Meet the Bridal Party: Nyssa (Bridesmaid)

Margaret says:
Nyssa and I met the first day of high school, but grew closer as friends in our sophomore year. We spent many nights at coffee shops and in her parents' kitchen discussing life or the ills of society... We were really cool in high school. It was in her parents' kitchen that I was introduced to the delicious world of soy products and vegan desserts. We had many adventures including a successful campaign bid in Junior State of America ("Fight the Power!"), an amazing service trip to Appalachia (pronounced App-a-latch-ah as Nyssa informed us all), and a couple of trips to visit me, each time marking the furthest west Nyssa has ever traveled.

Nyssa has always challenged me intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. Through our friendship I have grown tremendously. She has been and continues to be a model of perseverance, passion, and strength. Even though we are always in different cities, our friendship remains strong as we support and protect each other through the difficulties and blessings of life.

I am so happy to have Nyssa in my life... and I am pretty sure that Eric is glad that he didn't have to meet Nyssa's wrath (if he broke my heart). We felt honored to be there to celebrate Nyssa and Stephen's marriage and we are so fortunate that Nyssa will stand by our sides at our wedding.

Nyssa and Margaret at Nyssa's secret wedding reception.

Nyssa says:
I met Margaret in 9th grade. I sat right next to her in French class, Taylor behind Tarampi. I think it might have been the first day - somehow in the middle of class I managed to tip my chair over and wound up on the floor. Luckily Margaret didn't hold this first impression against me. Since that day in 9th grade, Margaret has been there whenever I needed her--whether it was helping me get up off the floor in French class or visiting after a hospital stay.

Then Eric came into the picture. I have this vivid memory of sitting on the floor in my college dorm room talking to Margaret on the phone. She was telling me about this boy she knew, this boy she had a terrible crush on. Eric. I remember thinking-- I hope he's not a jerk because if he breaks her heart I would have to go out to Pittsburgh and beat him up.

When Eric came to Philadelphia and met the Notre Dame girls, I knew Margaret had met her match. He was as lovely, charming, kind, and big-hearted as she was. And how could you not like such a dedicated long distance runner! So instead of having to beat Eric up, as I feared might happen-- I instead had the pleasure of making another wonderful friend.

I love Eric and Margaret and could not be happier that these two extraordinary people have decided to live their lives together.