Kaitlyn & Travis
Wedding Party
Ashley Hardin
Matron of Honor
Ashley and I met at Teacher Education Preview Day at App State on March 17, 2018 - right before we graduated high school. We ended up being freshman year suitemates since we both got into the ACES (teaching) program. Even though I ended up switching majors a year and half later, we remained close friends and lived together again as roommates with Jill during our junior year in Apt K. One of my favorite things we did while living together as roomies was waking up in the morning to make fried eggs, waffles, and coffee while having deep convos about life and Jesus. If you know Ashley, you know she radiates the love of Christ and is seriously one of the sweetest people I know. She cares for others so deeply and is someone I have always felt like I could be myself around. We've shared so many laughs, tears, and ice cream/coffee dates that it's hard to keep up with. But, I always leave feeling so encouraged and heard - things that embody such a sweet friendship. Ashley has been a constant friend to me throughout so many highs and lows in my life and I truly could not be the woman I am today without her influence. Ash, let's do this thing!
Grant Ferguson
Best Man
Grant is my younger & only brother. Now, I didn't make him my best man because I had to, I did it because I couldn't imagine it being anyone other than him. We have always been close as there is only four years that separates us. We share similar interests & enjoy playing softball together on the weekends. I will never forget the intense games of one-on-one basketball we played after school. We would often have to grab Dad to officiate because Grant liked to cheat! Can't forget to mention always playing wiffle ball together as well. There was one particular time when we were playing without shirts on and I drilled Grant in the back from about 20 feet away.. he chased me around the yard with the bat. I like to think all the ball we played helped him in his athletic career lol. I am very proud of the young man he has become. Excited for him to stand by my side on my big day!
Jillian Smith
Maid of Honor
Jill, aka Jilly-bean, and I met during our freshman year at App State through campus ministry. We became close friends towards the end of our freshman year and ended up living together for our sophomore, junior, and senior year of college. Lucky enough, we even got to sit beside each other as we graduated from App State in 2022 which was so bittersweet. Jill is SO fun to be around and is always down to have a good time. She is kind hearted, loyal, passionate, spontaneous, a lover of iced coffee, and lives life to the full. Jill loves the Lord and her faith in him shines so bright. After living together for three years, we have shared SO many laughs, Dance Central dance parties, skiing fails, Zaxby's runs, late night worship duets in our rooms, talks in British/Australian accents, Tik Tok dance/acting challenges, and deep convos about life. Jill has been such a constant sister in my life and has walked alongside of me in many seasons. One thing is for sure, whenever we are together, we always have a good time. Jilly is the sweetest of friends and I couldn't do this without her!
Jonathan Wagoner
Groomsman
Jonathan and I met in elementary school when we played against each other in basketball. We reconnected when we had class together in sixth grade & never looked back. We've been best friends since. Playing baseball together in high school only strengthened our friendship as we spent most of our evenings together in the outfield. He went to Western Carolina & I went to East Tennessee. We were apart for the first time in years. You can make new friends though right? Sure, but nobody was Jonny. After a year, he and his brother decided to transfer and go to school with Kameron, Adam & I at ETSU. After three more years together being roommates & playing pick-up basketball every night, we've officially went to school together for 11 years. He's more like a brother than a friend but nonetheless I am very excited for him to be by my side!
Lauren Cassada
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met at App State in the fall of 2019 through mutual friends. The first time I met her, I remember seeing how big her heart was for missions but also meeting people where they are at in life. Lauren was known as Ashley H., Jill, & I's "4th roommate" during our junior year since she slept over on our pull-out couch bed while her apartment was under construction. Those nights together were some of my favorite times spent in college where we spent hours laughing and having convos about life. Lauren is so fun to be around, brave, empathetic, a shoulder to lean on, and a fellow country music lover. She has walked with me through many seasons and has been a constant reminder of the Lord's grace when I could not see it myself. Even when she moved to Texas for a while and we were several hundred miles apart, Lauren remained so intentional in our friendship- and still is to this day. One of my favorite memories is when we drove to the beach bopping to Olivia Rodrigo and Luke Combs as loud as we could. Recently, we even got to share being engaged together - even if it was only for a short time. I am so thankful for this friend of mine and I can't imagine doing this without you buddy!
Jonah Wagoner
Groomsman
Jonah & I met officially in middle school. Another friend that I consider a brother. We bonded over basketball & baseball, playing baseball together throughout high school. Countless trips to cookout & taco bell after baseball practice or games only strengthened our friendship as we shared many laughs. After going our separate ways following high school graduation, Jonah decided to transfer to ETSU from Western Carolina. I had the pleasure of being Jonah’s roommate for a few more years to finish our college careers. There aren’t enough good things I could say about Jonah to truly depict the type of friend he is. Jonah is as good of a person as you’ll meet & I am thankful to have him by my side on my big day.
Kaitlyn Handy
Bridesmaid
Kaitlyn and I officially met in the first grade in Mr. Robertson's class at Millers Creek Elementary. She was the first other "Kaitlyn" I vividly remember meeting at an early age which began the journey of me writing "Kaitlyn E." on all my school work from then on out! Although we cheered together in 8th grade and were even in the same stunt group, we didn't become close friends until high school where we spent a lot of our time cheering and tackling CNA class & clinicals together. Some of my favorite memories include being "bus buddies" on the way to every football and basketball game, sleepovers at each other's houses, being known as the official hair braiders for the cheer team, CNA clinicals, the cheer lip sync battle, and always being down for a Walmart run. Even though she's been away at grad school at Notre Dame in Indiana for the past year, and we aren't able to hang together in person like we wish we could, our friendship hasn't changed a bit! We've had many phone calls with life updates, grad school stories, and giggling about memories from high school. Kaitlyn is hard working, witty, and isn't afraid to be herself. She always makes me feel loved and is as loyal as they come. I can't imagine saying "I do" without her by my side!
Kameron Walsh
Groomsman
Where to start! Kameron is the first friend I ever made. We met at Bethel Baptist Church when we were maybe 5 or 6. Kameron is the type of friend that I could go a few weeks without seeing or talking to but picks up right where we left off. Kameron, I call him Kam, has been a true light in my life for the last 17 years. If I ever need someone to talk to or consult when making a decision, I call Kam. Can’t neglect to mention he might be the only reason that I ended up at ETSU. I thoroughly enjoyed being Kameron’s roommate in college & getting to spend 4 more years with one of my very best friends. Kameron is happily married and often offers me great advice when it comes to planning for my upcoming marriage & all the great things that will come with it! I was honored to be a groomsman in his wedding, and I can only hope he is just as excited to be in mine.
Noelle Handy
Bridesmaid
Noelle and I also officially met in the first grade in Mr. Robertson's class at Millers Creek Elementary. Like her twin sister Kaitlyn, we didn't become close friends until high school. We cheered together in middle school all the way up to high school. Fun fact - we were in the same stunt group since the 8th grade so we naturally became close. Noelle is one of the sweetest people I know. She is so caring, thoughtful, hard working, and celebrates others so well. She is the true definition of friend who is trustworthy and makes you feel loved and heard in every season. Some of my favorite memories with Noelle have been our Talia's dates, record shopping downtown, singing in the car to T.Swift, late night cookout runs, going to the Jonas Brothers concert, eating mexican food at Plaza, and working out together at Planet Fitness. But one of my all time favorite memories included spending the night at her house and playing the crazy Christmas party games with her Mom, Aunt Brandy, and Nana. Noelley, I'm so excited to have you by my side- I couldn't do this without you!
Justin Shepherd
Groomsman
Justin, better known among our friend group as “Shep”, was one of the first friends I made when attending Bethel Baptist Church. We bonded early on over sports in elementary school, especially basketball. Shep & I had Mrs. Ward in 5th grade, our favorite days were when she wanted to take us to the gym and play basketball with us. We reconnected in high school when Shep started playing baseball again. He & I would go to Uncle Kenny’s before every home baseball game. We shared a love for Mtn Dew Kickstarts as well, we both drank one everyday LOL. Shep has been a great friend to me for as long as I can remember. I am very thankful for his friendship & am very excited for him to join me on my wedding day!
Courtney Edmiston
Bridesmaid
Courtney is my sis in law - she married my older brother Evan in 2021. Ever since she and Evan started dating in 2017, Courtney has always been so kind to me. Whether it was inviting me to go to get our nails done, hit up the gym, or simply ask about how school was, she always made an effort to include me and still does to this day. We've spent lots of time together at our brothers baseball games and now softball games (since Evan and Travis play on a softball league together). When you're with Courtney, she never fails to make you laugh. She is full of life, compassionate, hard working, and is always down for a good time. Not to mention, a great wife and mama to Evan and my sweet niece Adlee. One of my recent favorite memories is when we went to the Jonas Brothers concert together and danced and sang to "Love Bug" and "Burning Up." Court, I can't do this without you by my side sis!
Evan Edmiston
Groomsman
Evan has been a pleasure to get to know over the last several years. We met when Carson & Grant started playing Dirtbags baseball together. Being the only two older brothers’, we hung out at some of the games. I really got to know & spend some time with Evan in Cooperstown, NY in the summer of 2017. Evan & I had planned to check out the baseball hall of fame while in Cooperstown. He asked me if Courtney & her friends could join us & of course I had no problem with that. I knew Evan had been planning to talk to Courtney at some point during the trip. I was officially a wingman lol! Evan & I have since reconnected as Kaitlyn and I started dating. I have enjoyed many days spent on the golf course & softball field with Evan. He is a great guy & a lot of fun to be around. I am very blessed to have him as my soon to be brother-in-law!
Holly Hall
Bridesmaid
Holly and I met each other while being in the ECU Speech-Language Pathology program in Greenville, NC. Holly is originally from Semi Valley, CA and I was stunned as to why she chose to come to grad school all the way in NC. But, I'm SO thankful she did - God knew what he was doing. I'm not sure how we ended up becoming close friends so fast, but I do know we bonded because of our love for the Lord and hearts to serve others in our profession as soon to be SLPs. Holly is always down for a good time but doesn't shy away from hard and deep convos about life - which we've had lots of. She is so kind, fun, athletic- as all get out, intentional, and genuine in every conversation. She celebrates others so well and truly listens to understand. Some of my favorite memories we've shared is when she taught me how to play lacrosse outside of our apartment, going on our afternoon walks around Treybrooke, and going to Ignite Church and FUSE college ministry together. I love doing this life with her and cannot wait to have her stand by my side in July and forever more!
Carson Edmiston
Groomsman
I first met Carson when he started playing Dirtbags baseball with my brother, Grant. Immediately I noticed he was a good player & an even better teammate. He always encouraged & supported Grant, I always appreciated that. Don’t quote me on this but I think I introduced Carson to his first horror movie when he and a couple of Grant’s other friends were over to spend the night. If I ever want to catch the latest horror movie, I know I can count on Carson to join me! It’s always a good time when he and Kaitlyn are back together, quoting movies & picking on each other. I am excited to be a part of this family & watch C play baseball these next 4 years!
Alex Bryan
Bridesmaid
Alex is my "little" cousin and we have known each other since we were itty bitty. We're only a year apart so growing up together was a lot fun. I have SO many fond memories of the two of us making silly videos, practicing our dances/routines, playing dress up, singing all of the Jonas Brothers/Camp Rock/High School Musical songs, and the countless sleep overs at each others houses. We were known as the "picky girls" at every family function as our favorites consisted of chicken nuggets, cheese sticks, and bread. Thank goodness we've grown out of that now! One of my recent favorite memories is when we both went to NYC at Christmas time in 2022 with our mama's (who are sisters). We had the sweetest time exploring the city, laughing, drinking coffee, and eating till our stomachs hurt. Alex is hard working, compassionate, and loves others so deeply. She has been like a sister to me throughout the years and I'm so thankful to be her cousin. Can't do this without you cuz!
Kirkland Festa
Groomsman
I’ll start off by saying I have only known Kirkland since November of 2022, despite that, he has already become a great friend of mine. Kirkland and I share a love for sports & have been to several sporting events together. I have the pleasure of seeing Kirkland daily as we work together. A notable thing about Kirkland is that he holds me at my word & is not afraid to steer me back towards my goals. Many laughs & memories have already been made over pickup basketball, softball & golf. I look forward to bouncing back from knee surgery so we can share the field, court, & course again soon! I hope Kirkland knows how much I appreciate his friendship. I am glad he is able to join me on my big day! (PS, he is missing his beloved flag football games to be at my wedding).
Emma Mann
Bridesmaid
Emma and I first met in Adult Cognition class during our last semester at App State in 2022. We were in the same case study group and talked about potentially going to ECU for SLP grad school. When I told Emma I was officially going to ECU a few weeks later, she was overjoyed another App State girl going. I didn't think a thing of it, but once grad school classes hit in August, we became such close friends! One of my favorite memories is when we went to Wilmington for the day and spent time together jamming in the car, having a picnic on the beach, and trying Crumbl Cookies for the first time - it was the most perfect day! Emma has been my grad school bestie gal and I seriously couldn't have done grad school & clinicals without her by my side. She is compassionate, silly, hardworking, and will never fail to make you laugh till you pee - literally. Travis actually messaged Emma a few days before he was planning to propose to go get my nails done with me beforehand. Although I was suspicious, she played it off so cool. Moving 4 hours away from home, her friendship has been such an answer to prayer and I'm forever thankful to know her. Let's do this thing Emma-lou!
Landon Starr
Groomsman
My favorite cousin! I have been very blessed with great cousins on both sides, but Landon has been a consistent friend that I get to call family. I remember how excited I was when I learned he, Jill & Mackenzie were moving from Florida back to North Carolina. Days spent with Mama Jo were our favorite, we would swim or play basketball at the YMCA. Countless Sunday afternoon cookouts were spent playing wiffle ball in the backyard. Landon is funny & very smart; he never fails to brighten a room with laughs and smiles. I could go on & on about the memories made & good times we shared growing up! I hope that I had even a bit of a positive impact on Landon & could be a role model for him. Landon has a kind heart & I am proud of the young man that he has become. I am so excited that he will be with me on the big day!
Ashley Kvanvig
Bridesmaid
Ashley and I met during my senior year at App State - she was placed as Jill & I's random roommate at the Finmore and it was the biggest blessing! We actually first met over Facetime to get to know each other better before she moved. After our call, I had a feeling we all were gonna hit it off and have fun living together! Come to find out, Ashley and I had similar life stories: we both previously worked at Chick-fil-A 's for 5 years, drove Honda Accords, and had a dog named Charlie. Weird, I know right? To know Ashley, is to know that she loves big. Without a doubt, she's one of App State's biggest fans, the dancing queen, and is a lover of all things Arie and Diet Coke. One of my favorite memories of the two of us senior year was going to cardio dance and never passing up an opportunity to grab some chicken nuggets at the double decker Wendy's in Boone. Ashley is spunky, compassionate, and so thoughtful. She loves big and always makes you feel so celebrated and loved in every season. I can't wait for you to stand by my side!
Adam Shoemaker
Groomsman
Adam & his family have been a pleasure to know over the years. Adam & I met in elementary school at Mtn. View. We were almost always in the same class through elementary, middle & high school. So, I got to spend a lot of time with Adam & we became close friends! We share a love for food & more specifically Taco Bell. After baseball games & practices we would head to Taco Bell with Jonah & Jonathan. We shared many laughs over dinner with the boys. Adam & I went our separate ways after high school only to reconnect when he decided to attend ETSU for his final two years of undergrad. Many intramural softball & basketball games later we were left with memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t express how thankful I am for the good times we shared in college. Adam is a great encourager & holds me accountable at my word. I am glad to have him by my side on the big day!