Wedding Party
Lauren Elizabeth Ward
Matron of Honor
Lauren is Kaitlyn's sister and built-in best friend, who she always looked up to and wanted to be growing up. With childhood memories of Lauren cleaning up after Kaitlyn when they shared a room, to Nicholas taking over, Lauren has always been Kaitlyn's biggest support system. As they grew up, the two would jam out in the car as Lauren picked her up from school clubs, sports, and friends' houses. Fast forward to today. Kaitlyn now often spends the night at Lauren and her husband's house, dog sits for Lauren, and joins Lauren thrift shopping and trying new foods and teas. Lauren is always suckered into things with Kaitlyn, like going to multiple up-and-coming artist concerts or seeing a new movie that Kaitlyn bought tickets to, while also telling Kaitlyn what to write back in text messages. Lauren has always been the calm for Kaitlyn and the heart of their family, with the two always sticking by each other's sides in each other's friend groups, cheerleading, and life, no matter what. Kaitlyn cannot imagine her life without Lauren as she has been by her side through so much, and it is only fitting that she is right next to Kaitlyn on her wedding day!
Mae Miranda Welch
Maid of Honor
Mae is Kaitlyn's Aunt. Kaitlyn's grandfather remarried and popped out another kid close to Kaitlyn's age! Kaitlyn never questioned it, as she had a best friend from the time she was born. Kaitlyn and Mae had many sleepovers on the farm consisting of four-wheeling, mudding, hide-and-seek, horror movies, secret popsicles, gingerbread building, and visiting family around the farm. Mae is Kaitlyn's safe of secrets, her right-hand man, always the one to count on, a shoulder to cry on, and an additional sister to her. Mae is always down for last-minute hangouts, walks, food dates, giving great advice, and is the one who always picks up the phone when you call. With Mae and Nicholas collaborating when it's time to give Kaitlyn gifts, the two have grown a special friendship, and it is only fitting that Mae stands by our sides as our Maid of Honor!
Kelsey Noelle Pile
Bridesmaid
Kelsey is Kaitlyn's oldest sister and second mom since Kelsey loved having a live Barbie doll to play with. From Kelsey doing Kaitlyn's hair and makeup and dressing her up as a princess, she set the expectations of how Kaitlyn should always be treated in life (Nicholas does not disappoint). Kelsey has always practiced her new hobbies growing up with Kaitlyn, like photography, where Kaitlyn loved to be her model and experiment. Kelsey also coached Kaitlyn in cheerleading when she was younger, leading her team to win first place in competition. As the two grew up, Kelsey moved off to Pennsylvania, and Kaitlyn soon followed, when she decided to go away to college in Pennsylvania, only 10 minutes away from Kelsey's mother and father-in-law. Kelsey got Kaitlyn addicted to Starbucks from a young age by always treating her when she picked her up from school. Kelsey and Kaitlyn are very similar, which often causes disagreements or arguments, but Kaitlyn wouldn't have it any other way or anyone else standing by her side except her biggest cheerleader.
Allison Elizabeth Welch
Bridesmaid
Alli has been in Kaitlyn's life since early 2015 and officially became her sister in Sept 2023 when she married Kaitlyn's brother, Brandon. Kaitlyn immediately clicked with Alli and annoyed Brandon more and more every night as Kaitlyn was sitting in his bed hanging out with Alli for hours, refusing to leave, while Brandon worked outside or took his hour-long showers. Kaitlyn would wake Alli up at 5 am to have her do her hair and makeup before going to high school and to help her pick out her outfits. Alli went to Kaitlyn's sporting games and birthday celebrations and immediately fell into the place of her family. Alli and Kaitlyn became best friends, hanging out every night, on family vacations, and even now for trips to Starbucks or Target together or rooting her momma on at races. Kaitlyn could not have chosen a better sister to be added to her family and couldn't imagine her not standing by her side on her wedding day.
Brooke Alissa Swann
Junior Bridesmaid
Brooke is Kaitlyn's Godsister and third cousin. With an eight-year age gap, Brooke became the younger sister Kaitlyn never had. Brooke grew up shy but is nothing of the sort today, always keeping Kaitlyn updated with the new slang and trends. Kaitlyn was honored to be Brooke's Confirmation Sponsor this past Spring and to donate all her clothes she is getting rid of to Brooke. Kaitlyn has grown up with Brooke and spent endless summers at Kings Dominion, Brooke's first sleepover with Kaitlyn, Brooke's birthday away in the cabin with her friends with Kaitlyn as the 'adult,' and many face mask, baking, and movie nights together. Kaitlyn always volunteers to go on Brooke's field trips for school and loves to support her academic successes, dance recitals, and hear the latest gossip of middle school boyfriends and friendships. Kaitlyn always refers to Brooke and Sophia as her kids, so it is fitting that they both stand by her side on her wedding day.
Sophia Rose Swann
Junior Bridesmaid
Sophia is Kaitlyn's Godsister and third cousin, as she is Brooke's younger sister by three years. Sophia is Kaitlyn's mini-me and a ball of energy. Kaitlyn has coached Sophia for four seasons of soccer now, starting at the age of 17. Sophia takes an interest in the same position of defense in soccer, which gets Kaitlyn all fired up and excited to share a love for soccer. Kaitlyn grew up with Soph, and many times, they would have their own playdates collecting and painting acorns, playing outside, kicking around a soccer ball, or Kaitlyn forcing her to go somewhere with her like shopping, to get food, or see a movie. Kaitlyn and Sophia grew up going to Kings Dominion during the summers and even during the Winterfest, where they went together to see the live snow globe. As previously mentioned, Kaitlyn refers to both Soph and Brooke as her children, so when Soph gets knocked down in soccer, everyone better steer clear of the protective momma bear. Kaitlyn is so excited to have Sophia join her by her side on her wedding day, as she was the flower girl for Sophia's mom, Kaitlyn's Godmother, 17 years ago.
Nathan John Brady
Best Man
Nathan is Nicholas's only and favorite younger brother, but most importantly, his built-in best friend for life. Because Nathan was always bigger than Nicholas, growing up, everyone ironically thought Nicholas was one of the triplets and not Nathan. Nathan and Nicholas not only grew up together but had all of the same hobbies, such as football and basketball, watching their favorite sports teams lose, fishing, and even sharing the same friends. Even though Nicholas was kicked out of Nathan's room many times growing up for "bothering him," both continue talking to each other daily. Nicholas looks to Nathan each day for his guidance on many things in life that he has helped with, and he has always been there for Nicholas. Nicholas is forever grateful to have a brother like him through all the gym workouts, time working on cars, and times when they just chilled in the garage. We couldn't imagine not having Nathan stand by our side on the biggest day of our lives!
Paul John Winters II
Groomsman
Paul John, or PJ, as many people know him, is one of Nicholas's earliest and best friends in life. PJ and Nicholas have been friends since birth, as both of their parents were friends, which led to them being so close. PJ and Nicholas have spent so much time in life together, whether it be camping as kids, playing football and basketball on each other's team, building trails in the woods for riding ATVs, or even just playing video games together. PJ gives Nicholas some great advice and is truly another brother figure in Nicholas's life. Nicholas was so thankful that PJ and he became friends once PJ had moved back to the area, and he was so blessed to have him in his life again. PJ had helped set up Nicholas and Kaitlyn through a double date with his girlfriend, Maddy, and we are so incredibly thankful that it worked out the way it did. PJ, we are so thankful to have you by our side on this special day for us. Thank you again for the Outback date!
David Malkin Winters
Groomsman
David is another one of Nicholas's earliest and best friends in life, who happens to be the younger brother of PJ, another groomsman. Having close family connections, David and Nicholas grew close while hanging out with PJ and Nathan, while PJ and Nicholas messed with the younger two, Nathan and David. While the four grew up together, they spent much time playing sports, camping, doing stupid things outside, and, most importantly, having fun together. David has always been like Nicholas' younger brother and has always been someone to count on for him. The best thing about David is that he is always down to chat and is always down for any shenanigans the Brady boys have up their sleeves. Nicholas is yet again super thankful that David had moved back to the area after being away in Pennsylvania for a while, and so happy to have created a bond with another brother for life. David, we are so thankful to have you stand by our side on the most special day of our lives!
Blake Anthony Varela
Groomsman
Blake Anthony is one of Nicholas’s closest friends, and has been a great person that Nicholas is so grateful to have in life. The two connected over mutual friends and have been seen playing video games together over the years. Always hanging out with all the guys in PJ’s basement, playing games, and being the clown of the group, they always are laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Blake has a sense of humor that gets everyone around him laughing, no matter their age. Nicholas and Blake have known each other for many years, but have gotten closer over the past few years. We can’t wait to see him bust a move on the dance floor and stand by our side, supporting us as we say our “I do’s.”
Bryan William Folger
Groomsman
Bryan is Nicholas’s cousin and, basically, like an older brother than Nicholas never had. It is a family joke that both are very similar people as they both went to the University of Maryland, got accounting degrees, and are with someone named Kaitlyn, ironically. Nicholas has looked up to Bryan a lot during his life, as he felt he was always what he had wanted to be like as he grew up. Nicholas and Bryan got closer once Nicholas had grown up more, and both played a lot of video games together while staying up way too late. Besides video games, the two enjoy watching sports together, playing fantasy football, or even playing a random Thanksgiving trivia. Nicholas is so thankful that he got to learn from Bryan in life, because it brought him to where he is today. We cannot imagine Bryan not standing by our side on the most special day of our lives!
Bristol Rose Welch
Flower Girl
Bristol Rose, also known as "B," made Kaitlyn an aunt back in June 2021. Bristol has a fiery attitude and personality, always making Nicholas and Kaitlyn laugh and stay on their toes. Kaitlyn loves to take Bristol out to meet her friends and hear that she looks just like her. Nicholas and Kaitlyn love to play with B as they are often seen chasing each other around, running, screaming, fighting, and giggling. Uncle Nick and Aunt Kait are excited to have Bristol Rose as our flower girl at our wedding and cannot wait to see all she accomplishes in life.
Hazel Noelle Pile
Flower Girl
Hazel Noelle is Kaitlyn's niece and a twin to Colton. Kaitlyn prayed over Hazel and Colton long before they were created and was so excited when she heard they were on the way. She was in awe when she first met the twins and was so happy God granted her prayers. Hazel is every bit of adventurous, creative, and outgoing. Hazel gets super shy and often blushes around Nicholas, so everyone keeps their eyes out for the groom being stolen away at the wedding. We are honored to have Hazel as our flower girl and walk down the aisle with family and friends around to celebrate.
Colton John Pile
Ring Bearer
Colton John is Kaitlyn's nephew and Hazel's twin brother. He loves trucks, tractors, and the great outdoors. Kaitlyn and Nicholas love to take him for walks through the woods or new trails where he can see new things like gumballs and different-colored leaves. Colton loves Kaitlyn and Nicholas' dog, Diesel, and is often seen laying with him or sneaking him food. We are excited to have Colton be part of our big day and deliver our rings.
Brantley Alexander Welch
Ring Bearer
Brantley Alexander just turned one on Cinco de Mayo and is Kaitlyn's youngest nephew. Kaitlyn was eager for Brantley to walk so he could be a part of her wedding day, and she was constantly seen holding his hands and trying to get him to take his first steps. Now, Brantley is seen running all over the place, climbing tables, chairs, and furniture, and getting into anything he can. Brantley is curious about many things and loves to swing his head all around, get dirty, and be wild. We are so excited to have Brantley be a part of our wedding day and see him walk down the aisle, but we hope he doesn't take the rings and run.