Nathan and Mike go back to 2009 when Mike decided to walk onto the Radford University Cross Country and Track team. Mike will never forget his tryout at Radford. Nate had already established himself as a Captain. Mike was just trying to crack the roster and earn the respect of his teammates and coaches in a 10 mile time trial. Nate jumped in a ran the last few miles by Mike's side encouraging him. Since then, Mike's been running by Nate's side ever since pushing each other to be at their absolute best. Nate even supported Mike's crazy idea to run his own self timed marathon when Covid canceled his race and once again, was running the last 10 miles right by Mike's side.

Joe and Mike have known each other since Mike's birth. Mike always looked up to his big brother who has constantly set the example of what it means to be a good person. To Mike, Joe has always been Superman. In high school, Joe could high jump higher than anyone and hurdle any obstacle in his way. But it wasn't his physical strength that made Joe Mike's hero. Joe has always been one of the kindest and most caring people Mike has every known. Joe always treated Mike not just as his kid brother, but as one of his best friends. As they've grown older, they've bonded together at some of the Washington Wizards greatest games. They were there together when Paul Pierce called game and they were there when the crowd self proclaimed Ish Smith MVP vs. the Celtics.

Shawn and Mike have known each other since middle school. Their bonding moment came their freshmen year of high school when they decided to try out for the basketball team together because, as Mike and Shawn both knew, athletes got all the girls. They quickly found out to make the basketball team, they actually had to be good at basketball. Needless to say, they weren't selected. But Mike and Shawn like to think a far greater team up was born that day. That was the start of Mike and Shawn becoming the best of friends. Mike and Shawn would go on to compete side by side on the Stone Bridge High School track team. Since then, they went on to make memories together with Northern VA Community College , live together after college, and go on to be neighbors for a few years after that. As they've grown up, Mike has watched Shawn grow up to become and amazing husband to his wife Miranda and a great father to his daughter Illana. Their family has become a main stay at Mike and Alexandra's annual friendsgiving party.

There’s friends, there’s family and if you’re lucky enough there’s Mike. For nearly 20 years, Wes Rogerson has been blessed with the opportunity to grow alongside Mike as competitors and friends — from humble beginnings on the Stone Bridge Cross Country team, to stellar accomplishments in college Track & Field. With Mike’s guidance, Wes’s eyes were opened to the world of running, helping transform a (surprisingly) shy young man into the confident and over exuberant friend he is today. Over the years, Wes has been there for Mike running alongside him as he’s trained for races, rode shotgun and laughed through long road trips, and been there to help Mike move more times than a normal human should actually commit to. But that’s another story. For now, Wes is excited to honor Mike and his newest running partner — cheering the two of them on for every foreseeable 5k, Tough Mudder and Turkey Trot. Alex, welcome to the family.

There are some people who come into your life, you interact with once and you never see again. There are other friends who are so invested in keeping their friendships going that they walk up to you on your birthday and say, I want to take you some place nice to celebrate. That pretty much sums up Mike and Matt's friendship. Here we are after 20 years and Mike and Matt still have a standing birthday date at the Olive Garden. It may sound cheesy, and yes Mike always get extra cheese on his Chicken Parmigiana, but but an Olive Garden tradition seems like the right move for two guys who have known each other since middle school and treat each other like family. Sadly, Alex turned down and Matt's request for an all you can eat Olive Garden buffet at the reception, but Matt and Mike have both been groomsmen in each other's weddings. To Matt and Mike, that’s an honor worth toasting with breadsticks, good wine, and never ending pasta! Because just like that pasta bowl, this friendship is never going to end.

Alex and I met through the guys and instantly clicked. While the boys were entrapped in their DnD games, we were on our weekly walks, talking for hours about anything and everything. We made the best memories during the best girls nights, surviving sunburns from beach weekends, and going on countless double dates. I’m honored to stand by your side on your big day as you marry your person and begin your happily ever after!

Chelsea is Alexandra's younger sister. We met when I was born. We grew up across the hallway from each other and really bonded from there. I am excited to be there for the big day and all of life's precious moments moving forward. I met Mike over video chat, as I live in AZ, and whooped his and Alexandra's butt over games of Catan online. It's been great watching their relationship grow over time. Can't wait to celebrate!

Alex and I met through a DnD community. During the work from home times of Covid, we spent a lot of time playing DnD, video games, and just spending time talking about life. We have made time to spend together in person as Alex lives in VA where I am from and I live on Long Island where she is from! We quickly became very close friends by being sounding boards for life’s various ups and downs. I am beyond excited to help Alex and Mike celebrate their special day and am wishing them all the happiness in their new journey together.

I have only known Alex for less than a year but in that time we have grown close. We met through a mutual friend, Kendall (one of the other bridesmaids), and quickly became friends. As most of the time we are the two girls of our dnd group we enjoy each other's company. I am so honored to be apart of her and Mike's big day, and can't wait for the next chapter of the journey.