McKenzie & Riis
Our I-do Crew
Hana Dzaferovic
Maid of Honor
I sometimes look back at the 11-year old girls who were binge-watching Twilight in my basement, and think, "Wow, look how far we've come!" Hana is my soul sister. We met in German class in sixth grade and then, despite how hard that class was, both went on to get degrees in German Language and Literature in college. A friend is often someone who knows your stories, however, Hana is more than that because she has lived each one with me. It was the easiest decision in the world to make her my maid of honor. She loves fiercely and abundantly, gives her all to anything she puts her mind to, and perseveres no matter what. I would not be the woman I am today without Hana in my life. She has shaped me for the better, and I could not be more blessed to be sharing this day with her by my side
Kurt Weigel
Best Man
Kurt and I became friends on an 8th-grade field trip to Washington, D.C. Before then, we were really only acquaintances, but we have been best friends ever since. Kurt is one of those guys that you can call any time, night or day, and he’ll be there for you. He has always been in my corner no matter the circumstance and I can’t think of anyone else that I’d rather have standing next to me at my wedding. (and yes, we did go as Chippendale's dancer for Halloween in high school)
Regan Maples
Bridesmaid
My sassy, dependable, and ambitious best friend! Regan was the unexpected blessing of my junior year of college. We went from total strangers to acquaintances, and then roommates in just a few months. Regan and I have been classmates, roommates, best friends, coworkers, and more! We share everything together from a home to a job, and yes, even clothes. She is the sister I never had. Undeniably, this wedding wouldn't be happening if it wasn't for Regan and all the sleepless nights she has helped me put into planning this wedding! Regan's love language is quite literally wedding planning. So here's to the girl that is truly everything to me!
Isaac Pope
Groomsman
Isaac is my cousin, but he has always been like my older brother. He's been there to help me through tough times and can make me laugh even when no one else can. Whether it's going on camping trips or just hanging out, Isaac has always made time to be there for me.
Ellie Johnson
Bridesmaid
Freshmen year neighbors, sorority sisters, leaders, and more! Ellie and I have done it all together! Our friendship grew over communal bathrooms and brushing our teeth next to each other every day. Ellie is my ray of sunshine each and every day. She begins every week with a "How can I be praying for you?" text and loves me well in highs and the lows. Ellie Johnson is real and unapologetically herself. She is that friend that meets you with the "I know it's not what you want to hear, but it's what you NEED to hear," and she keeps me in check constantly. She radiates the light of Jesus and loves each person as if she's known them a lifetime. I can't imagine not having this bundle of joy and love in my life!
Jackson Owen
Groomsman
Jackson and I first met as freshmen joining the same fraternity, but we didn't become close friends until sophomore year. We went on spring break together and have had so many good times together since. Jackson has challenged me and encouraged me in so many ways and that's why I want him with me on my wedding day.
Carson Hungerford
Bridesmaid
Loyalty is the first word that comes to mind every time I think of Carson! This girl approached me as a shy freshman and has brought out the better side of me. She is the girl you want in your corner, constantly there for me whether it's attending my Zumba class barefoot, driving me to and from Greenville for a weekend, or showing up at my door at midnight to crash my Twilight marathon. She is adventurous, ambitious, and devoted to the people she loves. She is the life of the party and my go-to-girl for everything!
Collin Stafford
Groomsman
When I was deciding who to live with sophomore year, I didn't realize that I'd end up living with one of my best friends. Most people might know Collin as somebody who is quiet and somewhat reserved, but I'm blessed enough to know how fun and caring he is. Collin's seen ups and downs in my life and I couldn't be more thankful for how supporting and encouraging he has always been.
Olivia Wood
Bridesmaid
From sisters to ghosts, and now girlfriends, Olivia and I have done it all! We are sorority sisters in Phi Mu and our friendship really kicked off after we played ghosts in Phi Mu's Step Sing show! She is the girl to call when you've got a crazy idea, and you need someone just as crazy as you to dive in with you! She has experienced and lived some of my most fun, wild, and unexpected memories of college! Olivia is abundantly kind, loving, and gentle. She is the sweetest. most genuine, and thoughtful friend. I've absolutely adored each and every adventure we have found ourselves in here in Birmingham!
Justin Jordan-Lake
Groomsman
Justin and I met when we both joined the same fraternity, but we didn't become good friends until we lived next to each other our junior year. I ended up spending so much time hanging out with Jackson and him, I essentially became their 3rd roommate. He’s one of the funnest people I know and he constantly pushes me to be better.
Virginia Rowlett
Bridesmaid
From Puerto Rico to Africa, and Georgia to Alabama, Virginia and I have practically traveled the world together. We met in kindergarten and became best friends in high school. We would have been closer friends before high school, but evidently, I was "too cool" for Virginia back in 5th grade. We spent almost every minute together in high school and even won the "Best Bromance" award from our church. Despite the distance in college, we still manage to keep each other updated on everything from faith, sororities, our future, and even boys (especially considering Virginia was the first person I called when I met Riis). We love each other so much, that we even followed each other to the same state for college! Now we're planning the wedding we've been talking about since 2014!
Carson Glaze
Groomsman
My soon-to-be brother-in-law and I have always got along. I grew up an only child so I never knew what it was like to have siblings. But from the time that I first met him, Carson has consistently shown me what an amazing brother he is to McKenzie and how blessed I will be to have him as my brother.
Katie Goodin
Bridesmaid
Freshman year roommate turned to bridesmaid! How lucky are Katie and I that we went from complete strangers, to (somewhat) random roommates, and to best friends in the end! I am beyond lucky to have grown up alongside Katie during my college years. I love looking back at naive 18-year-olds who had no idea what they were going to do with an English degree and a History degree who are now both law students ready to kick ass in the legal field! To know Katie is to know a portion of my heart!
Stuart Glassell
Groomsman
Stu and I became friends our freshman year. He was Pat's roommate so, of course, we got to know each other well. Since then, Stu has been one of my biggest supporters and has been there to challenge me in my faith and in life. Stu's joy is so contagious, you can't help but love him. Even though we haven't been at the same school for the past 2 years, he is still one of my closest friends.
Nana
Flower Girl
If you know me, you know that I am not the original. Nana is the very woman that raised both my mom and I. We simply know that we are just copies of the original wild one. She is the wildest, craziest, and most incredible woman in the world. I absolutely knew that I had to have her share my special day with me in a special way. So instead of a flower girl, we decided to have a flower nana. When I asked Nana to be our flower girl, she said "What? Me? Why?" to which I replied "Well you know, with you as the flower girl, we don't have to worry about a potential tantrum or any meltdown," and in true Nana fashion, she replied with "Yeah, so you think," with a smile of mischief. So here's to the flower nana we all love and need!
Patrick Woodward
Groomsman
Patrick and I first met at freshmen orientation. Everyone had the chance to stay one night in a dorm room, but they were randomly assigned roommates. Patrick was mine. We stayed up til almost 4:00am just talking and it was the highlight of my orientation. Pat and I stayed friends and were roommates again sophomore and senior year. We joined the same fraternity so, of course, we were able to spend a lot of time together. In that time, I realized how much Pat cared about his friends and I knew, no matter what, he would always be someone that I could count on.
Frankie Fehsenfeld
Officiant
Frankie is my cousin and a spiritual leader in our family. He is a pastor at Traders Point Christian Church and a father of 4. Frankie has been a spiritual guide for me, always reminding me to keep my focus on God in my work and in my relationships. There is no one who can give our marriage a better, God-centered start than Frankie!
Camden Grabowski
Ring Bearer
Camden Riis is the youngest of the Grabowski boys and my namesake. He has his own YouTube channel so go check it out!
Brandt and Aiden Grabowski
Ushers
I have known these two since they were first born. Starting in elementary school, I would babysit Brandt and Aiden while our parents had bible study together. We spent a lot of time together and they ended up being like my two younger brothers. It's been such a privilege to watch these boys grow up and I am so thankful to have them in the wedding!