Wedding Party
Mallory Matthews
Bride
Mallory recently finished her Ph.D. in Program Planning and Evaluation at Tennessee Tech, where she also works as an instructional designer. After successfully defending her dissertation this summer, she’s looking forward to celebrating commencement in December (where she and Dylan will walk across the stage on the same day.) A former elementary school teacher, Mallory now works in higher education supporting faculty. Outside of work, Mallory loves being outdoors, especially hiking or reading in her hammock. She also enjoys yoga, twinkle lights, quiet time in local coffee shops and bookstores, and (of course) spending time with Dylan. They love any type of everyday adventure, from a picnic to grabbing a slice of pizza together. She feels deeply thankful for Dylan’s kindness, patience, and the way he makes even ordinary moments feel special. He is an amazing cook and fixes many meals of love and surprises her with random snacks. One of her favorite verses, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11, reminds her to trust God’s purpose in every season.
Dylan Duvall
Groom
Dylan is the Lab Coordinator at Tennessee Tech, where he manages teaching and research labs in the Department of Chemistry. He oversees equipment and chemical inventories, coordinates maintenance, and helps keep everything running smoothly for faculty and students. He’s also currently taking classes to further his education by finishing his MBA and should graduate in December. Originally from East Tennessee, Dylan also went to Tech as an undergraduate, though he and Mallory didn’t meet until after they had both been working at the university for a year. And ironically enough, they didn’t even meet at Tech but at Cane Creek Park on a random summer afternoon. Outside of work, Dylan enjoys fishing, camping, and going to the gym for weightlifting, swimming or rock climbing. He also enjoys playing Magic: The Gathering and RuneScape, two games that have been longtime favorites. All of his groomsman he met through the card community. He’s an excellent cook and is always up for trying a new recipe for Mallory. He’s usually up for whatever adventure Mallory throws his way but is happiest when they’re at home together, eating dinner or enjoying a quiet evening in.
Lacey Smith
Maid of Honor
Lacey and Mallory met nearly ten years ago while teaching together at Cornerstone Elementary. They quickly bonded over shared interests like hiking, kayaking, reading, and arts and crafts. Some of their favorite memories include hiking Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains, exploring Cades Cove, and countless adventures together. Lacey now works at Heart of the Cumberland, where she supports children in grief groups. Her compassion and passion for helping others shine through in everything she does.
Braxton Douglas
Best Man
Dylan and Braxton met while attending Tennessee Tech and have remained close friends ever since. Over the years, they have shared a love of card games and many great memories together. Dylan was honored to stand beside Braxton on his wedding day several years ago and has enjoyed watching him grow into a devoted husband, father, and friend. Braxton is a registered nurse and is currently completing his medical residency as he finishes his journey to becoming a physician.
Kasey Sisko
Bridesmaid
Kasey and Mallory met in 2020 while serving as LEAPs site coordinators through the Putnam County School System. Although they worked at different schools, they quickly connected over shared interests like hiking, camping, and even taking a six-week ASL course together. Mallory admires Kasey’s easygoing personality, willingness to help others, and her compassion and kindness. Kasey also recently got married this summer!
Jeremiah Brooks
Groomsman
Jeremiah and Dylan first met in Morristown through their shared love of Magic: The Gathering. They quickly bonded over card games and spent many evenings playing and gathering around bonfires at Dylan’s house. Jeremiah is a stay-at-home dad and is known for his easygoing personality and willingness to go along with just about anything. Mallory met him with Dylan over a flight of beer, and he joked, “A flight? I didn’t know a plane was taking off.”
Autezia "Tazie" Sellers
Bridesmaid
Taye and Mallory met in the Ph.D. program at Tennessee Tech in August 2022. A former track athlete, Taye and Mallory often catch up on walks around campus. She is currently completing her doctorate in Exercise Science. Taye is heavily involved in her church, Kainos, in Cookeville and is a multi-talented individual who is always willing to share with others. Her compassion and enthusiasm for the Lord are contagious.
Isaac Windham-Johnson
Groomsman
Dylan and Isaac met at the Morristown mall over their shared love of Pokémon. They quickly became good friends and spent time together playing games and even doing yard work at Dylan’s house. Isaac has since moved to Alabama to live the farm life, but they continue to stay in touch and catch up when they can.
Amanda Conner
Wedding Wingwoman
Amanda is one of Mal’s best friends. They met while working together at Cornerstone Elementary School, where Amanda still teaches 3rd grade. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and does so with a smile on her face.
Johnathan Aiken
Usher
This friend helped us move in 100-degree heat in June 2024, and we haven’t forgotten it since. He works at the card shop where Dylan loves to play Magic: The Gathering and is an all-around great guy. He was also Dylan’s roommate in college.
Katlyn McGee
Wedding Wingwoman
Katlyn and Mallory met in high school and have been friends for over a decade. Even while Katlyn lived in Argentina for more than 10 years, they stayed in touch and their paths kept crossing. Katlyn has been a steady part of Mallory’s life through really hard times, and their friendship has stayed strong no matter the distance.
Mac Pointer
Usher
Mac enjoys woodworking and is friends with Dylan through the card store where they often hang out and play Magic: The Gathering. He is always working on new projects and has a creative, hands-on talent. His daughter Emma is also a talented nail artist with an eye for detail and creativity.
Brystal
Flower Girl
Brystal is a Girl Scout, an excellent swimmer, and a talented artist who loves arts and crafts. Her cursive handwriting is better than Mallory’s, and she especially enjoys coloring and creative projects.
Daniel
Ring Bearer
Daniel’s dad, Kuda, was in the Ph.D. program with Mallory and Taye. His wife Kendra owns Pearl Apparel, where she does embroidery and custom designs. They are both incredibly kind and sweet people.
Esther Joy
Flower Girl
Esther Joy is Daniel's little sister who was born this summer!