Katelyn & Benjamin
Wedding Party
Dylan Johnson
Officiant
We have both known Dylan for quite a while, but Ben and Dylan first met in Phi Mu Alpha, a music fraternity they are both members of. We were all in marching band and have been on many adventures together! There is nobody else we would rather have officiate our wedding!
Nicole Sheppard
Matron of Honor
Nicole was actually friends with Ben first, and he introduced us! We were all in marching band together, and I grew close to Nicole after I joined Sigma Alpha Iota. Nicole was President of the organization at that time and she had chosen me to be her little. I am so lucky to have a sister like her on this journey!
Hannah Chapman
Maid of Honor
Hannah and I first met in high school marching band and later played in the WVU Marching Band together. We were roommates throughout college and have stayed best friends since. We also became sisters of Sigma Alpha Iota at the same time and will always have that bond. Hannah is one of the funniest people I have ever met and also one of the only people to consistently laugh at my silly jokes.
Heather Farr
Bridesmaid
Heather and I first met while we were both in the WVU Drumline. We became closer friends as we were both accepted to medical school at the same time. Heather has been the best support system through this stressful time in our lives and it has been so nice to have someone like her to go on this journey with! She has a calming personality and always knows what to say to make me laugh.
Bethany Otroba
Bridesmaid
Bethany and I met while in the WVU Drumline cymbal section and had the opportunity to travel to many cool places together in marching band. Then we became sisters of the Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity in college and were able to share our love of music together. Bethany has always been a kind, wonderful friend to me and I am lucky to have her in my life!
Niesha Shank
Bridesmaid
Niesha and I became best friends in high school. Everyone always called us twins in high school and college because we look and act so similarly! We went on all kinds of adventures together with photo shoots, sleepovers, and late night McDonald's runs that continued into our college years when we lived together. Niesha will always be a part of my family!
Talisha Stowers
Bridesmaid
Talisha and I met in elementary school. While we became best friends, so did our moms! We've had so many fun shopping trips and adventures together. Her family has been my second family for years and will continue to be for many years to come.
Ruth Williams
Bridesmaid
Ruth is one of my oldest friends. We met when I first moved to West Virginia in the 4th grade and continued to be close all through college and beyond. Together we have been future problem solvers, marching band buddies, and a part of the "nerd herd". Ruth continues to be a great support system in my life. She is one of the smartest people I have ever met and will always win a debate!
Tyler McDonald
Best Man
Tyler and I have been friends since early childhood where we played on the same baseball team, rode bikes around the neighborhood, and even went to 7 Eleven against my mother's wishes. We spent summers at the Gator Pool and playing video games and talked on the phone for hours before headsets were a thing. Excited to have him with me on our special day!
Austin Anderson
Groomsman
Austin and I met in the Baritone section of the marching band. It didn't take long to know that we would be lifelong friends. We have shared band bus rides together, fraternity functions, and even went to visit in Asheville, NC for a weekend where he lived with his girlfriend, Brooke. I know I can count on him to make me laugh and we can talk for hours about absolutely nothing and enjoy every moment of it! From sad tears to happy, he has been there through a lot with me.
Jake Knowlton
Groomsman
Jake and I grew up playing on the same hockey team for several years! From road trips to floor hockey in the hotel hallway to summer pool parties at our coach's house, we shared lots of time and fun memories together!
Brian Lechliter
Groomsman
Brian and I met in college and pretty quickly became great friends. Along with Dylan, we have been on countless different adventures with the marching band in addition to traveling throughout the tri-state area to advance the objectives of our music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha. Brian also served as a great example and mentor for me during his time as president before my presidency the following year.
JR Rader
Groomsman
JR was technically Katelyn's friend first because they went to high school together but I quickly stole him and we bonded over our fondness of craft beers and a recent new interest in mountain biking! We have shared countless beers from different regions and celebrated his wedding together a few years ago!
Garrett Sheppard
Groomsman
Garrett and I met through our fraternity and then lived together for four years. The antics that ensued while living together are too many to list. We share a love of music and video games and have continued to play together even though we are no longer in the same city. Garrett, Nicole, Katelyn and I have grown in our relationships together over the years.
Matthew Villani
Groomsman
Matthew and I have shared many milestones in our lives together including our Bar Mitzvah and Confirmation. We went on many trips with our grandfather to Redskins games and shared birthdays at the Norfolk Tides baseball games as we are only 30 hours apart in age.