Katie & Sam
Wedding Party
Brittany Atkinson (Zimmerle)
Matron of Honor
Being the oldest girl in the family growing up, Katie always wondered what it would be like to have an older sister. So when her older brother ended up marrying Brittany she was thrilled to say the least. Brittany brings so many gifts to the table from her ability to care so deeply for others, stand up for the little guy, provide the most on point humor, and be able to recite pretty much any lyric from Nicki Minaj or Eminem it's easy to see why Katie looks up to Brittany and truly leans on her for her guidance and support. Conversation starters may include: Broadway Musicals, Cleveland restaurants, The Vampire Diaries, Brumates, or Boston.
Kyle Zimmerle
Best Man
Sam and Kyle first met when Katie invited Sam to their grandparents 55th wedding anniversary weekend on Lake Norman. This was just after dating for 2 months and Sam was nervous to meet everyone, particularly Kyle. Sam got to know Kyle more as they had more time hanging out on the family beach trips and during Katie's and Sam's visit to Cleveland pre-pandemic. Kyle can be quiet at times but when he speaks he hits you with a good one-liner or a dad joke. Sam and Kyle both enjoy talking sports, Animal Crossing/video games, and beer. Conversation Starters may include: Aviation, Football, Cleveland, Purdue, Backpacking
Mary Elizabeth Elkins
Bridesmaid
As Katie's younger sister, Mary Elizabeth, affectionally called "meebs", and Katie grew up connecting over several shared interests of soccer and tennis, tv shows, and their similar major/minor path's in Psychology at Indiana University. Although Mary Elizabeth sometimes portrays a harder exterior, she is a total softie underneath and truly would do anything for those she cares about. She is quick witted, outspoken, and confident in her abilities - characteristics Katie often looks to learn and grow from through her relationship with Mary Elizabeth. Conversation starters could include: Silence of the Lambs, hair dye, ASMR, music videos, or the patriarchy.
Nathan Jones
Groomsman
Nathan and Sam first met when Sam just moved to South Carolina and heard kids playing basketball down the street and it ended up being Nate and friends playing in his driveway. They have been friends ever since, running XC and track in HS, becoming roommates through college, playing intramural sand volleyball and golfing together whenever they both are free. One semester Nate made it his mission to attend every UofSC sporting event on campus. *see 5th conversation starter* Conversation Starters may include: Golf, Laine, Junie B (Bassett Hound), UofSC Sports, Top 5 on UofSC Student Sports rewards points list (all-time)
Nikki Elkins
Bridesmaid
As the youngest of the siblings, Nikki has always brings the spark and energy to any situation. Nikki and Katie are very similar and have spent a lot of time learning about themselves through their time spent together. This has led to stronger sense of awareness that Katie is so thankful Nikki has provided her with. Nikki is the social butterfly of the family and connects with every person she meets, but can also be incredibly intentional with the people in her circle which is truly a unique skill. Conversation starters may include: ANYTHING.
Michael Bradley
Groomsman
Michael and Sam first met in 2009 running Cross Country and Track at Dutch Fork High School. Their friendship formed through high school as Mike's house was THE hangout for video games, watching sports or playing pool baseball. They both attended UofSC and were college roommates and co-workers at UofSC Intramural Sports, teammates on intramural teams and have played countless rounds of golf together. Conversation starters may include: College football, The happiest place on earth (Disney or Vegas), Golf, Climbing the Moe's Reward ladder
Suzy Noblet
Bridesmaid
Suzy and Katie first met over dinner with Sam's family at Cantina 76. They hit it off from the moment Suzy tried to convince Katie to introduce herself to Sam's dad for the first time by saying "What's up big Al?". They easily carried on conversations after that dinner connecting over reality tv, kittens, and education. Suzy is dramatic, like Katie, which is also why they likely get along so well. Conversation starters may include: books, fitness, Love Island, hydroflasks, or country music.
Brett Bailey
Groomsman
Brett and Sam first met on the 10th floor of Capstone House as freshman at UofSC. They then lived together throughout college and formed a friendship that picks up right where it left off even living 530 miles apart. Brett has always been intentional in forming relationships, staying in touch and making everyone smile and laugh. Conversation starters may include: Gamecock Football, puns, relating everything to a song, defusing situations with humor, The Mandela Effect
Zachary Jenkins
Officiant
Zach and Sam met while they were both in graduate school earning their MPH degrees. They bonded as friends at a July 4th party at their friends grandparents house. Since then, they have spent many nights watching sports, drinking bourbon & beer, starting a podcast together, The Bo Hutch Power Hour, and sharing our love for cats. Zach and Katie met after she started dating Sam. Since then, Zach has been working to get Katie and his wife, Bianca, on a podcast. So be on the lookout world! Conversation Starters may include: Game of Thrones / A Song of Ice and Fire (why you should read the books), Running, Scary Movies, Best Restaurants, Anime and Cats