Wedding Party

Darby Burgess

Maid of Honor

"To know Melanie is special, but to call her a best friend for 10 years is a gift. I met Mel my freshman year of college at Birmingham-Southern. I knew the campus was life-changing and our beloved theatre department was a magical place, but I had no idea I would gain one of my most treasured people. It feels funny calling Melanie a friend because she is so much more than that. We started as classmates, moved to Big and Little in Pi Beta Phi, and progressed through many other roles such as roommates, confidants, cast mates, secret holders, and the most important of all - found family. For years, Melanie and I have been each other's person. In September of last year, she called me and said she thought it was time to finally be with Ben. While I jumped for joy that this was happening after many years, I knew this meant someone else would be taking the title of her person. And there is only one person I could hand that honor to - Ben. From being there for the butterflies of if he would want to give it a shot (cmon...) to witnessing the nerves and pure love the day Ben proposed has been a gift. All of my love to the Tieszens."

Gantt Moore

Best Man

"I met Ben in the 5th grade (in the same class Ben and Mel met!). As it happens, the year of his marriage will mark 20 years of friendship between us, making him my oldest friend. In Ben I have been granted the unique privilege of having someone to grow up alongside; someone whose character I have seen sculpted by experience in real time. And when I look back on the chisels that have made my shape, incomplete as it may be, he is invariably there. Ben is a whetstone - for me, for himself, and for anyone who comes into his life. He never gives any less than the best of himself, and likewise searches for the best in others, doing everything in his power to make it known to them and to see it honed to its finest edge. With the announcement of his engagement to Melanie, I could only be filled with satisfaction knowing how he will pull out the best in his partner, and in his family."

Lauren Kuykendall

Bridesmaid

"I met Mel the summer of 2011 after we were cast as Ariel and Rusty in a teen production of FOOTLOOSE. We spent summer after summer together performing in shows, watching movies and swimming at Melanie's house in Georgia, and singing FAR too many show tunes in three part harmony. I'm so excited to stand beside Melanie on her big day, just as Mel did for me!"

Harris Neal

Groomsman

"I was told growing up that it was important to have good friends in high school, but that your closest friends wouldn't come around until later in life. Looking back, I can definitively say that was terrible advice. My best friends are those I grew close to in the fall of 2007 as a kid in middle school, and of course one of those is the man of the hour - Ben Tieszen. Nothing "scratches that itch" quite like a good conversation with Ben. The man is a genius, but one with the most genuine and kind heart of anyone I know. Need help? You didn't even need to ask, he's already there. Bad day? He knew as soon as you walked through the door and has already started putting together the pieces on what he can do to make things better. Ben is the kind of guy who would take the shoes off of his feet to give to someone in need. He'll figure out a way to cover his feet later, or maybe not, as his talents also include some oddly flexible and opposable toes. And now, that weird-toe having, endlessly kind, and intelligent guy has found someone to share all of this (and of course, more) with for the rest of their lives together. I am overjoyed for both of them and wish them all the best!"

Emma Hayden

Bridesmaid

"I met Melanie while we were both in a production of GREASE in Cripple Creek, Colorado. After the summer shows ended, I moved into the same actor house as Mel for the rest of the season. And that's where I discovered that my favorite thing about Melanie is actually just Melanie. She has the most wonderful heart, wit, and humor and she is truly one of the most talented actors I know (also have you heard her sing???). Melanie and I can pick up right where we left off, whether that's after a two week period or a two year period (which is a good thing because we really are the worst at being long distance besties). I am so thankful to have Mel in my life and I'm so excited to celebrate her and Ben on their wedding day!"

Angus Robertson

Groomsman

"Knowing Ben has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It started out with Ben hiring...then firing me many times. What started as work friends has grown into one of the most important friendships in my life. No matter how small an issue or big a celebration, we are always there for each other and I'm so grateful for our bond. I can't wait to celebrate Ben and Melanie's marriage!"

Caroline Tieszen

Bridesmaid

"The first thing I told Ben after he brought Melanie over to my house for the first time was 'You need to marry this girl'. I had never seen my big brother look at a woman like that and his smile lit up the room. I could actually SEE how happy she made him. I knew immediately that she was going to be the one for my brother. While my time with Melanie has been limited, her impact on my life has not been. Melanie has always been so sweet, considerate, and caring to both Ben and myself. We get along so well and it feels like we've been friends for a long time because we have similar tastes and interests. I've always wanted a sister, and Ben finding Mel has finally given me the chance to have that. I'm so excited to be a part of the life that they are building together and so honored to be a part of their big day!"

Andrew Hollenstein

Groomsman

"I've gotten to know Ben a lot better over the past year or so. Turns out, we're cut from the same cloth. We share similar interests, hobbies and humor. All of those facts make it easy for us to get along, which is certainly better than the alternative (I'm looking at you Melanie's exes). If I'm honest, though, those things mean little to nothing when compared with what I've known about Ben from the start - he makes my sister happy. Since Ben and Melanie have been together, I've seen my sister grow in so many ways. She approaches life with more confidence. She seems more in tune with her ambitions and values. She laughs more. Of course, that's not to say that she wasn't an incredible person before Ben; I've always seen that. The difference is that, now, I think she sees that too."

Spiro Gerontakis

Bridesman

"Twas the First Night of Orientation at BSC Whence Spiro Met Melanie. Through Learning, Songs, and a Dance or Two Their Young Friendship Grew and Grew. From Silly Nicknames to On-Stage Love, Spiro and Melanie Found Friendship as True as Turtle Doves. Post College Took Them Both to Places Traveled by Air, But Distance has no Meaning to a Friendship Like Theirs. This On-Stage Baker Loves His On-Stage Wife And is Ready to Pass on the 'Melanie Marriage Torch' To Ben for Life!"

Jac St. John

Bridesman

"I met Melanie in Florence, Alabama through our mutual friend (and Mel's MOH) Darby. And what started as a simple introduction turned into one of the most meaningful friendships of my life. A few years after meeting, I moved to Birmingham, and we grew closer with each passing day. From acquaintances to friends, best friends, and eventually roommates, our bond has only deepened over time. It's been a privilege to witness Mel's journey, and I can't wait to see what this next chapter brings!"

Maggie Ward

Officiant

"Melanie and I met in college at the theatre scholarship auditions (Mel had a horrible cold!) and were twins in our chapter of Alpha Psi Omega. A few years after graduating, we reconnected in Nashville where we bonded over our love of sushi (shout out to Sonobana in Nashville!) and watched lots of award shows :) Congratulations to the Tieszens!"

Pete & Debbie Hollenstein

Parents of the Bride

Stuart & Susan Tieszen

Parents of the Groom