Markey & Andrew
Wedding Party
Lindley Battle
Maid of Honor
Words cannot describe how much I adore my big sister. Lindley has always been the definition of success for me. Whether I was a toddler, running around to try and catch up with her, or I was in elementary school and watching her take photos of plays and wondering if I should act because of that, or when I was in middle school and saw her travel all over the world and capture the spirit of the people she met flawlessly on the camera, or when I was in high school and her career took off, or when I was in college and it became clear to me just how much she sacrificed to make me feel safe and loved throughout my entire life — Lindley has never ceased to amaze me. I will never stop looking up to my big sister. She is simultaneously the scariest and safest person in my life and I wish everyone could have a big sister just like her. When I grow up, I hope I am at least half the woman she is. Lindley never stopped being my protector, my best friend, and my favorite sister. I love her more than anything and anyone in the world and it is an honor to be her little sister. Talk to Her About: Photography, her dogs (but mostly Mika), and the many times she attempted to murder Markey.
Isaac Altizer
Best Man
Whenever you hear me (Andrew) talk about this man you will always hear the word “brother” beside his name. When we met in the 9th grade at Liberty Christian Academy, we had no idea that the bond we made was to last a lifetime. When you look at us, it’s hard to see what we have in common, and to be honest, I don’t think even we know. He was always more athletic and I was the one to crack a joke and drink a soda. He was leading Bible Study and I was making a short film with my theater buddies. He's getting his masters and I dropped out of college after four and half years of studying theatre. But whenever we needed to talk about life, console the other over girl troubles, or just be around a friend who cared about everything going on in the other’s life, we’d be there. If there has ever been a person whose friendship exemplified “iron sharpening iron” in my life, it is Isaac Altizer. I always look forward to hearing of the updates in his life every few months and seeing not just the man he's becoming but the leader he's going to be. I’m so proud to call Isaac my friend and of the man he has been and continues to be, as he pursues a life (both here on earth and in eternity) that is comprised of excellence and is God-honoring. Talk to Him About: God, Sports, Cats, and Feelings
Abby Wright
Maid of Honor
If you look at our Facebook profiles, you’ll see us listed as each other’s sisters. While was something we did in middle school and continually forget to change, the status is nonetheless accurate. Although I'm older than Abby, she's taller, which usually allowed her to be in charge and to always play the groom when we played house, but I'm sure she's okay with handing that role over to Andrew now. Abby and I have been best friends for over 22 years. And yes, I’m aware of what a rarity that is. When I look back at my childhood, it’s full of spa days, ice skating dates, sleepovers, and tea parties with Abby. I’ve been blessed to have Abby as an honorary sister for all of my life. She has never ceased to impress me, love me, and make me laugh. From the moment I met her, I knew we would be best friends for the rest of our lives and I'm so blessed that that has remained true. Abby is the essence of joy to me and I could not have this day without her. Talk to Her About: Good food in DC and why brushing your teeth in the shower should be outlawed.
Tim Cockes
Best Man
This guy and me have been through it all. Tim is my oldest friend and I truly consider it an honor to be his friend. We met due to our dads working together when we were in elementary school and have become like brothers in the time since. Tim was one of those guys that for the longest time, I didn’t realize how good of friends we were. But when I got to college, he was the first guy on my list to be roommates with. During that time we got to see each other grow and go on a few adventures together. We even went to Greece and I got to see him experience heat exhaustion (which I will happily talk about to anyone who asks). I discovered that this tall, awkward, son of a preacher is surprisingly one of the funniest dudes I know, even if he uses the same Office jokes or memes from 2013. For the past two years he’s been my roommate in Nashville and every time we talk I remember why we’re friends. I’ve loved to see Tim’s evolution from this skinny quiet kid who played basketball to a strong and fearless reporter whom I’m proud to be friends with. Talk to Him About: Basketball, Theology, and Journalism/Reporting
Jennifer Blackburn
Bridesmaid
I met Jenn our senior year of high school in an infamous group chat for prospective Liberty University students. Through what could only be described as God’s plan: Jenn — a girl who loved math, science, and confrontation decided to room with me — a girl who wanted to be a Broadway star or Disney princess. While the pairing was unlikely, we became fast friends, close confidants, and great roommates. We spent many nights talking about boys, reading LU Crushes, debating our enneagram types, and delving into the deep questions we had about life. Jenn has witnessed all of my dumb decisions throughout college, and while she'll tell me what an idiot I am, she still loved and supported me throughout it all. I truly wouldn’t have survived the last few years without Jenn’s sound (but very stern) wisdom, as well as her protection. Having Jennifer Blackburn on my side has been an honor and a privilege and I am blessed to have her stand by me physically, spiritually, and emotionally as I begin this new chapter of my life. Talk to Her About: Things wrong with society, memes, and literally anything (she doesn’t stop talking).
Joel Hadden
Groomsman
I did not see this friendship coming but boy howdy am I glad it did. If you ever wanna know what a true blue dreamer is, I suggest you speak to Joel Hadden. I met Joel at Liberty during the production of Guys & Dolls but didn’t truly get to know him ‘til we found ourselves across the table at a friend’s apartment playing Dungeons & Dragons. From there, we formed a small friend group within the Theatre Department and eventually found ourselves having weekly walks where we would discuss writing, the everyday aspects of college life, and our plans for the future. When Joel revealed to me that he was going to Nashville after college I realized I just had to follow him down there to start my own journey as well. In the time since we both moved to Nashville and now moved back to Lynchburg, Joel has become one of my closest confidants. I find it truly one of life's greatest joys to not only find a true friend but a kindred spirit with whom you can weather life's storms with. Joel’s friendship has been one of the most exciting adventures in my life as I never saw it coming and I can’t imagine not going on it with him. Talk to Him About: Movies, Sports, and Books
Michaela Brabant
Bridesmaid
Michaela Brabant is the human equivalent of sunshine. She is the epitome of kindness and joy and light and I simply could not and would not want to imagine my life without her. Whether she's hosting a couple's game night, throwing a surprise birthday party for Andrew, or just sitting around and watching Connor play video games, her energy always lights up the room. Michaela and I also met in the aforementioned group chat, but I truly have no recollection of that. I became close to Mic during our freshman year of college and continued to grow that relationship throughout our four years together. Michaela is the person you call when you need a hug in the form of a human. I've gone to her countless times when I needed someone to be in my corner, no questions asked and she's always shown up for me and any of her friends. Her presence lights up a room and her spirit and smile are infectious. Talk to Her About: Harry Styles, Connor, and glasses
Matt Garoffolo
Groomsman
My man! This guy’s story and journey of self-discovery inspires me to no end. Meeting our freshman year at LU, we became fast friends. Even though he only stayed for that year, our bonding over film, girls, and our spiritual walks was enough to propel us into the future as lifelong friends. To see Matt as a small business owner and the experience and ground he has covered in such a short time will always push me to do more and see how I can also be using my God-given talents and desires in new and exciting ways. When I get that phone call from him every few months to catch up I know it’s going to be a good day. I've found there's nobody better to go out with into the world with a camera and see what y'all capture. He's always been a prayer warrior I know that I can confide in. With a smile and an attitude that’s always shining back on God’s grace, Matt’s friendship has become an invaluable part of my life. Talk to Him About: Photography, Marvel, and Human Behavior
Lauren Pickett
Bridesmaid
Lauren Pickett was possibly the most intimidating of all the sisters when I met her. She’s currently working on Capitol Hill and has never ceased to do amazing things in her personal and professional life. That being said, when I think of her, I don’t think about how she’s massively killing it in all aspects of life (which she is), but instead, what a wonderful human she is. I think of talking about boys with her in the morning with our coffee. I think of sharing a room with her at Disney and telling her how I wished her brother would freaking propose. Lauren is the girl you want on and by your side and I’m so lucky to have her up there with me. Andrew: This amazing girl never ceases to amaze and impress me. Even though we were the siblings to butt heads more than the others, I find that Lauren and I used those confrontations to become closer and make each other better. Lauren is my hero. Talk to Her About: Queso, Nick from New Girl, and fraud in modern-day cable news channels
Luke Snavely
Groomsman
Snuke Lavely may have come into my life the latest out of all these fine groomspeople, but by no means has he made any less of an impact. I remember my sophomore year, all of my theatre friends were talking about this new guy and how we would be such good friends if we met. I eventually did meet him and thought he was very nice. It wasn’t until a couple of years later, when we moved into the same house together, the legendary Bass Bro Shop, and we were roommates I realized how nice of a guy he was and how good of friends we would become. Luke has been such a great example of what being there as a friend really means. He has always been an ear to hear and a giver of quick wit to ease the tensest of situations. He was there for me in dark days and when he started dating (his now wife) Kylie, I knew he was definitely to be trusted. I’ve loved every conversation we’ve had, memory made and joke shared with this curly-haired dude. Talk to Him About: Reading, Sports, and Get Smart (2008)
Raechel Pickett
Bridesmaid
Getting a text or call from Raechel absolutely makes my day every single time. She is brilliant, daring, and such a fun human to have around. Raechel has so much power within her and Andrew and I are so excited to see what the next few years have in store for her. This girl has a wonderful quality that makes everyone around her feel special and loved. She walks in maturity and grace and it’s been such a blessing to be a part of her life. I couldn’t imagine my day without her and I’m so happy to have her standing by my side. Andrew: Raechel Faith Pickett feels and loves so hard in every aspect of her life. Don’t let her quiet demeanor fool you, this girl has opinions and so much strength. She is a loyal friend and an amazing sister who is constantly blowing my mind. Talk to Her About: Marvel, Pride and Prejudice/Sense and Sensibility, how you can get kidnapped anywhere
Kaylee Nedrow
Groomsman
I met Kaylee my sophomore year of college in Acting 1. We sat next to each other the first couple classes and I knew we were going to be friends. By the end of the year I already counted her as a best friend. By the time college would end we discovered that we could count on each other for the longest conversations ever, a shared love of sitcoms (I still to this day think of her as the Elaine to my Jerry), and that we were an amazing entertainment duo on the radio and our now very famous and well known podcast (jk, but go check it out). I've always found Kaylee to be a person who strived for perfection in whatever she does and has also been such a good and consistent friend to me while other college friendships have waned since leaving school. Over the course of the last eight years she's always been someone who has been a positive force in my life. Talk to Her About: Potato Chips, Movies, and your opinion on LaCroix Sparkling Water
Lily Pickett
Bridesmaid
Lily is light and love and laughter and I absolutely adore the heck out of her. I’ve enjoyed endless game nights, Mario Kart tournaments, and Disney days with her. I can’t count the number of times she made me cry when she looked at me and told me she was so happy to have me as a sister. While Lily is small, she is mighty and wise beyond her years. I’ve learned never to underestimate how much wisdom, love, grace, and energy Lily Pickett has and I’m so honored to call her my future sister-in-law. Andrew: Lily Bug is a light in a dark world. If you ever get the chance to spend time with her you are in for a treat. It’s hard to describe how so much wisdom and insight she has for one so young. Her testimony is constantly growing and I can’t wait to see the young woman she continues to become. Talk to Her About: Legos, her pet hamster, and the fall of the Soviet Union
Everest Diablo Pickett
Bean of Honor
When Everest walked into our lives (literally), we didn't know how much we needed him. My apartment housed hundreds of stray kittens, and we always joked about stealing one, but never actually did. One night, I heard crying outside my door, opened it up, and a little black kitty came running inside. I fed him pizza and almond milk, then let him outside two more times in the next hour. By the time Andrew came to visit me after work, I had decided that we were keeping him, though I wouldn't accept it for another month. Beans quickly became our favorite topic, cuddle buddy, and source of entertainment. While I never saw myself as a cat person, I quickly fell in love with our little dumpster cat and will do anything for him. Talk to Him About: Your woes, after shower snuggles, and the fall of the patriarchy.
Pippin Poppin' Pickett
Best Scamper
I was on a walk one day when I saw (yet another) litter of kitties. Yes, my apartment needed to control its cat population. I called Andrew and wouldn't stop talking about the kitties all day. By the time Andrew came over that evening, I was walking out the front door with cat food in hand and an idea of getting all three kittens. But once we got to the kitties, I chickened out, but it was too late. We picked up a little flea ball, Andrew picked out a name for him before we got in the car, and suddenly Everest had a little brother. We promise this is the last one. Talk to Him About: His trip to Mordor, the zoomies, and how to improve your credit score.