Wedding Party
Shelby Biggs
Bride
My story started in Gallatin, TN. I attended Tennessee Tech for nursing school, and not long after finishing the Disney College Program, I met Matthew at a Cinco de Mayo party—thanks to my friend Tessa for making me take a perfectly timed study break from nursing exams. What started as a conversation about our shared love for Disney quickly turned into something much more. Not long after we met, Matthew joined the Disney College Program too, and we spent about a year doing long distance while building the foundation of our relationship. After he returned to Tennessee, I transferred from Skyline to Centennial and began working in the CVICU—right as the world was stepping into the uncertainty of COVID. Matt was at the time also working on his MBA. During that time, I told Matthew I wanted to pursue CRNA school, joking (but not really) that if we could make it through anesthesia school together, we could make it through anything. Nine years later, here we are—ready to make it official. I’m so grateful for everything we’ve walked through together and can’t wait to see where life takes us next. More travel, more adventures, and a lifetime of building something beautiful side by side.
Tessa Benefield
Maid of Honor
We pledged the same sorority BUT we didn’t actually meet until our friends introduced us at the cafeteria at Tennessee Tech University and literally said “that’s your sister”. And lord we’ve been thick as thieves ever since. I did the math and we’ve been friends for almost 15 years! That’s literally almost half our lives. And what a beautiful time that’s been. From making vines in Shelby’s dorm room, to navigating college life, seeing each other through not one, but TWO degrees (smarty girls), surviving a pandemic where we went an entire year without seeing each other in person, to both of us accomplishing our career goals…..and now I get to be by her side on her happiest day!
Sydney Patten
Bridesmaid
I met Shelby in 2016, during our time together at Tennessee Tech University. My husband and I were roommates with Matthew when he started dating Shelby. Her and I hit it off immediately. We have a shared sense of (dark) humor and love for our friends. Over these ten years, we have seen each other go through some of life’s big changes, and it’s been awesome to have her there through it all. I can’t imagine life without her now!
Lauren Brabston
Bridesmaid
Shelby and I met back in college at TTU in 2013, she was a sophomore, I was a freshman, and we crossed paths at a Delta Gamma event (thank you Anna, Mary and Eva lol), and we have been friends ever since. Over the past 10+ years, our friendship has evolved and grown stronger. No matter the time, distance, or season of life, Shelby has always been funny, smart, caring, kind, steadfast, genuine, loyal, and someone I can confine in. Her friendship means alot to me, and I am so grateful our paths crossed. She has shown up for me through life’s ups and downs, and I’m grateful to be able to do the same for her. That’s what makes this chapter of our friendship so special! I am incredibly honored and excited to stand by her side and celebrate her and Matthew as they begin this next beautiful chapter together!
Meredith Painter
Bridesmaid
Shelby and I met in college through our sorority in 2012, and one of our very first moments together was me awkwardly telling her how pretty she was in the middle of the grill at Tennessee Tech. Immediately after, my friends told me I was weird and that she would probably never speak to us again. Clearly, they were wrong, and honestly, sometimes it’s worth it to just tell someone you think they’re pretty, right? Over the past 10+ years, Shelby and I have been through so much together as close friends, from college graduations and toga parties to random sleepovers and crying on each other’s shoulders, adding in Disney trips and lots of laughter together in between all of them. I can’t wait to add another unforgettable moment to that list and stand by her and Matt on one of the happiest days of their lives.
Lexi Boss
Bridesmaid
Shelby and I met during CRNA school, and over the next three years, we grew from classmates into lifelong friends! We went through every high and low together… learning anesthesia side by side, leaning on each other through the toughest moments, and somehow surviving pharmacology with Professor Lew and all those exams! Some of my favorite memories are us surviving finals week on energy drinks, and celebrating passing another semester with Mexican food and margs before doing it all over again. What started as a shared journey through school turned into a friendship I’ll always cherish!
Max Davis
Bridesman
Shelby and I met about seven years ago in the ICU taking care of cardiac and COVID patients on night shift. You could say our friendship was built on a solid foundation of adrenaline, chaos, and unhealthy energy drinks. After surviving that, we roughed it through anesthesia school together, which really sealed the deal. Nothing bonds people quite like trauma, stress, and a shared sense of humor about it all.
Matthew Tichenor
Groom
Matt’s story began in Latvia, where he was born and later adopted at the age of two by a loving family who brought him home to the United States. Growing up, he was surrounded by strong family values and developed a deep appreciation for the moments and experiences that bring people together. Matt attended Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee, where his story with Shelby began in 2016. From the very beginning, he admired her determination, kindness, and the way she cared for others. Their relationship grew throughout their college years, building a foundation of friendship, support, and shared dreams. After graduating, Matt returned to Nashville to pursue his MBA while Shelby continued her journey toward becoming a CRNA. Through busy schedules and new challenges, they continued building a life together filled with laughter, travel, and time spent with family and friends. In 2025, Matt asked Shelby to marry him on the beach at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, beginning an exciting new chapter in their story. He looks forward to a lifetime of adventures, memories, and love together.
Sean Patten
Best Man
I met Matthew back in 2013 during our college years, when we were both members of Sigma Phi Epsilon. We grew close quickly, and from 2014 to 2016 we lived together in the SigEp house—an experience that brought plenty of great memories, laughs, and stories. After that, we kept the roommate streak going by moving into a house together, which only added to the many unforgettable moments we’ve shared. Somewhere along the way, we also teamed up as partners in a bowling class—and in 2016, we managed to win the class championship, which is still something we like to brag about. Over the years, life has taken us in different directions, but we’ve stayed close through it all. My wife, Sydney, and I are so grateful to still share such a strong friendship with Matthew and his fiancée, Shelby. Watching their relationship grow has been incredible, and it means so much to be part of this special chapter in their lives. I’m truly honored to stand by Matthew’s side on his big day!
Peyton Roll
Groomsman
Peyton has been one of Tich's closest friends for over 13 years, and their bond goes back to their days as pledge brothers in Sigma Phi Epsilon at Tennessee Tech. From Coller memories to life's biggest moments, Peyton has been by Tich's side through it all. Known for his loyalty and sense of humor, he's the kind of friend everyone hopes to have. Tich is proud to have Peyton standing with him on this special day.
Reif Garrett
Groomsman
13 years ago, Reif and Matt met at a Sigma Phi Epsilon event and have been partners in crime ever since. Whatever wild adventure or idea that came to Reif’s mind, Matt was setting the date and booking the place to crash. Reif was always willing to take time out of his day to get him out of a tricky spot. From college days in Cookeville to growing their careers in Nashville, Reif and Matt still find the time to go on (these days, less wild) adventures. Matt is more than proud to have Reif standing beside him for this important day and all of the adventures that come after.
Blake Holder
Groomsman
Holder met the groom 13 years ago while they were fraternity brothers at Tennessee Tech, where their friendship was built on late nights, questionable decisions, and stories that are probably better left untold. Since then, Blake has been a constant in the groom’s life, offering equal parts good advice and good humor. Whether in the classroom or among friends, Blake is known for being dependable, easygoing, and always up for a laugh. He’s proud to stand by the groom’s side on such an important day.
