Julianna & Avery
Wedding Party
Chelsea Bailey
Maid of Honor
I met Chelsea my freshman year of high school and typing that sentence just made me cry. We used to frequent local music venues and Pizza Hut together. Every story that I tell now and will someday tell my children will involve her. I love this woman so much, and I'm so glad she's going to be next to me on such a special and important day. She is truly my soulmate-best friend. I'm so thankful for everything she's done for me.
Morghan Champion
Matron of Honor
My big sister is the mom I didn't get to have. She raised me into the woman I am, and I wouldn't have this wonderful life I live without her love and support. It amazes me how far we've come from being children in the double-wide on the hill, with holes in the floors and stray kittens in the vents every Spring. She has taught me so much about loving myself and the people around me. I can't imagine how I would've turned out if she hadn't taken me in when she did. I hope everyone is as blessed as I am with a sister who would do anything in the world for them.
MacKenzie Patterson
Bridesmaid
I met Avery's little sister when she was about 11 years old. She is ALWAYS so kind and clever and funny. Being her soon-to-be sister-in-law is the best thing in the world. I love to listen to the crazy stories of her adventures with her numerous friends. She has always been ridiculously pretty, and as each year passes, she looks more like a supermodel. Or her mom, same thing.
Britney Martina
Bridesmaid
My little sister is a ray of light wherever she goes. From a goofy-lookin' little kid to the gorgeous woman she is today. What a ride that was. We used to bite each other's heads off, but now I can't imagine my life without her in it. She and I grew up in vastly different environments, but she's always shown me so much love and understanding, I don't know who she learned that much compassion from, but it inspires me all the time. Everyone should love the way Britney loves. I'm thankful she was sent to be my baby sister.
Raelynn Bandy
Bridesmaid
I met Rae for the first time on an *adventure* in the mountains in Ellijay. I truly don't know anybody that can party like Rae does and still have the energy and awareness to wake up the next day and head to college to become a lawyer. There are not many people on Earth that are as funny and original as Raelynn. She's never had to be a fake person because the real her is so kind and lovable. I love this lady to the moon and back and I'm so happy she's going to be alongside the rest of my best friends on such a special day.
Presley Smith
Bridesmaid
The very first time I met Presley, the group was having a gingerbread house contest. I only popped in to judge the houses and drink cocoa, but Presley, without having met me at all, shows up with an extra building kit for me. It might seem small, but I literally still think about it all the time. She's a real deal Leo in every definition of the word, and I LOVE it. Her laugh is so contagious, nothing even has to be funny to get me started if she's laughing. She will be the first to call someone out or stand up for a stranger, her love really has no conditions.
Elizabeth Mata
Bridesmaid
I've known Elizabeth for around 4/5 years or so. I met her for the first time through Avery's best friend Chris. She is one of my favorite people to be around because she's so fun and quick-witted. You could make a film 3 hours long of just clips of us looking at each other like a camera on "The Office" every time the boys get into something ridiculous. After meeting her just once, I knew Chris found somebody really special, so I didn't waste any time before befriending her. She constantly emits good vibes and kindness, it's great just to be around her.
April Vandivner
Bridesmaid
April is the moment. I met her the same year I met Chelsea (they're sisters) and one thing I've always related to April is "self-love." She talked about it a lot and hearing someone a little older than me be so proud to love themself was very new and I loved it. She unknowingly taught me that loving yourself is not being conceited, it's what you're supposed to do. Now she speaks that same love into her two beautiful babies, Ophelia and Ezra. She's an amazing mother and sister and she doesn't know she's a bridesmaid yet, oops.
Kat Jackson
Officiant
I've only known Kat for a few years now, but when she offered to officiate, I instantly knew it was the right choice. She is easily one of my best friends, and I can't imagine not knowing her. She has an immense capacity for caring for her friends. I wanted the ceremony to mean as much as possible, so to have Kat marry us is pretty much a dream come true. Someone, who I love and loves me and cares about me helping me tie the knot? Absolutely, yes, please.
Vera Ann
Flower Girl
Vera Ann is my 3-year-old niece and arch nemesis. Just kidding, we're best friends, but she does seek out violence and candy and will not stop until one is obtained. But isn't she so cute, though?
Caitlynn Faye
Flower Girl
Caitlynn is my 13-year-old niece. I became an aunt for the first time when I was 10 years old. Caitlynn had a few complications at birth, so we had to wait a while to officially meet her. I remember she was wearing a blue, long sleeve dress with white flowers printed all over it. She was bald and had the biggest, sweetest eyes I'd ever seen. I didn't really understand what being an aunt was until I first held her in my arms. Since then, we've somewhat grown up together since her mom (my sister) took me in when I was 15. We've shared rooms and told stories like we were siblings just a few years apart in age. She's always been someone you loved being around, I'm so happy she's a part of this day. I'm so proud to be her aunt.
Asher Ryan-Conway & James Hoyt
Ring Bearer
Asher and James are my nephews. Asher was born first and while it took him a moment to warm up to James, I know they're going to grow into tiny best friends. Asher looks like his gorgeous mom and goofy-lookin' dad, but James looks like my late father. He was born around the time we lost dad, so it was nice to be able to see him in James. edit: (Nevermind. They didn't come.)
Silas Long
Best Man
Silas is the whole entire reason Avery and I met. I'm so thankful he was allowing me to live with him at that time because it led me to my other half. Silas and I together are a chaotic duo, but Silas and Avery are even worse. You know, you grow up the youngest sister for a good long time, and you build a thick skin to the banter of an older brother, but when he is joined by his evil, red-headed BFF, the skin is no longer thick. I'm gonna be roasted at this wedding, I just know it.
Chris Sams
Best Man
Avery and Chris have been best friends since they were about 13. Chris knows Avery like the back of his hand and vice versa. Any time we have big plans or exciting news, Avery is already telling Chris about it. He is an amazing friend to Avery and I know they're gonna be old and grey one day, still best friends, still talking about guns and things. Chris and Avery have essentially grown up together and you can see a lot of them in each other. I think that's amazing because they're so different and yet so similar. I'm thankful Avery has his childhood best friend with him for his wedding day.
Andy
Groomsman
Andy and Avery met at work. I don't know how he does it, but Avery has a 6th sense for who's a good friend. Andy is another one of those super trustworthy people. He's a kind, generous, family man with a lovely partner and 2 kiddos! He is nice to be around because he's content with just hanging out and doesn't always need to be doing the most to have a good time.
Taz
Groomsman
Avery and Taz haven't known each other very long, but they have so much in common that you'd think they'd been friends since childhood. They met at work, becoming friends because Taz is so funny, he stays making the whole breakroom laugh. They look out for each other and their solidarity in hard situations only makes them closer.
Aaron Kacsor
Groomsman
We've known Aaron for a very long time. When I think of trustworthy people, he's one of the first that comes to mind. A very direct, kind, real, generous dude. I was very happy when Avery said he planned on asking Aaron to be a groomsman. You really don't want to rush picking the people that will be in the photos forever, but I know Aaron doesn't partake in shady things because he's dealt with enough shady people. Really, everyone has.
Bryan Champion
Groomsman
Bryan is my (Julianna) brother-in-law of over 13 years. I only add "in-law" so it won't be confusing because that's my brother. He helped raise me alongside Morghan, I blame him a bit for my unhinged wild-ness. I'm glad Avery wanted him as part of the wedding party because he's reliable and loves us so much, just like we love him. Though I am very much a woman, I often find myself saying "Bryan makes me want to be a better man." It started as a joke, but man he really is a great guy.
Tressa Patterson
Mother of the Groom
Tressa is the epitome of a woman who can really do anything. You can see her positive influence in the way Avery carries himself daily. She runs a business, works on the side, and takes care of her family and pets while still making sure she has time to run errands. She has welcomed me into their family with open arms and I'm so grateful for it. Avery and I love her so so so much, I can't imagine what kind of day this would be without her to celebrate with us. I hope we continue to make her proud.
Jacob Patterson
Father of the Groom
Avery and his father are two peas in a pod. I've never met two people so alike, but still different enough to show each other something neat every day. They share many of the same qualities and ambitions. Jacob is always looking out for Avery and helping him through things other people don't always understand the way a dad can. Jacob cares about his family more than anything and Avery shares that same mindset. I hope we continue to make him proud, too.
Vivian Roland
Nana
Nana's house is where we're having the wedding because she means so much to us and she's built a beautiful house that's already full of love. I am so thankful for Nana because she's selfless and kind and funnier than anyone I've ever met. I'm excited to officially call her my family. She is a huge role model to Avery. (and me too!)
James Long
Father of the Bride
Dad was very excited about my wedding day. I couldn't wait to see his sweet face as he walked me down the aisle. I used to think about what I would whisper to him as he gave me away because I knew he was going to cry. Even when Avery and I would have rough patches, dad "always liked Avery." He said that every time. When I was upset, I didn't want to hear all that, but now I realize dad saw the same things I saw in Avery and loved him like he was already family. I'd give just about anything for him to be there. I wish he got the chance to give me away, but I can settle for the idea of him being there in spirit, no matter how bad it hurts.