Wedding Party
Liz Kieffer
Maid of Honor
Liz and Kellie first met at a College Democrats meeting while attending OU. A young, impressionable Kellie looked upon in wonder as Liz captivated a room of youths inspired to work tirelessly for not much more than a slice of free pizza. Liz at this point was already one of the most loyal, organized, companionate gals around. She was the kind of friend that would tuck you into bed by midnight on your 21st birthday. Thankfully, Liz kidnapped a very lucky Kellie and convinced her to be her Veep through a series of overdramatized compliments. A beautiful broadmance began and continues to this day ( there are certificates to prove it). Liz currently lives in Virginia Beach with her husband Nate, and boxers Riggs and Scout. Together they proudly support the cheap wine industry.
Adam Nagle
Best Man
Twenty five years ago Adam rode his hideous bike(which Adam still maintains was the coolest bike ever) into Mike's life and from that moment on, they became inseparable(except for when they're apart). Adam wasn't kind, compassionate, or thoughtful, or any other generic quality that one usually looks for in a best friend. He was a misfit. He cursed, he used fake accents, he put onions in grilled cheese, and was an incredible smart ass. Despite his flaws, he was brilliant, hilarious, and honest. They kept each other sharp while encouraging stupid behavior from one another, like swinging an axe at an old aerosol can of tree tar(they're lucky they're alive). Adam isn't just Mike's best friend, he's the brother he never had. Who knew a smart ass with an ugly bike would set the bar so high?
Kyle Galan
Bridesmaid
Kyle and Kellie were first introduced 28 years ago and we can only assume it did not go well. Kyle proceeded to cry for the next 3 years straight. Thus, Kellie had no choice but to make his childhood miserable. After the score was settled they became close friends and lifelong cheerleaders of one another. If you search hard enough you can find evidence of Galan-Dance-Offs, sock-off competitions, Lego Wars, and kick fights. Kyle has recently moved to Miami with his wife Alli where he serves in the US Coast Guard. Please feel free to ask him about boats.
Chris Pate
Groomsman
Mike and Chris were part of the opening team at the Chilis at Bridgewater Falls, and they soon became fast friends. Chris was like the younger brother Mike never had and Mike was like the older brother Chris always wanted. They remained friends even when Mike got transferred in order to pursue a role as a manger. Chris would take Mike to his first opening day game and Mike took Chris to his first concert. It was Steely Dan. Mike would even forgive Chris when his devil may care attitude with a call ahead for a large party derailed what was shaping up to be the most perfect Sunday lunch service in Mike's tenure as a manager. Twelve years later Mike still wouldn't trust Chris with a call ahead seating, but he loves him like a brother anyway.
Jennifer Barnes
Bridesmaid
Jenn is currently serving a life term as Kellie's older sister. In her youth, she could be heard screaming "she won't stop copying me" on several occasions. Jenn taught Kellie important life lessons including how to make it look like you actually did your chores and a love of theater. Jenn lives in Mogadore with her husband Dave and their son Wyatt. They are expecting a little addition to the family in April. If you are lucky, she may share the story of how Kellie accidentally jumped on her mouth full of braces when they shared a bunk bed.
Kevin Combs
Groomsman
Mike and Kevin met through a mutual friend. One day they discovered that they actually enjoyed each other's company more than that of the mutual friend. Pretty soon after that they realized they didn't need the mutual friend and Mike and Kevin were doing awesome stuff all the time. They fished for giant catfish and went to awesome concerts. They met The Meat Puppets. They drank whiskey and cooked awesome dinners. They love Pauly Shore, Dax Riggs, The Misfits, and Roky Erickson. They have adopted each other as family. Kevin is the older brother Mike always wanted.
Allison May
Bridesmaid
Alli is Kellie's long awaited new sister. She valiantly put up with the family only to receive Kyle in return. She's a trooper. Alli brings with her a kindness and thoughtfulness that anyone would treasure. She has just completed her undergrad in Psychology and is headed for her masters. She is currently enjoying the sun after 3 years stuck in Alaska. Alli and Kellie share a love of feminism, Rick and Morty, and HomeGoods.
Phil Alvarado
Groomsman
Phil and Mike met around seven years ago and quickly hit it off. They discovered that they were kindred spirits. Phil welcomed Mike into his circle of friends and then his family. It's one of Mike's most important friendships. Over the years they've shared many milestones and memories. The birth of Elsie, Phil and Sabrina's beautiful daughter. The Rolling Stones at Ohio State, holidays, grill outs, birthdays, and everything in between. Phil is a beacon of integrity and a family man. Mike looks up to Phil like a brother. Most people do, Phil is freakishly tall. Rest easy, folks, he's a gentle giant.
Sabrina Cearley
Bridesmaid
Sabrina and Kellie met at a pool party seven years ago, which resulted in a joy filled friendship when Kellie realized that Sabrina was the funniest person she had ever met. Together they share a love of serious crafting, play doh sculpting, and baked beans. Sabrina also introduced Kellie to her youngest best friend, Elsie. She's cute. Sabrina's home serves as a real Hamilton oasis for Mike and Kellie year round. Many a night has been spent with Phil and Mike entertaining each other while the ladies explore their next projects.
Nate Jones
Groomsman
Phil introduced Mike and Nate over a game of Golden Tee and the rest is history. They clicked right away. Nate is the type of guy that when you ask him to get up early to drive 400 miles to Iowa to see a band he's never heard of play a festival set and get back in the car to drive 400 miles home, all in the same day, he says, "I don't have a lot of cash right now, but I'll buy ya a beer or somethig." He's the type of guy that will sneak past security with you to have beers with Father John Misty and then ask him what his favorite Ninja Turtles movie is. Mike loves Nate like a brother. A crazy awesome brother.
Ashley Huntley
Bridesmaid
Ashley and Kellie met when she had the privilege of hiring her at Justice several years back. Kellie had a firm "no socializing" policy so when she moved stores they finally had the opportunity to become friends. It had been in the works for so long that they became best friends instantly. Ashley can be found either digging up artifacts in New Mexico or in Kellie's kitchen eating all of her food. They have built their friendship on gossip, wine, and funnel cakes. Ashley apparently lives in Cincinnati with her partner Kyle although Kellie still has yet to confirm this.
Joe Cearley
Groomsman
The first time Mike and Joe met they were both at Major League's. They spent the night trying to impress each other with their jukebox selections. When the bar closed they would find themselves in Mike's garage carrying on until the early morning. That night a brotherhood was forged, not just a friendship. That would be the first of many late nights for these two. They share a passion for music and always share their newest discoveries with one another. Joe is a fantastic partner in crime; he never says no. The after party era with the rambles on the porch are a thing of legend today. Joe doesn't know how to have a bad time, it's one of Mike's favorite qualities about Joe.
Elsie Alvarado
Flower Girl
Elsie is Mike and Kellie’s honorary niece. She is three years old and precocious beyond your wildest dreams. Elsie loves dance, princesses, and complimenting you on your nail polish. Her favorite color is pink. In three short years she has given Mike and Kellie countless stories to tell and many words of encouragement. She is smart, outgoing, and charming. The only fight that Kellie and Mike have ever had is over who is Elsie’s real best friend which is sad because it’s obviously Kellie.
Wyatt Barnes
Ring Bearer
Wyatt is the real deal nephew of Mike and Kellie. He loves trains, cars, and most recently monster trucks. Wyatt has had the misfortune of being the first child in the family so Mike and Kellie are still learning how to keep him entertained. This was never more apparent than when he spent 2 days with them and was bored to tears after the awe of Kellie’s LEGO collection wore off. He is a whole 3 years old and would love to tell you all about his new baby sister.
Cameo Pritts
Reader
Cameo has been a long standing, tried and true, ride or die, kinda friend to Kellie for years. They first met working at Justice when Cameo only had her ‘two year pin’. Now on the verge of her coveted ‘ten year pin’ they are closer than ever. That tends to happen when you come into work everyday talking wedding planning and someone is forced to listen to it. But honestly, there have been several post shift chats lasting well into the night and those are what make a friendship. Cameo and Kellie share a love of crafting and freight processing. She has her own business on Etsy and is always blowing minds with her success.
Julien Laurie
Usher
Julien is Mike and Kellie’s beloved but far away nephew. He is a soon-to-be nine year old full of car facts and spunk. He spends his days in West Palm Beach where he works on his karate skills. Kellie and Mike were lucky enough to spend a whole week with this guy last summer when they caught up on some much deserved water gun fighting. Spoiler alert: Julien is much more tactical than his uncle. He is polite, kindhearted and super smart. We would bet money on Julien having some sweet dance moves on the floor as well. Look out!