Wedding Party
Elizabeth Thacker
Matron of Honor
Elizabeth and Haley's friendship started when Haley joined a signing group that Elizabeth was a part of. Haley's thoughts were "oh yeah, that girl is an alto, I should go stand by her". She's so glad she did because she got a forever singing partner, reference getter, listener, and friend. Elizabeth and Natalie played an enormous role in inviting Haley to join the "Sunshine" cottage on campus, which changed her life in so many ways. It is only fitting that Sunshine makes such an appearance through this wedding.
Mac Hendricks
Best Man
Brian and Mac met through the Wesley Foundation at Auburn. Through the years they have been friends, co-workers, and board game opponents. Mac is always around to point out some facts about cars or planes you never thought you needed to know, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Natalie Tracy
Maid of Honor
Natalie was also there on day one of the singing group. Natalie made a grand entrance by her pants catching on a piano stool and ripping. That moment ensured that she would forever be one of Haley's favorite people. From that point on, Haley had someone who would never turn down a coordinated costume, a jam session, or a Disney movie marathon with Mickey Mouse waffles. Natalie was kind enough to let Haley live on her couch after graduating from Berry, and who knows where we would be without that. Here's to more years of Broadway shows, board games, and crafts.
Stephen Krauss
Groomsman
Brian and Krauss met on a roof while patching holes with a bucket of tar. The friendship has stuck as much as the tar did, and they even managed to not kill each other on a 3 week roadtrip. Krauss does a great job at passing snacks and can be Brian's copilot anytime.
Svea Krutisch
Bridesmaid
Svea and Haley were paired up as exchange students when they were 16. Svea came to stay with Haley for a month in Tennessee, but Haley was not originally going to be able to go to Germany. Once Svea made it to the US though, it was clear how close they were and what an amazing opportunity it would be to go. Haley was soon enough signed up to head to Germany for the Summer. Multiple trips back and forth over the past 11 years and here we are!
Andrew Bates
Groomsman
Andrew was Brian's D-Group leader one year at the Auburn Wesley Foundation, but really got to know each other as roommates in Atlanta years later. They lived together through quarantine, and were able to make the most out of that! They were able to take trips to camp, kayak, and work from home (in Puerto Rico). We are thankful to have Andrew at our side for yet another adventure.
Mallory Ellington
Bridesmaid
We have another Sunshine resident! Mallory was there for first tattoos, bold lipsticks, and adventurous eating. Their streak of living together had a brief hiatus until 2019 when Mallory moved in with Natalie and Haley in Chattanooga. The three then got to experience working from home and battling to keep their sanity together. Mallory was always there to make sure they knew what restaurants were doing giveaways of free appetizers though, and for that we should all be grateful.
Rebecca Schuster
Groomswoman
Brian met Rebecca while they were both working for Alabama Rural Ministry one summer. In the years since she has been an amazing friend and cheerleader. She always seems to show up when important life events are happening, and has often given a push in the right direction.
Rhett Mather
Bridesmaid
Rhett worked in the Child Development Center at Berry when Haley was placed to work there her freshman year. Evidently a good enough impression was made, because Rhett put in a good enough word to allow Haley to join the Sunshine crew the next year. Rhett made sure Haley was never without a friend to watch SNL clips, Billy on the Street, or improvathon. She went to live her international life not too long after, but the friendship remained.
Nathan Thacker
Groomsman
Nathan was introduced to Brian through Haley and Nathan's wife Elizabeth (Matron of Honor). It was clear immediately that Nathan would not just be "Haley's friend". Through a mutual love of mixology, Lord of the Rings, and board games, Nathan and Brian continue to keep each other company while Haley and Elizabeth do... whatever it is they are doing.
Haley Chastain
Bridesmaid
Haley Chastain is the first person at Berry college that Haley Blake (last names became essential) met. Through a mutual love for bad early 2000s movies, sweet treats, and Kenny Chesney, a friendship was made. Haley remained a touchpoint throughout those 4 years and was always there when a friend was needed. She has remained there to this day with her catchphrase of "you're never getting rid of me".
Thomas Casez
Groomsman
Brian and Thomas met at what is surely the worst job either of them has had. Like all good trauma, that led to them becoming friends and they enjoy hanging out to this day. Here's to many more afternoons grilling and talking shop!
Kristen Bentley
Bridesmaid
After having met Haley Chastain, the news came that her cousin Kristen would be coming to Berry the next year. Haley scoped her out for the on-campus singing group she was a part of, and the rest was history. Kristen joined and brought her own fresh brand of humor to the group that cemented her place in Haley's heart. Roommates through the thickest and the thinnest, couldn't be happier to have her with us.
Ajay Ganapathy
Groomsman
Brian and Ajay met through their mutual friend Thomas. They've become good friends on their own, with many hours spent grilling and arguing about various philosophical, political, or technology subjects.
Isabella Diaz
Officiant
Isabella and Haley unofficially met through their grad school program together. The real start of their friendship began when Isabella started working with Haley. They both provided something that the other needed greatly in a job that could be high stress, and have remained that despite job changes. Isabella met Haley only days apart from Brian and watched the entire relationship from the beginning, so who could be better to officiate?
Matt Mabrey
Groomsman
Matt and Brian have known each other longer than either can really remember. They spent 4 years as roommates during college and put way more hours into playing Halo and eating junk food than was probably wise. They both graduated though, so it must not have been too bad.