G & K
Wedding Party
Connor
Best Person
Connor—a ropes course aficionado—met Gavin on a dark and story night at the top of the crooked stairs of Rockwell Lodge sporting his famously worn red lifeguard hoodie. After long and chaotic hours at Camp Chingachgook, the two retreated to shared staff housing where random nerf gun battles took place. Their tight connection even withstood a paintball reenactment of a battle of Normandy. On a road trip in Maine to celebrate Gavin’s 30th, they enjoyed a hike to Connor’s Nubble. Little did they know, Acadia National Park would be the destination where Gavin proposed. Now-a-days, they remotely embark on magical quests through playing D&D. Connor is in jubilee over Gavin & Kelly’s lasting happiness and cannot wait to stand alongside the merry couple as they both say I do.
Gaya
Best Person
Gaya–a medical student at Georgetown–met Kelly at a speech competition during Freshman year at Concordia. Through pursuing their degree, the two spent endless hours studying for courses they took including Chemistry, Ecology, and Conservation Biology to name a few. To this day, fond memories linger from their trip to Everglades National Park during Spring Break where they kayaked down crocodile filled canals and scavenged an orange orchard for a midnight snack. Upon meeting Kelly’s mother, Gaya instantly formed a connection with the beloved Mama K. The couple recently visited Gaya in DC where she enjoyed showing them historic sites and feasting on cupcakes in the summer heat. She couldn’t be more thrilled that Kelly found his one and is looking forward to celebrating their special day.
Rudy
Best Person
Rudy — one of Gavin’s Best housemate and Co-Outdoor Educators — began their friendship as they lived in twin staff housing chicken Coops in the woods of New Hampshire. While working in NH Gavin’s ability to make friends and invite too many people to the drive-in Movies to fit into a car forced Rudy to be asked to drive and subsequently introducing him to his now wife, Meredith. Gavin and Rudy’s relationship flourished after their time in New Hampshire to include other high-end camp housing accommodations accommodations the Algonquin house being one of their all time favorites! Together their friendship has continued with the Motto- ‘I’ll always leave the light on for you Bub’.
Chase
Best Person
Chase―a graphic designer in New York City―met Kelly at Concordia College where they roomed together their sophomore year. Both involved in several activities on campus, they became close friends through the years; supporting one another through the ups and downs of college life, they survived relationships, research trips, and sleepless study nights. Post graduation they’ve remained close, traveling between Minnesota, Baltimore, D.C., and New York— attending weddings, concerts, and sharing their first Pride experience together. Chase is honored to stand by Kelly on his special day and looks forward to hosting the couple on their next overnight in Brooklyn.
Kyle
Best Person
Kyle―fellow adventurer and trusty DM― is one of Gavin’s many friends from YMCA Camp Chingachgook. When they first met, Gavin was a veterened camp employee and Kyle was just a baby counselor who, like Jon Snow, knew nothing. Their friendship blossomed over our nerdy interests like video games, fantasy TV shows, and (of course) Dungeons & Dragons. Though eventually distance separated Kyle and Gavin, they always remained dedicated to their friendship throughout the years. When Gavin told Kyle about Kelly on their trip to Maine, Kyle knew that something was different. Kyle is grateful to know that his friend Gavin is loved tremendously by Kelly. Kyle cannot wait to celebrate with them and do Gavin the honor of standing by him on his wedding day.
Loni
Best Person
Loni―a registered nurse in the Great Plains―met Kelly in 8th grade science lab while dissecting amphibians. Their friendship blossomed through staging Seussical the musical where Loni portrayed Yertle the Turtle and Kelly shined as Cat in the Hat. After graduation, the two survived long-distance once Kelly moved out East. During holiday breaks, the two ventured from bar to bar where Loni is a major light-weight. Whether it's sipping coffee at Urban Stampede or catching up via hours on FaceTime, it's like no time has ever passed. Now-a-days, Loni enjoys visiting the happy couple and bathing in the ocean breeze at Asbury Beach. Loni is ecstatic to watch her childhood friend walk the aisle and marry the man of his dreams.
Will
Best Person
Will—a novice honeybee keeper—first met Gavin while playing board games at Camp Chingachgook. While working part-time at the local YMCA, Gavin roomed with Will and five adorable feline fur balls. It was here, the two spent hours fermenting and pressing Apple cider. Will fondly remembers attending the annual Rocky Picture Horror show with Gavin in celebration of Halloween. Even remotely, there’s never a dull moment with hysterical memes and sarcastic jokes being shared . While living in Glens Falls, the two enjoyed many Adirondack Thunder hockey games. Will is honored to be involved in Gavin’s special day and looks forward to hosting the couple on their next visit to the ADK’s.
Elizabeth
Best Person
Elizabeth – a nature-loving cat mom living in Albany, NY – met Kelly when he started ‘workin’ for the birds’ at Audubon New York. The two quickly bonded over a love of strong coffee and time spent outdoors. From weekday happy hours to weekend nature walks, Elizabeth was thrilled to have someone new to explore the capital region with. Although the two are no longer able to power through workouts together at the gym, they keep each other motivated and laughing from afar. Elizabeth remembers Kelly’s excitement when he first met Gavin, and she cannot wait to celebrate their happily-ever-after!
Meredith
Best Person
Meredith and Gavin go way back to 2010 and their wild ways at Wildwood. They became quick friends with their love of Maine, Camp and Adventures. They started their careers together in the world of camps. Together they traveled for work between New Hampshire and New York between 2010 and 2014. Back in the day their favorite foods were Astronaut Ice Cream and Chips and Queso. Even though they have parted ways as co-workers they remain lifelong friends.
Lisa
Best Person
Lisa―a Michigander and lover of cats―met Kelly while she was working at a small wine & cheese shop in Concord, NH. Kelly was a regular customer whose Midwestern demeanor, kind smile and infectious laugh quickly drew Lisa to him. They swiftly became friends - and, briefly, roommates! - enjoying many long conversations about life over coffee, beer, crepes, cheese and Korean pork burritos (not all at the same time). Fun fact: Turns out these two friends share similar tastes in men: Both of their fiancés are graduates of Unity College! Kelly and Lisa have navigated heartbreak and happiness together, and she can’t wait to bear witness to Kelly & Gavin’s nuptials.
Cait
Officiant
Cait—a gardening enthusiast—coincidentally met Gavin on a whirlwind trip through Camp Chingachgook during the summer of 2016 to visit his niece for a birthday celebration. While Gavin served as an adjunct Outdoor Educator, the duo’s bond strengthened into a close and trusting friendship. Because of this, Gavin opened up about his sexuality to Cait which later would give him the courage to find the love of his life. Cait first met the couple on their second date in upstate NY at the World's Largest Garage Sale. While briefly rooming together on a third story renovation, Cait shared her knowledge of fresh ingredients in making meals with the soon-to-be newlyweds. She is excited and honored to perform the ceremony which will commemorate Gavin and Kelly in the name of love and companionship!