Wedding Party

Katelyn McBride

Bride

Jacob Warren

Groom

Chelsea Gould

Maid of Honor

Chelsea and I became friends in 5th grade when Chelsea and her family moved into our neighborhood. We have gone through every phase of life together; middle school, high school, college, moving to new cities, starting our careers, everything. She is an honorary member of the McBride family (my parents might love her more than me) and has been my rock for the past 15 years. Chels loves concerts, comedy shows, going out to restaurants, going out on the lake... Anything really, she's always down for a good time. She is loving, supportive, hilarious and probably the strongest person you've ever met. She's been the biggest supporter of mine and Jacob's relationship, and arguably Jacob's biggest bully as well. Chels has seen me at my best and my absolute worst and has loved me all the same throughout. I know for a fact that she would do absolutely anything for me, at any time, if I needed her to. She is the definition of a ride or die friend. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that she'd be the one standing right next to me on my big day!

Seth McCarty

Best Man

Seth and I became friends in the most middle-school-boy way imaginable. His family was headed to the beach over the summer, Seth called me in to take the place of a friend that had to cancel because of a family issue or something like that, doesn't matter. What does matter, is that I went on a week long beach trip with this kid, who I knew, but wasn't extremely close with, and ended up becoming best friends! We already had a lot in common and spent a lot of time in the same spaces, church, school, and sports. It seemed like most things we did involved competition of some sort, and I am starting to think that maybe for all those years, he just liked to hang out with me because he knew he could beat me at just about anything that didn't involve the abundant size discrepancy. Anyways, In all seriousness, Seth is one person that I have never, and will never question where we stand with each other. Our friendship has been supportive, caring, and full of truly hilarious times that I value every day! If any one knows My Future Wife and I, our background, our story, it's Seth. He is as Day 1 as Day 1 gets, and it means so much to me to have him standing behind me in this life-step, just as he has in all the ones prior!

Sarah Keller

Bridesmaid

I met Sarah at First Baptist Concord in middle school, but we ended up later going to different high schools and didn't see each other or keep up. Senior year of college we were brought back together through our nursing program. I instantly remembered why we were friends in middle school! We quickly rekindled and I somehow convinced her to be my roomie and move to Chattanooga with me to start our nursing careers. She is a best friend that I have a very special experience with, because there's nothing quite like moving to a new city, starting a new career and being able to have someone by your side to experience it all with you. We have made the most wild, exciting, hilarious and formative memories over the past several years. Whether it's a trip to New York, Halloween Horror nights, a new restaurant, a random coffee shop an hour away, a new thrift store, whatever it may be - Sarah is down and she's already got it mapped out. Sarah is my soul friend that's got the same style, interests, humor and everything and it makes the friendship so fun and easy. She could probably finish any one of my sentences and is the funniest person I know. She is incredibly considerate, thoughtful and she always pays attention to the smallest details of every person and situation. It was a no brainer that she'd be with me on my big day because there isn't anything she wouldn't do to make sure my day is perfect. (P.S. If you see her at the wedding, ask her to do her chimpanzee impression)

Paxton Brooks

Groomsman

From 2018 to 2023, there probably wasn’t many times you’d find one of us without finding the other. We were just a couple of tall lanky freshmen, with not one clue of all the things we’d go through over the next few years. Through the football woes that we all know too well, the study sessions in the Stokely Hallways, family and friend dramas, all of it, Paxton and I were able to be there for each other, look out for each other, and push each other throughout our whole careers at Tennessee. After 5 years of good, bad, and ugly, I look back and realize that we became Men together. We grew alongside each other, we exposed each other's weaknesses and limitations. We encouraged one another through hardships in daily life. Then easily celebrated each other's victories on and off the field. The drive and "want-to" that I learned from him led us to many academic recognitions/awards philanthropic recognitions, and the ultimate respect from our teammates and coaches, Team Captain honors. Nowadays, Pax and I continue to lean on each other for advice, listen to each other’s problems, and support each other daily, even without the proximity that we had for so many years. I am absolutely honored to have him stand behind me on this day, and I know he is proud to be standing there for me!

Brianna Costello

Bridesmaid

How does one sum up Brianna Costello?? I met Bri on the first weekend of my freshman year of college. She was instantly the most warm, welcoming and comforting person in the room full of people I'd never met. We very quickly became inseparable and she is one of the absolute biggest parts and blessings of my college experience. Roommates, wine nights, pool days, study sessions, beach trips, deep talks, parties in the sunsphere, game days - you name it. If Bri is there, it's gonna be a good time. She is a ray of sunshine and she doesn't know a stranger. Bri is someone who will always make me better when I'm around her. She makes me joyful, confident, social and excited to be myself. We see the world the same way and that makes us the best and most annoying duo ever. Bri is so loving, understanding, compassionate, realistic, honest and outgoing. We may be 10 hours away from each other but she will always be one of my best friends. Prepare for her to be the absolute life of the party on our big day!

Hunter Salmon

Groomsman

Hunter was an unexpected dorm addition that brought the perfect twist to our inner circle. He walked in wide-eyed and ready to figure it all out! And of course, being a second year guy, I think, "this kid could learn a thing or two from me". So I decide to take him under my wing. Little did I know... kid's a genius. Strong Believer, Nuclear Engineer, Honor Student, Socially Equipped, Amazing Athlete, Super Hero Looks, I mean, I didn't know if there was anything I could offer this guy that could actually help him! I quickly realized that despite everything that he's has going for him, his humility shines through brighter than all the rest. He is grounded in who he is, he is confident in his abilities and his beliefs, and he chose to look to me to be the copilot and help steer him in the right directions. He trusted me, and believed in me. I taught him all I knew about football, he tried to teach me as much as he could about coding (insert eye roll emoji). Our relationship taught me what leadership REALLY looks like. Early on, I didn't really realize that's exactly what I was doing, but as I found my voice on the team, I knew how to respond when people looked to me for advice, asked me for favors, wanted my opinion on an issue, etc. He taught me how to care for a brother, how to pour into a friend, and how to lead people that you hold no power over. Something I take with me daily! One couldn't have a better man, and friend, standing beside him on my wedding day!

Ireland Wills

Bridesmaid

Ireland Marie, what a friend! I have known Ireland since we were FIVE years old. We've done everything together from girl scouts and 3rd grade talent show to nursing school and moving to new cities. Ireland is one of those friends that I just know will always be there for me and we can always pick up exactly where we left off. She loves so hard and celebrates my wins like they're her own. She truly thinks so kindly and highly of me and those she loves. She has the absolute wildest stories you've ever heard in your life. She is hilarious, so so sweet and also one of the strongest people I have ever met. Ireland is so silly and such a joy to be around, I think I could spend every single day with her. I could just sit on the couch and talk to her for forever. I could never do my big day without my oldest friend beside me!

Parker Ball

Groomsman

The cool thing about mine and Parker's friendship is that we spent a lot of time knowing each other before we actually became close friends. Parker joined the team a year after I did but we always ran around with different groups. The Offensive Lineman clique seemed somewhat impenetrable at the time, so I usually stuck with my Tight Ends and went about my business. For those that don't know, some football teams decide to take their most gifted athlete in the Offensive Line room, slap a Wide Receiver on him, and give him the opportunity of every Big Man's dreams, Playing Tight End. And although we never witnessed a "Big-Man Touchdown" from Mr. Ball, we'd go on to spend a majority of our last couple of years in Knoxville as close friends. We found common ground on style, sneakers, music, opinions and hobbies. Our relatively unhealthy obsession with sneakers is what bonded us so quickly and has led to years of love, support, advice, etc. between two friends that would do whatever it takes for one another! PB taught me how to really show love your brother, something that not many young men know how to do. He brings the best out of people, always has something nice to say, and will bring all the love and good energy to this special day! I am happy that he will be standing beside me!

Ariel McCarley

Bridesmaid

My Earl Girl!!! Ariel, better known as Earl, is the Earl to my Squirrel. She is Christ-like, loving, the EASIEST going ever, calming and so unintentionally the funniest person ever. I originally met Ariel when we were 3 in preschool, but she made me cry on my first day so we don't really mention that... A better start to our friendship was at First Baptist Concord around freshman year of high school. I met Ariel and thought she was just the coolest girl ever. I've never met someone so laid back, easy going and fun to be around. Ariel and I have had the funniest memories together whether it's beach trips, student ministry intern festivities or me being her guinea pig for all of her esthetician adventures. Earl is one of the easiest friendships I've ever had and she is the definition of a biblical community and friend. She is transparent, caring, silly, optimistic and such a naturally beautiful person inside and out. I was so honored to stand next to her on her big day and I can't wait to continue the tradition and have her standing next to me on mine!

McCallan Castles

Groomsman

I find a lot of irony in Cal and I's friendship because of the situation surrounding when and how it started. After my 5th season (2022) (oldhead), I wasn't sure whether I would return to Tennessee to continue playing one more season in college, or if it was time to move on and try my luck at the next level. McCallan gets recruited to UT, probably with hopes that I would get out of town and he could make his splash in the SEC! Lucky for me, I decided to stay around and got a chance to build a really great friendship with Cali during my final year in college. McCallan showed up, and was exactly who I needed during that particular phase of my life. He had also just wrapped up fifth year, decided to go for a sixth in hopes of having a good year and getting recognition to try and earn an opportunity in the NFL. Over the first few months, he showed me a new level of commitment to the weight room and my body, a new mentality on the field, one that can't be denied and will do whatever it takes. We always knew what each other was thinking on the field, knew how to support each other while playing alongside AND competing against one another. I leaned on him, and he leaned on me. I respect and appreciate the type of friend he is for me and the impact he has made on my life in just a short time! And I must mention, he is the absolute life of the party. Nothing but amazing memories of my time spent with him and I am proud to have him stand behind me on my wedding day!

Katy Finlay

Bridesmaid

Finlay!! Katy is everything I love in a friend and that's why I have become so close with her so quickly over the past 2 years. I met Katy at the hospital in Chattanooga, and I can't even pinpoint when our friendship really started because it always felt like I had known her for forever. I would sit and talk to Katy for hours at work and it always felt like we were on the exact same page. I remember getting closer to her at work and PRAYING that she would want to hang out with me outside of work and we could form a lasting friendship. Luckily, my plan worked!! Katy is bad a$$, hilarious, mature, loving and such a comforting person that I know I can tell her absolutely anything and I never have to worry about even an ounce of judgement. She is understanding and she will tell you exactly how it is. When we hang out, we can sit and talk for 5 hours and it feels like 15 minutes. I think the older you get, the more rare it is to find friendships and I know for a fact that Katy is a forever friend. She is one of the biggest blessings Chattanooga has brought me!

Matte Salansky

Groomsman

Matte and I met in September of 2017. "Sr. TE Jacob Warren catches a seam across the middle of the field, quickly tackled by Morristown West's, Matthew Salansky". One day I came cross a picture of myself running the football in high school. I swiped over one more photo, saw the #28, which I now know, is Matte's favorite number. I looked closer at the face, and sure enough, young Matte and I hahah. One thing I love about Matte is his consistency. I love how he shows up for people the same way each time you are around him. He is competitive and witty, driven and focused. He hangs his hat on working really hard and taking care of his responsibilities. He has been a constant stream of encouragement and a staple in my group of friends for years now. The amount of hours that we have spent around the table playin Settler of Catan would be alarming to most. But these memories of us and our friends, just relaxing and spending time together are what I have and will take with me forever. One day, our sons will battle for control over the Island of Catan, the same way we have!

Brazlyn Valdes

Bridesmaid

Brazzyyyy. I met Brazlyn in the ICU when we were both little new grads on orientation, just trying to survive. I always admired her because she's strong, authentic, honest and she will always advocate for what's right, for herself and for the people she believes in. She is so fun, hilarious, loyal as all get out and she loves fiercely. She's the coolest mom you've ever met and she's got the cutest baby you've ever met also. She remembers every little detail about my life that I tell her and she's always checking in and remembering the smallest things. She will always tell you the hard things and love you through it. If I was in jail, Brazlyn is the first person I'm calling because I know she will do anything for the people she loves. Braz is someone that I know I can always lean on and I am certain she is a life long friend of mine. Another one of the biggest blessings Chattanooga has brought to me. I am so excited to have her love and support me on my big day!

Kyle Brogden

Groomsman

Kyle and I met whenever he and Chelsea (Maid of Honor) started hanging out together a few years back. I think sometimes, you meet your friend's boyfriend, and it goes well, but both of you are okay keeping things at a "+1" level friendship hahah. Luckily for me, (because he has been around for quite some time now) we got along immediately and found lots of common interests. As I was finishing up my time with school and football in Knoxville, I traveled pretty frequently to visit Katelyn and our friends out in Chattanooga. All those times, we would all get the chance to hang out and Kyle and I got close really quick! He showed me that he takes a lot of pride in caring for and protecting, not only one of my fiance and I's best friends, Chelsea. But he holds` my own fiance in the same regard when it comes to how she should be looked out for, how she should be treated, and how she should be protected. That's obviously not the only reason he is apart of our wedding party, but it is the reason that we are such close friends and it is one of the biggest vualities that I look to and appreciate about Kyle! I am very proud to have him watching my back on this special day!