Wedding Party
Kendal Stokes
Maid of Honor
Emily's best friend since middle school. Kendal and Emily met in band class, where Kendal played the trumpet and Emily played the saxophone. This dynamic duo has since gone through many stages of life together in their decade-long friendship; graduating high school during covid, the ups and downs of college, Emily's internship in Florida, and general post-grad life have made their friendship blossom in more ways than one. "Emily is my best friend and while I can't tell you the exact moment it happened I know it happened in the band room on 7th grade. Those 2 little girls would be so proud of the two of us. Of Emily for all of her accomplishments and for meeting her person. In the decade since, our friendship has seen us through many stages of life and theres no one I'd have rather have gone through it with. I can't wait to see what comes next for Emily and Zeke, as always I'll be cheering them on from wherever I am. "
Chandler Bolick
Best Man
Zeke's best friend and honorary brother of 15 years. These two met in fifth grade, and their friendship has lasted the test of time. Chandler is the reason that Zeke and Emily met! If Chandler hadn't offered Zeke a (very random) opportunity to live with him and go to high school with him for their senior year, Emily wouldn't have even known that Zeke existed. Was it a twist of fate, or was it meant to be? Who knows. Either way, we have Chandler to thank! "Zeke and I met when we were just kids, and somehow that childhood friendship turned into one of the most steady and meaningful relationships in my life. From joking around in school to every day phone calls and big life milestones, he has been there through all the good and bad. Being able to stand by him and Emily on their wedding day feels like celebrating not just their wedding, but a lifelong friendship that has shaped who I am."
Heidi Thurber
Bridesmaid
Emily and Heidi met in college where they were part of a Living Learning Community together. They bonded over being business majors, their love of Clemson, their favorite season (fall), and romanticizing life. The two girls were roommates for two years where their friendship grew even more, and Heidi is now one of Emily's dearest friends. "Emily is one of my dearest friends and I’m so honored to stand by her and Zeke on their special day! I love spending time together whether it’s watching movies, making crafts, or going on adventures. I’ll forever look back on our college days and can’t wait to see what the future holds for the happy couple!!!"
Erin Newbold
Bridesmaid
Erin was Emily's roommate during her internship in Florida working with Disney. As a classic black cat/golden retriever friendship, these two have bonded over their mutual love of Disney. While on their programs, they endured many trials and tribulations; from a random third roommate fiasco, to a sudden job change, to enduring a classic Florida hurricane together. These five months have created a friendship that will last a lifetime. "Emily and I met leading up to our Disney College Program and hit it off right away. We couldn’t be more different but that is what makes our friendship so special. It is always unexpected. "
Eric Perry
Groomsman
Emily's brother who has bonded greatly with Zeke over the years. Zeke has watched Eric grow up. Literally. When Zeke and Emily started dating 8 years ago, Eric was just a 12-year-old boy. Now, he is a junior at North Carolina State University studying chemical engineering. Time does fly! Eric and Zeke have formed a friendship through their mutual love of video games, as well as their connection with being an engineer some day (and their love for Emily of course). Zeke is incredibly excited to have Eric as a brother! "I don’t really remember when I met Emily, mainly because I think I had just been born. We got along really well when we were younger (and still do), and I am very thankful for the relationship that we have had. I don’t really think I would change a thing about her, and I am very grateful to call her my sister, and I am looking forward to this big next step in her life! They say never meet your heroes–Zeke met me in late 2017, and I didn’t like the guy for a grand total of five minutes. Then I met him, that opinion went really fast in the opposite direction, and now he’s probably one of my favorite people. In complete honesty, I’ve been calling him my brother for a few years now, so it’s going to feel really good to make that official!"