Leah & Brandon
Wedding Party
Alex Britner
Matron of Honor
Alex and I were randomly assigned as college roommates, despite both growing up in Charlotte and somehow never crossing paths. Fate (or maybe just the housing office) clearly knew what it was doing because we survived four years together in tiny dorm rooms and questionable apartments. She’s the ultimate planner—group trips, parties, birthdays, you name it —and now she lives her best outdoorsy life in Hawaii. I couldn’t have made it through college without her, and let’s be honest, I probably wouldn’t be making it through wedding planning without her either!
Charlotte Haskins
Bridesmaid
Charlotte and I met through a group of mutual friends who all went to App State. After college, we both ended up in Charlotte, and somewhere between number-crunching and social outings, we became fast friends. I may have played a small role in her landing her actuarial job, but she totally earned it—I'm just taking partial credit. Charlotte is also my go-to for all things fashion, hair, and makeup—because if you know me, you know I do none of that. If I ever look put together, it’s probably because she picked out my outfit or did my hair and makeup, which I GREATLY appreciate. I’m so lucky to have her as a bridesmaid!
Ellen Mortensen
Bridesmaid
Ellen and I met as interns at our first company out of college, and somehow, we both survived and ended up working there full-time together. We’ve tackled countless exams side by side, bonded over our shared love of Legos, puzzles, and intense Survivor analysis (Outwit, Outplay, Outlast… or just Outstudy?). Also, her cat, Winston, is my favorite cat, which might be weird to admit, but here we are. No offense to the other cats out there. She’s one of the most thoughtful and smart people I know, and I’m so lucky to have her as a bridesmaid!
Maddy Kelsey
Bridesmaid
Maddy is Brandon’s sister, but from the start, she’s made me feel like part of the family. Whether we’re speeding around Holly Springs with the music WAY too loud for my liking or getting the ultimate backstage experience at Disney World, we always have a blast! Just don't let her drag you to Miranda Lambert’s bar on Broadway! There’s never a dull moment with Maddy, I’m so lucky to have her as a bridesmaid!
Gary Garcia
Best Man
Gary and I met in 7th grade in Florida, and we’ve been friends ever since. He’s a firefighter now, which is fitting because he’s somehow both the most responsible and irresponsible person I know. He’s always down for an adventure, whether that means a last-minute trip or just some dumb idea that probably should’ve been thought through more. No matter what, it’s never boring when Gary’s around.
Brian Bauer
Groomsman
Brian and I met in community college and worked together at GNC, which basically means we spent a lot of time talking about lifting and protein powder. We ended up going to the same university and stayed close ever since. Now, he’s a professional strongman, which is both impressive and mildly terrifying. Whether it’s training, random debates, or just hanging out, Brian’s always been solid—both literally and as a friend.
Jack (Bones) Brannan
Groomsman
Jack and I met in college and have been friends since. After graduation, we ended up in the same town, which has made it even easier to keep the good times going. He’s got a weirdly cool job—designing solar energy parts by day and playing video games professionally by night. Basically, he’s either saving the planet or dominating online. Jack’s the kind of guy who’s always up for whatever, and I’m glad to have him in my corner.
Larry (Scary Larry) Haskins
Groomsman
Larry and I met after college because Leah and his wife, Charlotte, were already friends. Over the past few years, we’ve been dragged into more adventures than I can count thanks to them. At this point, we just go along with it. Between the hikes, trips, and whatever else they come up with, Larry and I have had plenty of time to bond over the shared experience of being the plus-ones in all of this.
Eli Newman
Groomsman
Eli is Leah’s brother, which means we didn’t have much of a choice but to get to know each other. One of our first bonding experiences was being crammed in a U-Haul together for 12 hours, so we got that out of the way quick. Since then, he’s been around for a ton of family adventures, always helping out and making sure things don’t completely fall apart. Glad to have him as a brother-in-law and even more glad to have him as a groomsman.