Cast
Maj. Kevin M. "Big Mac" McLaughlin
Hello all, I am the best man (of course) and Brian asked me to make a "quick" bio about myself. By the time of the wedding I will be 37 years old, I am married to my beautiful wife Julie, and again by the time of the wedding I will have two kids (23 month old girl and a 5 month old boy). We currently live in Pembroke Pines Florida which is near Ft Lauderdale. I am also a Major in the US Air Force and currently assigned to US Southern Command, Miami and Chief, Information Assurance Division.
Brian and I are college buddies where both he and I attended East Carolina University (greatest party school ever) and we met each other through Air Force ROTC. At first we hated each other, but after Brian and I ended up two rooms down from each other in Fletcher dorm, we eventually became great friends. For our Senior year we shared an apartment and the rest is history.
I look forward to this wedding and best of all the Bachelor Party that Ron and I are devising. Congratulations Brian and Jamie. Julie, Emily, Little Mac, and I send our love!
Kevin has been my "wingman" for many, many years. We have had many experiences enjoyable and otherwise, some of which are cleared for "polite company". He has been a constant source of support, entertainment, and frustration, and I cannot think of a better person I would want to have as my "oldest friend". I have truly enjoyed watching his career take him all over the world and at the very least, it serves to add more adventures in the same vane as his "Guatemala story".
Rob Barthle
I met Brian back when we both were young and in college. That was a long, long time ago, when Jamie was still in diapers. I live in the Northern Virginia area with my beautiful wife Courtney, and newborn daughter Camden. Courtney once said she'd trust Brian with Camden's well being, and I am still insisting Courtney get her head checked out.
I design web applications for a living, and made this beautiful piece of art you are looking at now. I continually wonder why I remains friends with Brian whenever Brian calls me with a mouth full of Carolina Q and sweet tea, two items impossible to find this far north. Even though Brian doesn't understand that sauce-based western NC barbecue is infinitely better than that vinegar-based east coast NC garbage he insists on eating.
Rob and I started to get to know each other well after college. I think it was during an "infamous" Buffet concert (see a pattern?) when I knew that this guy was someone fun to hang out with. Steadily over the years, he has become a person who has helped me with many trials in my life. He has solidified his place as one of the people I care about most. While I obviously disagree with his version of BBQ, I'm glad we can agree on the style. For a man with more hair on his chest than his head, he is one of the best people to come into my life and I'll even say that sober! Long live BoJangles.
Jennifer Welsh
My name is Jennifer Welsh and I live in Durham, North Carolina where I attend UNC Chapel Hill's Doctor of Pharmacy program. I am an Air Force Brat, a science geek, and I love animals. Brian and I have been crazy good friends since 1999 when I met him for the first time at a Jimmy Buffet concert. We were drunk, happy, and when I accidentally flashed him, I knew at that point that we would be friends for a very long time.
Well, that's certainly one way to make a good impression with me. JW has been a great friend over the years, sharing many experiences, some we can actually remember, and share!! She has been a wonderful woman to bounce ideas off of, and give me "the female perspective".
Ryan Hill
My name is Ryan Hill. I am a 26 year old friend, son, brother, ex-husband and boyfriend of the most amazing people in the world. All of these people have made me who I am today. I am a huge videogame and computer nerd. If it's on the *internets* I have seen it or will soon find it. I can play videogames for hours on end and not even realize i have missed work and am now later for dinner.
The past 2 years Brian and I have become extremely close. We have done everything together. Vacations, dancing and even singing on stage. If I need an escape I call up Brian. We balance each other very well. There is no one else I'd rather stand by on their special day than him. It will be an emotional day to see my "heterosexual life partner" tie the knot. But don't be fooled....I'm not going anywhere anytime soon!
Ryan is a total nerd, but in the best respects. He has almost every game system out and the Wii, Xbox360 and PS3, hooked up in his house now. First glance at him and you would never guess that he is quickly becoming a master at "drunk Jenga" and "Buzzed Guitar Hero". He has taught me much, first with work, then some life, but always with a laugh, usually at my expense. Florida would not have been the same without this American Eagle wearing software acquirer. I am glad to have met him and helped him learn to NOT order "Pink Drinks".
Heather Rothman
I am Heather, the sister or as Jamie and I affectionately call each other "SIBBER!". Jamie and I go way back. I mean way back. Like we lived together when we were kids and stuff. Oh, wait. That's right. That's because she's my sister. LOL. So, it is pretty exciting that I get to see my sister through such an amazing process. Especially, as her Bridal Wench...Ahem....Maid of Honor. I am very honored.I solemly swear that I will keep Jamie calm, as best as I can. Although, I am not going to lie, I will probably take pics of her crazy first. Also, I will make sure that she makes it down the aisle. Not that she would escape; if anyone knows her, she has wanted this forever. But if she breaks her leg at the Bac. Party, I will piggy back ride her down the aisle! I am just that dedicated to this job!
Sibber! Heather and I are like night and day. No really. Go watch Ten Things I Hate About You?Heather is Bianca, I'm Kat. No lie. I'm happy to say that she agreed to by my brides slave, I mean maid of honor, for my wedding. Growing up together, we know each other almost like the back of our hands. She has this insane way of calming me down in my most frantic, anxiety-ridden freak outs and still does it to this day. Even though we are totally different, I know that she'll help me make this day perfect.
Heather Gillette
I'm Heather Gillette, also known as "the other Heather" and I've known Jamie since the DuPont Days...ahhh the old Green and Gold. My husband and I live in Winston Salem, NC with our 80-pound puppy Beau and love life. I currently work as a Library Specialist at the Z Smith Reynolds library at Wake Forest University and am working toward my MLIS, so I can complete the nerd circle and be an official Librarian.
Heather and I have been best friends forever. We met at DuPont middle, and we have been laughing ever since. Whether we are going to movies together, getting tiara's to wear for no reason, or laughing hysterically about the most random stuff, she's been the best friend a girl could ever have. I had the privilege of being a matron of honor at her wedding, and am thrilled that she is going to help keep me sane when my wedding comes around. I swear, put us two girls together and you'll have one hilarious time!
Elizabeth Jones
Hi, I'm Elizabeth Jones - EJ for short. I've known Jamie since winter of 2001. I met her while she was jamming out to some Dixie Chicks music in her dorm room down the hall from me at JU. I'm currently living in my home state of Indiana and studying to be an optometrist. I'll graduate in spring of 2009. In my "spare time" I work at an alterations store, enjoy ballroom dancing, and helping out my boyfriend, Greg, with his home renovations.
EJ and I have a soft spot for Dixie Chicks?and for Gamma Phi Beta! She's not only my friend, but my sister too! She was the one that convinced me to join the sorority, and we've been as close as sisters ever since. We roomed together, and helped each other through the trials and tribulations of college life, and I can't imagine doing anything without her! (and when she finishes her degree, I get free eye exams! WOOHOO!)
Amber Brinker
My name is Amber and im 22 years old. I'm really into music and art and film. I'm currently painting and trying to beef up my portfolio. I'm also in a tribal fusion bellydancing group with a great friend of mine, Feanix. I'm currently in a great relationship with the man of my dreams and wouldn't want it any other way. My friends and family are the most important thing to me. I'm also the really awesome friend that helped these two love birds get engaged!
What can I say about Amber!? She's the girl that got Brian and me engaged! Amber is the friend I never knew I'd have and am so excited that I have. We have insane fun together singing music at the top of our lungs, going to clubs that freak ME out, and just having a good time all around. We have been there for each other like sisters in the past few years, and it's only right that my crazy ass rock star girlfriend makes her appearance in my bridal party!
Kate Parker
I am Katharine (Kate) Parker, formally Kat Hollander. I am married, Charlie Jr, have two kids; Lucy age 3, Charlie III age 1 (they will be by the wedding!) I have known Jamie since Mrs. Garner's fourth grade at Beauclerc Elementary. I have too many stories of Jamie and sleepovers (just ask Mr and Mrs Rothman) but a particularly memorable one which included clothes in the freezer, potato chips in the sleeping bags and chocolate syrup on anyone who DARED go to sleep. I work as an Executive Assistant and live in Jacksonville, FL.
I don't care what she says; I will always remember her as KAT and will forever call her Kat. We met in elementary school and have been friends ever since. We were always getting into trouble, and after a mild spat between the two of us, we've been going stronger than ever. I will forever remember our insane sleepovers and the fun we had marching colorguard (before she transferred of course). She was my first friend in Florida!
Kendall Johnson
I'm Kendall Johnson, and I'm six and one-half years old. I've known Jamie almost four years, but I've known Brian all my life because he's my uncle!!!! He saw me take my first steps, and now he'll see me walk down the aisle at his wedding. I was born and live in Louisville, KY, and I graduated from kindergarten last May. I love horses - seeing them race at Churchill Downs and riding my cousin's horses in PA. I also like ice skating, bike riding, watching/listening to Hanna Montana, gymnastics, and going to modeling classes. I'm really excited about being in this wedding!!
