Wedding Party
McKinley Doty
Maid of Honor
I’m already crying. At 22 months apart, Kiki and I have grown up as basically twins. Kiki and I have a bond that can’t be broken. Truly the only person I fight with because I know that nothing can tear us apart. She is a straight up boss ass bitch PR professional killing the game in DC, but when I look at her I see the 8 year old kid I played Barbies with for hours. I see the bottle cap belt and Aeropostale graphic tee-wearing girl who asked our Mom if she could be goth. (The answer was no). I see the Tennessee Thespian Conference Board Member from 2009. I see my best friend Kiki is there for me, whenever and wherever, at any time of day, she encompasses “Doty on Duty” in heart and soul. Need something done, she’ll make it happen. She is my angel and I would not be me without her.
David Schnoes
Best Man
While becoming roommates officially forged our friendship, David and I met in 2009 or so amongst the backdrop of house parties. Ironically, in the same house that caught fire, sending me from hotel, to couch, to futon outside his bedroom door. We forged camaraderie upon oft-ill-fated homebrewing, illogical optimism in the Blues bolstered by $4 pitchers of Coors, and an alliance over the magic of the Tom Yum noodle. Over the ensuing years, we celebrated marriage, childbirth, baptism. Commiserated around our careers, home improvement, and lack of authentically overcooked mostaccioli in Seattle. In the end, David has taught me what friendship really should be. He’s thoughtful, relentless in keeping up with us, and a wellspring of advice for the excruciatingly slowly maturing man-child in me.
Maura Buchheit
Bridesmaid
Maura is my one phone call from jail, if she isn’t sittin’ beside me in the cell. Maura and I met in 2012 when I arrived at Brett’s for a BBQ. She, being the ultimate hostess, let me have one of her chicken breasts and made me the first (of many) delicious and famous “Maura Salads”. We became roommates in Cape shortly after and tore up the town whenever we could - many a dinner turning into “we going to the Library after this?” Maura has taught me a lot of things; how to make the perfect margarita, eat your veggies and most things will work out, do the hard things, always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate. Maura sends cards, never arrives empty handed, and always asks you how you are doing. I truly do not know where I would be without you, Marla.
Nicholas Crow
Groomsman
Nick and I met back in 1989. We are polar opposites, but he’s always been by my side, heartfully. As a quiet kid, he always tried to make me feel cool in moments of apprehension and social introversion, and has always had my back. When I think of our brotherhood, it's the unrequited appreciation of a well-crafted dog house. A comprehensive guide on how to piss off my advisors in Civilization II. How to employ a creative sensibility toward any endeavor. Certainly, how to write, when to stand my ground, and where to metaphorically and literally just take the car to the shop. He’s jovial, complex, calculating, well-spoken and writ. He moves me to ponder the fine print of life and soul. And reminds me to keep a clean lower level for when we can have another All-Star Game in the basement.
Kelli Schrieber
Bridesmaid
Kelli and I met when she and Tim started dating in 2016. We were not fast friends! Our friendship developed in a very “adult friendship” type of way. We would hang out with all the guys, and eventually one night we decided that it’d be fun to hang out without them! Ha! Mexican restaurant dates, heart-to-hearts, girls nights, career advice, and lots of laughs and tears later, Kelli is someone who I see being in my life forever… pushing strollers in a park one day. Kelli is the woman you want in your corner, she will fight for you come hell or high water. She is smart, beautiful, and fricken strong - she’ll kick your ass.
Tim Schrieber
Groomsman
I always thought Tim was cool; he had long blonde surfer hair, was gnarly enough to proudly present himself as a metalhead, and could down a dozen High Lifes without a slur. Eventually we became house mates two times over. Our friendship has thankfully progressed past the glaze of parties and preludes of percussion reverberating through the house joists. He’s become a trusted friend, confidant, and source for both emotional warmth, and administer of reality. Tim takes the time to craft a cocktail where I pour it neat, has a soft spot for animals, is culinarily curious, and a give-first soul with a penchant for the goofy. I still think back to my fledgling filmmaking days where I made him fake-vomit salsa in for an informercial spoof. Yes, that’s how I’ll remember him.
Riley Doty (Boo)
Bridesmaid
My little Boo. Poor Boo has had to put up with the Kiki and Maddi Show 24/7 since 1998. From being cast as the “table” in my garage plays, to dressing up for photo shoots, Boo has been the ultimate little sister. I am in complete awe of the person she is today: successful, beautiful, giving. Riley is a young woman with such a bright future. She inspires me to cook dinner at home, decorate my space with intention and love, and have faith. I may be 7 years older than Boo, but she has been there for me in so many ways; asking if I'm ok, being a shoulder to cry on, a friend to laugh with. Boo is extremely strong. She takes care of herself, knows her worth, and faces life’s challenges with grace and maturity well beyond her years. I am so proud of you, Boo. You will always be my baby. Love you!
Rick Post
Groomsman
Rick and I met in grade school at St. Catherine Laboure, an exquisite parochial grade school nestled in our South County stomping grounds. Perhaps I have a rosy picture of those early days, but for benefit of an entertaining narrative, our crew ran a racket on the swing set. I was the Paulie of the playground and he was the Silvio of the swings. We reconnected in college as housemates. He put up with so much of my nonsense. He bought me beer (occasionally) as I twiddled thumbs for my own 21st birthday. He always just seemed so grown up, despite his casual and yet charismatic nature. He was the life of the party, always, even without drinking a sip. He’s a you-first fella, which is maybe why we always clicked. We'll always have the Victorian Inn, Rick.
Erika Watson
Bridesmaid
Ergutha and I met in 2001. 4th grade, baby! Erika and I’s friendship IS my childhood. Camping with her family, pool hopping, dance routines, humoring my constant need to “make a band” and “write music” aka “be the Cheetah Girls” - Erika and I grew up together. She was there for me during the hard times and the fun times. She was the friend I confided in. Different colleges, interests, states, and responsibilities - we pick up right where left off each time. She knows the real me (and she stuck around LOL) and I know her. Now an amazing mom to the cutest kid, married to a wonderful guy (Paul - love ya too), Erika and I are navigating life as adults, with the comforting knowledge that we are there for each other, just a FaceTime away.
Jesse Kemling
Groomsman
Jesse is another collegiate comrade. I’ll never forget taking over his room at 505, only to have a bum try to break in through my bedroom window in the middle of the night. Maybe it was selling his massive recliner that he left behind when he went to Germany, sent in retribution. Jesse is a warm soul, and I’m thankful we have gotten closer following college. We share the same jubilation at a 2AM Benton Park Cafe run, a Spagett quote, a solid lake house sess or rooftop night on McNair. He's endlessly joyful and comedic, though we've also grown to have a more soulful friendship.
Lily Doty
Junior Bridesmaid
Lily Doty - the other big sister! Lily is truly as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. As cliche as it sounds, hang out with her for more than five minutes and you will see. I can’t believe she is about to be driving. Blows my mind, because I still remember the day when my Dad called and told us you were born! You amaze me with all of your activities and talents. It brings me so much happiness reading your articles and seeing you take on so many leadership roles with such grace and determination. An advocate for everyone, especially those who need it most, you are doing and will continue to do so much good in the world. I am so proud of you and will always be here for you as you grow up and navigate the world. Thank you for being a part of Brett and I’s big day!
Lucie Doty
Junior Bridesmaid
The youngest Doty sister! Baby Cinco! Well, she is not a baby anymore but she will always be the baby to me. Lucie is wise beyond her years. Nothing intimidates her. She speaks her opinion boldly and articulately. I watch in awe as she conducts herself with such confidence and poise. Lucie is a strong, intelligent young woman with so many great things ahead of her. I am not going to be surprised when she is CEO of her own company one day. Her spunk and dazzling personality bring levity and joy to any situation. Her laugh is contagious. She has an artistic soul, always trying a new craft or hobby. This girl will read you under the table - always reading and learning about far away places. I am so proud of Lucie and so grateful to have her as my sister and forever friend.