Natalie has a heart of gold and is the first person everyone turns to for advice, comfort, and help. When I went through one of the hardest tragedies of my life, she didn’t hesitate to move home from LA...literally living in my bed until I was strong enough to stand on my own again. That’s just who she is...selfless, compassionate, and unwavering. Natalie has also always been the negotiator in our family. For years, we thought she was destined to be an attorney because she could talk her way through anything. One of our favorite stories is from when she was just three years old. We offered her “the deal,” and without missing a beat, she shot back, “Well, here’s my deal…” That strong-willed determination never left her. Today, instead of arguing cases in court, she’s negotiating business deals for influencers and thriving. In 2020, when the world shut down, Natalie and her friend launched 2 Social Co., a social media company that she poured her heart and hard work into. Under her leadership, it flourished into a very financially successful company and eventually merged with an LA-based management company, and they are now known as The Creator Society. Today, I’m proud to serve as their CFO, but more than anything, I cherish the family time we share outside of work. In April 2024, Natalie married the love of her life, Gunner, in one of the most thoughtful weddings I have ever attended. The love and intentionality they poured into their day was a true reflection of who they are together. Now I'm just waiting to one day be Gigi to their cute little red headed offspring. Natalie is not only my daughter, but also one of my greatest friends. I truly don’t know if this wedding would even be possible without her by my side. If you see her at the wedding, ask her if ducks fly ;-) you’ll thank me later!

Madison is the dedicated professional of the family...the one who jumps in with not only both feet, but her whole heart. She joined 2 Social Co. in 2022 and quickly became an irreplaceable part of the team. Today, she serves as the CMO of The Creator Society, and thanks, in part, to her marketing leadership and drive, the company has grown into a $6M+ business. Her commitment to her clients and her community is unwavering, and she gives her all to everything she does. Beyond her career, Madison is a devoted mother to my two beautiful grandsons, Sawyer and Rio. As the firstborn, she has the strength and independence of a CEO, but also the heart of a mother...not only to her children, but at times to her siblings, too (maybe a little too much mothering, LOL). Madison has faced her fair share of challenges in her 30 years, yet she continues to grow and inspire us all with her resilience. She is also a beautiful writer. You can read some of her blogs at www.makingamomma.com. Its a huge part of who she is today. Madison was always my little shadow growing up. She was a homebody who would choose a nap, her juice cup, twirling her hair, and snuggles with mom over Friday night sleepovers with friends. Of course, high school, boys, and a car changed all that, but our close bond still remains. If she hadn’t had her boys to care for during my darkest days, I know she would have been right there in my bed with Natalie and me, holding me up until I could stand again. I’m endlessly proud to call her my daughter. If you see her at the wedding, ask her where homecoming is this year! ;-)

Stephanie may not have been born to me, but she is every bit my daughter. Our relationship is hard to explain on paper, yet so simple in our hearts. She originally called me “Aunt Jenny” since she is the daughter of my oldest cousin, but over time, life had other plans for us. After losing her father and never knowing the love of a nurturing mother, Stephanie and I reconnected. Our bond formed quickly and deeply, and from that moment on, she became family in the truest sense of the word. My children consider her their sister, and together we’ve built a beautiful, blended family. I was so blessed when she opened the door and allowed us to love her in the way she always deserved to be loved. Stephanie is a woman of incredible strength and grace...proof that when you don’t have a role model, you can become one. Her devotion to her husband John and their wonderful children, Christian, Abby, and Weston, inspires me daily. Though her kids still call me “Aunt Jenny” (which can definitely confuse people who don’t know the dynamics, LOL), I count them proudly as my grandchildren. I am beyond blessed to have Stephanie not only as part of my family, but to have her and John now call me “Mom.”

Jason and Jody have been friends since high school, and through the years their bond has only grown stronger. Jason is funny, loyal, and the kind of friend who will always be there for you, no matter what. A true family man, he is a devoted husband to his wife, Chris (who just so happens to have graduated with me), a loving father, and a proud grandfather. Jason works hard. He’s built a career with Toyota, and he and Chris make their home in Alabama. But family always comes first, which means frequent trips back to Michigan to visit loved ones. During those visits, he’s often found at Jody's house, where he has become part of the fabric of his extended family. We are so grateful to have Jason standing beside Jody as his Best Man. His humor, loyalty, and unwavering support have been constants in Jody’s life, and it’s an honor to have him play such an important role in our wedding day. If you see Jason at the wedding, ask him how he dented the hubcap on his car when he met Chris!

Curt has been Jody’s friend for over 40 years, and anyone who knows him can tell you he’s a quiet observer...until he gets to know you, that is. Over the decades, they’ve shared countless adventures: snowmobile rides, living as roommates, tackling projects together, and even working at the same place for a time. Curt and his wife, Virginia, played a meaningful role in Jody’s journey toward faith, helping him find God and become a devoted Catholic. Beyond his friendship, Curt is a devoted dad and grandpa, and it’s always fun to watch him handle his son Jake’s antics with patience and humor. He’s the kind of friend who will drop everything to help out in a heartbeat. We’re so lucky to have Curt standing by Jody’s side as a groomsman, a steadfast friend whose loyalty and kindness shine through in every part of his life. If you see Curt at the wedding ask him how he liked his Honda CR250 after Chuckie rode it!

James is Jody’s favorite brother (LOL), and the youngest of the four siblings, coming 17 years after him. Over the years, their bond has been incredibly close. Jody coached James in wrestling for seven years, and many people joked that Jody was more like a second dad than a brother. From boating and fishing to family celebrations at their sister Jennifer’s over the Fourth of July, they’ve shared countless unforgettable moments together. James also played an important role in Jody’s spiritual journey, helping him find God and become a devout Catholic. He is a devoted husband to his wife Shauna and a loving father to Mathias, Becket, Fisher, and their beautiful daughter, Siena. James is also an accomplished athlete...winning a state championship as quarterback for Montrose High School in 2002 and also being a strong pitcher for the Rams. And yes, he’s a diehard University of Michigan fan. James’ loyalty, faith, and love for family make him an irreplaceable part of Jody’s life. Jody is happy to have him standing beside him as a groomsman on this special day. If you see James at the wedding, ask him what he did in the back seat of Jody's truck when he experienced his first kidney stone.

Sutton is the youngest of what we jokingly call “the originals,” since more siblings have joined our family over the years. He is very much the baby of the bunch, and he knows it! With two older, very dominant sisters, he quickly learned how to “work the system.” Not only did they cater to their little brother, but apparently they also covered for him throughout his high school years. (Oh, the stories I’ve heard since!) Sutton was my “surprise blessing.” After Natalie, by far my most challenging child, we thought we were done. But God had other plans. When even Diet Coke (my lifeline!) suddenly made me sick, a friend suggested I might be pregnant. I laughed it off... six months later, Sutton made his dramatic entrance. I nearly had him in the car, but thankfully made it to the hospital in time…just barely. Forty-five minutes later, no drugs, and he was here. He’s been a pain ever since. (Just kidding!) Sutton is the perfect blend of me and his dad. He is an outgoing charmer like his father, with my compassion and big heart for people and animals. His best buddy is his boxer, Zeke, who we all adore. Sutton is also the last of the Weaver kids to graduate from Texas Tech (just like his dad, mom, and sisters), and now he works alongside his sisters at The Creator Society, representing influencers and building their future together. I keep waiting for a sibling blow-up, but just like always, they know how to argue, laugh it off, and move forward as the best of friends. If you need a laugh, call Sutton. If you need a hug, call Sutton. If you need a drink, call Sutton. If you need an early morning ride to the airport......call Uber. And if you see him at the wedding, ask him how it works out when your little brother loses his glasses during a party Sutton and Patrick threw in high school at mom’s house while she was out of town!

Robert Patrick Smith has been my right hand and my savior, more times than I can count. I first met Patrick when he was just 12 years old, after he had returned to Texas for his father’s funeral. It was a heartbreaking thing for someone so young to endure, and sadly, only a fraction of what he had already faced in his short life. Yet even then, I could see his heart of gold. I told him that day: as long as he was doing the right thing, I would never turn my back on him. From that moment on, Patrick became part of our world...celebrating birthdays and holidays, soaking up family love and laughter whenever he could. One day, after living in limbo for a while, he came to me and said, “You said you would never turn your back on me…” The very next week, we turned a junk room into a bedroom, and he officially moved in. Patrick had a dream to finish high school and join the military, and I was blessed to be the mom who helped him make that dream a reality. After graduating from Frenship High School, he enlisted in the Army. He’s been stationed all over, from Alaska (where I got to visit before he moved, and where he met his amazing wife Hannah from the actual town of North Pole, AK...yes, it’s real, yes, there are reindeer, and yes, it always feels like Christmas) to Texas, where we were lucky enough to celebrate with him more often. Today, Patrick and Hannah are stationed in Cincinnati, and though I miss being able to call him for help on a moment’s notice, I love every chance we get to be together again when I visit Michigan. If ever there was a success story to inspire you, it’s Patrick’s. His life started rough, but he allowed us to pour love into him, and his strength and determination helped him soar like an eagle. I am endlessly proud of the man he has become, and grateful beyond words that God placed him in our family. If you see Patrick at the wedding, ask him what happens when you have a little too much to drink the night before flying back to Alaska and jump out of the vehicle your wife is driving and disappear...it may involve playground equipment, a missing shoe and a bicycle.

Ohhh, Frankie Jack. The youngest of all the siblings and...most of the time...the sweetest (emphasis on most of the time). As I neared 40, after experiencing several miscarriages, I had given up hope of having another child. Then along came this beautiful baby boy with the most perfect eyebrows and lips (yes, his sisters were jealous!). He was flawless in every way, except that I was older and, as it turned out, my body wasn’t producing enough milk to sustain him. Because Frankie never cried, I didn’t know anything was wrong until a well-check visit, when the pediatrician dramatically warned that “the next step is death.” (I’m sure that had to be an exaggeration...right??) From then on we supplemented with formula, and Frankie grew into the tall, handsome young man none of us could imagine life without. Frankie is the true baby of the family, but in many ways he carries the qualities of a firstborn. He’s independent, unafraid to take chances, and usually follows the rules…until he doesn’t. But even then, he always owns up, apologizes, and makes it right. Like his brothers, he’s never too shy to hug his mom in public and say “I love you.” His spirit is warm, fun, helpful, and genuine. He’s truly a joy to be around. While he tried different sports, Frankie fell in love with golf. Now in his second year with the Frenship High Golf Team, he’s learning the game on West Texas’ not-so-green courses (LOL), with dreams of playing one day in Oregon, as he hopes to attend college in the Northwest. I’ll miss having him close when that day comes, but it will give me and Jody another excuse to travel (and another plane trip for Jody to nap!). I’m so proud of the young man Frankie is becoming and look forward to the day when our relationship grows into the kind of great adult friendship I now share with all my other children. If you see him at the wedding, ask him to show you his hilarious hoverboard video...or the one of him trying to save luggage from the wind!

It might not be traditional to include the bride’s dad in the wedding party, but anyone who knows my father knows he deserves to be celebrated. He is truly the most amazing man I know, and I am beyond blessed to have him as my dad. When I was six years old, and my younger brother Jimmy was just three, he chose us. He married my mom and adopted us as his own, raising us with unconditional love. Even after losing my mom around the same age I am now, (hard to believe its been nearly 20 years) he never stopped caring for Jimmy, continuing to provide the same unwavering devotion and strength that defined him from the very beginning. He is a man of integrity, humility, honesty, and love. A steady example of what it means to lead with both strength and gentleness. There aren’t enough words to truly capture who he is or what he means to us. Jimmy and I were beyond blessed that God allowed us to call him Dad. I'm thankful that he now has Mama Deb by his side to keep him on his toes and humble him in cards ;-) On this special day, there is no one else I would want by my side as I walk down the aisle. Having his arm to hold, his strength to lean on, and his love to guide me is one of the greatest honors of my life. When you see my dad, ask him about our water fights growing up! I may have been relentless.