Wedding Party
Kelly Deas
Matron of Honor
Kelly and Erin go WAY back- 1997 to be exact. Kelly is the proud older sister of Erin. She is a lawyer and lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Noland. Kelly loves Christmas and the Georgia Bulldogs. Each year, Kelly teaches a lesson to Erin’s 4th graders about the Judicial System! It’s a fun crossover of their careers!
Benjamin Godley
Best Man
Benjamin and Thomas met in Static class at the University of South Carolina's College of Engineering. They quickly became friends and started tailgating, studying and going to 5 Points. After college they became roommates until Elise kicked Thomas out of the house before their wedding. Ask Ben about the coffee pot...
Taylor Tomich
Bridesmaid
Taylor and Erin met in college. Taylor was so blown away at Erin's intelligence that she knew they needed to be friends (lol). Taylor and Erin lived together post-college and were inseparable during COVID times. Taylor was the proud third wheel to Erin and Thomas for the first bit of their dating relationship- she attended many trip and concerts with them! Taylor loves the beach and visiting her family in Chicago.
Carlisle Godley
Groomsman
Carlisle is the better looking twin of Benjamin, which is why he will not be standing next to Thomas on the day of the wedding. Carlisle and Thomas became friends through multiple tailgates, nights on the town, and trips to the beach. You will find Carlisle front and center on the dance floor when the party starts kicking off.
Evan Wise
Bridesmaid
Evan is the one who made this day possible- she introduced Erin to Thomas! Evan and Erin knew each other in college but became close friends after college. She is the one who brought Erin to CWP to line dance for the first time! She is also a 4th grade teacher- Erin and Evan could talk school for HOURS at our favorite Mexican joint! Evan loves to read and is an award winning biscuit baker (that Erin is still waiting to try!!).
Robert Heaton
Groomsman
Robert and Thomas became close friends while traveling the southeast on multiple adventures visiting. Robert is always down for a trip to the beach, mountains, lake, or river with a fishing pole in hand.
Hannah Pate
Bridesmaid
Hannah and Erin became friends because she is the art teacher at Erin’s school (oh, and she’s the current Teach of the Year…. no biggie)! Their school friendship quickly became more when they found out they go to the same gym. Now Erin and Hannah are each other’s biggest workout motivators. You can find them chatting (or ranting) in her classroom at the end of most work days. Hannah is the mom to some of the CUTEST fur babies- you’ll want to see pictures so make sure to ask!
Greg Young
Groomsman
Thomas meet Greg while they were both attending USC. After just a few study sessions and tailgates it was obvious that the would be life long friends. Greg and Thomas enjoy sharing a nice glass of bourbon together and reminiscing on fun adventures that have been on.
Kayte Deal
Bridesmaid
Kayte is Thomas's younger sister. Kayte was the first family member that Erin met after Erin and Thomas starting dating. Kayte is an amazing baker and Erin has loved trying her different flavors of sour dough bread that she had made. If you see an adorable, blonde toddler or a sweet baby girl at the ceremony- she made them too.
Andrew Deal
Groomsman
Andrew and Thomas met at a bar, Jakes in 5 Points, to be exact. Thankfully, he was destined to fall in love with another Backman that night. Andrew soon became Thomas' first Brother-in-Law. He is also responsible for the adorable nephew that shares the same birthday as Thomas.
Lara Carter
Bridesmaid
Lara is Thomas's older sister. She lives by the beach in Bluffton, SC with her husband, Wes and daughter, Baylee. Lara and Erin share a deep love of shopping and sitting out at the beach. Lara loves a good margarita and sharing hilarious TikToks to the family.
Wes Carter
Groomsman
Wes is Thomas's most recent Brother-in-Law. He ensures that when there is a family event, they carve out a small amount of time to hit the links. Probably best not to ask either one of them who has the better swing. We commend Wes for his bravery, not because he has a long career in fighting fires, but because he is the father to a teenage girl.