Wedding PartyWedding Party
Zak WatkinsZak Watkins
Groom
Zak is the groom and the man who made the best decision of his life on November 27, 2025 — at a Detroit Lions game, of all places. At the end of all the football excitement and cheering fans, he asked the prettiest, smartest, and most humble woman to be his wife. (Yes, she’s the one writing this 😉.) All jokes aside, Zak is, in my opinion, the most handsome, intelligent, and loving man. He makes me laugh constantly and doesn’t let a single day go by without reminding me how much he loves me. He is truly my better half, my rock, and my greatest blessing. I am so incredibly excited to marry him and spend forever together.
Nikki NelsonNikki Nelson
Bride
Nikki is the bride-to-be, the one writing this bio and the one lucky enough to marry my best friend. I grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina and somehow managed to meet the love of my life online — proof that amazing things can happen when you least expect them. When I’m not planning this wedding, I can be found watching my favorite “trash TV” dating shows, playing 9-ball with Zak and the team (Level One — proudly!), or hitting the court with my rec league volleyball crew. I love spending time with my friends and family any chance I get. Most of all, I am beyond excited to marry my best friend and officially become the Future Mrs. Watkins!
Zyle WatkinsZyle Watkins
Best Man
Zyle is the groom’s amazing son and one of the most important little men in our lives. This boy is a wild child in the very best way — full of energy, adventure, and nonstop movement. If he’s not playing football, wrestling, or building an epic Lego creation, he’s probably organizing his Pokémon card collection or sneaking something sweet (his favorite weakness!). He craves adventure and is always ready to be doing something new. Getting to know him and watching him grow over the past few years has been such a blessing. He melts my heart daily with how kind-hearted and loving he is. I love him so much and feel so lucky to have him standing with us on our special day.
Ella WatkinsElla Watkins
Flower Girl
Ella is the groom’s niece and one of our flower girls. She is one spunky little cutie. She’s fearless, full of energy, and happiest during park-playing days or splashing around in a swimming pool. Honestly, we’re pretty sure she’s part mermaid with how much she loves the water. Ella also loves horses and unicorns and will play horsey with uncle Zak any day!! She’s smart, bold, and full of personality, and we love her so very much. We are thankful to have her be a part of our wedding!
Lola DuncanLola Duncan
Flower Girl
This sweet girl right here is the brides first niece. Who says best friends can’t claim to be sisters? Her mom is Briaana Duncan one of my bridesmaids. Lola girl loves arts and crafts, Star Wars (you can thank her daddy Travis for that), and she loves Bluey. She got confused years ago when learning to talk. She would hear us say uncle Adam, (Carrie’s husband) and started calling everyone uncle. So if you hear her say Uncle Mickie, just roll with it. I love that name that she has bestowed upon me. 💕
Finn EggertFinn Eggert
Ring Bearer
Finn is the ring bearer and the groom’s very first nephew — a title that makes him extra special to us. We truly couldn’t love this little guy more. He’s one of the smartest little men we know, with a huge curiosity about the world around him. Finn loves animals, bugs, and pretty much anything that moves. If you get him talking about dinosaurs, be prepared — he’ll hit you with some seriously impressive (and slightly mind-blowing) facts about just about any species. He’s curious, thoughtful, and so much fun to talk to, and we’re so excited to have him walking down the aisle on our big day.
Madison WatkinsMadison Watkins
Junior Bridesmaid
Madison is the groom’s very first niece — and she proudly holds that title. Uncle Zak’s first girl, she is beautiful, smart, and absolutely fierce. Madison loves her family and friends, rocks anything camo, and isn’t afraid to accessorize with some gold jewelry. She’s also known for confidently singing along to songs she probably shouldn’t know all the words to — and we love her for it. This adventure-seeking lady definitely keeps Uncle Zak on his toes, and Zyle absolutely adores her. Hey Madison! Hey Madison! Hey Madison! We love this girlie so much and are so excited she’s part of our big day.
Briaana DuncanBriaana Duncan
Bridesmaid
Bri has been part of the bride’s story since college, when she was her very first roommate. From dorm room days to post-college milestones, she has been there through it all. Over the years, their friendship has only grown stronger, and she is truly considered family — a sister in every way that matters. Bri brings the best conversations to the friend group, whether it’s deep life talks or nonstop laughter. The bride especially loves their dinner adventures and spontaneous trips to Charleston. She’s the ultimate ride-or-die friend, and I am so incredibly thankful for her and our friendship. She is also the amazing mama to flower girl Lola and handsome little man Theo, and watching her in her mom era has been such a joy.
Blake LeitnerBlake Leitner
Groomsman
Blake has been one of the groom’s closest friends since high school, where they met in 11th grade. They later attended Clemson University together, adding even more memories to their friendship. Between his wife Sarah, their three children, hunting trips, and working in the family roofing business, Blake is always on the move. He’s the trusted friend Zak turns to for advice, and Zak is thankful to have him standing beside him on this special day.
Anita “AJ” BurnsAnita “AJ” Burns
Bridesmaid
AJ is one of the bride’s bridesmaids and her oldest friend. They’ve been besties since elementary school, and their friendship has only grown stronger through every season of life. She’s always up for an adventure, runs on coffee (truly unmatched dedication), and took a huge leap a few years ago by starting her own cottage baking company specializing in all things sweet. Her cake pops are absolute perfection — which is exactly why she’s known around their hometown of York, South Carolina as “the cake pop lady.” I’m so grateful to have my forever friend standing by my side on such a special day.
Hunter YatesHunter Yates
Groomsman
Hunter is one of Zak’s groomsmen and one of his best friends. They met in 11th grade and have been close ever since. At different seasons of life, Hunter has always been around. Can’t seem to get rid of him. Their friendship is built on loyalty, typical guy banter, and plenty of laughs. Just as Hunter knows he can lean on Zak, Zak knows he can always count on Hunter too. It doesn’t help that Zak’s “luck” — whether winning at the casino or pulling the best cards from sports card boxes — never fails to drive Hunter a little crazy. At the end of the day, they’re true bros, and Zak wouldn’t want this day without him. Ps. Hunter, Kak is gone!!! FOREVER!!!
Shelby McKeenShelby McKeen
Bridesmaid
Shelby is one of the brides amazing bridesmaids and one of those friendships that started unexpectedly at work and turned into something so much bigger. Even after she left the job, our friendship only grew stronger (nothing bonds people faster than a shared dislike of the same coworker 😉). She now lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Austin, and their sweet little girl, Margo. Shelby is incredibly artsy and crafty — she can make anything beautiful with her own creative touch. She’s encouraging, loving, and always so fun to be around. I’m so grateful to have her standing by my side on such a special day.
Zach DereschewitzZach Dereschewitz
Groomsman
Zach is one of Zak’s groomsmen and was his roommate in college — which means there are definitely a few stories from those days that may or may not ever be told. They partied their way through college together and still make it a priority to meet up a few times a year for their college group vacations. Both are Clemson lovers at heart, and their friendship was built on game days, late nights, and lifelong memories. Zach holds dual citizenship in both Canada and the United States, which just adds to his cool factor. When he’s not traveling or meeting up with friends, he enjoys spending time with those he loves and taking great care of his mom. Zak is so glad to have him standing by his side on this special day.
Carrie KayCarrie Kay
Bridesmaid
Carrie and the bride met in college, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. They’ve walked through so many seasons of life together, and she has remained one of the brides closest, most constant friends. I’m so thankful for the bond we share and all the memories we’ve made along the way. When she’s not at home with her husband, Adam, and their sweet pup, Watson, you can usually find her diving into a good book. She’s involved in several book clubs, and her love for reading has grown so much over the years. No matter how busy life gets, she always makes time for our monthly girl nights — something I cherish more than she knows. I’m so lucky to have her standing by my side on this special day.
Nicole MarcengillNicole Marcengill
Bridesmaid
Nicole and the bride met in college, and from the very beginning she has been her ultimate ride-or-die. She’s always the first to say “let’s go!” — whether it’s a last-minute concert, a weekend adventure, or anything that makes life a little more exciting. When she’s not out making memories, she’s usually walking her two awesome pups, spending time with her boyfriend, John, or being the best aunt ever to her nephew. Nicole is one of the most loyal, encouraging, and uplifting friends I could ever ask for, and I’m so lucky to have her standing by my side on such a special day.
Matt YuhasMatt Yuhas
Groomsman
Matt and Zak go all the way back to 11th grade — and somehow, they’ve managed to stay friends ever since! From high school memories to watching their sons wrestle together in elementary school, their lives have stayed closely connected. After both attending Clemson University, their shared love for the Tigers runs deep (and yes, game days get competitive). Zak is grateful for a friendship that has lasted through every season of life — especially this one. Zak is so thankful to have such a loyal friend standing by his side on this special day. And let’s not forget, the joy of sharing a birthday with the bride to be. Love having a birthday buddy.
Sara WaltersSara Walters
Bridesmaid
Sara is one of the bride’s dearest friends and a bridesmaid who has been part of her life since 10th grade. What started as a simple carpool arrangement — thanks to their moms — turned into a lifelong friendship neither of them could have imagined. Sara is beautiful inside and out and has always been one incredible athlete — dominating on the basketball court and the soccer field. More importantly, she has been my calm in the storms of life, always ready with wise advice and a listening ear when I need it most. She is also the amazing mother of a beautiful set of triplet girls and sweet Charlie girl, somehow juggling busy mom life with grace. Alongside raising her crew, she stays active in her home church and continues to pour into everyone around her. I am so blessed to call her my friend and couldn’t imagine this day without her by my side.
Bruce WatkinsBruce Watkins
Father of the Groom
Bruce is Zak’s dad and the proud leader of the family. He made the big move from Michigan to South Carolina to build a life full of opportunity and hard work, and he owns and operates a paving business that reflects that dedication. He is a proud grandpa to six grandchildren and truly the best Papa around. Bruce is known for his funny sense of humor and his ability to make everyone laugh. Give him a Crown and Sprite, and he’ll have the whole room taking shots and celebrating in no time. We’re so grateful for his love, leadership, and the energy he brings to every gathering.
Josh WatkinsJosh Watkins
Groomsman
Josh is the groom’s younger brother and lifelong built-in best friend. They get along pretty well — despite being serious college rivals! Josh attended the University of South Carolina, Gamecock for life, while Zak proudly cheered on the Clemson Tigers. This rivalry makes football season in their family especially entertaining. No matter the rivalry, they both share a deep love for their home state of Michigan — and for the Detroit Lions. Sundays are best spent cheering on their team (through every high and low!). Today, they work side by side at their family paving company alongside their sister and dad, continuing the family legacy. Josh is also the proud dad of Ella, our flower girl, and her little sister Lily. He shares life with his wonderful wife, Hannah, and we’re so grateful to have him standing by Zak’s side on this special day.
Shelly WatkinsShelly Watkins
Mother of the Groom
Shelly is Zak’s amazing mom and the heart of the family. She is a proud grandma to six grandchildren, and Zyle absolutely adores his grandma. She enjoys spending time with family, loving on her grandkids, and making memories together. She also loves a good family trip where we can all gather together, relax and have fun. Give her a Crown and ginger ale and a dance floor, and she’s ready to celebrate all night long! We love her so much and are so grateful for her. 💕
Kathy NelsonKathy Nelson
Mother of the Bride
My mom is the definition of strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love. As a single mother, she worked long hours but somehow never missed a gymnastics meet, cheerleading pep rally, swim meet, basketball game or volleyball game. No matter how busy or tired she may have been, she was always there — cheering me on from the stands and making sure I felt supported in everything I did. She created experiences and memories that shaped my dreams and expanded my horizons in ways I didn’t even realize at the time. I never went without. I always had what I needed — and even what I wanted — because she quietly put me first in every season of life. She went out of her way to give me opportunities and a future better than the one she had, and for so long I didn’t fully see the sacrifices she made to make that happen. Everything I am today is because of her love, her resilience, and the example she set. I am endlessly grateful to be her daughter and so proud to honor her on this special day.