Rachel & Bryce
Wedding Party
Felicia Flaig
Maid of Honor
Felicia (Fish!) is my Soul Sister. We have known each other since the 2nd and 3rd grades, and, although we weren't "besties" throughout our entire childhood, we eventually discovered that we are connected on a level much deeper than friendship. Fish and I have experienced all walks of life together, including running through the woods when we were little, being teammates all throughout school, living in an apartment together during college, and even sharing a room (and a twin bed) during one of the best summers of our lives! Fish has been my ride or die, my partner in crime, and my home away from home. Our friendship is a gift from the Good Lord, and I am SO blessed and excited to have Fish as my Maid of Honor!
Ronny Smiley
Best Man
My dad has taught me so many things over the years. His love and support through all the years has been a lesson in itself. In 1998, he was diagnosed with Pancreatitis. Life for him has been a battle ever since. With that being said, I don't think I've ever heard him complain. I'm sure I get my passion for sports from my dad. It doesn't matter whether it is tennis, golf, football, or baseball, I grew up with some kind of sport either on the television or playing it. I'm thankful that he always let me go my own way and make my own decisions while offering the right advice at the right time. He let me know when I screwed up, but always supported me. I also appreciate the work ethic that he taught me, for it has allowed me to accomplish things that I might not have gotten without it.
Lauren Blackwell
Matron of Honor
First thing's first, if you know Lauren and I, then you know that we are "Baes" (#becauseBaeisBae). Lauren I met during our very first week of college at Western Carolina University. In the early days, we bonded over Taylor Swift, breakfast at Dodson Cafeteria, the word "chubi", and, of course, dancing at the Crusty Chamelion. Fast-forward ten years later and, by the Grace and Love of God, we are teaching at the same high-school, in the community where both of our beloved "Gaffney Boys" were born and raised. Lauren has been a voice of reason, the yin to my yang, and an unconditional source of love and encouragement throughout the many seasons of life that we have endured together. I am ridiculously PUMPED to have this beautiful woman as my Matron of Honor on the best day of my life!
Nicholas Smiley
Groomsman
My brother is indeed my best friend. I cherish the relationship that we have. His personality is one that lights up a room. When I bought the ring for Rachel, he was the first one that I told. We have been together since 1992 and, other than a few small scuffles here and there, we have always been on good terms. Growing up, we were always together. We would play in the yard, play in the house, play at the ball fields, play at grandmas, etc. As you can see, we were always playing. What, you may ask? Anything with a ball. If we didn't have a ball, we would make up something. My brother may possibly have the biggest heart of anyone I know. People that know him absolutely love him. Why? Because they know he loves them and would do anything in the world for them. He loves life!
Jodi Robertson
Bridesmaid
Jodi is my oldest sister, and is lovingly known as "Mama Jodi" in our family. In family pictures, you can find her wearing red, fixing her hair, and/or pointing her finger at one of her four younger siblings (inside joke lol!). Jodi has always been a positive influence in my life. I admire her organization and budgeting skills, as well as her authenticity; Jodi is who she is, and she is not concerned with others' perspectives of her. Some of my favorite memories with her are going to Dollywood for class field trips, going to SubWay together after she'd pick me up from gymnastics, and going to Disney World in the R.V.! Jodi is genuine, prudent, determined, and wise, and I am grateful to God for her presence in my life.
Travis Caldwell
Groomsman
I had heard about Travis Caldwell long before ever meeting him. "Trap" played ball at Boiling Springs so I had played against him in high school baseball and football. I met Travis my first year in college and he lived with another one of our friends a few doors down in the dorm. Travis and I became roommates the following year and stayed together until graduation. As great of a guy as he was in college, I have had the pleasure of watching Travis grow into an even better man and leader of his family. I'm proud to call Travis Caldwell one of my best friends. One thing that I think drew us together was that we both had seen life's adversity, just in different ways, and we both knew that we weren't going to let it stop us. That drive to succeed is something we both share.
Becky Ward
Bridesmaid
Becky is my sister, as well, and is by far the best cook of us five siblings. During the beginning of mine and Bryce's relationship, she was my go-to person for any all questions related to cooking. Every Monday night, I would call her asking things like, "Sooo, what kind of chicken do I use for baked bbq chicken," or, "What exactly goes into mashed potatoes?". I admire Becky's ability to laugh with ease, her patient and kind nature, and her Servant's Heart. Some of my favorite memories with Becky are watching Disney movies together, taking very "loving" pictures with Helen (lol!), and any time that I've ever gotten to eat a meal made by her (YUM!). Both of my sisters are incredible wives, mothers, and women, in general. I love them beyond words, and could not imagine my life without them!
Randy Birch
Groomsman
I met Coach Birch long after college, and I'm sure that's probably a good thing. Coach Birch joined the Gaffney High staff in 2013, and he and myself became Co-Defensive Coordinators in 2014. He is a phenomenal football coach. I've been blessed to work with him and I've learned so much about stopping the run from him. Like myself, he has a tremendous passion for the game of football - but more than that, giving the kids that we work with a chance at a better life. Whether that means teaching life lessons, helping them get recruited, teaching them to believe in themselves, or teaching them how to overcome adversity - they're all daily tasks for him. Coach Birch is an awesome husband and father to his group of girls at home. I'm glad to call Randy Birch a friend and fellow coach.
Brooke McCart
Bridesmaid
Brooke and I met at a mutual friend's house party, and I'm not sure that I've ever hit it off with someone like I did with her! That night, we became true friends, and it has been that way every since! Brooke can be described as a beaming ray of awesomeness and positivity! In college, Brooke, Lauren, and I were roommates and dancing queens! We made endless memories living in the the good ole' treehouse together, some of my favorites being "Look, Rachel, LOOK! I'm a treehugger!", and "I'm hell on heels, say what you will..." (sorry, Lauren...lol!). Even though I don't get to see Brooke as often as I would like, we both know that between us there is a bond that is forever. I love her beyond the moon and am always looking forward to the next time that I get to see her beautiful smiling face!
Brian Leonardi
Groomsman
Brian and I met in college where we both played football. Like Travis, I was aware of who Brian was before I ever met him. I had done my research on every in-going freshman so I had read articles from the lower state newspapers about the linebacker from Aiken. Due to both of our roommates not making it very long into freshman year, we ended up rooming together for the 2nd semester of our freshman year. Through college we remained close friends and have maintained that bond even after college. Every time I go to Clemson for a football game, I make an attempt to find Leo. If he's not there, I'm still sure to find his grandparents. Brian reaches out to me every year to see how the Gaffney football team is looking and has even made it to a few games when we play near him.
Marie Haglund
Bridesmaid
Oh, how I love my MarMar. I will always remember meeting her at Cali D. She was at the terminal, and she looked over at me and said, "RachRach!", and I said back to her, "MarMar!", and that was that - we became instant friends! I can't explain what MarMar's friendship means to me. We have experienced our share of highs and lows together. Through it all, our motto was always, "You'd still be a bridesmaid, though!" Marie has been and will always be one of the truest and most loyal friends I will ever have, and I can't thank God enough for her. One time, she saved my life by rescuing me off of a balcony after I locked myself outside (LOL)! We have experienced many days on the beach, nights on the town, and everything in between, and I cherish every moment, now and always. #rachrachandmarmar
Donnie Littlejohn
Groomsman
Donnie Littlejohn has been a major part of my life since I was a sophomore in high school. He was my PE teacher and JV football coach during that time, and he constantly encouraged me when I wasn't sure if I wanted to pursue football - and boy am I glad he did. I appreciate the potential he saw in me, and it was the encouragement to be patient and persevere that eventually led to me receiving a football scholarship that would eventually lead to me becoming a high school coach, myself. In my time working with Donnie, he has always offered help in any situation that I've needed him, whether it be personal advice, professional advice, or life advice. The relationship I have with Donnie is truly valuable to me. He is a faithful husband and father to his wife Robyn and his son Devin.
Brittany Graham
Bridesmaid
Brittany and I met several years ago through her now-husband, John G! Brittany is one of the most unique, loving, positive, and fun people I have ever known. During the beginning of our friendship, Brittany and I bonded over our love of God, good food, Downtown adventures, and back porch conversations! There aren't a whole lot of Charleston memories that don't include Brittany, and I am grateful for that! Some qualities that I appreciate about Brittany are her honesty, enthusiasm for life, and her ability to love unconditionally; she is truly someone who loves with her whole heart! Brittany strives to live her BEST life, no matter what, and that is something I love most about her! I am grateful to call this beautiful soul my friend and bridesmaid!
Rory Dover
Groomsman
Rory is my older cousin and we have been close for a long time. Out of all of my cousins, he is the most like me and someone I looked up to my whole life. He played football for Gaffney so that was a big reason that I looked up to him so much. When I first got to high school, he was a senior and even though I was just a freshman he was never too cool to acknowledge me. I even ate lunch with him and his other senior friends. He taught me the ropes of high school and even worked out with me even though I was just a little runt. I appreciate all the little things Rory has done for me over the years and I'm so glad he will be standing beside me on this special day.
Gracen Kahn
Bridesmaid
Ahem. Please allow me to introduce The One And Only (TOAO) Gracen Kahn! This girl is independent, spunky and fierce. We met during our time at California Dreaming, when I was a server, and she was a hostess. Throughout the time that I have gotten to know Gracen, she has become the younger sister I never had. We both love our children (aka our cats), biology, and the peace, stillness and awe of the natural world. Gracen has traveled with me to Nantahala, and has also visited me here in Gaffney, as well. During these visits, my family has gotten to know Gracen very well. We consider her to be one of us, and we wouldn't trade her for the world! Gracen is a hard-working, fun-loving, wild-hearted woman, and I am blessed to have her as my friend, sister, and bridesmaid.
Rashaad Fluker
Groomsman
I met Rashaad through Travis and began to admire him from the first time we met. You may know Rashaad from his commercials on television and let me assure you, what you see on those commercials is Rashaad all the time. He has an infectious personality that draws people in. Rashaad has such a kind heart and would literally do anything for anyone. I count it a blessing to have met Rashaad so many years ago and formed a friendship that means so much to me. I know, without a shadow of a doubt that Rashaad is someone I can call at any time from anywhere, and he would do his best to do what I needed. When I asked Rashaad to stand with me on this special day, there was no doubt that I wanted him up there with me. He has a special place in my heart and is considered a true friend.