Shephard's Beach Resort

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Winter

Mario Kart Enthusiasts

Our Wedding

The story of this power couple began in the Summer of 2019. This is where their paths started to cross more frequently outside of frisbee. While they originated as somewhat distant friends, they hadn’t created a strong connection. Matt had heard rumors of the Princess’ powerful presence, but he had not experienced it in a social setting before. Once Jackie showed her true infectious personality to Matt, the two became inseparable as friends. The bride and groom did not know right away what would come out of their new friendship, but they would be in for a pleasant surprise. Fast forward to the fall where Matt was knighted by the University of Central Florida. He would commute 2.5 hours one way. Where most would dread this long drive, Matt looked forward to it because it meant he got to talk on the phone with his friend, Jackie. They would talk about anything and everything, but most of the time Jackie would watch Steven Universe (Matt’s favorite show), and Matt would just listen in the background. Phone calls would become a tradition every drive home until the Knight arrived at his humble abode. To justify the frequency and length of the phone calls, the Princess and the Knight made an agreement to converse and mingle in person. The activities included, but were not limited to: going to the movies, lunch, grocery shopping, and theme parks; arts and crafts; board games; and so much more. The bond between the two started to become powerful enough to declare their courtship, and that’s exactly what they did in January of 2020. After 4 years of improving as a couple and as individuals while participating in the COVID Olympics, completing an unnecessary amount of escape rooms, and, yes, plenty of Ultimate Frisbee, the Princess and her Knight are ready to take the next step in their relationship. They ask that you share this day with them as you have shared the last four years with them - standing off to the side in awe of their radiance.

The Princess and Her Knight

Our Story

Photos

Jay and Matt met when they were 5 years old at a softball field where their sisters played. They continued to grow their relationship through eating competitions and video games during sleepovers. Jay is probably the biggest competitor in the world, and will always find a way to win at whatever he does (whether it’s honestly or bending the rules). Jay abandoned Matt when he attended college at FSU and once again when he moved to Nashville for his career in shipping cardboard boxes. Jay’s interests include wearing plaid shirts and black hats, being the sole reason Taco Bell stays in business, and anime.

Jay Garland

Meet Jacob. Jacob and Matt met in middle school where he attempted to play the French Horn. Jacob witnessed Matt choke on a chicken patty at lunch during an eating competition and did nothing to save him. The pair spent their weekends playing video games, Like Jay, Jacob tried to dispose of Matt during the 7th grade by moving to Washington; however, they continued to visit each other annually after high school.  Jacob currently works as an Elementary School Para Teacher in which he gets paid fully to do part of the job a real teacher does. Jacob’s interests include his dog (Leia), keeping his room at -32 degrees, and drinking LOTS of water.

Jacob Price

Khang is the most seasoned of the groomsmen and has the energy to match it. Khang and Matt met at Indoor Frisbee at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center. Their first big interaction with each other was a verbal disagreement in frisbee where Khang was holding Matt on defense. They have forgiven, but have never forgotten.  No matter how many times he has been asked by his friends, no one knows what Khang does for work. His interests include quiet time, Asian cuisines, and Forrest Gump.

Khang Trang

Zach and Matt also met at the New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center as coworkers. While they were already close, they created a stronger relationship whilst cleaning the Fitness Center late at night, where they discussed everything important going on in their life. Zach is cursed with both diabetes and color-blindness, but he makes up for these hindrances with his stellar dance moves and killer charisma. He dislikes fires, as he makes a living off fighting them. His interests include Marvel, D.C., and video games.

Zach Cook

Don’t let his hairline fool you! Chandler is the youngest member of Matt’s groomsmen. The two initially met through middle school band where Chandler struggled to master the trumpet. Their friendship was on a brief hiatus as they journeyed through different high schools, but they ultimately rekindled their relationship at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center as coworkers. The pair have a reputation for being the absolute worst teammates when they are on the same team, but they believe it can be chalked up to their constant desire to better one another. Chandler’s interests include all Boston sports teams, all brands of beer, and none of the frog species.

Chandler Sheldon

Meet the Wild Card of the group: Eddie. The two met in the hospital on Matt’s birthday in 1997. Eddie has been present in 100% of Matt’s injuries in their youth. Whether the groom received his cuts on the same eyebrow on THREE separate occasions, near decapitation while riding down a hill, split lip from a thrown spellchecker, etc., Eddie was involved. Honestly, it is a death wish to have him there for Matt’s big day, but we’re just gonna go with it. Eddie’s hobbies are defying all the rules set by his parents, causing mayhem and unpredictability, and, despite all the “accidental” injuries, being the kindest and most generous person in the world.

Eddie Chester

Meet your Maid of Honor: Emily! Jackie and Emily were inseparable since their first introduction as 3rd graders. The two would grow up alongside one another while dancing together in high school and staying up all night playing Mario. Emily and Jackie’s  hidden talents are reciting the full scripts of White Chicks and Scary Movies 1 - 3. Jackie was by Emily’s side when she married her husband, Matthew; Now, Emily will be by Jackie’s side when she marries her husband, Matthew. 

Emily Stuhr

David is the ideal image of a Man of Dishonor. To no surprise, Jackie and David met at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center. David and Jackie have traveled all around the U.S. together - New York City, Denver, New Orleans, Nashville, Charleston, and so many other desired destinations. Their friendship came into fruition at a fast pace when Jackie stole David away for a weekend trip that he was unaware of. Currently David is a Makeup Counter Manager at Dior, but his dream job is to be the next lead singer of Smashmouth.

David Hecht

If you haven’t seen Celeste before, you probably have heard her. Jackie and Celeste were first introduced by Ronald McDonald himself. Their friendship blossomed while attending Round Up and Dallas Bull every weekend. The two can be seen on a car accident report back in high school when they skipped class. One can find Celeste at her occupation as a Speech Language Pathologist, with her two dogs (Bubba and Forrest), rewatching Grey’s Anatomy, or binging the live feeds of Big Brother during the summer.

Celeste Trang

Jackie and Mike met at a Starbucks in the mid 2010s. The Starbucks might not be there anymore, but their friendship still is. The two are Leo food twins, so they trust each other when it comes to food reviews. Michael is known as the Apple whisperer; if you have any questions about how to accomplish something on your iPhone, don’t hesitate to ask him. Señor Lewis is a Spanish teacher at Florida Virtual School and spends his free time playing video games, riding his bike, and going to the pool. 

Michael Lewis

Tabby and Jackie met through Chandler Sheldon (Tabby’s now husband). Tabby was immediately inducted into Jackie’s circle and left Chandler to fend for himself. Their bond became unbreakable through the weekend trips to Stockyard and Round Up. The two tried to recreate the “two shots of vodka” video but forgot to record the first time, so they had to do it again and add even more vodka into their Jell-O shots. Tabby’s hobbies include playing pickleball with friends, baking gluten free desserts and pastries, and participating in arts and crafts. Based off those activities, no one really knows how old Tabby actually is. 

Tabitha Sheldon

Bless him, it’s Johnny! Jackie’s and Johnny’s paths converged through the mutual friendship with Michael Lewis. It wasn’t long after that Johnny became one of Jackie’s original roommates where they shared plenty of food and wine tastings, Halloween parties, and game nights. Although he is the most seasoned of the bridal party, his complexion contradicts his age (Sponsored by Dior). Johnny is infamous for his chili and King Cake recipes. If you ever need anyone to talk to about Real Housewives, Britney Spears, or ketchup, Johnny is your guy.

Johnny Appel

Chris met the bride through Khang and Michael. The amount of trust these two have in their French onion soup reviews from various restaurants is insurmountable. While Jackie and Chris have been friends since 2016, Matt and Chris unknowingly met in the early 2000s when Matt hung out with his younger brother at Chris’s house. Neither knew years later they would become friends. Chris and Steve Irwin share the same experience of being stung by a sting ray, but Chris made sure he avenged Steve by killing it. When he is not shopping for sports/Pokémon cards, this Petal Patrol member is most likely telling the best one-liner jokes or watching the Jets lose 6-10.

Chris Dell’Aquila

Within the first couple months of meeting each other, Matt and Amar shared a room at an Anime convention in Orlando. The two still call each other Roomie to this day. They share a common interest in John Mayer, their love for Matt’s comedy, and their hairstyles. Jackie has known Amar longer, spawning from their mutual love of Kevin Hart and touring the U.S. Amar has still not forgiven Jackie for refusing to eat at a world-renowned pizza place he desperately wanted while in St. Augustine. That place is now closed. This gentle giant is famous for his obsession with sour candy, competitiveness in any sport/activity he plays, and being the 49ers biggest fan (and biggest hater when they lose).

Amar Vora

Wedding Party

Jackie

From 9-5, Jackie is the world’s smartest Branch Manager at Wells Fargo. We can all presume that a qualification for this position is having an innate ability to be terrible at simple math. If you can’t find her at the bank teaching customers how to use the atm, Jackie can be seen spending quality time with friends; cheering for the undefeated Florida State Seminoles and the defeated New England Patriots; watching, playing with, and talking about dogs of all breeds; or playing indoor frisbee and video games with Matt. If she could have any super power, Jackie would choose teleportation so she could get a Guinness from Ireland and gelato from Italy. Jackie is 5’7 (according to Matt) and is not a picky eater.

The Bride

Matt

Matt lives his everyday life as a newly hired English Teacher at his Alma Mater: Gulf High School. This is frightening to those who remember that he was in remedial reading in middle school. When he’s not instructing and developing our youth, the groom enjoys watching the unfortunate Pittsburgh Steelers, playing indoor frisbee and video games with Jackie, destroying any challenger at Mario Kart, and some peace and quiet for once in his life. If he could have any super power, Matt would choose invisibility so he could disappear from his responsibilities. Matt is 5’8 (according to his license) and is a picky eater.

The Groom

Hotels and Attractions

This resort is conveniently located mere feet next to the venue. If you’re looking for convenience, this is where you should stay. 

Matthew & Jacquelyn

Matthew & Jacquelyn

Hotels and Attractions

Hotels and Attractions

Shephard's Beach Resort

Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater

Winter The Dolphin's Beach Club

JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

Coconut Cove All-Suite Hotel