November 16, 2025

Fuquay-Varina, NC

Kristina & Ryan

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Wedding Party

Emily Shurtleff

Maid of Honor

Emily, the youngest of the Shurtleff sisters, is Kristina’s partner in crime and lifelong sidekick. From childhood, they were inseparable—by choice and by being forced to share a room. Together, they filled their days with endless adventures: playing with American Girl dolls, riding bikes, choreographing dance routines, brainstorming quirky skit ideas for camp, and staying up late experimenting with new makeup looks. Emily has a rare gift for making everyone around her feel seen and loved. She’s been Kristina’s right-hand woman since day one—her voice of reason, confidante, biggest cheerleader, workout buddy, sous chef, sister in Christ, and constant reminder of all the joy they’ve shared and continue to create. At the wedding, you’ll find Emily by Kristina’s side, calming her nerves and keeping everyone laughing with her contagious sense of humor.

Nicole Kunze

Bridesmaid

Nicole was Kristina’s only girl cousin for many years, and the two have always shared a special bond. As the closest in age—and practically identical as kids—they loved pretending to be twins. Their childhood was filled with creativity: playing house, filming YouTube videos featuring magic tricks, iPod reviews, and all things Justin Bieber. They danced competitively together and even performed at Disney World. Today, Kristina turns to Nicole for all her interior design inspiration. At the wedding, you’ll spot Nicole making sure the kids are having the time of their lives.

Madeline Rice

Bridesmaid

Madeline is Kristina’s closest childhood friend—also known as her “weekend sister” and the Shawn Spencer to her Burton Guster. Their bond runs deep, starting even before they met, as it was Madeline’s mom who introduced Kristina’s parents. Growing up, they spent nearly every weekend and summer together running lemonade stands, teaching themselves gymnastics, and writing and filming an original movie on Kristina’s Nikon (still awaiting its big debut). No matter how much time passes, they always pick up right where they left off. At the wedding, you’ll find Madeline playing the role of peacemaker between Kristina and Emily.

Sarah Wenger

Bridesmaid

Sarah and Kristina first met in college during a hall event where students were encouraged to draw names from a hat and grab coffee to make new friends. Sarah recognized Kristina right away, but Kristina had no idea they were both in the nursing program—a fact that didn’t sit well with Sarah, who initially turned down the coffee invite. Despite the rocky start, they bonded during finals week later that semester over their shared panic about the chemistry final. From that point on, they became inseparable—best friends, study buddies, and eventually roommates for the rest of college. Now living in different cities, they remain close and jump at any chance for a girls’ trip. At the wedding, you’ll find Sarah mingling and making friends with just about everyone.

Kayla Ellison

Bridesmaid

Kristina and Kayla have been friends since freshman year. Kayla would hang out on her hall to spend time with her other friends. They bonded one night when Kristina and Sarah were freaking out over yet another exam. Kristina pulled Kayla and Sarah into her dorm and insisted Kayla to teach them what she knew. From that night they became best friends and signed up to all room together the following year. After graduation, they moved to Raleigh and began their careers together as baby nurses at Duke Hospital. They've been by each other’s side through every high and low since, singing karaoke together through it all. At the wedding, you’ll find Kayla being the queen of the dance floor and keeping everyone laughing.

Amanda Dahlgren

Bridesmaid

Kristina and Amanda met while working at a summer camp, where they quickly bonded over their shared faith, love for the outdoors, and passion for nursing. From learning to paddleboard together to becoming avid hiking buddies, their friendship grew through adventure and meaningful connection. Amanda has been a kind, thoughtful, and steady presence in Kristina’s life—always thinking of others and offering wise, heartfelt advice. At the wedding, you’ll spot Amanda capturing perfect candid moments and being ready for anything with her signature over-prepared style.

Rachel Dickinson

Bridesmaid

Rachel is the groom’s sister and a dear friend to Kristina. From the very beginning, Rachel has been incredibly warm and welcoming, making Kristina feel like part of the family long before any official titles. Her kindness, sense of humor, and genuine heart helped create a bond between them. Whenever Rachel is in town, she, Ryan, and Kristina make the most of their time together—whether it's exploring Raleigh, finding new places to eat, or just hanging out. Rachel and Kristina especially love trying out new coffee shops, going on spontaneous shopping trips, and, of course, teasing Ryan about his questionable outfit choices. Rachel has been not just a sister-in-law-to-be, but also a constant source of fun and support. At the wedding, you’ll find her making everyone feel as welcome as she made Kristina feel.

Evan Stinson

Best Man

Ryan met Evan through their fraternity at UNCW, where they quickly formed a solid friendship. While they were good friends during their college years, their bond strengthened once they both ended up moving to Raleigh. Being in the same city gave them more opportunities to spend time together, and their shared interests naturally brought them even closer. Whether it's spending a day on the golf course, heading out for a weekend camping trip, or enjoying some time at the shooting range, Ryan and Evan are always up for a good time. They’ve built a friendship rooted in fun, mutual dependability, and plenty of memorable adventures over the years. You will find Evan at the wedding mansplaining the difference between a bourbon and a scotch to anyone within earshot.

Alexander Palumbo

Groomsman

Ryan met Alex during their very first week of freshman year at UNCW, and the two hit it off right away. Early on, they spent a lot of time at Alex’s grandma’s house in Wilmington—enjoying home-cooked meals, catching up on laundry, and getting a comforting break from dorm life. Those simple visits became some of their favorite college memories. In their free time, Ryan and Alex shared a love for adventure, often heading out to go off-roading and exploring the trails around Wilmington. Over the years, they’ve remained close, even as life has taken them in different directions. At the wedding, you’ll definitely find Alex in his element—chatting with everyone, cracking jokes, and making friends with people he’s just met.

Jesse Farren

Groomsman

Ryan met Jesse when he transferred to Liberty University, where they were randomly assigned as roommates. What started as a chance pairing quickly grew into a strong friendship. They got along effortlessly and decided to continue living together after moving off campus, becoming not just roommates, but close friends. They spent their days working construction jobs together. In their downtime, they could usually be found playing beach volleyball, always up for some competition and outdoor fun. Through the years, Jesse has remained a steady and loyal friend—someone Ryan can always count on. At the wedding, you’ll most likely find Jesse talking about his newborn baby.

Jesse Sanders

Groomsman

Jesse has been like a brother to Ryan since they met. He officially became family when he married into it, when Ryan was just 16 years old. From the start, Jesse took on a big brother role—he even taught Ryan how to drive before he had his license. Over the years, their bond has deepened through countless family trips, including memorable visits to see the Sanders crew in Europe and Texas. Jesse has always been someone Ryan admires—not just for his loyalty and sense of humor, but as a role model of what it means to be a devoted Christian husband and father. At the wedding, you’ll likely spot Jesse on the dance floor, surrounded by his six energetic kids and loving every minute of it.

Zach Vezzosi

Groomsman

Ryan met Zach during their time at Liberty University, and they quickly became great friends. Their friendship was built on video game sessions, poker games, late night cookout runs and unforgettable golf trips. Zach is known as the glue that keeps their Liberty friend group connected, always the one bringing people together and keeping the bond strong. At the wedding, you’ll find Zach right in the mix—catching up with everyone, making people laugh, and making sure no moment goes uncelebrated.