Kelsey & Brian
Wedding Party
Andrew Boswell
Best Man
As far as best friends go, Andrew Boswell is in the Hall of Fame. I met him on the football field at UHS and we have been attached at the hip ever since. We are so similar that we thought we could actually be related, and being that our origins are in WV you never know. Andrew has been with me through everything and is the type of person that would do anything he could to bring a smile to your face. He makes those lucky enough to be his friend a better person, and I can't think of anyone I would rather have standing next to me on my wedding day than my spotter, P.I.C., hype man, best friend and brother Andrew. I am eternally grateful that he has been such a major part of my life.
Amelia Burden
Matron of Honor
Growing up with 3 older brothers, I always wanted a sister; how lucky am I that my first sister is Amelia? Amelia become an easy and wonderful addition to our family – she jumped right into the workouts, the yard games, the board game… (you get the idea). She takes as well as she gives teasing at the dinner table. But most of all, I couldn’t ask for a more compassionate, caring, genuinely good sister than her. From hosting me at a moment’s notice in Richmond, or a weeks’ notice out in Utah – I always know she’s up for an adventure and will be there for me without hesitation. I am so happy she’ll be by my side on my wedding day.
Max Whitticar
Groomsman
Max was my first friend when I moved out to Haymarket in 2005. We met on the 2-man sled while trying out for the football team at Bull Run MS. We flipped the sled and instantly became best friends. As far as best friends go, Max and I have been able to support each other through thick and thin, always being there for one another. He always made sure I lived life to the fullest, and I made sure he stayed out of trouble. I wouldn't be the man I am today without Max by my side. I am unbelievably thankful to have my best friend, the "Infamous" Max Whitticar standing with me on my big day.
Melina Higgins
Maid of Honor
I was blessed with another sister and a new neighbor when Ben asked Mel to marry him as they moved into their new house (4 minutes away!). Mel and I often joke that the Burden family is a lot like a cult – only our cult is centered around family, food, workouts, and board games. Our family (cult) was extremely lucky when Mel agreed to join, not only because she is a certified bad-ass, but also because she is one of the most generous, giving, thoughtful people I have ever met. It’s crazy to think I went from not knowing her at all, to talking daily, working out weekly (or at least trying to), and now having her stand with me as I marry Brian. Mel – I may never understand your train of thought – but I’m so so happy to have you in my life.
Brandon Eanes
Groomsman
As far as brothers go, you may not find a pair as combative and competitive as the Eanes boys! Growing up they were always competing to be the top dog, Brandon being the Marshall to Brian's WVU. Now that they have both grown into men they are able to look back at their relationship as brothers.
Morgan Mittelman-Linares
Bridesmaid
Morgan – how far have we come? From selfies in the Target bathroom, to isolating ourselves during soccer season telling embarrassing stories, to vodka-capri suns during Eat Pray Love (worst movie ever), our completely ridiculous inside jokes never end (should I add the one about fudge at the beach???). Our friendship is the epitome of “pick up right where you left off.” Whether it be 2 days, 2 weeks, or 2 years – we pick up right where we were, and I value that more than you know. It has been incredible to grow up with you and watch you become a bad-b*tch career woman, a wonderful wife, and consistently – my best friend. Who would have ever guessed that fighting over a boy in 6th grade would end us here?! I’m so thankful to have you by my side!
Zach Burden
Groomsman
If you want a challenge in life, try and find someone nicer and more caring than Zach Burden. Seriously! Since "Brian and Kelsey" part 1, Zach has been welcoming and warm. Very rarely are older brothers able to tolerate their little sister's boyfriends, let alone create a friendship with them, but that is exactly what Zach and I have done. I am truly blessed to have my friend and new brother in my corner.
Leila Dalton
Bridesmaid
I consider myself very blessed to have a friend as dependable as Leila. Leila and I met at CNU through our sorority, but we truly bonded over our experience coaching a Special Olympics Soccer Team (coaching them to a gold medal at State’s, no less!). Leila was my first, post-college roommate once we had joined the adult world and from there we have shared winery trips, holiday celebrations, couples weekend getaways (because our sig. others LOVE each other), engagements, bridal showers and bachelorette parties, Leila’s wedding, and finally mine! I can always count on Leila to know exactly how I’m feeling from one text message and be able to relate immediately. Lei – I am so grateful to have a friend I can count on no matter what, and I can’t wait for you to be by my side on my wedding day!
Luke Burden
Groomsman
A gentleman, a scholar, and a purveyor of fine whiskey, it took Luke and I a little bit longer to connect. Once Kelsey and I started dating again, Luke and I quickly learned how much we have in common. Whether it be a nice cigar, love for the outdoors, or weaseling our way out of a Burden Family workout, when these two are together they usually are not far from one another. I am extremely happy to have my friend and brother, Luke, looking out for me in life and on my big day!
Giannina Findlay
Bridesmaid
Giannina and I also met at CNU through our sorority. I thank my lucky stars G joined ASA and I got to know her so well because she is the reason Senior year of college was one of the best years of my life. We quickly learned how similar we were and had an absolute blast playing intramural sports, watching trash reality TV, eating popcorn, and having mini parties whenever we could. That friendship easily transitioned into the real world, where we continued to have mini parties, even if it was just the two of us, played Burden family games, and when we were living close together, did as many workouts as possible. I’m thrilled Giannina found her calling in nursing, even though it can make seeing each other very difficult! Having G stand beside me on my wedding day was a no-brainer!
Ben Burden
Groomsman
Only a year apart in school, I really blame Kelsey for not allowing me to be best friends with Ben. The running joke in the family is that I am really dating Kelsey just so I can be friends with Ben. Joke...sure. Its often like a scene out of Step Brothers when Ben and I are around, looking at each other and asking, "Did we just become best friends?". What was a simple acquaintance from back in the day has become a friendship that I am thankful for everyday. I am very lucky to have my friend, brother, and my Verdansk drop buddy, Butthound, I mean Ben, standing up with me.
Isabel Karst
Bridesmaid
It’s always a little difficult to find new friendships as adults, but Isabel and my friendship came together very easily! We met during my vacation from accounting, while I was working at Sunset Hills Winery. We seem to be going through life on a very similar timeline – figuring out our careers, getting engaged, planning weddings, all while trying our best to workout and stay in shape. Because of this, we had plenty of things to bond over. Sharing workouts and bottles of wine, tails of woe with wedding planning or excitement of career changes, growth, or excel tips and tricks. Although Isabel is back to her home state of California, I know she is always just a phone call away. I’m thrilled to have found a forever friend in Isabel, and am thrilled she’ll be with me on my wedding day.
Zach Turner
Honorary Groomsman
Zach Turner is simultaneously one of my best friends and biggest pains in my neck, but there are very few people that I hold in higher regard. He doesn't like people to know this, but his heart is just a big as his brain for football is. He is one of the most knowledgeable guys I know and without him I would not have had as much success in life as I have had both professionally and personally. I am really fortunate to have a friend like Zach in my life.
Ryan Cain
Honorary Groomsman
Ryan Cain is the definition of the "Strong-Silent" type. Another fellow Mountaineer, he and I had some classes together at WVU, but never got the chance to become friends until he started coaching with me at UHS. After that, the rest was history. Ryan has become one of my very best friends. He is as dependable as they come and would give anyone the shirt off his back if they needed it. Ryan is seriously one of those people that makes everyone around him better, and I am really lucky he has tolerated me this long!
Eric Ketterling
Honorary Groomsman
I have more fingers and toes than the amount of times Eric and I have been together in person, yet he is one of my best friends who I talk to every single day. I never thought I would be one of those people who became friends with someone they met online playing video games, but here we are! Eric is an all-American kindred spirit and great friend, and although we don't get to hang out in person as much as we would want to, there are few people that want to have in my corner more than him.