Groomsmen

A few words on our Groomsmen ...

Joe McCollum ~ Best Man

Hailing from parts unknown, you cannot control Joe, you can only hope to contain him. I have known Joe for more than a decade and have racked up unforgettable memories. We have traveled across the country in a Toyo-wagon and survived. I am awakened each morning by the text tone of Words of Wisdom by Joe. (Insert inside joke of the day here). He also makes sure that I know whenever the classics like Grease 2 or Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 are on TV. If you need a good friend there is nobody better than the Man, The Myth, The Legend – Coach Joe Mac. Give Joe five minutes and you'll see what an astonishing man he is. All I'm saying is it will only take five minutes.

Chris Palmer ~ Groomsman

The good ol' Mississippi Boy turned Georgian, Chris and I became friends while serving in our Church's High School Sunday School Ministry. (Gluttons for punishment). He's served as my wardrobe advisor a time or two, and let's just say I rocked the Kung Fu suit courtesy of Mr. Palmer. MMH used her one veto on me wearing the powder blue tux for the wedding. Sigh. If you think that I am a talented vacation planner, I ain't got nothing on Chris. The man can do some trip planning (and not miss a single attraction). I'm grateful that he and his three girls will be taking a trip to California to see his friend Timmy get hitched. Even if it means I will be dressed in a boring suit.

Mark Graffius ~ Groomsman

Not only am I gaining a wife, but four brother-in-laws (and four sister in laws!) are an added bonus. Mark has given me much insight into the World of Hughie (he has over 30 years experience) and it's nice to know that I have my personal coach to guide me through these unchartered waters. We both are crazy enough to be restaurant owners and have been known to solve the world's problems over a cold beverage and a gourmet hamburger. He's good people and my bride and I are very appreciative for the generosity that he and his wife give us.

Micah Thompson ~ Groomsman

Micah has a rough life. He and his bride Courtney live in a home in Florida which overlooks the water. They cook gourmet meals on their deck at sunset and read the newspaper on the beach. That is, when they are not on a six month honeymoon hiking all 2,181 miles of the Appalachian Trail. (They were the original inspiration of our vacation idea of seeing the Appalachian trail... but by CAR not FOOT). Mo and I go way back... and I may have been the Sunday School teacher who took this preacher's kid to his very first concert. Micah is a high quality guy who inspires me to be more, do more and live more. I'm blessed to call him my friend.

TJ Blalock ~ Junior Groomsman

TJ and I are buds. This boy will have you laughing, just by being his comical, enegetic, unique 11 year old self. My bride says that he's a Mini Me ~ so, naturally, he must be a pretty cool kid. (And there are only 10 cool kids in my book). TJ and his Uncle Bo have a special bond. If full time jobs weren't sort of a requirement, building legos, setting up cities of army men and playing videogames while eating sugary goodness would keep us occupied full time. TJ has his passport now, so we hope that he will come spend some time with us real soon.

Tom Blalock ~ Groomsman

So, our parents said that it never occured to them that their sons would be called Tim and Tom when they named us Thomas and Timothy... but... their sons are known as Tim and Tom. Sorry, mom and dad. Thomas Watson Jr., is my big brother and one of my closest friends. I sort of get along with him, well as far as brothers are concerned. I can thank him for showing me the fine art of courting a woman (see caption on shirt above), getting out of any sticky situation (not that I would ever have any use for that) and the rewards of hard work and dedication to family. I'm sorry that I had to come all the way to California just to find a wife, but know that wherever we live we will always find a way to stay connected. Love you, bro!