Groom
A man with a penchant for puns and a passion for fly fishing, Ben loves the outdoors, but not as much as he loves making Allison laugh. Before he starts the car, he must find the perfect playlist for the drive. (He made the most killer playlist for the reception.) This teacher makes a commute to work, but he looks forward to finally coming home to Allison as they establish their first home together in Athens.
Bride
A woman with a passion for the Lord and a zeal for life, Allison swept the groom off of his feet when they first met in Four Towers. Allison is incredibly sweet, kind, and loves those around her well. She has expanded Ben's palate for food and travel exponentially and he looks forward to seeing the world with her. Here's to a wonderful life together.
Matron of Honor
The bride's best friend since her first day on earth, Elizabeth is Allison's older sister and constant confidant. Elizabeth tells the best teacher stories that keep our family laughing year after year, is the sweetest mom, and makes a supreme cup of tea. She has also let Allison live above her garage for three years, so she deserves an award.
Matron of Honor
Best friend and forever the fashion advisor to the bride, Rebecca is Allison's younger sister and favorite person to talk food and watch Gilmore Girls with. She makes a mean brownie, and not just because she's a food scientist. Thanks to Rebecca and Andrew for letting Allison third wheel with them for so many years - you are trés trés dope.
Best Man
Matt instilled a love for music in Ben from an early age and always has served as his hero. Matt has been a source of encouragement, support, and laughs throughout the years and the groom is incredibly excited to have him stand by his side.
Best Man
The tag-team partner to the groom. Whether swimming at the river or playing tee ball, Will has always been right with Ben. His sense of humor, confidence, and jovial spirit has always lifted everyone up around him.
Bridesmaid
A fast friend to Allison when they first met on a Spring Break mission trip with UGA Baptist Collegiate Ministries in 2013, Shelby is sunshine in human form. She can weave a tale like no other and never ceases to make everyone around her laugh. Her makeup and hugs are always on point. It's always a good day when Shelby is in town.
Bridesmaid
Michaela and the bride have been friends for over 20 years! From first meeting in Mrs. Smith's kindergarten class at Jack P. Nix Primary School to many adventures in high school and finally NYC in adulthood, their friendship has weathered the test of time. Michaela is an amazing nurse, mom, and incredibly reliable friend.
Groomsman
From sitting on the roof of his Milledge Avenue house to catching Reese's Puffs in his mouth across Snelling, Rafi has been one of the groom's best friends throughout the years. He is a wonderful supporter, a firm believer in Christ, and a thoughtful friend. I am lucky to have this guy with me.
Groomsman
I knew when I heard you talking about Neutral Milk Hotel in the dining hall freshman year that you were a cool dude. I was right. Casey will never cease to make Ben laugh and can access, with surgical precision, his funny bone. Casey loves the Lord, shows compassion, and stuck by the groom through all seasons. Ben is immensely grateful for him.
Bridesmaid
A fellow Street Youth, Sara and the bride became fast friends when they both moved to Athens and started attending Beech Haven Church together in 2019. Sara makes the best snacks, welcomes friends into her home, and loves her cats endlessly. Thanks to Sara and her husband, Steven, for letting Allison crash their house all the time and teaching her the joy of a cookie tin.
Bridesmaid
Jessquire, attorney at law, is a lovely Street Youth who always keeps the bride laughing and learning. With a love for Mexican food and Star Wars, Jess has been friends with Allison since 2019 when they bonded at Beech Haven Church. Jess should be celebrated for dealing with "Airport Allison", hosting Bachelor/ette nights, and having the coolest Mamaw.
Father of the Groom
The man that has helped form Ben spiritually over his life. Pastor Tony Byrd has provided lots of guidance and plenty of laughs throughout the years.
Mother of the Groom
Lori Byrd has been there for Ben throughout every first day of school and every lost tooth. She has been a source of wisdom and love for the groom all of his life.
Father of the Bride
One half of the tag-team officiant duo, Lewis is the bride's father and the smartest man she knows. He can fix anything and is a professional at dealing with daughters crying. Though he warned her "boys are of the devil," he is okay with Allison marrying Ben. His favorite title is "Pa" and will likely have a hard time getting Elise and Jack to stay out of his arms during the ceremony.
Ring Bearer
A firetruck enthusiast whose favorite color is orange, Jackson is the bride's nephew, but not-so-secretly may adore the groom more. He's always up for building something but Allison soaks up the moments when he's down to snuggle. Ask Jackson about the ninja turtles or how much he loves his family to make him smile.
Ring Bearer
This tiny duo comes as a package deal, mostly because they've shared a womb, then a room the entirety of their time here on earth. The groom's twin nephews steal the show with their cute facial expressions, simultaneously stealing the hearts of all those around them.
Flower Girl
The sassy and fashionable niece of the bride, this girl loves to play in the dirt and carry a purse. She adores her big brother and names all of her baby dolls "Granddaughter." Elise sometimes prefers Ben to Allison but still relies on Allison to give her some candy from the secret stash upstairs. Watch out for her to steal the show because she is overjoyed about the opportunity to wear a princess dress.