Wedding Party
Peter Barbato
Best Man
Peter joined the team in 2022 when he and Paul both started the Chattanooga Fellows Program. Peter has been Paul's roommate and on occasion, bed-mate, for the past 3 years. Together, Peter and Paul have met the drivers of the Weiner mobile, been asked if they are biblical characters, and witnessed a tree falling into a swimming-hole.
Meghan O'neill
Maid of Honor
Meghan was Ellie's first roommate in college. They initially met on Facebook during Meghan's "pencil-thin eyebrow era" yet Ellie still agreed to live with her. On move in day Ellie had swollen red eyes from sobbing when her mom left. Because of this Meghan's mom told her it was going to be a tough year... but it wasn't! They hit it off as roommates and have been best friends ever since! Meghan is now the best elementary school teacher in the Atlanta metro area (voted unanimously by the bride and groom).
Brady Simshauser
Bestisch Mensch
Brady joined the team in 2016 where he and Paul met at a Young Life College club. At this particular club, legos had been spilt on the ground to walk across barefoot and Brady showed off his ability to chug an entire pitcher full of koolaid. Brady was Paul's off-and-on roommate in Colorado Springs where Brady watched him go from nerdy Paul to bald Paul. Brady and Paul got up to many adventures (mainly to Fat Sully's pizza for a slice and a beer for $5) that led to Paul being the Best Man in Brady's wedding, the day before Paul moved to Chattanooga.
Mollie Addington
Matron of Honor
Mollie is Ellie's sister-in-law and one of her sweetest friends! Mollie and Ellie bonded when Ellie's brother, Taylor, was out of touch in ranger school. The working theory is that Ellie was the closest alternative to Taylor and post-ranger school Mollie just couldn't shake her. Mollie is kind, honest, strong and really just all things good. She and Taylor are currently in Georgia but will be moving on to their next Alaskan adventure soon!
Caleb Hensley
Groomsman
Caleb joined the team in 2016 as Paul and Brady's Young Life leader. Caleb is best known for his hits "forgetting to pick up Paul for church" and "letting Paul do laundry since he doesn't have a machine." Caleb has been a dear friend, being there for Paul when he most needs it and lending a helping hand by teaching Paul how to fish during the summer of 2020. It did not work.
Emily Dickson
Bridesmaid
Emily is one of Ellie's very best friends from college. They were roommates for two years, during which they co-owned a mini trampoline and shared a twin air mattress a few too many times. Emily is goofy, loving and loyal! Emily still dreams of sharing a trampoline and home with Ellie, but unfortunately got lost on a hike in Utah and has been out there ever since.
Dylan Turner
Groomsman
Dylan joined the team in 2017 as a student in Young Life where Paul lead. Dylan soon joined the leadership team and created a skit with Paul which led to a Podcast, which ultimately led to a matching tattoo that has still yet to be fulfilled as "matching". Dylan has been a support from a far, and has always answered Paul's random Facetimes when no one else would just to share in a belly chuckle. You can catch Dylan making creative decisions for his mega church employer in Northern Colorado Springs.
Chandler Sherry
Bridesmaid
Chandler is another one of Ellie's best friends from college, and roommates senior year. One fond memory of these two occurred over an impromptu margarita date at the spot down the street from their house. On this occasion they excitedly discussed their love for a themed party where every guest truly, deeply commits to the theme. What was birthed from this slightly tipsy conversation was simultaneously the best and worst party of their entire college experience. The theme was "Bob" (you just had to be there). Not only is Chandler a superb party planner, but also a creative boss woman and genuine, fun friend!
Marshall Byrd
Groomsman
Marshall joined the team 23 months before Paul did, being the best older brother that Paul could ask for. Moments with Marshall have only grown sweeter in their adult years as Paul and Marshall have grown closer. The two of them took a 5 day roadtrip from Northern Alabama all the way to Colorado stopping and camping along the way where they found out that "Dust storms may exist". Marshall is seen in Grand Junction married to his wife who is currently with child.
Ansley Sweetin
Bridesmaid
Ansley and Ellie have been best friends since kindergarten! Back then you could find them choreographing dances for the school talent show (Ansley wanted to do Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl"), scream singing early 2000's country and Abba, or running around the Sweetin's farm. In the best way possible, Ansley has always been Ellie's rowdiest friend, and she is just as fun-loving and free-spirited now as she was then. If you're looking for a good time, go find Ansley on the dance floor.
Ben Caldwell
Groomsman
Ben joined the team shortly after Marshall and only 14 months before Paul. Ben is known to be a leader in the "Byrdwell Brothers" pack. He would usually take Paul and Marshall on "guided tours" to the local quicksand pits and see how many ticks they could get on them in the East Texas pine-curtain. After graduating college, Ben moved to Chattanooga and Paul followed suit shortly after. Then, Ben figured enough was enough and moved once again to Kentucky. Ben has been so gratious to share his birthday with Ellie and Paul's new anniversary so be sure to wish him a happy birthday and please don't eat his cake.
Caroline Price
Bridesmaid
Like many other middle school love stories, Caroline and Ellie started theirs on the bus listening to Taylor Swift. As the lyrics of "Should've Said No" rang in their ears, they wrote each others names into the book of friendship. They went on to be an annoyingly inseparable theater duo (but like cool theater kids) throughout high school. Caroline showed up (and nearly out-dawg'd Ellie) to the great campus in Athens, GA to make a name for herself, but made sure to not forget about our dearest along the way. The two will continue their Love Story for more than a Fortnite to be Enchanted. This they know All Too Well.
Jesse Schwindt
Groomsman
Jesse grew up about 15 minutes from Paul & family during their Colorado stint, but he and Paul didn't meet until 2022 when Paul moved to Chattanooga. Jesse eventually joined the team in October 2023 when Paul needed someone to talk to about this new girl he was talking to who ended up becoming the Bride in this here wedding. Jesse and Paul spent many of work lunches together until Paul moved in with Jesse who only said yes because "we don't have to be friends". That plan didn't work. Jesse moved in with Paul after he bought his house, and at the end of 2024 Jesse bought his own house. That means that we don't keep in touch with him anymore. We don't even know if he's showing up to this... just kidding, we know he is!
Emma Horwitz
Bridesmaid
Within the memory vaults of late elementary school Ellie met Emma. Between the schoolyard and the campgrounds, their friendship blossomed. Emma is loyal, fun, spunky and adventurous! In her undergrad years, Emma became a cougar, getting her degree from the College of Charleston. Although a ways away from each other, they stayed in touch and kept their friendship alive. To test this theory, Emma moved to Berlin, Germany and the same stayed true.
Townsend Kaak
Bridesmaid
With the ring of an empty room across the hall, Townsend answered the call. Ellie had been living in Chattanooga for about a month by the time Townsend showed up with her pup, bringing the house total for living creatures up to 6 (including the maybe-squirrel that lives in the walls). As Teddy (Townsend's dog) and Walker (Ellie's dog) became good friends, so did their owners. Ellie and Townsend grew closer as Paul would spend less than equal time at their house compared to his own, but between the dutch family style dinners they've all had and the tv they've shared, Townsend has earned her spot in this crew. Chattanooga is so much better with Townsend in it.