Wedding Party
Edward Brown
Father of the Bride
Eddie is Katelynn's dad. He married Michelle when Katelynn was 10 years old and gave her a diamond ring to promise to be a good father, which is now Katelynn's wedding band. Eddie passed away shortly before the wedding but his memory and personality will live on within us all, especially Katelynn. He was the life of a party and there is no doubt that his presence will be there at the wedding. Eddie was passionate about helping people, always with a smile on his face. He was a firefighter for awhile and also rode rodeo. He was a cowboy and loved country music. There will be a seat for him at the wedding. Favorite memories with Eddie: volleyball tournaments, talent shows, making weird flashcards to study for tests, drive to Hana, Zihuatanejo day
Glenn Kersey
Father of the Bride
Glenn is Katelynn's dad. He lives in Livermore, CA with his wife Steph. He owns Glenn Kersey Trucking and has been in business for over 30 years in the Bay Area. He loves hiking, jogging, and his favorite after work activity - swimming in his pool! Him and Steph enjoy riding their Harley, going on new adventures, and trying out new restaurants along the way. He enjoys going four wheeling at Glamis Dunes and last year went snowmobiling through Yellowstone. He loves a good adventure! He also loves rock music, and Sammy Hagar is his favorite musician. Katelynn got her dark skin and hair, long lashes, tastebuds, passion for music, and love for adventure from Glenn! Favorite memories with Glenn: walks in Sycamore Grove, visits to San Diego, college graduation.
Michelle Brown
Mother of the Bride
Michelle is Katelynn's mom and currently lives with her angel of a dog, Shelby, in Orange County, about 15 minutes from Thomas and Katelynn. She loves reading inspirational quotes, studying the Bible, and helping others. She is passionate about photography (is very talented!) and actually took all of the beautiful engagement photos of Katelynn and Thomas. In addition to being a great dog mom, she loves her granddoggy/the wedding planner, Zilla, almost as much as the bride and groom do. Katelynn got her eyes, smile, kindness, chattiness, and travel bug from Michelle. Favorite memories with Michelle: the drive to Hana, snorkeling at XCaret, cenote diving in Playa, our "treehouse" apartment, playing piano together.
Doug Driver
Father of the Groom
Doug is Thomas' dad, but you can all refer to him as "Uncle Doug" or "Pops". He is married to Ellen and they live in Greensboro, NC where they try to get as much grandson (Cooper Matthews) time as they possibly can...and who can blame them? When Doug isn't at work, you can find him playing tennis, working on side house projects, or out and about on the town with Ellen and friends. Doug has a big heart and is very excited to meet and mingle with everyone at the wedding. Be sure to get some of your own Doug time in before he hits the dance floor and shows us all how to "dougie".
Ellen Driver
Mother of the Groom
Ellen is Thomas' mom and Doug's wife. She is 100% Filipino and was born in Manila, Philippines which may help explain an interesting wedding ritual that you will all get to observe during the ceremony. Ellen is a pescatarian and, like Doug, is also an avid tennis player. She has the sweetest heart and soul, and raised all of her kids to adopt the same trait. She also blessed her children with tan skin, which Katelynn and Thomas will be pleased to pass down to further generations.
Austin Griffith
Brother of the Bride
Austin is Katelynn's oldest brother, but he is still a few years younger than her. He currently lives on the family ranch in Tracy, CA. Austin has always enjoyed music, going on road trips, and helping out at the ranch. Favorite memories with Austin: road trip to Humboldt, exploring Auburn, chasing rattlesnakes at the ranch, finding ticks in our hair after Sycamore Grove, the time you almost broke Katelynn's leg.
Trent Kersey
Brother of the Bride
Trent is Katelynn's younger brother by eight years. He currently lives in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, where he is stationed with the U.S. Army. He was promoted to a Private 1st Class shortly after joining the Army last year. Trent is also a very talented MMA fighter at Combate Xtreme MMA Academy. Trent is a very peaceful and kind person who is always the voice of reason, quiet but observant. He enjoys doing anything physically active and loves a good country song. Favorite memories with Trent: licorice whips, jacuzzi chats, wrestling, trip to SF, trip to Auburn
Weslee Kersey
Brother of the Bride
Weslee is Katelynn's youngest brother. He currently goes to Oregon State University and is part of the ROTC program while studying Nuclear Engineering. Weslee is passionate about fighting for equality for all humans; he led an anti-bully initiative in high school, in addition to being part of AS, a talented pole vaulter, and graduating from high school with a 4.33 GPA. He is also very funny and has an infectious energy. Favorite memories with Weslee: trip to SF, taking too much Dramamine, trip to Auburn, taking selfies, late night jacuzzi hang outs, Weslee always being right despite being 10 years younger.
Zilla "Z" Driver
Wedding Planner
The celebrity of the family, Zilla, graced the earth with his presence on 3.12.12 and has been stealin' hearts ever since. He is currently an OC dog but has lived in 8 houses with Katelynn over the last 6 years in many parts of CA. He unfortunately will not be making a cameo at the wedding but will be in a bow tie at his doggy camp, best believe.
Allison "Ali" Day
Maid of Honor
Ali lives in Truckee, CA with her husband Zach and labradoodle Ollie! She is an avid snowboarder, mountain biker, hiker... a very active babe! Ali and Katelynn met in 7th grade and have been close friends ever since. She is who Katelynn calls just about every day to talk about everything under the sun. She is an incredible friend. Ali attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo which became a common meeting spot for all of the friends throughout college. She has traveled quite a bit, and has lived in Spain and New Zealand! Favorite memories with Ali: singing on the school bus, the Iditarod race, off-roading in Colorado, brunch at UCSD, going to "Mexico" to pick up a Uhaul. Also her meeting Tom for the very first time while in a Uhaul.
Kayla Ward
Bridesmaid
Kayla and her husband, Brett, live in Livermore, CA with their pup Riley! Kayla is a nurse and is an active Crossfit athlete. She also studied at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo with Brett and Ali and went on to nursing school at SFSU. Kayla and Katelynn also met in 7th grade and first became friends in Mr. Prero's legendary Anthropology class (which Brett, Kirsten, and Ali were all in as well!) They've remained very close friends throughout the past 17 years. Kayla is such a terrific friend and always puts others before herself. She seems to always be the group organizer with her bright ideas! Favorite memories with Kayla: her bachelorette party in Monterey, the Kwakiutl assignment in 7th grade, nights on the trampoline, Embassy Suites, going shoeless at Ghostbar, schneeberg.
Kirsten "Kiki" Woodward
Bridesmaid
"Kiki" lives in LA with her boyfriend Matt. She graduated from LMU and has stayed in la la land since. She works at PodcastOne and has been in the music industry within various roles for the past 10 years. (She's always been the bestie who knows about the next cool band) Kirsten and Katelynn bonded over music, predominantly emo music in middle school and high school. Their friendship began at Kirsten's 13th birthday party which ended in listening to Pink's first album on repeat all night. They were inseparable the rest of middle school & high school. Kirsten is one of the wittiest humans around with a fabulous sense of style and self. Favorite memories with Kirsten: Ryan Key doc, Timmy, finally watching the Blair Witch Project, seeing the "ball of fire" in the night sky, Vito, ATL show.
Madison "Maddog" Meade
Bridesmaid
Maddy lives in San Jose with her fiancé Kyle and is the funniest in all the land. She is definitely a sporty spice and was even the starting point guard at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. Madison is a year younger than the rest of the Placer High girls so she’s the baby of the group. Katelynn and Madison met in 6th/7th grade but really began to get close in high school and while in college. They have become closest in the past few years - always in funny conversations and up to bizarre things. Favorite memories with Madison: Cinco De Mayo weekend, 2011. CVS date, dancing with LMFAO in Vegas, making a police report at a nail salon, Sir Francis Drake drag show.
Brook Bentley
Bridesmaid
Brook lives in Reno, NV with her boyfriend Reid and furry baby Biggie Smalls. They recently bought their first house together! Brook is a very talented writer and is currently finishing up grad school, while working full time. Brook and Katelynn instantly bonded when they became roommates junior year of college at SDSU. They have remained very close ever since and seem to always find themselves in bizarre and entertaining situations. They have a very special relationship that began with deep conversation in the few minutes of meeting. They always pick up where they left off every reunion! Favorite memories with Brook: learning how to ride a bike, wine in our mugs at baseball games, being interviewed for the news in Sacramento. The whole Sacramento trip, really. The boar at the beach...
Jennifer "Jen" Acosta
Bridesmaid
Jen and her husband David, along with Zilla's best friend, Duke, live in San Diego, CA. David and Thomas played soccer together at UNCW and lived together in La Jolla. Katelynn and Jen met in high school when they played on the same club volleyball team. They bonded very quickly due to their weird senses of humor. Their paths crossed again freshmen year of college at SDSU when they realized they had many mutual friends. They lived together in college and have stayed in touch over the years, becoming very close the last four years. Jen is an amazing friend/therapist to Katelynn. Favorite memories with Jen: watching Madagascar, quoting Madagascar, attempting to master accents, laughing until we cry (every time we are together), "this is what exactly what I wanted" commercial.
Trisha Meehan
Bridesmaid
Trisha lives in Lodi, CA with her boyfriend Nathan, her daughters Kelly and Allie, and his two daughters Kira and Emma as well as the pups Ginger and Max. Always so much fun with their family! Trisha and Katelynn are cousins and actually lived together at their grandparents' for a short stint as children. They always say they are more like sisters. They were very keen on playing piano and singing at "performances" they hosted in their grandparents' living room. Trisha is one of the strongest humans Katelynn knows. Favorite memories with Trisha: themed birthdays in Grandpa & Grandma's garden, Raggedy Ann & Andy, holiday performances on the piano, serving rocks as ice cream, eating snow, every Thanksgiving that we are together
Alisa Driver
Bridesmaid
Alisa lives in LA with her boyfriend Rayvan and their dog, Archer! They made the big move from NC last year and they are loving the California sunshine! Alisa works in affiliate marketing but also has a strong background in fashion. Alisa is Thomas's oldest sister. They have always had a special bond despite the years between them in school. She went to UNCW (go Seahawks!) and the younger siblings followed suit. Katelynn met Alisa for the first time on a family trip to Puerto Rico. They quickly bonded on a road trip to a night kayak tour. Alisa is an amazing dog mom and huge fan of dog beach; Zilla and Archer are true cousins! Favorite memories with Alisa: Puerto Rico, binge watching Making a Murderer in an alarmingly short span of time, ARTE PAD, 2017 (now an annual family tradition)
Michele Matthews
Bridesmaid
Michele, her husband Zach, and son Cooper (who are featured later on this page) along with their fur babes Noli and Manty live in Greensboro, NC. Michele is Thomas’s older sister. She also went to UNCW and paved the way for Thomas to go there a few years later. She is an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister and the list goes on and on! Thomas has always been really close to Michele and they bonded over their love for soccer at a very young age. Katelynn and Michele also met in Puerto Rico and have been close since! Favorite memories with Michele: Puerto Rico, funny FaceTime seshes, attempting to record reading baby books, family game night in the basement - particularly the telephone drawing game, attempting to draw dogs in general.
David "Davie Doops" Dupont
Best Man
Dave is originally from Greensboro, NC. He attended UNC and currently lives in Charlotte, NC where he works as a consultant for Deloitte. Dave and Thomas played on virtually every sports team together until high school when Dave decided to focus a little more on basketball being that he's 6'5". He milked that height of his all the way to a walk-on position on the varsity basketball team at UNC, a fairly impressive feat. In 4th grade, Dave and Thomas were voted Most Likely to be BFFs. Favorite Memories with Dave: Filming our dunking contests in his driveway, bush jumps, when Thomas beat the crap out of Dave in ping pong in the UNC locker room while Harrison Barnes watched.
Jonathan "J" Leonard
Groomsman
Jonathan is from Greensboro, NC which happens to be where he currently resides as well. He also went to college in Greensboro at UNCG where he played soccer. He now works as a salesperson at Snyder Tire. Jonathan and Thomas grew up together first meeting on the Strikers, a YMCA soccer team, when they were around 5 years old. Jonathan is said to have been the best Pool Manager that Green Valley Pool ever had, but we're pretty sure he's the only one who ever said that. Jonathan is also the future Mayor of Greensboro, NC. Favorite memories with Jonathan: Kenmore in August, every soccer road trip, late night parties at GVP, and water basketball games.
Andrew "Judes" Justice
Groomsman
Judes is from Greensboro, NC and attended UNC for college. After a quick stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Judes moved to and currently lives in an Airbnb in Venice Beach, CA where he works in finance. Judes and Thomas met at Green Valley Pool through Jonathan. In high school, Judes won the Best Smile superlative, but was also in the running for Best Hair and Worst Rhythm. Favorite memories with Judes: 1 Direction Halloween, GHS football games, SoCal hangouts, driving up and down Friendly Ave. knocking over road construction cones.
Patrick "Ox" Oechsli
Groomsman
Pat is from Greensboro, NC and attended UNCW with Thomas where they lived together for multiple years. He now lives in La Jolla, CA and works for a media agency in downtown San Diego. During their years of living together, Thomas and Pat watched every episode of It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia more times than they can count. You'll likely still hear them quoting lines and scenes back and forth quite often; it's kind of the only way they communicate now. Pat grew up playing baseball, but Thomas doesn't hold that against him too much. Pat's coach once described him as an "undercover athlete", which couldn't be a better description. Favorite memories with Pat: Watching Sunny bloopers, 1048 parties, treehouse parties, trap house non-parties, interning at StarNews together.
Brandon "B thrilla" Miller
Groomsman
Brandon grew up in Charlotte, NC, but was born in Ohio. He attended UNCW where he played goalkeeper on the soccer team with Thomas. He currently lives in Charlotte and continues to play goalkeeper for the Charlotte Independence USL team. He also started a goalkeeping merchandise company called Prime Focus. Brandon and Thomas grew up playing against each other in soccer at the club level. Thomas actually really disliked Brandon before they ended up as roommates at UNCW together...mostly because Thomas couldn't score on him. Once they moved into college though, they immediately became lifelong friends. Favorite memories with Brandon: All of our trips to from Wilmington to Chapel Hill and Charlotte, playing smiles, going to watch his OC Blues games when Brandon was a west coast resident.
David "Dave" Acosta
Groomsman
Dave is a former teammate and roommate of Thomas' from UNCW. He also happens to be married to the lovely bridesmaid, Jen Acosta, whom he'll be escorting down the aisle. Dave currently lives in San Diego, CA where he works in real estate. Dave was a major catalyst in getting Thomas to move west. He and Jen actually introduced Katelynn and Thomas at a party. Directly after that introduction Dave promptly pushed Thomas into a bush making him seem more drunk than he actually was and causing him to lose major cool points. Thomas obviously recovered and then some...but I digress. Dave and Jen were married last year in La Jolla where Katelynn and Thomas were also members of the wedding party. Favorite memories with Dave: Nights at OT, RISE, Duck Dive, Beaumont's; the Second Sons of Westbourne.
Shaun "Utty" Utterson
Groomsman
Utty is from Newcastle, England where he grew up before moving to Wilmington, NC to play soccer at UNCW with Thomas. Utty, his fiancé Katy, and their cat Peppers recently moved back to Wilmington (where they'll be getting married in August 2019) after accepting the assistant coaching position at our Alma Mater. Utty's greatest talent is his ability to get those who don't want to go out and party, to do just that. He does so by any means necessary, unafraid to stoop as low as a jab below the belt or a hurtful insult. However, the reason we always end up giving in is because while Utty is relentless, he truly lights up the party...mostly with that red hair. Favorite memories with Utty: 1048 shenanigans, dominating fitness tests together after a night out, late night singing AT cab drivers.
Christian "Chris" Davidson
Groomsman
Chris was born in Scotland, grew up in Trinidad, and went to high school in Houston, TX before going to UNCW to play soccer. Chris, his wife Katy, and their dog Nando have since moved back to Houston where he works in sales for Lexus. Chris and Thomas were not only teammates, but were also roommates throughout college. At one point, they lived in a house of 5 guys, all of whom had a TV except for Chris who had a reading chair. To this day, we're all convinced that reading chair still doesn't know what a book is. Chris married his wife Katy in Wilmington in September, 2016 with Thomas being a groomsman as well. Favorite memories with Chris: 1048 shenanigans, Chris' laughing spells on away trips, Chris catching his own vomit in a cab in Greensboro on Thanksgiving, late night pizza rolls.
Etienne "E" Boulanger
Groomsman
Etienne is originally from Montreal, Quebec before attending UNCW where he played soccer with Thomas. He now lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife Ashley where he coaches youth soccer for NCFC. E and Thomas, in an effort to save money in college, almost moved into a storage closet under a beach house at Wrightsville Beach, NC...but hey, it still would've been island living. They ended up sharing an actual bedroom in another beach house that year, which turned out to be a much better/safer/warmer...more expensive option. Favorite memories with E: Sleeping the day away at the treehouse, competing with each other in ping pong/tennis/basketball, watching Peyton Manning, Thomas teaching E how to speak French.
Zach "Sack" Matthews
Groomsman
Zach is Thomas' brother-in-law. He is married to Thomas' sister Michele and is from Greensboro, NC. He started his collegiate soccer career at ECU before transferring to UNCW. He now lives with Michele, their son Cooper (the ring bearer), and their 2 dogs Noli and Manty, in Greensboro and works at his family's property management company as an accountant. Zach and Michele began their relationship during their freshman year of high school, so Zach has been a part of Thomas' life for many years. They were like brothers long before they became brothers-in-law. While they overlapped at UNCW for a year, they never actually played on the soccer team together due to injuries and eligibility. Favorite memories with Zach: Family events when Zach spills wine, Puerto Rico, Thomas' visits to UNCW.
Tom Slater
Officiant
Tom lives in Modesto, CA with his wife Nicole and their little furballs Pierre, Matisse, and Snoop. He owns Slater’s Home Furnishings (it has been in his family for over 100 years). Tom is Katelynn's uncle, married to her mother's little sister, Nicole. They married when Katelynn was 8 so they have been very close most of her life. Tom is an avid golfer, with impeccable taste, and is a local socialite. Katelynn always has looked up to Tom & Nicole and goes to them for guidance throughout life. Thomas and Katelynn could not think of a more perfect officiant for their wedding! Favorite memories of Tom: working golf tournaments at the club, spending holidays at the cabin, life talks on the deck, Katelynn helping out at the store as a wannabe interior designer.
(Super) Cooper Matthews
Ring Bearer
Cooper is the adorable son of Zach and Michele and is Thomas and Katelynn’s nephew. He is a soccer prodigy with a strong sense of style and a smile to swoon over. Fun fact: He is the world’s favorite 2 year old and is said to be the next Lionel Messi!
Brian & Emily Poage
Sponsors (Veil & Chord)
Brian and Emily live in Redondo Beach, CA. They are the founders of Aloha for People, which is a company that provides clean water to children in Guatemala. They were married in April and Thomas and Katelynn had the pleasure to "drive" them away in their Vanagon, Vansel Adams. They are dear friends of Thomas and Katelynn. This crew has gone on many weekend getaways, always coming home with plenty of interesting stories to tell. They are two of the most fun and down to earth humans you'll encounter in life. Favorite memories with Brian and Em: it was love “straight from the gecko”... getting lost in the Mecca Wilderness, glamping in Carlsbad, cruising the coast, dancing with our lil stuck o’ butta, and ordering "hors d'oeuvres".
Grant Mack
Speaker
Grant Mack currently lives in Sacramento, CA and works as a Senior Legislative Liaison for the Office of Governmental Affairs at the California Public Utilities Commission. He is very passionate about the environment so we will try not to leave any lights on unnecessarily at the wedding! Grant and Katelynn met freshmen year at SDSU and have remained good friends ever since. They also ended up being neighbors in Sacramento for a couple of years. Favorite memories of Grant: ordering milk and cookies, getting a ticket for parking at the bus stop downtown, ordering Taco Bell while on a cruise, going to fancy hotel brunches.
Nathan Olesen
Musician
Nathan lives in San Diego with his side kick fur gal, Ellie. He is a bit of a nomad so although San Diego is a nice home base he travels quite a bit especially throughout California Nathan decided, not too long ago, to be a full-time musician. Through self teaching, discipline, and love for music, he has grown into a very talented guitarist and singer. Katelynn and Nathan met in 7th grade in their hometown, Auburn. They have been friends since but have become closer in the past few years. Favorite memories with Nathan: the emo phases in high school, AIM acronyms - N8 & K8, playing with bioluminescent algae in La Jolla, barging into VIP at saxophone house music night downtown.