and Alex is one of my bridesmaids! We actually made a pinky promise in college that we would be in each other's wedding and we are sticking to our promise! ;)
When I met Alex, she was always talking about this weird camp where everyone goes by silly nicknames. She would tell stories about how magical and amazing this camp was. I finally went to my first Camp Kesem meeting and I was hooked! I am so thankful Alex got me involved with CK because it was truly life-changing. I am so happy Alex found a deserving man with the same beliefs and goofy sense of humor she has. I wish you the best of luck in your life together, Alex (monster) and Jay!
Wayne Haseleu, Groomsman
I am happily married to Rachel and the father of five amazing children. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. I moved to Columbus to attend Bible college, and as a result I've been priviledged to work with Jay for 10 years and counting. I am a Steelers and Penguins fan. I enjoy all types of music, good movies/tv shows, making good bbq, and hanging out with family and friends.
One of my favorites is when we had a coworker that claimed to be the #1 Steelers fan, yet would often bad mouth the team. We convinced him that we had got in contact with the team and we made it look like his favorite players were emailing him to tell him off. With a little tech knowledge on our parts it seemed very real to him. We let it go on for a few days and the poor guy was on the verge of burning all of his memorabilia when we finally broke the truth to him. I've never seen somebody so relieved to find out they were pranked.
Jaime Forte, Bridesmaid
My name is Jamie Forte, born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan where I work for State Farm. I met Alex my sophomore year at MSU where we were lucky enough to be suite mates that year. Our friendship was solidified when Alex insisted I join Camp Kesem. She changed my life for the better that day. I couldn't be happier to stand next to an amazing friend as she marries the love of her life.
I first spent time with Jay and Alex at our friends' wedding in Rochester Hills this past January. It was an incredible evening spending time with friends and getting to know Jay. I was impressed with his ability to embrace the goofiness of Alex and me, as we can be a little crazy together! That night, she told me she was going to marry Jay, she just didn't know when. Well the time has come and I couldn't be more delighted. Love you both!
Spencer Stephen, Groomsman
I am a Department Manager for Costco Wholesale where I am a self made thousandaire. I am one of "THE" biggest buckeye fans you will ever meet and I bleed Scarlet and Gray. When it comes to information about sports, especially football, I am one of the foremost authorities on information and opinions. I am a man of mystery and power, whose power is exceeded only by my mystery.
Jay and I used to play a game called Minecraft. At one point I had some free time for a day or two and built a full scale in-game replica of the Whitehouse. Needless to say I had quite a bit of time invested in the project. One day I received
a link to a YouTube video from Jay on the 5th of November (for all you V for Vendetta fans). Jay kindly took the time to plant hundreds of blocks of TNT and took a streaming video of him blowing up MY WHITEHOUSE! aka parliament. My fury was subsided when told there was a backup file of the server.
Laura Meminger, Bridesmaid
Hi- I'm Laura! I'm 25 and live in Washington, DC. I'm the manager of a spice shop but my passion is social media! My greatest love in life is dogs. I say hi to every dog I pass on the street. I'm a Temple University Alum- Go Owls! Most of the time you can catch me at home cuddling my roommate's dog, binging on Netflix, and making dinner. Oh and I love coffee- I make a mean maple latte.
Alex and I took AP Gov together in high school and for some reason started putting things in cans. We would draw pictures on sticky notes of things that were relevant to us at the time and put them in a can (draw a can around them). Examples include our teacher's cat sweater in a can, a classmate's new beard in a can, and our winning basketball team in a can. We put these sticky notes everywhere in our books and notes and we both still randomly find them to this day.
Drew Megimose, Groomsman
A brother that has known the bride and groom from the start of their relationship and then some. From a competitor to a best friend, Jay and I have a lifelong brotherhood and I can't be more excited for him. I've created a lot of memories and lasting conversations with these two. Love ya both!
Jay and I were mutual friends of another member of the wedding party, Brandon, but did not know each other. Brandon, for whatever reason, thought we wouldn't get along, so he would tend to avoid having us around each other, unintentionally creating a feeling of competion between Jay and me - for his time. One day, I made the decision to invite Jay to lunch even though we were "rivals," and it was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. We went to lunch, had a long, fabulous conversation, hung out at Wal-Mart, and spent countless hours together. And... we've been brothers ever since. Love ya man!
Kelsey Lash, Bridesmaid
I live in metro Detroit, where I nanny for two boys and volunteer with high schoolers through Young Life. I have received a master's degree in Counseling Psychology and prior to that I studied at Michigan State University. I love to exercise. I have a wanderlust spirit and hope to travel abroad in 2016 where I will drink lattes, take pictures, and hopefully make some great memories along the way.
Alex and I met when we attended a mission trip to Mazatlan, Mexico together. Braving a week alongside one another through long days of physical labor and emotional work alongside orphans, we bonded and during that time I was privileged to baptize her in the Pacific Ocean. Talk about a memorable experience for the both of us!
Chuck Solt, Groomsman
After graduating from Bloom Carroll High School I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania Academy of Culinary Arts located in Punxsutawney, PA. In 2005 I relocated to Asheville, North Carolina to work at the Biltmore Estate. In 2007 I moved back to Ohio. I enjoy playing and watching basketball and soccer, going to concerts and making BBQ. My girlfriend and I have 2 puppies.
I first met Jay in early '03 when one of my really good friends switched high schools months before graduation. We use to get coffee at Steak n Shake almost every weekend. One of the most memorial events with Jay is when 5 or 6 of us stayed up drinking coffee and playing video games almost all night. Then left early in morning to go to Cleveland to see Linkin Park. We had a great time and of course we stopped at Steak n Shake for coffee on the way home. Jay had always been there for me as a great friend through thick and thin.
Noel Fridgen, Bridesmaid
I grew up with Alex. We became friends in Mrs. Suders' 2nd grade class and continued that friendship beyond high school. I am a proud alum of Penn State myself. Alex and I were roommates from 2013-2014 in Michigan. I now live in our hometown of Greencastle, PA. I'm a lover of everything Disney, travel and adventure, and taking snapshots on my camera along the way.
About 18 years ago we were having a sleepover at my house and I agreed to let Alex tell me scary stories. She told the tale of "Bloody Mary" which involves seeing her face in your mirror. Conveniently the mirror in my room looked like a face could appear at any moment! Being a scaredy-cat, I couldn't stay in that room. So we dragged our sleeping bags into the hallway and spent the rest of the night there. Clearly Alex is skilled at telling scary stories, but she's also the kind of friend that will make you feel better afterwards too.
Jorje Nava, Jr., Groomsman
I've been friends with Jay for almost 8 years. I'm half Mexican, half Puerto Rican. I'm from California by birth but consider myself an Ohioan. I'm a software engineer. I like most styles of music excluding country. I try to play guitar. I'm not very good at writing bios. I enjoy long, moonlit walks on the beach. I really want world peace.
When I met Jay for the first time it was when I worked at World Harvest. I was a lowly tech then but I had an interest in becoming a programmer. I remember Jay taking me under his wing and showing me the ways to get where I wanted to be. He taught me a lot about programming. More importantly he showed me how to be a good person. He gave me rides to work when I didn't have a car. He took me to the doctor sometimes when I was sick. He prayed for me. And he challenged me. I can honestly say I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for Jay.
Mariah Morris, Bridesmaid
I'm Mariah. I'm 26 years old. I live in Greencastle, Pennsylvania...originally from North Western Pennsylvania. I work at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland. I'm in school for business administration. I'm also a trained CNA and phlebotomist. I've known Alex for about 14 years. We share many, many memories together. I'm very blessed to be able to stand beside her on this special day.
My favorite memory of us is when Alex came up to Knox with me to visit my dad and we took a trip to Clevland, Ohio and went to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We toured the entire thing and watched a film on John Lennon. We also took our favorite photo ever together on that trip.
Shawn Kramer, Groomsman
I was born in 1982 in Muncie, Indiana. I grew up as an Army brat. I've lived in Germany, Kentucky, and Colorado. I gave my heart to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when I was 5 or 6 years old. I went to World Harvest Bible College and met some very awesome people. I then moved back to Muncie and graduated from Ivy Tech with an associates degree in Design Technology.
Years ago, I came to Ohio to visit Jay (my cousin) and his friend Brandon was over, on a cold winter weekend. We decided to stay up all night, but Brandon kept falling asleep. After several times of waking him up, he fell asleep again and we finally decided something had to be done - so we proceeded to carry him outside (by his arms and legs), threw him in a snow drift, and locked him out for about five minutes. When he came back in, to our surprise and supreme ammusement, he briefly looked at us - not a bit mad - and said "dudes... that was not cool!" before immediately laying back down and going back to sleep.
Nicole Gentile, Bridesmaid
I was born and raised in the Greencastle area. I ventured off to Penn State for four years after high school where I earned my bachelor's degree in Health Policy and Administration. I am currently a practice manager for Summit Physician Services in Chambersburg, PA, and I am back in school working towards my master's degree in healthcare management.
Alex and I met in middle school, however our friendship truly did not develop until freshman year of high school. We bonded because we both played in the band or I guess because we each secretly disliked band. We spent many early mornings and band trips together that fostered some of the funniest memories I have from high school. Our friendship obviously grew outside of band, and along with our other friends, we shared many hilarious moments together.
Scott Dement II, Groomsman
I am Jay's nephew. I'm seventeen and I go to Watkins Memorial High School. I would like to go to college for criminology but I'm not sure where I want to attend. In my down time after school I like to hangout with my friends and play video games. And when the weather is right I like to go skiing and swimming.
My favorite memory of Jay and Alex is one of the first times I had met her. They were sitting on the couch joking with each other and tickling each other. When I saw how happy they made each other I knew they were perfect for each other.