Leah & Jason
Wedding Party
Melanie Young
Maid of Honor
MEL-NA-NIN-NA-NIN-NA-NIN-NA-NINNY! If you've ever wondered where Ninny got her nickname, it was the name I called from the car as a child with as many "na-nin-na-ninny"'s as it took until she got in the car with me — otherwise I wasn't getting in that car seat. Melanie has been many things to me throughout my life — my Barbie co-player, my at-home tabletop performance partner, the source of about 90% of the clothes in my closet, my second mother, my "I'll march down to that school and beat them up if they think they can treat you that way" protector, my sour gummy worms and Criminal Minds marathon companion, my makeup business partner — but she is most importantly my forever friend and sister.
Jeremy Jennings
Best Man
As my older brother, Jeremy has influenced and inspired me to be a lot of things over the years. A musician, a rock climber, a traveler — I even took after him in becoming a diabetic. However, there are some things that I chose to do because he DIDN'T do them — things like using napkins when eating, sipping instead of always gulping, and actually putting the new toilet paper roll onto the holder. For these things, I'm equally grateful for his influence. Truly, though, Jeremy has taught me to step back, to never just accept the status quo, and to always go to the source and dig deeper on spiritual matters. He's a great friend, and one I'm glad will be right beside me on my special day. Brothers forever.
Noelle Yardley
Maid of Honor
Although we were separated at birth, we picked things right back up in the 5th grade at a birthday party in a rollerskating rink. Noelle and I attended almost all of grade school together and we lived together for a year in high school. We also took Cosmetology classes together for two years and she became the best hairstylist on Instagram. She is such a caring person and has always been an old soul. She's patient, she chooses to see the good in everyone, and she forgives quicker than anyone I know. She knows me better than I know myself and I am so blessed to have someone like her in my life and by my side on such an important day. Just so everyone is aware, she helped me make half the wedding decisions at 9+ months pregnant!
Abram Edgar
Groomsman
I first met Abram in the seventh grade, not long after moving to South Carolina. We had no classes together, but I met him through a friend outside at recess. I'd love to say we hit it off, but truthfully, I didn't like him. He seemed uninterested in talking to me, and I thought he was stuck up. I was disappointed to find him in most of my classes the following year, but before I knew it, we were best friends. Seriously, I don't have any idea how that transition happened. Nevertheless, Abram became the guy who always made me have a new and exciting story to tell. From cross country meets, to kayaking excursions, to camping trips and more. He was there with me all through high school, and he's a friend I know I'll never lose. Don't ever put too much stock in first impressions, folks.
Nicole Jennings
Bridesmaid
Nicole is the wife of Jason's brother, Jeremy, and I cannot wait to call her my sister-in-law! She is such a joy to be around with her positive energy and sense of humor. We first bonded over talking about our Jennings boys which led to us finding out that Jason and Jeremy didn't physically fight like we did with our siblings so.. we know we could take 'em. Nicole was actually the first person to know about our engagement and she had the best reaction out of everyone we told — which is just one of the many great examples of her joyous nature that I love. I admire her and I hope to follow her example as a Christian wife when my journey of marriage begins. Out of everything Nicole means to me, she most importantly is the person who shared the buffalo chicken dip recipe that changed my life.
Logan Haskew
Groomsman
This Logan and I met in Dr. Kotru's Circuits class in the spring of our sophomore year at Alabama. My friend Brock started talking to Logan one day, and invited us both over to work on homework. We didn't know at that time just what a tradition that would become. But it didn't take long before we found ourselves hanging out at Brock's apartment with nothing to study for, just as friends. ...Not often, though. There was usually something to study for. Through dozens of classes over the years, we were lab partners and study mates. I often remember the many long hours and late nights spent in the lab for senior design, and think: What is a friend, if not someone with whom you can share the hate of power electronics? Logan is a great mind, and a greater friend.
Elli McManis
Bridesmaid
I was blessed enough to meet Elli the first night I moved into Winthrop. My first impression of her was that she was a high-achieving person with everything in order — I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up! But little did I know that she was going to have such a huge influence on getting me to relax more and not to overthink things. Turns out, I'm way more Type-A than her. Elli is overflowing with positivity, compassion, and love for everyone. She has such a free spirit and a passionate love for God. Elli and I lived together my sophomore year at Winthrop and bonded over late night, deep conversations and midnight trips to 7/11 for slurpies. I can't wait for the fun that she will bring to our big day this summer!
Austin "Pink" Pinkerton
Groomsman
Pink is a long time friend of Watson, another of my groomsmen. When I became friends with Watson, I also got to know Pink. Our first interaction was through a video game we were both playing with Watson, so I knew his voice before I knew his face. Because of this, to this day Pink greets me by saying, "hey, it's nice to finally meet you in person," or, "it's nice to put a face with the name," or something like that. Despite that, when I think of Pink, I think of going to the climbing gym every Friday and following it up with way too much Japanese food. Anyway, I'm glad that I'll get to finally meet him in person and have him with me on my wedding day.
Rachel Holton
Bridesmaid
Rachel is my oldest friend, starting when we met in the second grade when I moved to South Carolina and began attending Seneca Church of Christ with her. Rachel is someone who is always there to listen when you need her and she goes out of her way to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. She is expecting as her and her husband, Kyle, are going through the adoption process which exemplifies her loving and compassionate heart. She and I grew up together, from riding bikes through my neighborhood and dishing about our crushes to pre-wedding lake days. Now, I can look forward to going to her for advice as a young bride just as she was. I felt so honored to be one of Rachel's bridesmaids at her wedding, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to have her by my side for mine!
Watson Lewis
Groomsman
I met Watson while studying at my friend Brock's apartment; they were roommates. We didn't talk directly much during those times, but Watson was around from time to time, watching TV while we worked. The first interaction I remember was him and Brock arguing over the height of some pro basketball player in a game on TV. Watson looked it up, and sure enough, he was right. I recall several occasions when Watson introduced an obscure bit of trivia into a conversation. Watson may not know everything, but he knows something about everything. We became acquaintances through those visits, and eventually discovered we played the same video game. Through that, we ended up becoming friends, rather than just friends of friends. I can't miss having Watson's dry sense of humor around on my wedding day.
Ashlyn Hunter
Bridesmaid
When I was visiting Winthrop's campus for the first time, I also visited a local church, Gold Hill Road Church of Christ. Jason's parents helped establish this church back when they lived there and Jason was just a kid. Ashlyn's parents are members of this church and let us know that she was considering Winthrop as well. That fall, Ashlyn and I attended Winthrop together as roommates and lived together for two years. Over the years we bonded over ice cream pints, decorating our dorms, Target runs, and most importantly, helping each other pick out the perfect outfit for every occasion. Jason's mother was the wedding coordinator for Ashlyn's parent's wedding and now, Ashlyn will be a bridesmaid in our wedding. Having a best friend who is also a sister in Christ has been such a blessing!
Logan Corolla
Groomsman
This Logan and I met my first weekend at college, at a welcome breakfast at the church there. Logan was also starting that fall, but as a post-grad student. He was the first friend I made there, and he even invited to visit his small town, south Alabama home of Luverne on Labor Day weekend. We spent a lot of time together and became close friends through many events with the campus ministry. Logan is a HUGE Alabama fan, and always kept the UCM tailgate exciting on game day. Logan was also the friend I called in the middle of a cold night when I had to evacuate my dorm for a fire alarm and I asked if I could crash with him. He happily obliged, and always offered me to stay there when I was over. I don't know if he regretted it, but I ended up living with him for three straight years.
Kathleen Eakes
Bridesmaid
I met Kathleen during my internship last summer at Travelers Insurance. She showed me the ropes both at work and in the local Charlotte area. I'd like to formally thank her for introducing me to my new favorite restaurant — CowFish. After a month of knowing her, she helped throw a surprise engagement party for me at work. I aspire to be as caring and generous as she is to others. Seriously, she's always threatening to smother me with gifts. But more importantly, she is the type of person who is first to offer a helping hand or a listening ear without a moment of hesitation. Don't be fooled by her tough exterior because she is a total softy — which is exactly why she's my kind of girl. I'm so blessed to have her as a bridesmaid and I'm counting on her to ugly cry with me!
Will Wham
Groomsman
Will Wham and I grew up in the youth group at church together. As one of the only guys my age there, we had to stick together. At gatherings, we would play halo or throw a frisbee while the girls did whatever girls do. Will started out shy and withdrawn, but over the years he definitely came out of his shell as we became friends. It wasn't until early college that we became really close, though, when my brother invited Will to rock climb with him. Will was a natural, and pretty soon, the three of us were spending our weekends camping and climbing together as often as we could. After Jeremy moved away (for a time), Will became pretty much my sole climbing partner. Besides all that, everyone needs their token Mexican/Chinese/Japanese/Hawaiian/Filipino friend with them on their wedding day.
Sarah Young
Bridesmaid
Sarah has been my sister-in-law for the past six years and it has been such a blessing to know her. She is the mother of my nephew, Abel, who will be three in July. She is also expecting baby number two on July 4th! We will miss her at the wedding, but we are so excited that she will be bringing another precious baby into our family. Her children could not ask for a more patient and loving mother, and I could not ask for a more kind and thoughtful sister-in-law!
Skippy
Ring Bearer
Okay, not really. But we totally would if they would let us! This furry friend has been in the Young family for over a decade.
Doug Young
Father of the Bride
Loyal, hard-working, loving, hilarious, patient, supportive, dependable, strong-willed, intelligent, thick-skinned, generous, humble, and most importantly, faithful to the Lord. These are just a few of the reasons why I admire and love my father greatly. He is the reason my standards are set so high for a husband and father. This world has made me realize what a blessing it is to have a father who continues to choose my mother day after day, who always puts his family before himself, and diligently leads us to the cross even in our adulthood. And dad, you're probably shaking your head at all this, but you deserve the praise!
Cyndi Young
Mother of the Bride
My mother is the most generous and loving mother I could ever ask for. She is so committed to her family, going above and beyond the responsibilities of a wife and mother. She has always set a strong Christian example for her children by caring for us, comforting us, and building our faith even through trying times. She is definitely where I get my iron-willed personality and strong sense of right and wrong. She fervently opens her heart and home to everyone, which is why she is a second mother to all of our friends. Also, she's the best chef around and anyone who has tried her cooking can vouch for that -- ask her for her famous chili recipe!
Scott Jennings
Father of the Groom
My father is easily the most intelligent person I know. He is, and will probably always be, the first person I call when I have a question — about anything. He always has an answer. He's always eager to help and eager to teach. He has taught me to always put God first, and others second. To be smart with money, but mostly so that I can help those who need it. He didn't put his job before the family, and he was always at my basketball games (and not just when he was the coach!). I'm so grateful to have a father that raised me a Christian and has been such a great example throughout my life.
Pam Jennings
Mother of the Groom
My mother is thoughtful, loving, and kind. She always thinks of others before she thinks of herself. When my brother, and later I, was diagnosed with diet-impacting conditions, she always went far out of her way to ensure that we had something good to eat wherever we were. Sometimes that meant cooking two meals, sometimes it meant cooking one to bring along somewhere. If there would be dessert, she would make a dessert. Through these actions and others, she gave me the heart for the less fortunate, the sick, the oppressed, and the friendless. I'm so blessed to have a mother that loves and cares so much for others, and that so well reflects the compassion that we see in Jesus.
David Langley
Officiant
David is the minister at Seneca Church of Christ, our hometown congregation. He is a very a conscientious and purposeful person who we admire and respect. His dry sense of humor will keep you on your toes, so listen carefully! We appreciate his dedication to the Lord and are very grateful to have him to officiate our wedding.
Kim Clark
Wedding Planner
Jason and I have attended Seneca Church of Christ with Mrs. Kim for many years. I even spent a couple summers working for Kim at the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association. Kim does it all, from flawless calligraphy and complex wedding-day logistics coordination to taming a Bible class full of children, all while mastering her full-time job at CGCSA. One time, I watched Mrs. Kim cut out a perfect alligator shape from paper free-hand, and that's when I knew there wasn't anything this woman couldn’t do! We are so blessed to have someone as skilled as Kim as our wedding planner and director.