Wedding Party
Melanie Tieszen
Matron of Honor
I met Darby at our dear Alma mater, Birmingham-Southern College (RIP). We have grown from new friends in 2013 to chosen family today. And while I’ll spare you all the details of our relationship and all the different chapters of life we’ve walked through together, I will tell you this: I’ve known my girl for many years and have watched her grow and become the happiest, most confident, grounded, truest version of herself since being with Ben and I’m incredibly happy and proud to be her best friend. She’s the most deserving. I can’t wait to stand next to her on the first day of her next chapter and give her a kiss on the cheek for good luck (it’s a thing we do, ok?!)
Keith Couey
Best Man
Michaela Fryer
Matron of Honor
Darby and I met in the cringiest years of your lives - middle school. Middle school community theatre to be exact. We had no choice but to survive those years and thankfully came our stronger (and hotter). rom playing The Sims on our overheated laptops to actually living life past virtual reality, I've always had this lovely sister of mine by my side. I can't think of anything better than standing by hers on her wedding day. Distance knows no bounds with Darby and her besties. Hours away, I know she's always go my back. No literally, she always hops on my back for a photo opp. Wedding edition coming soon!
Jackson Sanders
Best Man
Lauren Kuykendall
Bridesmaid
Hand jives. Phil Collins. Stumbling out of bed and tumbling to the kitchen. This friendship is built on more than Rock n Roll. This friendship is built on musical theatre, and shared battle scars. When Darby and Lauren unite, even the nail technician feels like he got tickets to the hottest comedy show in town. What can we say, overstimulated-nail tech? You know you love us, XOXO Gossip Girl(s)
Sidney Wright
Groomsman
Haley Brink
Bridesmaid
Haley and Darby met each other back in 2018 working on a children’s production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears together. Although this may sound like soooo much fun, it’s actually the trauma bond that sealed their friendship forever. Since those days, they have gone on to perform another show together, Hello, Dolly! And to spend countless days and nights, laughing, crying, and making new memories. Darby and Haley have seen each other through many stages of life. From weddings, to babies, to job and city changes, to breakups, to Tuesday afternoon crash outs, they have seen it all. There is nothing better than getting that “can I just be honest for a second” text. Darby is also just as fast to respond to the “you busy” text because that one is about to come with a lot of big feelings. Haley is very thankful to have a friend like Darby in her life. Ben is an incredibly lucky man to have snagged this gem of a human. #geauxcupforever
Dillon Keeler
Groomsman
Brooklyn Mooney
Bridesmaid
Darby and I met through work at Pure Barre, but even better than that, we were neighbors. We were afforded the rare privilege broadcast television has been fantasizing about for decades: we had a slice of the city that felt crafted just for us. Our community, our friends, our sisters, our love - all coming of age in an 1,100 square foot apartment. If this sounds quixotic, it’s because it felt so. A nasty amalgamation of breakups, fights, bad dates, and falling in love all to the tune of late night talks and too many bottles of wine created the most genuine form of friendship I’ve ever experienced. I swear there were moments I was certain it was all play-pretend. Darby is unique in that way, too. She feels every emotion in technicolor, she loves like she’s on a cliff’s edge. She will allow herself to be excavated for the sake of making your own vulnerability more comfortable. Show her your skeletons, and she will remind you that none of us are without bones. It is a rarity for one person to possess such empathy and compassion. I cannot wait to witness Darby carve out a new storybook corner of life. This time, she brings along my favorite plus one, Ben. (It’s true, those are my parents. No other way to put it.) Though we have states of separation instead of blocks, life is still just as rich. That’s the only way it can be when you’re lucky enough to love and be loved by someone like Darby. Thank you for being my best friend. I am better for knowing you.
Ben Verlander
Groomsman
Kirsten Quinn
Bridesmaid
A page from Kirsten's diary: "Darby is the big sister i've always wanted, but never had- literally, she's my Pi Beta Phi sorority big sister. But more than that to me, she is mentor, confidant, a best friend. Darby and I met on the theatre grounds of Birmingham-Southern College and soon became inseparable. I am so grateful to have shared so many memories with Darby and am honored to stand by her side as she marries the love of her life.
Jacob Fuller
Groomsman
Nisha Kakadia
Bridesmaid
My friendship with Darby began in college, singing and dancing together. Life later brough us both to Atlanta, where our friendship grew even stronger as we became each other's constant- supporting one another through moves, careers, relationships, and all the growing pains of adult life!
Jack Fitzwater
Groomsman
Cat Mathews
Bridesmaid
Darby and I met in college through the BSC theater department. One thing led to another and then we were family! AΨΟ Hot Fam for life!!! We’ve been friends ever since. Combining our shared love of red wine, comedy, and hanging things without a level - constantly irritating the men in our lives. ❤️
Robbie Johnson
Groomsman