Wedding Party
Averi Bishop
Bride
Braden Knop
Groom
Kaitlyn Dudley
Maid of Honor
Averi and I met at our 6th grade orientation, where Averi walked right up to me and said, “Hi, I’m Averi!” We ended up sharing the same classes and quickly became close friends. We then went on to attend the same high school, where our bond only grew stronger. We spent countless middle school sleepovers talking about the future, dreaming about what our lives would look like one day, and now we're both actively building those futures we once imagined. Even after heading to different colleges, we stayed in touch and continued to support each other through every stage of life. From age 12 to now, we have truly grown up together, and I couldn’t be happier to see Averi find someone who makes her so incredibly happy. I'm honored to stand by her side on this special day.
Eric Winbush
Best Man
Braden and I met back at Alderson Broaddus during our freshman season of football during an early morning practice. I had gone out for a route during practice during team period and Braden had come up behind and BLINDSIDED me by hitting me in the back during that route. I met up with him after practice and talked to him about it, and we laughed about it. I invited him out, and ever since then, we’ve been friends. It’s been fun seeing Averi and Braden grow as a couple, and I look forward to standing by his side come wedding day.
Jasmin Laiminger
Maid of Honor
I met Averi in college in West Virginia, where we both played on the same volleyball team. From day one, she went out of her way to make me feel included and part of the group — which meant a lot, because when I got there, I didn’t really trust anyone. Honestly, at first, I thought she was a little weird. That suspicion seemed confirmed during one of our first big team events in town, where we were organizing games for the community and kids. I will never forget thinking that Averi had stolen money from a little girl. The girl lost her money, Averi picked it up, and didn’t give it back right away — so obviously, I thought she was a thief (and kind of a bitch). Turns out, she was just holding onto it to make sure it got back to the right person. So yeah… my bad. From then on, everything changed. On the volleyball team, we became each other’s biggest supporters and favorite pepper partners — always having each other’s backs on and off the court. Averi has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know, and before long, we were inseparable. I definitely dragged her to most of the parties on campus, but on the very first big one — the one I really had to convince her to go to — she met Braden. And yes, I might’ve given her a little nudge to go talk to him… and the rest is history. I couldn’t be prouder to call her not just my best friend, but my family.
Eric Grinnan
Groomsman
Skylar Bishop
Bridesmaid
Growing up with my older sister has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. I’ve had a lifelong role model… and someone to blame things on when we were kids. She’s always been someone I look up to—strong, caring, driven, and supportive. From childhood memories to the big moments in life, she’s been by my side through it all. Watching her find someone who loves her as deeply as she deserves has been so special. I couldn’t be happier for her and this beautiful new chapter she’s beginning.
Jacob Cruz Perez
Groomsman
I met Braden and Averi during our college years, where Braden and I quickly became close as teammates on the football field. Those first two years were filled with long practices, game days, and plenty of unforgettable “AB” moments—most of them pretty hilarious—that somehow brought our whole friend group together. Over the past 5 years, I’ve been able to see their story unfold . Seeing themselves grow not just as individuals, but as a couple who truly balance each other out. Through the chaos of college life, big milestones, and all the little in-between moments, Braden has always been by Averi’s side—with a mix of loyalty, laughter, and just the right amount of humor to keep things interesting. What stands out most about them is how much fun they have together. Their relationship is built on genuine friendship, constant support, and the kind of laughter that pulls everyone around them in. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of so many of those memories, and even more honored to stand beside them today as they start this next chapter together.
Emmeri Bishop
Bridesmaid
Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to be just like my older sister, Averi. She’s been the person I turn to for advice, comfort, and encouragement, and she has shaped so much of who I am today. Whether she realized it or not, I was constantly learning from her — from the way she treats others with kindness to the strength and grace she carries through life. Growing up with her as my sister has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. The bond we share is something I will always cherish. No matter where life takes us, I know she will always be one of my biggest supporters, and I’m so grateful to have a sister like her. Watching her grow into the amazing woman she is today has been such a gift. Seeing Averi find someone who truly makes her happy fills my heart with so much joy. It’s so clear how much love they share, and I couldn’t be happier knowing she has found the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with. I’m beyond excited to watch her grow through this next chapter of her life.
Breandan Dugan
Groomsman
I met Braden through Eric as he came over to Damien's and my dorm room one night during a night out. Through that, our group of guys started to form, and we became the friends that we are today. I remember having a UFC fight night with Braden, Eric, Jomel, JP, and me, in which we fought each other on UFC, and the loser would have to take a shot. It is nice to see Averi and Braden grow over the 4 years of their relationship, and I am very excited to stand next to Braden when the knot is tied.
Kayla Jackson
Bridesmaid
I met Averi at work in 2023, where what started as a simple introduction quickly turned into something much deeper. From the very beginning, she showed me kindness and patience—especially when I stepped into a new supervisor role and felt unsure of myself. Even after only a few months, Averi went out of her way to help me feel comfortable, introducing me to customers and making a new place feel like home. From that moment on, our friendship felt effortless, as if it was always meant to be. We quickly realized how much we were alike—so in sync that sometimes words weren’t even needed, because she just knew what I was thinking. What started within the walls of our workplace soon grew into a beautiful friendship beyond it. From fun trips and spontaneous adventures to shopping sprees and dinner dates filled with laughter, we’ve created so many unforgettable memories together. Through life’s highs and challenges, we’ve been a constant for one another—a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and a source of comfort and joy. I’ve had the privilege of watching Averi grow into the incredible woman she is today, and I feel endlessly blessed that our paths crossed. I am beyond honored to stand by her side as she says, “I do” and begins this beautiful new chapter. I love you Ave!
Jomel Monpass
Groomsman
When I first met Braden, I had no idea I was signing up for years of laughs, road trips, and some of the best memories of college. We started as teammates, then became roommates on campus and on the road, and before long he was one of those people who just made everything more fun. I also learned pretty quickly that him being a Patriots fan while I’m a Dolphins fan meant I was going to have to be ready to start an argument with him at any time. So when he met Avery, it didn’t surprise me that he found someone who matches his heart and keeps him grounded. Although I do feel obligated to apologize to her in advance. She’s now the one responsible for making sure he actually gets up after the first alarm, so I don’t have to do that anymore. I’m glad to be there for both of you on this day.
Harlie Shanholtz
Bridesmaid
Averi and I met at our workplace, but if she’d had her way, I probably wouldn’t have been hired. Since I was coming over from Navy Federal, she was dead set on the idea that I’d be just as 'unique' as our old co-worker. It’s actually pretty funny that the person she was so worried about ended up being the very thing we first bonded over. From that skepticism, we built something so real. We’ve been through the thick of it together—the good, the bad, and the confusing. My favorite memory is the night we went to a haunted house and the whole time Ave made sure to stick to my back since I was absolutely terrified. It’s a pretty good summary of our friendship: no matter what we’re walking into, we’ve got each other. Averi, you’ve helped me grow and understand myself in ways I couldn’t have on my own. I’ve been by your side through everything, and I know you’ve always had my back, too. I’m so incredibly honored to be standing there beside her. To see her so happy is the greatest gift, and I am so proud to be by her side.
Damien Shaffer
Groomsman
Audrey Knop
Bridesmaid
I’m the groom’s older sister, and I immediately approved of Averi the first time we met — mostly because she showed up with a six-pack of Crumbl cookies. From that moment on, I knew she was someone special. Over time, she became more than my brother’s fiancée; she became my sister. Watching their relationship grow has been such a joy, and I couldn’t be happier to celebrate this next chapter with them.
Mark Walker
Officiant
Mark will be marrying Averi and Braden on 10/17. This is not only special to them both but also to Averi's parents, as Mark married them on 1/1/2000! It is what he calls a generational marriage ceremony. It truly ties together family roots and a fresh start as they start their own family!
Jeff Bishop
Father of the Bride
Brian Knop
Father of the Groom
Amanda Bishop
Mother of the Bride
Linda Knop
Mother of the Groom