Wedding Party
Jennifer Smestad
Bride
Robert Ricotta
Groom
Kalynn Durkiewicz
Matron of Honor
My one and only older sister (and sibling) and built-in best friend. From 1992 to now, we've had an inseparable bond. She has always been very protective over me, my biggest fan and critic, my antagonizer, and my role model. I wanted to be just like her, so I copied everything she did, which is actually why I am now a singer (thanks sis!) I don't know how two people can be polar opposite and the exact same at the same time, but we are! We aren't twins, but sometimes I question if we are because we have a sister-telepathy kind of connection and know what each other are thinking without saying a word. I am so grateful that our relationship since childhood has followed us into our adulthood and has become even better and stronger.
Sean Kennedy
Best Man
Upon first meeting, the bond of brotherhood was immediate. A closeness that evolved through meaningful conversation, the sharing of family upbringing and with every song we ever began. It is stunning that music with its every note and lyric can allow souls to mingle here on earth such like this friendship. We have become quite an unstoppable duo ever since; both in a writing room, onstage and off. Now and always ever in pursuit of the next adventure of feeling alive; and the search of grounding our spirits with heaven in mind. A Scotsman and an Italian walk into a bar kind of story. Our shared passion for making people feel known and free is what is undeniable. Speaking about the hard things like mental health, addiction and relationship is where you may find our conversations going on any given day. An unsaid faithfulness to confronting head on the worst of us together.
Kennedy Scott
Matron of Honor
Kennedy and I met in Burbank, CA while sequestered in a hotel together for a month auditioning for The Voice. We bonded over pizza, the gym, and laying out at the pool. Luckily, we both lived in Nashville and didn't have to worry about a long distance friendship, so we picked right back up where we left off when we got back to Nashville. We became the best of friends as we built our relationship on sleepovers, working out, walks, steam room, Christmas movies year round, chocolate chip pumpkin bread, hot tea, and Jesus. If you ever hear me call her "Neddy" and she calls me "Toady", don't be weirded out.
John Morgan
Best Man
They say there's no place like home. That saying could never be more true in this friendship, our common affection for the Carolina mountains and the roots of bluegrass music runs deep. We have an endless belief in one another that could never deny its own power. Always impressing upon one another to be better, because isn't that what brothers do? We feud like brothers and we make up for it with making killer memories simultaneously. We have shared some of the most unforgettable moments of music; both in the craft of writing songs and in the on stage moments you can't replicate if you tried. Some once in a lifetime treasures we have. Also, if you want dirt on me; this guy has a vault. The most beautiful part of this last statement is DITTO. ; ) We have and will always dream larger than the town we grew up in and the one we chose to live in even now. I am so pleased we have lived out our dreams jointly, and something tells me we will continue doing so.
Sara Ricotta
Bridesmaid
Sara is Rob's little sister, and my sister-in-law to be! I'm so excited to gain another sis. I love getting together with her to talk about all the things that bother us about Rob (kidding, kinda!) Even though she is 10.5 years younger than me, I sometimes find myself going to her for advice because she offers so much insight and wisdom. She is very mature, smart, the most sweet and gentle soul, and beyond her years. She is truly one-of-a-kind.
Alexander Pappas
Groomsman
In our college days and even now, many friends and acquaintances still won't say one name without the other. Partner in crime is an adopted title we both claim. When you live in the closest of proximity to one another for years of your life, there is not much you don't know about the other person. There is a deep flawed beauty in knowing someone in full transparency, and this is something we equally share. The good, the bad and the ugly encompasses our friendship. I am grateful for watching each other grow up. Some might identify it as a second puberty; the comfortable in your own skin kind of aging together. A couple of 19 year olds fumbling their way into adulthood on each others shoulders at times. We are still stumbling here and there but I wouldn't desire to stumble with anyone else. I'll never have to wonder if I have family in this guy (what a brother). I suppose we will go into our third puberty of being old men one day, can't wait dude.
Joanna Zolnierczyk
Bridesmaid
My Polish childhood neighbor turned bestie. I still call her by her Polish name, "Asha." She moved into our neighborhood when she was two years old and I was four years old. My sister and I take credit for teaching her how to speak English and ride a bike. We bribed her with Oreos. We have so many great memories together from sleepovers to starting a pillow making business to neighborhood games to birthday parties to swimming. She's the kind of friend that is more like a sister. No matter how much time passes where we don't see each other or even talk much, nothing changes.
Ian Schober
Groomsman
The renaissance man of mystery, the epitome of style and the host that just won't stop hosting. We found a mirrored soul initially in working with one another over zoom. I was putting voice over to his visual design at the time. That zoom meeting sparked an invitation that only Ian could give. He simply said after one meeting, you are welcome to come and stay in Seattle whenever you like. I then took him up on his offer, and I to this day have never known hosting such as his. Late nights full of simply the greatest conversation. We have and are still figuring out how to stay Rock n roll while time has its way with us. He's endlessly cool and the kind of aurora borealis that displays itself most uniquely in his closest of friendships. The kind of of friend you don't ever question the time has passed nor where you stand presently with each other. Adventure is quite literally his middle name; and he wears its merit badges wherever he wanders. Here's to not staying in one place for too long, and embracing the most aloof and ugly parts of life together, only to remember we're just prodigal sons. Thanks for struggling with God with me brother, I know we will continue to do so.
Kelsey Paul
Bridesmaid
Kelsey and I met at Miss America. I was Miss Arizona and she was Miss Oklahoma. A couple weeks before our Miss America class traveled to Atlantic City for Miss America week, we all went to Orlando for orientation and the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant. I remember when we were at Disney World for one of our events, my first impression of Kelsey was, “Miss Oklahoma is so weird,” and I knew we’d be best friends at that very moment. Here we are 10 years later, still best friends and still weird.
Cameron Dodds
Groomsman
Born not too far apart. Blood brothers for real; so elated to say we are related as first cousins ! Inseparable adventure mates since childhood. We many a time have played outlaws running from the spankings we both deserved from our Grandparents over the course of growing up. Such a deep soul and a thinker; if anyone desires to "go there" in conversation, Cameron will go there with you and no doubt you will learn something. A constant reminder how important and temporal our lives are; throughout my brief history on earth he has reminded me of our real purpose whilst here. If you see us on a dance floor please either get on our level, or get out of the way; because the groove is deep we operate in. I can always rely on him to never care other peoples thoughts when we are sarcastic and foolish in our humor around complete strangers. May we always stay young idiots who love music more than most anything. Everyone wishes they had a Cameron in their lives. If you can't find Cam, its because he most likely is on the side of a 16,000 ft rock face taking in God's wildest creation, or he's hurting himself doing some epic extreme sport to check his pulse (and make sure he's still alive) ! ; ) Heck yeah brother!
Michelle Warbalow
Bridesmaid
Michelle is my fellow non-rev pilot's daughter friend. We have known each other our whole lives thanks to our dads! Both of our dads are now retired United Airlines captains, but they met nearly 40 years ago in the same training class after getting hired at United. Her family used to live in Arizona when we were kids, so we spent birthdays together and got together often with both of our families. Once they moved out of the state, they still came back to visit a lot and we took some family trips together (Disneyland is a fav). In our adult years we have traveled in and out of the country together and even became roommates in Nashville! Chelle (or "MBALOW" as Rob calls her) is a flight attendant for American Airlines, she has a passion for hiding around the corner and jumping out to scare me, and she surprise visits me whether it’s for my birthday, for a show, or just for fun! What a friend!
Austin Lucas
Groomsman
My oldest friend. Kindergarten buddies who grew up way too fast. We were the weird kids making voices and characters in class. I have never gotten in more trouble throughout life with anyone like I have with Austin. He is a craftsman like you would not believe, creating everything out of anything. He's simply one of the most talented artists I know. In most any of arts mediums (acrylic, water color and sculpting) he will take the cake. I have watched him grow from a little strange boy into a family man. He is undeniably an old soul in a young mans figure. He is equally talented at accents, characters and dialects as myself. Not sure there has ever been a moment of life where we haven't laughed at life's circumstances (bad or good). He has single handedly moved me to new cities over the years, supporting my ever evolving life (never asking for a thing). I know we will keep making up characters till we are old senile men, of this I am sure. If I ever was found on a battlefield in history, we would be storming another army aside one another. Brothers in arms.
Ashley Robertson
Bridesmaid
Ashley's mom (Melanie) and my mom have been best friends since high school. Ashely and I have known of each other our whole lives from our moms and Christmas cards, but we never officially met in person until a few years ago when she and Mel visited Nashville from California. I immediately loved her and she felt like family, and I asked her if she would ever consider moving to Nashville and becoming roommates. A year later she moved to Nashville and moved in with me, and we are currently roommates! "Shley" was a dancer in college at the University of Tennessee and is now a speech pathologist! We have bonded over our moms, watching movies, making blankets, going on walks, Christmas, and Mexican food.
Andrew Beason
Groomsman
BEASON. Affectionately named of course! I had the honor of meeting Andrew in a musical environment through my fiancé Jennifer years back now. I was so pleased to know that my future bride had chosen a friendship with this man as his character was immense! I was so pleased to come to find he was a great songwriter and an even better friend. Beason has shown up for so many parts of our lives in Music City; and I cannot thank him enough for his support in the smallest and biggest of ways over the years. Beason believes in Beason, and that rubs off on you. When you don't believe in yourself sometimes, you just have to listen to his gentle encouragement of, "you got this". He has offered up his time and talents to Jennifer so many times to show his affirmation and appreciation for her music (and her as a person). For a man like me that loves a woman deeply, it is a high compliment for another man to treat your lady so kindly and with high praise. That kind of a man will always demand my respect and in turn I give my continued support. If you have Beason in your life you are winning !
Jennifer Sedler
Bridesmaid
JSED. We met at a baseball game in high school and became friends, even though we went to rivalry high schools (Go Wolves!) We were both cheerleaders, and she is the reason I competed at Miss Arizona! Jenn was Miss Arizona 2011, so my sister and I went to Vegas and attended the Miss America competition that year to support her. I had never competed in a pageant beforehand or even considered it, but after watching Jenn place 3rd runner up to Miss America and represent Arizona so well, I wanted to see if it was something I could do. She helped me get involved, showed me the ropes, and then I went on to win Miss Arizona 2013. Oh, and we have the same initials, JLS. She is now a doctor saving lives, but also has a passion in writing and poetry. We've written songs together in Nashville and it is one of the most special writing experiences to date!
Paul Garner
Groomsman
We have had so many funny iterations of bands and musical groups over the years growing up as high school lads in the same town. Paul is a leader, he takes that stance in your life and he never shakes from it. He is someone who releases your potential and doesn't stop telling you what he thinks of you. He will always admit his own faults so you can see your own through his quiet bravery. If you have a vision, Paul will see to it that you are well supported. I have shared my dreams with Paul through the history of our friendship, and he has never not encouraged me (wherever in the world that has taken me). A hometown brother I do not take for granted, he changes the atmosphere and culture wherever he goes. He's the guy that should be in the spotlight, but he chooses to place the spotlight on someone else. We all could learn a little more of that, and Paul will show you how to be just that. Our mutual obsession with music has left us with some unforgettable memories. I have never had to wonder in my highs and lows in life if I have a friend in Paul. Constant and hospitable his heart will always be.
Karrina Rotter
Bridesmaid
My college friend, design friend, workout partner, and travel buddy. Karrina and I met through our personal trainer, Scott Keppel in college. We call him the best friend match maker! We both went to Grand Canyon University and were inseparable and still would be if I didn't move to Nashville and she moved to California. We took spontaneous trips together to Chicago, Vegas, New York City, New Orleans, and of course Northern Arizona where she is from. We went through breakups around the same time, and now we are both engaged to our dream men at the same time. We've been there for each other through it all! I call her "KK", and I'd like to think we are the perfect blonde and brunette duo.
Jonathan Edwards
Groomsman
"Arizona Edwards", what a creative visionary he is! Nashville brought me a brother in this man. You wanna share your wildest dreams, you go share them with Edwards. He has a way with finding a hook in any part of the human experience. He doesn't stop at being one of the best songwriters alive, he has worlds of creativity in him (that if you give him 10 minutes) he will bring you into those very worlds. Edwards is a smooth criminal with a cool breeze swagger only Arizona could give someone. A faithful friend whom in a room full of opportunity will ALWAYS promote his friends. Now that is hard to find in someone! Some of the best songs I've ever had the privilege of writing are with this guy, and I know we will write till we both come to grips with the title of "old men". Edwards is full of stories and is such a shockingly good story teller. He will always make you feel accepted, loved and like family is his presence. You desire to go conquer the world, you scheme doing it with Edwards. Jonathan will believe in you, when you don't believe in yourself.
Emma Lynn White
Bridesmaid
Emma is my songwriting bestie, hiking buddy, and fellow sunshine and all things heat lover. We met in a songwriting session shortly after I moved to Nashville and have been friends ever since. I love being able to work and create with one of my closest friends. She met her boyfriend, Buck (now fiancé,) shortly after I met Rob, and we became couple friends! Now we are engaged at the same time and it's very special. Buck and Emma were actually on the hike with us when Rob proposed. Still to this day I cannot believe Emma kept that secret from me!!
Buck Cumbo
Groomsman
Buck is a my fellow adventurer and schemer in life. We met through myself and Jen's great friend Emma ! Whom is now his wife ! Buck and I are still scheming our way to our dreams one day at a time, with different business plans and whole lot of belief the random skills we've acquired over the years. Buck has never turned down a wild idea since I have met him or a plan to go adventure somewhere. I reckon we will be the old friends one day that will sit on a dock somewhere and say, "remember that time we ... ". Buck is the type of friend that keeps you young and carries a calm mental attitude and no worries attitude in life (that is so needed for the long haul). Buck values the people in his life by giving of his energy and time in a way most friends don't or won't. He always is a helpful hand and transparent about his life, which is much of what sustains life and friendship. Buck and I are very much at similar portions of life, getting married and moving into leading our own families. I am sure we will stay accountable to one another in doing our best to be the best men we can be. Buck will consistently be truthful and transparent with his struggles, his insecurities and the remedies in which he finds alongs life's road. That in my humble opinion is what a true friend is, someone you consistently check in on the mental and wholistic health of one another whilst pursuing and purging each others dreams or aspirations in the process.
Lydia Vaughan
Bridesmaid
Lydia and Rob met in a songwriting session, and he called me afterwards and said I need to write with her because I'd love her as a friend and a co-writer. So, Lydia and I officially met in our own writing session, and Rob was absolutely right about everything! We have become very close in the past year through our friend group, songwriting, Bible study, and discovering we are both 6s on the enneagram. It's nice having a friend whose mind and personality are very similar to mine so we can understand one another when others don't! We are basically the same person.
Ben Halsey
Groomsman
Ben Halsey is a man who looks through to the soul of another human being and sees them intimately. Ben and I met in Asheville NC in mutually serving in a local church together. The only way to describe the way Ben loves people is as Jesus loves them. He doesn't see defects in humanity like other people do, and it's so inspiring. He is a gifted songwriter and wordsmith. We have both written songs that in honesty we are just happy to say we were apart of (both of us believe they have been from God for different moments in our lives). We have become closer over the years speaking about our dreams of being husbands and fathers. He has as of the last few years beat me to the chase, and is a wonderful father of his own. I am proud of the way he leads his family and his wife, and the way in which he always has pursued the purposes of God on his life. He has been instrumental in my own walk of faith, (especially when I have not understood God or been angry with Him). Ben always brings such helpful perspective and listens so well as a friend, not always offering the solution but just stays present. I am so blessed to call him a brother and friend.
Hailey Morgan
Bridesmaid
Hailey and I met through Rob and her husband, John. Rob plays drums and tour manages for John, so Hailey and I have become close as touring musicians' girlfriends then fiancés and now wives (well, almost for me!) We've taken trips to go see the boys together, started a Bible study with some of our other friends here in Nashville, and have bonded over a very unconventional life that no one else can really understand unless they're in the same situation! She is now the best mama to their sweet baby girl, Willie, and it's been so fun watching her become a mom. Hailey, John, and Willie girl are more like family to Rob and me!
Rich Redmond
Groomsman
Rich is my older, better looking brother. We have had the amazing opportunity of being on the road together the past two years. An instant paisano and cherished friend. We went deeper in our friendship very quickly in expressing our mutual affinity for our families, rock n roll, leather jackets and cigars. Rich is one of the most genuine humans alive, and absolutely no one can feel unwelcome in his presence. He is faithful to all of his friends and the highest caliber of musical craftsman on planet earth. Rich wants to see people succeed to their utmost potential, and he will personally see to it that you are encouraged throughout your life to attain your dreams. One of the hardest workers and always has time for anyone who crosses his path. If you have Rich Redmond as a friend you are very blessed, because there is no one more attentive and caring. Also, Rich will literally make you belly ache laugh when you least expect it, (so beware) don't say I didn't warn you. If there isn't a party happening somewhere, He will most certainly bring the party to wherever you are, if you have been in his presence you understand what I mean.