Wedding Party
Michaela Harrell
Bride
Michaela was raised in Harpers Ferry, WV. After graduating at Clarke County High School, she went on to study Psychology as her undergraduate degree at Widener University in Chester, PA graduating in 2019. Michaela continued her education at Widener University achieving her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2021. Michaela moved to Winston-Salem, NC for her first job working in acute care at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital where she befriended someone that eventually introduced her to CJ!
Kaylin Augustine
Maid of Honor
Kaylin and Michaela met their freshman year at Widener University as they were both on the pre-PT track. They lived in the same dormitory and grew closer as lab partners in their Chemistry class. Kaylin was a collegiate swimmer and majored in Sociology as her undergraduate degree. They also entered Widener’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program together, graduating in 2021. Kaylin and Michaela started their first job together, moving to Winston-Salem, NC to work at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. They remained roommates during their time in NC before going their separate ways as Kaylin moved to Florida and Michaela continued as a travel physical therapist. Kaylin resides in Jacksonville, FL with her significant other, Nick and their yorkie, Nugget. She works as an outpatient PT.
Brianna Harrell
Maid of Honor
Brianna is Michaela’s older sister who resides in Inwood, WV with her significant other, Mark and their beautiful baby girl Bailey! They also have a great dane, Moose who weighs 180 lbs! Brianna attended both WVU and Shepherd University where she graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. She currently works as a NICU nurse at Winchester Medical Center.
Emily Deem
Bridesmaid
Emily and Michaela met in elementary school. They played on the same soccer team, Orange Crush, which Michaela’s mom coached. They became very close in their 4th and 5th grade classes. They continued as teammates in both soccer and swimming until the 12th grade. Emily and Michaela’s parents have spent many car rides to games/meets listening to them singing full volume with zero shame to High School Musical, One Direction, and the Dixie Chicks. After high school, Emily attended William & Mary, where she studied English and creative writing, graduating in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts. Emily resides in Denver, Colorado with her husband Chris and their dog, Cleo! Emily and Chris had a beautiful wedding in Greece this past year!
Amanda Goforth
Bridesmaid
Amanda is Michaela’s older sister who resides in Boyce, VA with her significant other, Robbie and their dogs, Gunner and Duke. Amanda works at Winchester Medical Center as a cardiographic tech. Growing up, Michaela always looked up to her older sister and enjoyed spending time with her whenever she could! Amanda’s daughter, Kyleigh is a 2025 high school graduate and has enlisted in the Navy!
Syenna Graham
Bridesmaid
Syenna and Michaela met in a 5th grade math class and have been best friends since. Once upon a time, Syenna and Michaela thought they would be the next Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh in the beach volleyball olympics. Syenna attended Virginia Tech receiving a degree in Ocean Engineering. She resides in Falls Church, VA with her significant other, Mason.
Ashley Harris
Bridesmaid
Michaela and Ashley met within the first few weeks of their freshman year at Widener University, living in the same dorm. Both Michaela and Ashley were in the Psychology pre-PT program. They spent two alternative spring break trips together, traveling to New Orleans, LA their freshman year and to Athens, GA their sophmore year. They continued their college years as roommates. Ashley continued her graduate studies at University of the Sciences, receiving her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2022. Ashley works as a pediatric PT in the school setting. Ashley resides in Philadelphia, PA with her Fiance, Sean. Ashley and Sean were engaged in Hawaii this past year and plan to have their wedding in 2027.
Laurel Lesley
Bridesmaid
Laurel and Michaela have been best friends since the 6th grade! Over the years, they have shared their obsession over celebrity crushes (mostly Justin Bieber) and late-night movie marathons. Laurel and Michaela played both high school soccer and travel soccer together. Laurel and Michaela have traveled to Greece, Italy, and most recently a two week roadtrip out west exploring national parks. Laurel attended The Ohio State University, achieving her degree in Marketing in 2019. She then moved to Orlando, FL for the Disney College Program. While working for Disney, Laurel graduated with her masters in hospitality and tourism in 2025.
Abby Smetanick
Bridesmaid
Abby is one of Michaela’s oldest friends, meeting in pre-school! Growing up, Michaela was terrified of dogs until she met Abby’s jack russell puppies Pongo and Buddy. Michaela has spent countless sleepovers at Abby’s over the years, getting into trouble in their younger days. Michaela and Abby were on a travel swim team together as well as high school swim team. Abby attended Old Dominion University, achieving her degree in Education in 2019. She is currently a first grade teacher in Norfolk VA. Abby resides in Virginia Beach with her significant other, Alex and their golden retriever Riley.
Laurie Harrell
Mother of the Bride
Christian 'CJ' Johnston
Groom
Born in Noblesville, Indiana, raised most of his life in Wisconsin prior to moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for 5 years. CJ enrolled at Elon University in Burlington, NC and has resided in North Carolina since graduating in 2017. CJ has converted to a runner after a long basketball career during his younger years and enjoys spending every moment he can with his beautiful soulmate, Michaela, their 3 dogs, Piggy, Ziggy, and Hazel, and their cat, Link. CJ will be joined by his mother and father, Kim and Tim, his older brother, Corey, his older sister, Courtney, and their families at the wedding.
Corey Johnston
Best Man
CJ's only brother, who currently resides in Wisconsin with his beautiful wife, Brittney, daughter, Emersyn, two dogs: Sammy and Christopher Robins, and two cats: Luna and Willow. Corey has been a role model for CJ ever since he was a kid and they've been competitively battling each other in everything they do. You may see them compete in something at the wedding, although Corey knew he was past his prime once CJ took over as the top competitor.
Austin Stewart
Best Man
CJ & Austin met when they both were employed at Elon University for a little over a year. What started as a dude from Virginia learning this guy from Wisconsin has an obsession with Taco Bell has blossomed into a beautiful friendship. Austin is quite the storyteller, so he can give you a good run down of their brotherly love. Austin will be joined by his beautiful fiancée, Hailey, and come from Richmond, Virginia area with their new furbaby, Winnie.
Grant Dvorak
Groomsman
CJ & Grant met through Corey and have become close friends ever since. Although CJ loves caramel flavored drinks, especially coffee, Grant does not reciprocate that feeling so there may be a crack in their friendship there. Grant resides in Wisconsin not too far from Corey.
Tim Johnston
Groomsman & Father of the Groom
CJ's father, dubbed the "Silver Fox", and most likely receives the most banter and sass from his youngest son, CJ. Tim now resides in Tennessee with CJ's mom, Kim, and they are enjoying the retired life with their four dogs: Piper, Tinkerbell, Maize, and Cocoa. Tim has been at CJ's side through his whole life, through the ups and downs and has never wavered in his support for CJ, even if he was being a stubborn, pain in the butt (Kim has another word for it as she nicknames CJ "PITA") teenager.
Tucker Kelly
Groomsman
CJ & Tucker met at Elon University, where they lived in the same hall freshman year and enjoyed reminiscing on their bonding moment of double fisting Febreze and spraying CJ's dorm room due to a stinky roommate. CJ & Tucker always found themselves doing the goofiest things, but also being complete nerds like studying and doing homework on Saturdays. Tucker now resides in Washington D.C. with his significant other, Nikki.
Will Powell
Groomsman
CJ met Will at Elon University when Will gave CJ his first job ever and trusted the young man to be his protege. Will became an incredibly supportive mentor to CJ throughout his college years, and CJ credits Will with jump-starting his professional career. Will resides in North Carolina with his beautiful wife, Erika, daughter, Grace, and dog, Kona.
Caleb Slaga-Schwarz
Groomsman
Caleb is a lifelong childhood friend of CJ's and has known him since birth. Caleb often held CJ as a baby, and maybe dropped him on his head a few times (most likely redemption for the pain CJ caused him as a child). CJ and Caleb have remained close and will find them playing games together, having philosophical and deep emotional conversations. Caleb resides in Illinois, not far from where the Johnston's grew up.
Kim Johnston
Mother of the Groom
Kim is the mother of CJ, who has always remained a supportive and loving mom to CJ. CJ wouldn't be the animal lover he is without Kim, and his Taco Bell obsession absolutely comes from his mother. Kim sacrificed many hours and days for CJ, especially during his lung disease, when he could not function on his own. Kim resides in Tennessee enjoying the retired life with her husband (CJ's dad), Tim, and their four dogs: Piper, Tinkerbell, Maize, and Cocoa.
