Matron of Honor
Katie Beth and Bethanie met in 7th grade and the rest is history. Their relationship revolves around ice cream dates, shopping, and too much gossip. Bethanie has been married to her husband, Chris, since October 2017, and they live in Madisonville, Tennessee with their dog, Sadie. Favorite Memory: When we were 16, I remember driving my little 1989 Volvo to get ice cream one town over at Dairy Barn (if you know, you know). We were in Niota, where everybody knows you go 34 in a 35, and I got over the speed limit going down a hill. I asked Bethanie if I should brake or risk it. Bethanie assured me I should NOT brake, and somehow we didn’t get a ticket. Always risk it for the ice cream, always. And Collin, you can teach our kids to drive. I probably shouldn’t.
Bridesmaid
KB and CC met in PA school at Milligan. When COVID-19 hit hard in April 2020, they walked over 100 miles. Block by block, story after story, this sweet friend of Katie Beth has walked miles- her happiest miles and her hardest miles, with her. Carley is from Dickson, TN, but now resides in JC where she works for HMG Orthopedics. Favorite Memory: C and I took a couple short relationship breaks early on. It’s giggle-worthy now, but it was not then. One night, CC and I went to get our favorite ice cream (blenders from the Dairy Bar; don't mind the health rating). Suddenly, I stated, “Carley, this is the fence.” She yelled, “PUT IT IN REVERSE.” Lord knows it’s not even possible on John France, so after that incident we’d frequent the area wearing hoodies and sunglasses. That disguised us...
Bridesmaid
Katie Beth met Mere for the first time at Molmol’s house for Sunday dinner. She was wearing Matilda Jane lounge pants and immediately came in for a big hug… Katie Beth was sold and this was an addition to the Eldridge Crew feeling like family. Meredith has been married to Joseph since 2014, and they have a 3-year-old daughter, Merritt. Favorite Memory: One night, C got a call from Mere. It was late and she was WAILING. Collin calmly stated, “I guarantee she fell down the stairs.” She did... An ER visit and MRI later we found out she was going to be able to walk again. Really though, my favorite memory with Meredith is completing a devotion together and discussing it. I'm thankful for Mere and way she pours Jesus into me constantly. She is an encourager and brings joy everywhere.
Bridesmaid
Katie Beth and Kellie met at church, and they were so tiny they don’t remember. Their relationship is defined by quirky laughter that always makes KB pee her pants. They also have a “Little Book of Notes” that has been kept and shared for over 10 years complete with crush code names and all. Kellie resides in Sweetwater, TN and is getting married in September 2020. Favorite Memory: Harmony in the halls… Oh, Lord. Kellie and I were in youth choir together. I sang alto and she soprano. We began singing in the halls at school anytime we could and it was rapidly termed, “harmony in the halls.” We’d do quick snippets of songs we’d learned any chance we got, and if you asked us, I bet we could still do it today. We also liked to make up catchy tunes, but those stories need to be left untold.
Bridesmaid
Katie Beth met Abigail for the first time at the Memorial Day 2020 cookout at David and Tina’s. Abigail is closer to Katie Beth’s age than Collin. You can’t miss her spunky personality and deep laugh. Abigail is an accountant, and she lives in Nashville, TN. Favorite Memory: We decided to call Abigail about our engagement on her birthday. We didn’t plan to, but it worked out perfectly. We put her on speaker in the car, and C said, “Get out your dancin’ shoes because there’s going to be a wedding.” Abigail immediately began squealing and sobbing louder than I had ever heard anyone do so. She was so stinkin’ happy, and it will forever be my favorite engagement reaction from anyone.
Bridesmaid
Tay went to high school with C, but KB quickly stole her away. They can be found eating sushi at the Label on Wednesday. Taylor is kind, well-rounded, and thoughtful. She lives in Erwin with Zach and their baby boy, Cohen. Favorite Memory: Actually my LEAST favorite memory, but Tay SAVED my life. Y’all, I’m not kidding. We went “tubing” on July 4th, and I didn’t know it meant “rock-hop, kayak-hold (me UNDER).” We flipped, and Zach's kayak pinned me (and my life jacket) and while he victoriously stood up with his hands in the air, Taylor- from across the river- saw nothing but my feet kicking. She began pointing and hollering “He-MMM-KB-Stu-Ahh….” And not until then did anyone notice I was missing. So, thank Taylor if you’re happy C and I made it to the altar.
Best Girl
In fall of 2017, I was looking for apartments. By the Lord’s perfect will, I was directed to the Pumpkin Barn, where Peyton, four years old at the time, gave me a tour of my new space. She left me no choice but to sign the lease and be on board. That sweet girl asked over and over again, “where’s your furniture? When will you bring your furniture?” I miss that tiny voice. She even insisted on taking a picture with my Mom and I, each of us holding one half of tie on the back of her darling shirt. Since then, we’ve picked lots of pumpkins and baked cookies and sang many a song on that picnic table. We have a blast! Peyton will be greeting guests, holding my bouquet, and fixing my dress during the ceremony.
Flower Girl
Oh this girl. My favorite! We enjoy painting the bathtub and eating nuggies from Chick-Fil-A and playing doctor and drive-thru and chalking the driveway. One of my best Merritt memories was keeping her when she was three and a half. She boldly told me, “I’m going to keep your kids one day.” Oh sweet girl, yes you are. Let’s just hope they don’t act like your CaCa. No one brings joy to me quite like Merritt. Spunky, sweet, and full of life. I’m so grateful to be her KB. -Katie Beth
Flower Girl
The funniest little gal I know. She is bold and opinionated and has the driest humor of any tiny tot I’ve ever known. We were at Gramps’ one night and she went on a walk with me, Merritt, and Cody. She was going to show me how she ran down the hill, and she started yelling “Wook out! Wook out!” and swinging her arms back and forth. Later, we got back and walked into a living room full of family. She stated, boldly, “I’M BACKKK.” The most hilarious! And have you HEARD her voice?! -Katie Beth
Ring Bearer
I rented my apartment from Hunter’s family before starting PA school, and I would live there forever if it was up to me. I remember when Kelly told me she was expecting him, and I can’t help but think of the way his perfect, tiny little body fit in the corner of my arm. It’s crazy how fast time goes. My favorite memory with Hunter is finding the Kubota key buried in the gravel behind my apartment. No one had any idea where it was, but in my trillion laps around that patch, it appeared. Hunter had taken it and thrown it, and that same key was peed on by him and no telling what else. Nothing beats his sweet paci grin and mischievous eyes.
Ring Bearer
I remember getting a call from C, and he said, “welp, Zach thinks Tay is pregnant.” Sure enough, she was, and I was delighted. This little man entered the world nine months later. Nothing is sweeter than those big cheeks and big, dark eyes. I’m so grateful Zach and Taylor allow us to be a part of Cohen’s life. He is the snuggliest, chubbiest babe I know. You can guarantee he will spit up on me, no questions asked. It happens every single time, but giving up those sweet cuddles aren’t an option so I normally just pack an extra shirt.