Paige & Ben
Wedding Party
Haines Fleshman/Jones
Matron of Honor
Haines and I became inseparable when she transferred to Hand Middle School in 7th grade. From walking to school together to going on vacation with each other’s families, we have done everything together. We both even ended up choosing to go to Clemson for our undergraduate degrees. Now, we are both engaged and we are even getting married three weeks apart! Haines has been there for all of my ups and downs. She has always been my home base, a soft place to land - my person to retreat to when things get hard. Haines and I balance each other out. My weaknesses are her strengths. She is the closest thing I have to a sister so, of course, we always knew we would be each other’s Maid of Honor. She will no doubt keep me steady and get things done in a way that seems effortless.
Shaina Maginot
Maid of Honor
Shaina and I met a few years ago when we both moved to Denver to pursue our Master’s degree in International Disaster Psychology. We both knew that we would be friends but it wasn’t until we started noticing just how similar we were that our friendship really took off. We would always show up to class or internship at the same time (usually 5 minutes late), we loved all of the same music, shows, food, etc., and we started to know what the other person was thinking before they said it. Both of us chose the same internship two years in a row and started spending every day together. Shaina feels like home and sunshine to me. She is the definition of a best friend and although we have only been friends for a few years, it feels like I've known her forever.
Sims Patton
Bridesmaid
Sims and I have know each other since we were two years old! Our families have always been close and we have been through so many things together - including that summer our parents signed us up for the same summer camps every week and we almost killed each other. She is in so many of my childhood photos and videos. We went to the same church and daycare, we both ended up working at the Mad Platter in high school, and we began a tradition of having Christmas Eve dinner together. We also both ended up going to Clemson and joined the same sorority. Simsie is my family! She is literally a lifelong friend and is as steady as they come. We have been friends now for 23 years, and I can’t wait for the next 23!
Mary-Hampton Singleton
Bridesmaid
Mary-Hampton and I met during our freshman year of college when we both joined Alpha Phi. Mary-Hampton is one of those people that is a fast friend and welcomes you with open arms. We were always friendly but became true friends when we were roommates during my junior year. We spent many days watching reality tv, eating mall court Chinese food, and drinking margaritas. We celebrated our 21st birthdays by throwing a joint birthday party and the rest is history. Mary-Hampton was the first friend to visit when I moved out to Denver and she always makes the drive from Florence to Columbia when I am in town. Mary-Hampton is a true friend and I am so happy to have her as a bridesmaid!
Jensen Greene
Bridesmaid
Jensen was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Denver. She and Claire invited me on a hike during our first week of classes. Although the hike didn’t go as planned, something much better came out of that day. Ever since then, Jensen has been a steadfast friend. We spent many late nights working on homework, gossiping, and drinking wine and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Jensen is the most supportive and thoughtful friend who gives a personal touch to everything she does and it doesn’t go unnoticed. She feels what her friends feel and has a way of making everyone feel so loved. Although we no longer live in the same place, I know this friendship isn’t going anywhere!
Claire Krizman
Bridesmaid
Claire and I became friends on the same hike as Jensen. After that hike, the three of us became very fast friends. Claire treated me like we had already been friends for a long time on that first day and made me feel like I fit right in. She is incredibly welcoming and truly wants to hear what other people have to say. Claire is always down for an adventure and I love that about her. Whether it was a late night in the University of Denver library, brunch, or a night out downtown, she made it work. Claire is a fiercely loyal friend. She is always there when her friends need her. She is also a firecracker and will stand up for what she believes in, especially if it involves someone she loves. I am happy knowing that she will always be in my corner.
Katie McManus
Bridesmaid
Katie and I have been friends since my freshman or sophomore year of high school. We bonded over our love for the finer things in in life: naps, margaritas, and Chick-Fil-A. The two of us spent many nights in high school driving around in her car listening to music and complaining about boys. Not much has changed between us since high school. Katie is one of those friends that will sit on the couch with you for hours and be completely content. We always make time to see each other when I am in town even if our schedules are tight. No matter how long it's been we always pick up right where we left off as if no time has passed. We have been friends for about 10 years now and I am so happy she's in our wedding!
Ernesto Zepeda
Bridesman
The first time I met Ernesto, I knew right away we were going to be good friends - although I'm not sure he also knew that. However, it wasn't until a year later when we realized we would be spending an entire summer abroad together that we began to get really close. We spent that summer exploring, traveling, and making hilariously amazing memories that brought us so much closer together. Ernesto makes everything fun and there is no one I would rather have spent that summer with. Ernesto loves is friends hard and shows up for everyone no matter the circumstances. He is a true friend that puts effort into maintaining his relationships with the ones he loves. I am so happy to have him by my side!
Tommy Passerello
Best Man
How we met: The first time Tommy and I met we were at Newberry College freshmen orientation, and we were passing a bottle of whiskey around freshmen baseball players before going to that night's "mingling event" My favorite thing to do with Tommy: formerly it would have been riding around Newberry post-Sunday brunch waving at old folks on Main Street, but these days probably just taking pictures on couches together Fun fact about Tommy: nickname king - Tom Nut, Nut, T-Pain, T-Sizz
Harris Courson
Groomsman
How we met: Harris and I met when I visited Rosewood Elementary in fourth grade, however it wasn't until we sat next to each other in several classes (much to the dismay of teachers) that we really bonded My favorite thing to do with Harris: formulate and take turns answering hypothetical questions for hours on end Fun fact about Harris: only started being even remotely on time to anything within the past two years
John Stone
Groomsman
How we met: I actually don't remember exactly how John and I met, but we have known each other since middle school - probably through baseball... My favorite thing to do with John: a younger Ben would say hanging out at John's house playing ping pong, video games, and making up sports in his yard. These days comparing notes on books and podcasts Fun fact about John: he has the weakest, most injury-prone ankles of any grown man I know
Bruce Mousseau
Groomsman
How we met: I can't remember how we met, but our relationship was forged on Montgomery Ave watching sports, Star Wars, hunting Pokemon, and going bowling My favorite thing to do with Bruce: easiest of all my groomsmen - go get a pint at Jake's Fun fact about Bruce: has been forced to learn baseball because of his friend group even though he probably doesn't really like it
Grayson Stiglbauer
Groomsman
How we met - we probably originally met through travel or fall league baseball, however we got to know each other best through me crashing the summer activities of the Wheat Street Gang (WSG) My favorite thing to do with Grayson - watching The Tonight Show reruns, trading interesting baseball statistics and talking about old players Fun fact about Grayson - nearly always loses to Harris in fantasy baseball
Joel Tillirson
Groomsman
How we met: Joel and I met first through a mutual friend at work, but we could also be found frequenting Henry's, D's, Jake's, Pearlz, Home Team BBQ, and Tin Roof (with tan impromptu Italy trip thrown in) My favorite thing to do with Joel: to say traveling with Joel would be super easy, but I'd have to say going to D's Wings with him and some other friends every Monday for a year or so Fun fact about Joel: there are few fine dining places in the Southeast that won't know him by name and choice of wine
Craig Harrill
Groomsman
How we met: Craig and I were introduced to each other early on for obvious reasons whether he likes it or not (well now you're in mine and Paige's wedding, how crazy is that) My favorite thing to do with Craig: exchange music recommendations and draw as little attention as possible at family events together Fun fact about Craig: his head is as big today as when he was in elementary school