Wedding Party

Kelsey Esty

Bride

Christian Quakenbush

Groom

Kaitlin Esty

Maid of Honor

Kelsey and I met when I came out of the womb and became her favorite person, favorite sister, and forever best friend. I grew up looking up to her my whole life, even ended up stealing her glasses to make myself look like her. Of course we had many fights, however, I’ve never stopped loving her and looking up to her. Some fun facts about me…I have an amazing sense of humor, I’m always sarcastic, and I’m usually always stirring the pot. I currently work as a veterinary assistant in Windsor, California and my goal is to open up a vet hospital with Kelsey…if my zookeeper dream doesn’t work out.

Aaron Veer

Best Man

I am beyond excited to celebrate Christian and Kelsey on this upcoming day! I met Chris during my first contract with the Army. Upon arriving in Alaska it only took a few months before him and I were inseparable. Our mortar team quickly became the best on the installation and our tactical feats were nothing short of legendary. Quake shared his near infinite knowledge of the Army with me as a good team leader should. He helped mold me into the paratrooper I am today. He introduced me to Alex and Jesse and soon the infamous RatPac was born. We’ve had our fair share of escapades, to include travelling the continental United States and always landing on our feet. Upon meeting Kelsey, I knew what it was Chris saw in her. She completed him and I am forever grateful for what she has added to our lives! Let’s get these two married already!!!

Ashley Esty

Bridesmaid

Kelsey is my older sister by 4 years. Our childhood consisted of softball practice sessions where she would be the pitcher & I would be the catcher terrified for my life. Despite the fear of my shins getting demolished by a drop ball, I enjoyed the laughs that we shared while playing. Now that we are older and softball is in the past, I'm excited to witness Kelsey embrace this new chapter of her life as she becomes a wife.

Jesse Dickinson

Groomsman

Chris and I first met in the sacred hallways of Building 602 in Alaska. We were a couple young guys who weren’t even old enough to drink yet. It was a fall football afternoon in October of 2013 when I saw a dude in the hallways rocking a throwback Demarcus Ware Cowboys jersey watching a barnburner of a game between the Broncos and Cowboys. It was this day that Chris and I became good friends and had many days of “Ice Layouts” in the frozen tundra of Alaska, throwing the pigskin around and just talking ball. We’ve had many nights that were great times and I’ll always look at Chris as a true bro, who is always down to catch a ballgame or get some brewskis with the boys.

Angie Klekar

Bridesmaid

I am Kelsey's oldest sister, or "sissy" as they say. Kelsey was born a month before I turned 16, so we didn't share a lot of time growing up together, but when she moved to Texas after high school and completed her undergrad at UNT, we spent a lot of fun times together: with trips between Houston and the Dallas area, highlights include buying her first pair of boots and hitting Midnight Rodeo, Billy Bobs, Cowboys Red River, and Wild West, attempting to cook Thanksgiving dinner on multiple failed occasions, smirnoffs and fireball, Cowboys vs Texans game at ATT Stadium, and the Houston Rodeo for Florida Georgia Line. When she moved to North Carolina, Chris, Kelsey, and I spent a Thanksgiving together drinking mimosas and honey whiskey for breakfast, and building their dining room table...once we were finally able to locate it from FedEx and jam pack Kelsey's brand new car with alllll of the boxes it came in. The three of us also shared a few workouts activating the Lunk Alarm at Planet Fitness. I'm very thankful for all of the memories with Kelsey, and now Chris, and look forward to sharing their special day and many fun times in the future!

Alex Bianchi

Groomsman

Chris and I first met way back when he still thought he was a cav scout in Alaska. I was his first roommate and spent the first few weeks of our friendship learning with him the way of the sham. Since then we’ve shared some close quarters, traveled Europe together and had some interesting times. We were young and dumb together, but look at us now. Old and dumb. On a serious note, I know Chris has been looking forward to this day for a long time and it’s been awesome to see him so happy with Kelsey. I’m excited to stand alongside him once again as he enters this new chapter in his life.

Hannah Kerby

Bridesmaid

From our days working together at Topgolf to navigating life’s challenges side by side, Kelsey and I have built a bond that has only grown stronger over time. We were there for each other during some of the toughest moments, offering support and friendship when we both needed it most. Even when she moved across the world to Scotland for vet school, our connection never wavered. We made sure to keep in touch, despite the distance, proving that true friendship knows no boundaries. Now, I’m absolutely thrilled to stand beside her as she marries Chris, the love of her life. It's such an honor to be part of her big day, celebrating this beautiful new chapter in her life. Kelsey, you’ve been my rock and my dear friend. I couldn’t be happier for you both, and I’m so excited to witness the next chapter of your love story unfold!

Alexander Kamps

Groomsman

I’m excited to share a bit about my friendship with Chris, the groom. We met in Alaska in 2014 and instantly bonded over our sense of humor and a shared penchant for debauchery while serving in Able Company 3-509th. Our time in Alaska was filled with unforgettable memories—attending Glacier Pilots baseball games, exploring all Alaska has to offer, and tackling numerous airborne operations together. A lot of time has passed since then, and although life has taken us to different states and countries, our friendship has remained strong. We’ve continued to bond over boxing and football, sharing laughs and banter no matter the distance. I had the pleasure of meeting Kelsey a few years ago, and I’m truly excited to celebrate this special occasion with them. If you’re looking to get a laugh out of Chris, just ask if he’s tracking what 1st Sergeant put out!