Katarina & Gordon
Wedding Party
Ryan Ussery
Best Man
What can you say about someone you've know since kindergarten? Ryan has been a steadfast, loyal friend to me. We bonded over baseball at a young age and have been teammates, classmates and roommates in our lifetimes. He followed me, or maybe I followed him to Georgia College & State University. We would go on to be roommates for three years. The life of the party, he will break out dance moves on a moments notice, or help you make a strong hunch punch. Ryan would meet his wife, Rachel, at one of our parties after he convinced her to stop dancing on top of the washing machine. Ryan is one of the most thoughtful people I've known and his kindness knows no bounds. I am so happy to have him as my best man and there wasn't ever a doubt who I'd call upon to be there for me on my wedding day.
Harrison Proffitt
Groomsman
Harrison and I go back to days in the crib. As my slightly older cousin, we've had the good fortune to be in each other's lives and support one another through thick and thin. A talented craftsman, Harrison is nothing short of creative and intuitive. I've never met anyone who has a much joy and a positive outlook on life, like Harrison does. When I'm not beating him in our family's fantasy football league, Harrison stays active in his Warner Robins community with his wife, Bobbie. He's as competitive as ever and our family game nights have a history unto themselves. Just ask him about Cards Against Humanity. Oh and while you're at it, ask him about BBQ raccoon, too. Harrison is like a brother to me and there was no doubt I would have him be a part of this special day with me.
Brad Berg
Groomsman
If you've ever wondered if a friendship could start over a mutual love of the Dave Matthews Band, I'm here to tell you that it can. Brad and I met in high school during our cross country days. After we both discovered we we had numerous DMB live CD's in our cars, the rest is history. Brad and I would go on to attend Georgia College together. We've had so many good times together-whether it's concerts, sporting events, trips, or hole in the wall karaoke bars. Ask Brad about Duke's Dawghouse. Brad's wife, Katie, is also a high school friend of mine. Brad is a brand new dad to a baby girl! Although he has been training for this as a previous cat dad (3 cats), nothing can faze the guy. I'm so glad to call Brad a friend and I'm thankful he will be by my side on my wedding day.
Philip Spence
Groomsman
Hands down the most spontaneous guy I know. Phil and I have been friends since our days at Georgia College. We navigated life as young, new working adults living in Milledgeville all while going to concerts, Braves games, Georgia football games and whatever else sounded like fun. We'd both eventually find ourselves back together in Athens where we never missed a beat. Phil is the kind of guy you can always count on and someone you want in your corner. If you see Phil at the wedding, chances are he's going to help you have a good time and feel most welcomed. Phil and his wife, Carli, will always be close friends to Katarina and I. Even though they have moved to Charlottesville, we still finds ways to hang. Having Phil on my side at my wedding makes me incredibly happy.
Lee Snelling
Groomsman
Lee and I also go back to Georgia College. He was an adjust professor for a class I stumbled my way into. It's hard to make a 5:30-8:00 class fun, but Lee was able to do that easily. I actually knew Lee's wife, Holly, first. Holly worked at my high school before ending up at Georgia College while I was there. I always kept in touch with both of them, even when Lee took a new job at UGA. Lee was instrumental in getting me to UGA and starting my career. Lee is now my boss. If you see him at the wedding, make sure you you tell him what a great hire he made! Lee is a great father and husband. I'm privileged to know him as a friend and mentor. I'm also glad to be the de-facto babysitter for his boys. Highly recommend sharing a G&T or pint of Guinness over a discussion about Liverpool FC.
Christina Rutte
Maid of Honor
My college roomy! Christina and I met sharing a tiny room in Payne Hall our Freshman year at UGA. She nursed me through a stomach bug the first week of college (nothing will make you feel more homesick than being sick in a dorm room) and didn't judge my atrocious taste in television. And I learned to never wake her up before noon! Our dorm room door decorations were also some of the best on campus. After that, we lived together for the rest of college and shared all the college milestones together. We've shared birthdays, spring break trips, holidays, bad roommates, and adopting two cats. She may have moved as far away as she possibly could (Germany), but she's still the best friend and travel buddy. Grateful that my wedding day is another adventure and milestone I get to share with her!
Kalon Carpenter
Bridesmaid
Kalon and I became friends as soon as we met through work. We have a million crazy stories we could share! I may not get to share a workplace with Kalon anymore, but luckily I still get to call her a friend. We've been Athens townies together for years with many Mama's Boy visits, brewery trips, Twilight Races, and AthFests under our belts. She's my go-to movie buddy, too; we've seen almost every Marvel premiere together. Kalon is the most go-with-the-flow person I know. She's down for any hike, trip, or restaurant, and no hiccup ever fazes her. She's also the most loyal. We may disagree on a few things (wearing green to a UGA game is not ok!), but that just makes our friendship more fun. So grateful Kalon will be a part of my day!
Misha Christmann
Bridesman
He’s been with me from the very beginning! My twin brother and I have shared everything since before we were born. We shared our own language as babies, awful matching outfits, a car at 16, and every birthday party. Sharing everything may have led to a lot of squabbles, but we always managed to make up. We wreaked havoc on our parents as toddlers together (the incident with the knives and the locked door is infamous), and I'm pretty sure Misha was part of my first wedding at age 3 (everyone has played wedding at some point I think). Now, I want him by my side for real!
Logan Thomas
Bridesmaid
I'm so excited to be joining the Thomas family, so I couldn't be happier that my future sister-in-law will be up there with us! Logan is the most kind, welcoming, and creative; who wouldn't want her to be a part of their day?
Rocki Proffitt
Officiant
We're so grateful that someone we love will be leading our ceremony! We knew we wanted to ask Uncle Rocki to be our officiant as soon as we got engaged.