Wedding Party
Eliza Newlin
Maid of Honor
Eliza and Kate met in 5th grade and have been close ever since. She is Kate’s OG friend. Eliza is spunky, full of life, and always the first to say yes to an adventure or a wild idea. Over the years, they’ve collected countless memories of laughter, honesty, and pure chaos, the kind that only lifelong friends can share. Growing up together shaped them both, and their bond has only deepened with time. Kate is so thankful for Eliza’s loyalty, joy, and the steady friendship that has carried them through every season. Having her by her side on this day is something Kate treasures deeply.
Brook Dietrich
Bridesmaid
Kate is forever grateful that Brook decided to take the leap and switch over to the “scary” public school in high school, because that moment sparked one of her longest and most steady friendships. Brook’s calming personality has been a grounding force for Kate, and her loyal presence has made such an impact throughout the years. Brook has always been there with kindness and honesty. Their friendship is full of trust, support, and memories that have carried them from teenagers to who they are today. Kate couldn’t imagine this day without her.
Lauren Steele
Bridesmaid
Lauren started coming to LCBC a few years ago and met Kate almost immediately. From the start, the two were drawn to each other in a way that felt natural and easy, and their friendship has only grown stronger since. Even though Kate and Lauren met recently, they have already been by each others side during some of life’s craziest moments. Kate is so thankful for Lauren’s spunky personality and honestly! Having her here for such an important moment means the world.
Grace Barton
Bridesmaid
Grace is Ben’s sister-in-law. When Kate and Ben started dating, she welcomed Kate into the family with so much warmth and enthusiasm. Her goofiness and big-hearted energy helped Kate feel included right away. Over time, Grace has become someone Kate can always count on, whether for a long talk, a good laugh, or swapping dramatic stories about the… unique experience of being with a Barton boy. Their friendship is full of inside jokes and cat pictures, and Kate is incredibly grateful for the connection they’ve built. Having Grace as part of this day makes it even more special.
Elayna McCoy
Bridesmaid
Elayna is Ben’s older sister, and from the very beginning, she welcomed Kate with a kind, open heart that made her feel instantly at home. They have grown closer together through sharing new recipes, adventures, and lots of new mushroom decor. Over the years, they’ve built a relationship full of laughter. And of course, Elayna’s incredible cooking has become one of Kate’s favorite parts of any family gathering. Kate is truly grateful for her love and kindness and is so thankful to have her here for this moment.
Lindsay Rivera
Bridesmaid
Lindsay and Kate worked together for 4 years at Hanover, where Lindsay was the orchestra teacher. They immediately became close through shared student torment…. From lunch dates to sleepovers, the two of them created countless memories that Kate will always cherish. Lindsay’s positive personality and genuine heart have made her one of Kate’s most steady and trusted friends. Having her here on this day means so much.
Nate Barton
Best Man
Nate is Ben’s older brother. After a childhood of brotherly teasing and roughhousing, Nate has become Ben’s closest friend and lifelong partner in crime. Nate has always been the one Ben can count on for a tough-love reality check, a last-minute adventure, or just someone to laugh with until it hurts. Ben is endlessly grateful for Nate’s loyalty, humor, and willingness to serve as the family’s unofficial punching bag. From plunging hundreds of feet into a cave or plunging off of the side of the ski slope, Nate always keeps it exciting… even if that means 6 fractured ribs, a broken neck, or a shattered ego. Having him stand beside him on this day is something that means more than he could ever say.
Levi Krebs
Groomsman
Levi is the older brother of the Krebs boys, who are Ben’s closest cousins. From the start, Levi has been the connoisseur of chaos in the family. Early in their life, Ben and Levi bonded by digging holes and lighting things on fire. Nowadays, Ben and Levi are still digging holes and lighting things on fire, just on a larger scale. Levi has the special ability to turn any normal day into an extraordinary adventure. Ben is so thankful for Levi’s optimism and fearless spirit, and he can’t imagine this day without him by his side.
Thadd Krebs
Groomsman
Thadd is the younger cousin in Ben’s party and also Levi’s brother. Whenever Levi and Ben were together, Thadd could always be found nearby. Thadd began as just the “little cousin” that followed everyone around, but he has matured into a fine, handsome little lad. When Levi left to attend college in Colorado, Ben and Thadd grew much closer together. The two spent countless hours fishing, hiking, and ‘cookin up beats in the stu’ during the long years of the pandemic. Ben is so grateful for Thadd’s energy and boldness and having him here on this day makes it even more special.
Stevie McCoy
Groomsman
Although Stevie’s title is technically Ben’s brother-in-law, he is more like a real brother to Ben. He entered into the Barton family almost nine years ago when he asked Ben’s sister to prom. Stevie suddenly began to show up at every moment in Ben’s life when they began dating (dating Elayna, Ben’s sister… not Ben ;) While he may come across as shy and quiet at first, once he's comfortable, Stevie knows exactly how to bring the energy. Ben is grateful for his humor, his loyalty, and the unique spark he brings to every gathering, and he’s glad to have Stevie standing with him on this day.
Issac Staats
Groomsman
Issac is one of Ben’s longest running friends. The two met in a youth group while they were both still in middle school. From there, the friendship developed through years of marching band and countless hours of skiing at RoundTop. The two were inseparable in high school where they carpooled to almost every event together. Ben is so thankful for Issac’s constant friendship and his idiosyncratic knowledge of minecraft mechanics. It was an honor for Ben to stand next to Isaac on his wedding day, and Ben is thankful Isaac is by his side for his own.
Brylan Anderson
Groomsman
Ben met Brylan when Brylan joined LCBC’s worship team almost three years ago, the weekend before Kate, and from the very first moment he met Ben, they clicked instantly. Their friendship grew fast, so much so that they started joking around like cousins, and eventually, Brylan made it official by proposing to Ben’s cousin, Makenna (they are getting married later this summer!) Ben is so thankful for Brylan’s humor, loyalty, and the way he brings energy and fun to every moment. Having him here on this day is a reminder of how much family and friendship can grow in the most unexpected ways.
