Lauren & Kirk
Wedding Party
Christiana Less
Matron of Honor
Christiana is Lauren's BFF since 7th grade! They have spent the majority of their friendship being separated by distance, but that hasn't kept them from talking 24/7 (literally). Christiana is also Lauren's personal fashion and hair stylist and always gives the best advice on latest trends and styles! Christiana currently lives in Houston with her husband Kennen where she spends her days as a hair stylist making women feel beautiful!
Rhett Welsh
Best Man
In 1998, Kirk finally got his deepest wish - a little brother. Growing up, Rhett was always a little too young to play like Kirk always wanted, but now that Rhett is grown up, he may have bit off more than he can chew! His little brother is not so little anymore! In more than size, Rhett has grown into a man that Kirk now truly admires. He is both freakishly athletic and smart, and Kirk and Rhett can often be found throwing 'bows on the basketball court! (Kirk still always wins ;)) Rhett is currently a Midshipman Third Class at the United States Naval Academy, and Kirk has been lucky to have Rhett right here in Annapolis with him.
Kellie Kroll
Bridesmaid
Kellie is Lauren's PIC (partner-in-crime). They met in nursing school at Aquinas and lived together (in the same room) for 2 years. Not an hour goes by in the day where they are not texting each other! Kellie and Lauren bonded over their love of watching tv and eating :) Kellie currently resides in Alabama with her husband Brett, their son Will, and another sweet baby boy due a few months before the wedding.
Darius Gittens
Groomsman
Kirk and Darius also met at the Naval Academy, and quickly bonded over a similar far-reaching dreams. Darius and Kirk have been on adventures all over the country together, and when Darius is there, Kirk always has the best time! He and Kirk enjoy a good lively debate anytime they're together, and they could probably debate any topic you could name: sports, music, politics, anything. Last year, Darius bought his first home an hour south of Annapolis where he and his best bud, Achilles, live.
Elissa Norton
Bridesmaid
Elissa is Lauren's older and slightly wiser sister. They spent the majority of their childhood years fighting as true sisters do. It wasn't until Elissa moved off to college where they officially started getting along. Lauren moved to Northern VA in 2016 due to really loving DC or maybe because she wanted to be closer to her sister, but doesn't quite admit that yet! Elissa lives in Annandale, VA with her husband Stephen and the cutest redhead daughter, Brooklyn.
Michael Callahan
Groomsman
And then, the sorority girl Goon - Mikey. At the Academy, Kirk and Mikey bonded over their mutual love of high school football, and well, having a good time! Always the life of the party, there is never a dull moment when Mikey Callahan's around. Now, Mikey and his wife, Chloe, are living the dream out in San Diego where he flies helicopters for the Navy.
LeeAnn Rapin
Bridesmaid
LeeAnn and Lauren met freshman year of nursing school at Aquinas college and have been inseparable ever since. They were fortunate enough to do travel nursing together and visit a lot of beautiful places in this fine country of ours! Lauren can always count on LeeAnn for a good laugh due to her amazing sense of humor! LeeAnn currently lives in Michigan with her adorable wiener dog, Ollie.
Chris Goljan
Groomsman
Kirk became fast friends with Chris over four years by the Bay exploring as far as Boston and New York City down to the Bahamas. Their relationship has only grown stronger since departing Annapolis, so much so that Kirk is even following Chris into medicine! Chris is the stoic goon - always willing to offer his advice over a nice, heavy brew (of coffee or other varieties). Chris is currently doing God's work as a doctor on the USS America before he commences his residency in surgery in San Diego.
Kaelly Welsh
Bridesmaid
Kaelly is the second sibling in the Welsh family & Kirk's closest confidant. When Kirk and Lauren began dating, Lauren knew they would have to be friends. After a couple months, Lauren and Kaelly began to chat and bonded over their mutual love for family drama, boys, and Target! Now, they don't go a day without talking! While Lauren is thrilled to be marrying Kirk, she might be even more excited to gain Kaelly as a new sister. ;)
Jason Krummel
Groomsman
Jason was the first friend Kirk made when he moved to Avoca, IA in 2002. They played on the same baseball team during Kirk's first summer in Iowa, and they've been best friends ever since! They made it through high school together, survived college, and now they're both starting their own families! Jason currently lives in Shelby, IA with his wife, Emily, and they're just had their first baby, Ryker - a handsome boy!
Reilly Welsh
Bridesmaid
Reilly is the baby of the Welsh family, and everyone's favorite musical performer! Lauren and Reilly got the chance to bond in Maui this summer for Reilly's senior trip, and Lauren knew Reilly would forever play an integral role in their future family. On June 28th, not only will we be celebrating Kirk and Lauren's nuptials, but we will also be celebrating Reilly's 19th BIRTHDAY!
Ned Butler
Groomsman
Kirk met Ned on the USS Nevada while serving in Bangor, WA. They bonded as bunkmates on the submarine and by exploring the Pacific Northwest during their downtime. Kirk and Ned grew so close during their sea tour that they're even roommates today!
Mark Jackson
Groomsman / Officiant
Mark was one of the first people Kirk met at the Naval Academy as they were both in the same squad from the beginning of Plebe Summer. Mark is also from the midwest, and they initially bonded over the greatest team in baseball (Cardinals) and a mutual love of basketball. At the Naval Academy, they became fast friends and formed the greatest friend group of all time - the GOONS. Mark is the most studious of the Goons and Kirk and he have become especially close over the last year while preparing for medical school and both of their pending nuptials. Mark currently lives with his wife, Alli, in Tallahassee.