Wedding Party
Karsen Vaughan
Matron of Honor
Karsen came into Emma’s life in 2022, and from day one they were practically glued together—daily soda runs, lunches at completely unreasonable times, and enough inside jokes to last a lifetime. Honestly, if it were possible, they’d probably be literally joined at the hip. She’s the brutally honest, selfless, and endlessly understanding best friend everyone wishes they had, and truly Emma’s ride-or-die—the one she trusts with absolutely everything. Beyond the laughter and the loyalty, Karsen is simply an amazing person, and Emma couldn’t imagine saying “I do” without her by her side (even if their sickeningly close friendship makes everyone else roll their eyes).
Donald Collins
Best Man
Donald is Ben’s brother and best friend. The two have always shared an unbreakable bond—whether they’re working out together, swapping advice, or going head-to-head in NCAA video games (where Ben claims to have the upper hand). Donald brings endless laughter, energy, and support to Ben’s life, and Ben couldn’t imagine saying “I do” without his brother by his side.
Riley Benson
Bridesmaid
Riley and Emma’s friendship goes all the way back to elementary school, filled with countless sleepovers, blind makeup sessions, and eventually their very first high school jobs together. They even spent hours planning out their dream aquarium (and Riley’s actually closer to that vision than Emma these days). Even after Emma moved to Texas in 2017, their bond never skipped a beat—they’ve always picked up right where they left off. Emma’s wedding day wouldn’t be whole without Riley beside her, a best friend who has been there through it all.
Jakob Yates
Groomsman
Jakob and Ben have been inseparable since elementary school. From playing baseball together at 14 to singing side by side in their high school choir, their friendship has been built on laughter, music, and countless late-night drives around Clinton for an ice-cold Powerade. Whether they were deep in conversation or just hanging out on the square, those moments shaped a bond that distance can’t break—now carrying on strong, 1,676 miles apart.
Emily West
Bridesmaid
Emily and Emma met sophomore year of college through their sorority, and it didn’t take long before Emily became a constant source of laughter and joy. She has a way of making everyone feel at ease—able to talk to anyone, yet always making sure Emma is doing okay. Genuine, supportive, and always ready for both heartfelt conversations and fun adventures, Emily has been in Emma’s corner every step of the way—and Emma knows her big day wouldn’t shine as bright without Emily beside her.
Leo Martinez
Groomsman
Leo and Ben both joined the Delta Chi fraternity in the fall of 2019 as part of the Alpha Mu class. Their friendship didn’t really start until the summer of 2020 when they both moved into the fraternity house—where countless laughs, long talks, and a few too many competitive moments quickly built a solid brotherhood. From there, they became roommates for the last two years of college, sharing early mornings, late nights, and plenty of unforgettable stories. What started as two fraternity brothers quickly turned into a lifelong friendship.
Madi Vandegriffe
Bridesmaid
Madi and Emma first met through their sorority freshman year of college and quickly became inseparable roommates from sophomore through senior year. Madi is the kind of friend who never forgets a birthday, is always checking in, and can instantly brighten the mood with her goofy humor and singing—even if she never gets the words quite right. Give her some Pepper Jack Cheese Fondue and a Summer’s Last Daiquiri from Mud Lounge and she’s perfectly in her element. Emma can’t imagine her wedding day without Madi’s authenticity, laughter, and unwavering care by her side.
Elias Kraft
Groomsman
Elias and Ben became friends during Ben’s freshman year of high school through choir and theatre, where they performed in countless musicals and plays together. Their friendship really took off after a summer spent working for Elias’s dad’s tree service—followed by four-wheeler rides through the woods, late nights blasting Daniel Caesar in the basement, and unforgettable karaoke battles with Jakob. Even now, 4,950 miles apart, their bond is as strong as ever.
Kate Billeter
Bridesmaid
Emma met Kate through their sorority, and the two went on to live together from sophomore through senior year, building a friendship full of laughter, late nights, and countless memories. Kate is the kind of friend who can light up any room—whether she’s keeping the party going on the AUX, helping Emma pick out outfits with her amazing sense of style, or simply being her genuine, kind-hearted self. She has an unwavering faith in God, leads with love, and carries a non-judgmental spirit that makes everyone feel accepted and cared for. As the ultimate hype woman, Kate has been a constant source of encouragement, joy, and grace in Emma’s life—and there’s no one else Emma would rather be dancing and singing with on her wedding day.
Pierce Dulin
Groomsman
Pierce is Emma’s younger brother and quickly became like a little brother to Ben the moment they met. The two bonded over fishing trips, video games, and their shared sense of humor—always finding a way to make each other laugh. Whether they’re casting a line at a local pond or shark fishing on vacation, there’s never a dull moment with these two. Their friendship only continues to grow as they officially become brothers-in-law… especially now that they’ll have to team up to handle Emma’s occasional dramatics together. What started as an instant connection has turned into a lifelong brotherhood built on laughter, patience, and plenty of inside jokes.
