A Few Good Men

It's wedding post time again! I would like to pay tribute in this blog to all of the amazing men that Mike has grown up with and has surrounded himself with. Thanks to all of you who have shaped him in to the man that would I marry! I hope that by joining my family, his circle of influence will continue to grow, as he has a lot of wisdom and humor to share. I hope that Ryan and Steven have the opportunity to get to know him as a big brother.. (sooner rather than later!)
So here's to you, Mike's friends, family, and new family!

Thought I would start out with a picture of the cutest ring bearer ever! Carson, Mike's 4 year old nephew, was a big grown up boy in the wedding. He stood right by his daddy the whole time during the ceremony, and he was just wonderful. I love his little personality.. it comes out clearly in this picture!

This is a pic of Mike's dad Dave Wade, and our pastor Kurt Stone. I think they are saying goodbye at the reception or something. Kurt is a mutual family friend, and he poured so much into our wedding message. We felt so blessed by him. (I wish I had a better picture of his face!)

A few good men (L-R Front: Ryan Cooper, Steven Cooper, Mike Wade, Frank Gyngard, Steve Schuster. L-R Back: Andy Dorgan, Fred Zarf, Dax Nieders) Please enjoy reading a bit about each of them.. this is what I wrote about them in the programs:

Frank Gyngard and Mike grew up together in Florissant and became friends in grade school while playing in baseball and basketball leagues. Frank is finishing his PhD in Physics at Washington University.

Steve Schuster and Mike met at the entrance area of St. Marks United Methodist Church as toddlers and have been friends ever since. Steve is the dad of Delaney Lynn who is almost a year old! He and his family live in Phoenix, AZ where he is a Medical Doctor in his second year of residency at the Mayo Clinic.

Dax Nieders is married to Mike’s sister, Lindsey. He is also a University of Illinois graduate and the father of Carson and Olivia. Mike is very thankful for the invaluable advice Dax has provided to him over the years!

Steven Cooper is Heather’s youngest brother. This fall he is beginning his college career at South East Missouri State University. He has a passion for acting, loves being on stage, and is pursuing a fine arts degree in musical theater.

Ryan Cooper is Heather’s middle brother. He graduated from Virginia Tech in May and just recently started culinary school in San Francisco, CA. We know he will do well, because his meals are gourmet and delicious!

Fred and Andy were ushers and are two of Mike's really great friends from college and highschool.

Those Wade boys are looking good all dressed up in their tuxes. This pic was taken outside of the Wade house before they all left to get to the church.

Wow.. my husband cleans up well. He looked SO nice that day!

All of these boys again. They are posed in front of Mike's Uncle Bill's 1928 Chevrolet. He restored it himself. Isn't it awesome? Uncle Bill went above and beyond for our wedding. He took all of these pictures that I've been posting.. unfortunately he isn't in any of them! Thanks Uncle Bill.

The father-in-law. Mike squared.