Wedding Party
Kalynn Ridley
Matron of Honor
Oh, where to begin! Kalynn—my older sister, best listener, advice giver, and everything in between. People often asked if we ever fought growing up. I’d always say, “Well, we did… but she was always right.” Kalynn is intelligent, hardworking, and thoughtful. She excels at everything she does, and growing up, that set the bar high for me—I always wanted to be like her. But Kalynn also encouraged me to be myself, helping me find my own voice while still inspiring me to aim high. Kalynn has always been my sounding board—the person I could go to with anything, knowing she’d be there for me with kindness, patience, and unwavering support. I honestly don’t know what I did to deserve such an amazing sister. Now, married to Matt and a mother of two incredible children, Kenasyn and Kenan, I’ve watched her transform into an amazing mom—someone I continue to look up to as I navigate new seasons of life. Fun Fact: She works as a Physical Therapist with Kendall!
Colston Bayless
Best Man
Back in the day when my brother got married, he asked the best looking guy he knew to be his best man, then the smartest, then the funniest. After being asked three times, I finally said yes. Now it is my turn to repay the favor to my brother that has paved the way for me throughout my life. During his time playing football in college, and having to ride with mom and dad all over the state of West Virginia every Saturday in the fall for four years, I always had a role model to look up to. I always tried to stay one step behind him, from sports played and hobbies learned to the classes I took in school; all of it was strongly influenced by wanting to be like my brother. Like older brothers do, he has run me face first into the wooden fence on a sled, laid me out after getting my first set of shoulder pads, and ran over my arm with the blue go-cart we had as kids, all within a few feet of each other in our parents' back yard. He has always been there to give advice when I needed it, taught me how to navigate life through his experience, and been my go-to anytime I need a good laugh.
Kailey Boynton
Bridesmaid
My sister from another mister, Kailey, has been such an important part of my life. Seven years older than me, she started as a role model and has become one of my best friends. Growing up, she and my sister took on the tough job of keeping an eye on me, Kaidence, and Kaigan. I always wanted to be as cool as her and Kalynn, trying to follow in their footsteps and sneak into their friend hangouts. They were always kind enough to let me be “one of the girls,” when the boys were being a handful. What I love most about Kailey is her ability to make the most of every moment and see the best in people and situations. She is intelligent, compassionate, and dependable. No matter what stage of life I’ve been in, I could always count on her for encouragement, reassurance, and a laugh to cheer me up. She continues to inspire me to embrace life fully and not sweat the small stuff. Kailey is an Optometrist, married to Austin, and has two adorable sons, Kohlston and Kohen.
Micheal Yager
Groomsman
"A1 since day one." Michael and I would always tell people this because we were born a month apart and I was at the hospital for a check-up when he was born. From there, we grew up attending the same church, playing on the same little league teams, and were throwing partners in baseball from age 9 to our senior high school baseball season. Between duck hunts, rounds of golf, ball games (both played and attended), helping each other move, and late night monopoly games with the boys, Michael has been my best friend for as long as I can remember.
Lynnsey Keener
Bridesmaid
Lynnsey! One of my best friends since high school. Back then, we played basketball and volleyball together—I still remember her braiding my hair and our pre-game Subway trips. We always had a great time, lots of laughs, and a ton of Snapchat Memories to look back on. Seven years later, we became coworkers, and no matter the season of life, I’ve always been able to count on Lynnsey. Her fun-loving, easygoing nature, understanding heart, and contagious laughter light up every room. I’m so grateful for her friendship and all the little moments we share— our afternoon walks, Pilates classes, and even just working side by side. As we are both are growing up and stepping into new chapters of life, it means so much to have Lynnsey by my side. I’m excited for everything ahead and even more grateful that she’s a part of it. Lynnsey works with me at BTC Fiber and is a dedicated dog mom to Gus and Kodak.
Hunter Embry
Groomsman
Entering into my first year of college, all I had to go by for my freshman roommate was a name and an email address. After finally working up the courage to "make the first move," I reached out with a much too formal email to introduce myself and try to get an idea of who I would be living with for the next year. Little did I know this email would be the introduction to my roommate of four years and a lifelong friend. From year one to year four, our friendship grew stronger with countless laughs, games of Fortnite, IM games, late night cookout runs, study sessions (him more than me), and tons of stories to tell from our good times spent together throughout college and beyond. Now that he is in his residency program in psychiatry in South Carolina and I am working and living in Tennessee, each time we talk it feels like no time has passed.
Kaidence Thomas
Bridesman/Usher
Just four months apart, Kaidence and I practically grew up side by side. From afternoons after school at Sells Building Supply to summers spent together while our sisters babysat us, me, Kaidence, and Kaigan were always together. Kaidence is intelligent, quick witted, and trustworthy. He’s always been someone I could rely on—whether it was airing up my tires, letting me borrow his calculator (I always forgot to charge mine), or bringing me snacks at work in college. More than a cousin, Kaidence and Kaigan are truly like brothers, and I’m so grateful that they’ll be standing by my side, sharing this important moment in my life. Kaidence works as an engineer at EPB and enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Chayse.
Kaigan Thomas
Bridesman/Usher
Growing up with Kaigan was never boring. I even wished that he and Kaidence were girls so I could have someone to play dolls with—but little did I know, they would become two of my best friends. He's charismatic, spirited, and a natural leader. Kaigan has been there through every stage of my life, from elementary school all the way to college. We worked together in college, shared lunches in the University Center between classes (Kaidence included), and he’s always been the first to pick up the phone when I call. From (literally) fighting as kids to sharing this moment now, I couldn’t be more grateful for my cousins, Kaidence and Kaigan, who have helped shape me into who I am today. Kaigan is enrolled in UTC's Physical Therapy Program with his girlfriend, Eryn.
Kenasyn Ridley
Flower Girl
My mini-me, the little girl who made me an aunt! Kena Jo is like no other, she's smart, full of energy, and very imaginative. She lights up every room she's in, making any day into a memorable moment. She loves caring for her baby dolls, eating Swiss Roll Cakes, and dancing to 'Apple Bottom Jeans'. I'm still learning how to do this whole aunt thing, but I'm truly blessed she's my niece. I know that little girl is going to go big places and accomplish incredible things.
Kohlston Boynton
Ring Bearer
Our little farmer, football player, and performer! Kohlston is the jack of all trades. He loves talking about tractors, watching sports, and taking the stage at church. Kohlston is like a sponge, quietly taking everything in. He knows all sorts of stuff about tractors (more than I do for sure), funny sayings, and can answer all the questions in his Kids Mission Class. Claiming to be his honorary aunt, I cannot wait to see what a great farmer, football player, hunter, fisherman, and whatever else he wants to be!
Blakely Bayless
Flower Girl
Blakely Grace was the one to give me the title "Funcle" meaning "fun uncle." We have always had a special bond, and she has always had the ability to brighten my day. From pulling her around the yard in a wagon as a baby, to now giving her 4-wheeler rides around the farm when she visits, Blakely is always willing to be my adventure buddy. She is smart, sweet, and an amazing gymnast.
Bridge Bayless
Ring Bearer
Bridge is the life of the party. I love when he visits and getting to play Uno, race monster trucks, and have action figure battles with him. He is very imaginative and quite the jokester, and he always manages to make the people around him smile. Bridge is the best nephew, and I can't wait to have him join us on our special day.
