Don & Karri
Wedding Party
Michelle Waylon
Bridesmaid
Michelle may call Los Angeles home for now, but she's born and bread a Michigander all the way! She and Karri went to rival colleges in Detroit while circling the theatre and improv scenes until reuniting years later when they were standing in line to see the same movie. And ever since rekindling a new found life long friendship. She is family. She is fiercely loyal, hilarious and a super strong woman. She is married to Jeremiah and they have the sweetest 4-year old, Ford Henry who is their pride and joy.
Meeshy Roberts
Bridesmaid
Meeshy and Karri have known each other the longest. Since grade school actually. Living in the same neighborhood, although, they've only truly gotten the closest of spiritual soul sisters a few years ago as their friendship blossomed while spending time with their dear friend and other bridesmaid, Heather. Meeshy is kind-hearted, has such an infectious laugh and takes the time to make everyone around her feel comfortable and right at home! She takes pride in balancing her life between her beautiful family, friends and her spiritual life.
Michele Lyons
Bridesmaid
Michele is from the Rochester area and has grown up with Karri since middle school. They've been friends ever since creating giant amounts of memories throughout college at Michigan State, traveling to Asheville, North Carolina, and many fun times since Karri moved back home from Los Angeles. Michele is fiercely smart, loves to spend one-on-one time with her friends and is always open and ready to go with the flow! She's married to Fred and their favorite place to travel to is Maui. She spends lots of time reading, working for Beaumont Hospital and loves spending time with their two foster dogs, Lucy & Bella.
Heather Celerin
Bridesmaid
Heather and Karri have know each other since high school and have been getting into trouble ever since! Most of Karri's high school and college memories involve Heather some how. Cleaning the house to the best of Neil Dimond, dancing on the tables to the very best of 'Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls,' and countless memories in between. They've remained very close during all the rough times and especially all the beautiful times throughout the years. Heather is a strong friend, a very smart business woman, a super generous soul and a devoted mom, wife and loving member of Kensington Church!
Billy Zakolski
Groomsman
Don has been friends with Billy for almost 20 years. They met while taking classes at The Second City Detroit. Billy has an infinity for classic cars and Comedy. He is a founder of Motor City Improv and The Detroit Comedy Underground. Billy and his wife, Kellie, live in Downtown Detroit Across from Little Caeser’s Arena. They share their condo with their Dog Snowflake and three cats.
Dan Watson
Groomsman
Dan is Don’s brother and best man. He is a battalion chief with the Detroit Fire Department and has served in the department for over 30+ years. After Don’s injury, Dan was extremely helpful in getting Don around and helping to take care of his house. Dan and his wife Amy have three wonderful children, Jackson (Ring Bearer), Brady and Drew.
Rob English
Groomsman
Don has been friends with Rob for over 20 years. They met while attending classes at The Second City Detroit. Rob and his wife Krystle just moved back to Detroit from Los Angeles with their daughter Jojo. Rob was an active member in the improv scene in Los Angeles even hosting his own variety show. Rob and Krystle are expecting their second child this June. Maybe we’ll get to meet the new baby at the wedding.
Darren Smith
Groomsman
Don has been working with Darren at the Home Depot for the last 10 years. Darren and his wife Debbie also met at Home Depot, and they are avid Detroit Lions fans. They have been wonderful friends of Don and Karri, embracing their growing love and relationship.
Dianne Brantley
Mother of the Bride
As you can tell, Dianne is Karri's mom, often mistaken for Karri's older sister. She was born and raised in Royal Oak and married her high school sweetheart celebrating over 50 years together. She's devoted her life to her family and raising two beautiful children and two grand-children. Dianne is loving her retirement years traveling and recently moving to their home in Grand Haven, after her hard work at Cranbrook Inst. of Science and Oakland University. Her infectious smile, radiant sparkle and sweet nature is always beaming from her with everyone she meets. She is beyond thrilled to welcome Don to the family. Make sure you watch out on the dance floor, as she'll be cutting up a rug, bringing all kinds of additional joy to the wedding celebration.
Ray Brantley
Father of the Bride
Karri's Dad is her hero. He grew up in Missouri as a kid and moved to Michigan to find his bride in high school. He proudly served in the Vietnam War as a Sgt. in the Army and upon returning garnered a strong career in the computer industry which allowed him to travel and bring his beautiful family to Boston and Irvine, California. After settling down in Michigan, he eventually retired as a project manager for a thriving construction business. Ray has been married to his sweetheart for almost 50 years and loves traveling, socializing and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He's a kind-hearted, fun-loving and sweetheart of a man, which of course, has welcomed Don with open arms and is proud to have him as his soon-to-be son-in-law!
Sara Watson
Mother of the Groom
Sara is of course Don’s mom. She is more than exited to welcome Karri into the family. Sara came from a large family of 13 children. She was married to Don’s father Hal for almost 54 years. Together they raise four amazing children. A 'Jill' of many traits, she loves to bake, sew, garden and work with ceramics. She is a very active member of the senior community in Macomb County, as well as keeping busy preparing tax returns every year for H&R Block.
Nicole Brantley
Flower Girl
Nicole is Karri's niece {and god-daughter} who just turned 3 in January. She loves spending time singing the birthday song {well any song really} and has mad love for Peppa Pig, Mickey & Minnie Mouse and of course Snoopy and his mates. She knows all the characters in Star Wars - NO REALLY - loves to spend time with books and her favorite color is Pink. Sometimes Red. She's always moving and loves to give hugs.
Jackson Watson
Ring Bearer
He is an avid Star Wars nerd, just like his future Aunt Karri. He even has his own Star Wars themed Christmas Tree that his Aunt Karri covets! Jackson is a great hockey player and loves the Detroit Tigers. He's almost 8 and is an older brother to Brady and baby Drew.
Richard Aubuchon
Officiant
Karri's cousin, Dick has always held a very special place in her heart! Don and Karri are deeply honored he is officiating their wedding. His sweet and gentle nature is infectious not to mention his quick wit and ability to embrace everyone he meets. He has always been and continues to deepen his spiritual relationship to God. Dick and his wife Jackie shine their god given talents with their church choir along with spending time in their masterful gardens throughout their beautiful home in Troy.