Kacey & Sean
Wedding Party
Tara McBarnet
Matron of Honor
Tara and I first met on a study abroad program in London in 2014, but our friendship didn't blossom fully until a few months post "graduation". Tara chose a summer internship in New York (which was at that time, my brand new home!) and I quickly realized my life was better with her in it. Call it chance, destiny, or sheer luck, one year later the stars once again aligned when Tara moved to the city permanently. Countless brunches, two dogs and two cats later, we've been inseparable ever since. The yin to my yang, this beautiful hula girl from Hawaii always brings a sense of calm to my life.
Nick Gustafson
Best Man
This guy is my brother (see same last name)
Sami Joe Snider
Maid of Honor
Sami and I met at a mutual friend, Liv's, wedding in 2013, and had an immediate bond. Sami's fun-loving disposition is infectious; she's the girl who lights up the room with her glowing smile and genuine nature. Although we haven't lived in the same city since we met, we find every opportunity to meet up at the beach, in the city, or in the back woods of Randolph County (and somehow Prosecco is usually involved). Through millions of texts, Facetimes, and phone calls, we have solved all the world's problems ...except why we always have a bad hair day on picture day, or when we run into [fill in the blank].. Anybody?
Jonathan Buckingham
Groomsman
I don't know what it is but I just really like this guy
Tayler Jones
Bridesmaid
Tayler and I were inseparable during our years as college roommates (and would be still if we weren't divided by about 15 states), which few people can say about a friendship initiated by luck. Probably the only two girls in Chapel Hill who hadn't worked out housing before WAY too late, a quick email to the Zeta list that read something like, "Anyone out there still need a roomie?" led to a sisterhood that will last a lifetime. With memories of spending way too much time blaring every Drake song on repeat, pretending to be Martha Stewart (or Clark Griswold?) with every inch of the house Christmas-fied, and getting blockaded in our own house by Odyssey newspapers (thanks, Sally Walker), I wouldn't trade a moment of the time we've spent together and will always consider Tayler a sister.
Thomas Cunningham
Groomsman
The Mayor of Venice and world-renowned hunter
Jordan Oakes
Bridesmaid
Nothing sweeter to nurture a lifelong bond than years of chanting "Go to Hell Duke!", celebrating together when UNC won, and crying together when UNC lost. Jordan was one of my first (and best!) friends in the UNC Cheerleading program, although some may argue she wasn't my biggest fan on Day 1... (Emma--thoughts?) From fight songs to late nights at La Res, we have too many stories to tell (and some we probably never will). Although life has taken us to different cities, Jordan will always be a best friend I know I can count on. Side note: We're also getting married two months apart!
Joshua Huck
Groomsman
We invented Jump Suit Saturday while working at Walmart
Emma Brown
Bridesmaid
You just can't spend hours practicing tic-tocs and back flips, not to mention running the dreaded "loop" (read: one of us running and one of us hiding in the bathroom to avoid running) together without forming a lifelong friendship. Emma was another gift UNC Cheerleading gave to me (other gifts include Jordan and a lifelong phobia of the loop). Besides the memories of bowl games, Late Night with Roy (ok, maybe I don’t have that one year’s memory since I forgot to remove my nail polish and got kicked out...) and Final Fours, the best memories I have from the glory days in Chapel Hill involve time spent with Emma.
Alex Oh
Groomsman
I legit traveled the USA with this guy for two years--I'm surprised we're not getting married.
Olivia Schroeder
Bridesmaid
Southern girls are drawn together like magnets anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon. Since Olivia is from even further south than I am, it was like a G-force when we met at a boozy brunch in West Village. Brunch Club turned to Dinner Club turned to Book Club (yep, it was all a front for Wine Club, but who's taking notes?). Olivia's bubbly personality makes every day better, and I can always count on her for the best advice, spoken with a giant smile (and maybe a hint of sarcasm). I'm so happy to have met another city girl with a Southern heart and am super excited to have Olivia by my side during this special weekend.
Shane Finley
Groomsman
We met at the 98 All Star game and bonded over Ryan Nolan
Sarah Spurr
Bridesmaid
Apart from a few Odyssey fashion shoots circa 2012, I didn't really get to know this sorority sister until two years ago. I was visiting Tayler on the west coast (where Tayler and Sarah both lived at the time), and the three of us reconnected over margaritas and literally laughed for hours. Sarah eventually chose concrete and skyscrapers over California dreaming and brought a spice to life when she moved to Manhattan. Truly the life of the party, Sarah is yet another reason I love New York (the list keeps piling up...). But seriously, everybody needs a Sarah in their life, and I'm so glad she's in mine. I look forward to many years of laughter and mischief...
Kenyatta Rutland
Groomsman
This guy is my brother (from another mother).
Colette Gustafson
Bridesmaid
Not only do I get to marry my favorite guy, but how lucky am I for the package to include a future sister-in-law like Colette? Although miles have separated us and we haven’t had the opportunity to spend as much time together as I’d like, the first time we met seemed like we’d known each other forever. She’s genuine, gracious, welcoming, and *chill*. Thanks to Colette (and Nick), Sean and I have the most adorable niece (and flower girl extraordinaire) and nephew: Mabel and Henry. I’m so excited to have my future sister standing by my side on our special day!
Brandon Bennett
Groomsman
I owe this guy my life for piloting us to safety through a boat parade in Mimi's Inlet
Mabel Gustafson
Flower Girl
And the cutest niece award goes to the bride and groom! Creating the grand entrance for Kacey (while upping the wedding cute appeal) will be Miss Mabel Gustafson. So many accolades could be said, but for today, let’s go with Best. Petal. Tosser. Ever.