Abby & Steve
Wedding Party
Annah Riedel
Maid of Honor
When we were 14, Annah and I met on the pool deck at Blue Ridge Leaders' School and became fast friends...once we found out we swam different races and competed in the relays together. We grew up together through our 6 years at BRLS. We continued to learn a lot about ourselves and each other as roommates in college and she's more than a friend, she's like a sister to me. She's been there through thick and thin and she's taught me to "shake off" the hard times.
Reid Ellis
Best Man
I've known Reid since January 17, 1995... his BIRTHDAY! Needless to say, I always wanted a little brother to help show him how to do things. Since a young age, Reid has always been there for me and we've taught each other how to grow as men. We've seen each other at our highest and lowest, and have been better for it. He's someone that will laugh with you, listen to you and have no judgement.
Morgan Besterman
Matron of Honor
We met while sitting next to each other at a Yankees game during our summer internship in New York City. We quickly realized we were meant to be friends and lived together our second summer interning for Ralph Lauren. We say we survived a summer in Bed Stuy together! We share a love for New York, Brooklyn Brewery and knitting. I'm so lucky to be able to see this sweet friend whenever I'm in NC for work.
Josh Dukes
Groomsman
Josh has been one of my closest friends since college. We met on the rugby pitch at WVU and became fast friends after his rookie season. During my 1/2 victory lap in school, I spent more nights on his futon than I did at my place a few blocks away. Over the years we've both moved around, but know we will always be there for each other.
Samantha Burdett
Bridesmaid
Sam and I met through the College of Textiles Summer program, STEP, when we were in high school. We became much closer as we were part of a handful of Sophomores in the new Fashion and Textile Design program. We supported each other through many late night in studio and demanding classes. We traveled abroad during the same semester and explored each other's "cities," Florence and Paris. We both moved to New York City after graduation and we keep each other sane, almost always over a margarita and guacamole.
Brett Diehl
Groomsman
Brett and I are cousins and only 4 months apart in age. Even though we grew up 5 hours away, we had very similar interest; sports and entrepreneurship. We grew closer after Chip passed away and Brett made regular visits to Virginia visiting mutual friends. This lead to many bro dates and bowling #dontchallengeus.
Ashley Ellis
Bridesmaid
I cannot wait to finally have a sister! We briefly knew of each other during our time at BRLS and little did we know we'd become family so many years later. Ashley has embraced me and I couldn't be more thankful to have found a close friend in her. She's always up for a new experience and a short phone call to say hi always turns into a full life update.
Kris Wilson
Groomsman
Kris was and will always be my fly half. We met through rugby and grew closer when I was dubbed honorary 5th roommate of the house when there were only 4 rooms. We just seemed to jell and we both really liked Kaelyn's cooking.
Katherine Hagwood
Bridesmaid
Katherine is one of my oldest friends. We grew up going to Eagle Rock YMCA summer camp, being very active in Matthews United Methodist Youth Group, joined Leaders' Club together and completed our 6 years at BRLS together. After high school, we went to college at NCSU together. Her family has become like a second family to me and even when we are living half way around the world from each other, we pick up right where we left off.
Will Douglas
Groomsman
AKA: "Dougie Fresh!" Will and I were one of the VA Crew on the WVU Rugby Team. We grew closer over the years on the pitch, but also through late night talks about goals and what we wanted to do with our lives. He's the most genuine guy.