Wedding Party
Taylor Farley
Bride
Nathan Folta
Groom
Haley Stallard
Maid of Honor
Haley is the bride's childhood best friend. She lives in Richmond, VA where she stocks Taylor with all her prime snacks from Trader Joe's and Costco. Haley is well versed in foods of various cultures and will always have the best recommendations on where to go for dinner. She loves to travel and hopes to take Taylor around the world on their yearly girls trips. She has two adopted cats that have never gone without, and they know it. Most importantly, Haley is a kind-hearted, loving, and selfless friend to Taylor, who is secretly just as awkward and goofy as she is.
Daniel B. Folta
Best Man
"So I first met Nathan in the year 2000 when I was born. While I don’t remember my first impression of him too clearly, I must’ve liked what I saw enough to keep him around for the next 23 years of my life. Taylor, on the other hand, came skiing into my life this past winter when Nathan called me up and gave me the task of testing this gal against the brutal temps of Breckenridge CO. Only after witnessing Taylor’s stunning ability to ski her first double black, kiss Nathan’s cold frost bitten face, and sleep on the dirty airport floor, was I convinced that she was indeed the right match for my brother. I love you both so much and can’t wait to see where the next adventures take you all!"
Cassie Farley
Bridesmaid
Cassie is the younger sister to the Bride. She is starting her fourth year at UVA Wise this fall. Here, she plays for the women's volleyball team and is majoring in Criminal Justice with a triple minor in Communications, Psychology, and Sports Management. Despite having to share a room, her and Taylor enjoyed their childhood together playing with their Barbies and Legos, having fashion shows, and making up games on their trampoline. The sisters are opposite in almost everything, but you know what they say about that...
Michael Folta
Best Man
"As the older (but shorter) brother, I have had the privilege of growing up, homeschooling, and moving around the world together with Nathan. Our bond as brothers is the greatest gift of my life… period. Of course, I first met Taylor soon after Nathan did and was impressed by her adeptness on the climbing wall. When things started to get serious, I scheduled a coffee at Sweet Donkey to conduct a “sister-in-law” interview. Taylor passed with flying colors! What impressed me was her drive and tenacity as a young adult; but what won me over was her love for others and ability to liven a room with her joyous personality. I am thrilled to see how Taylor brings out life in Nathan, challenging and complimenting him in new ways, growing his relationship and reliance on the LORD. Although he is “beating” me by getting married first, I am so excited to celebrate the start of this union and watch their relationship blossom into a loving and committed life together."
Kelly "KJ" Boland
Bridesmaid
Kelly Joan (KJ) is a friend of the bride and groom and prides herself as the mutual friend that brought the two together. KJ met Nathan through the Blue Ridge Fellows Program, and was befriended by Taylor while working at Cave Spring Veterinary Clinic, just weeks apart. Not long after, the couple met when KJ invited Taylor to the climbing gym that the fellows frequented. The rest is history... Two years later, KJ is still a dear friend of the two. She has had the privilege to see the couple’s relationship grow and even had a front row seat to the proposal! She can testify to their dedication to each other and their desire to serve each other and those around them. KJ is honored and excited to be supporting her friends, the bride and groom, on their special day.
Luke Beckwith
Groomsman
It all started at a BCM open house freshman year at Virginia Tech. Luke made eye contact with Nathan from across the room - which was quite easy since Nathan was a head taller than everyone else. They both discovered they had a love for adventure including backpacking, climbing, lake trips, and snowboarding, which accelerated and deepened their friendship. One time Nathan found himself as a double-double agent for Luke and his wife Evelyn when they both looked to him as their point person for simultaneous surprises for the other. Him and his wife have enjoyed many double dates with Nathan and Taylor since. Luke is honored to be like a brother to Nathan, and stand beside him on his wedding day as well as walking through the rest of their life together.
Sara Hallam
Bridesmaid
Sara and Taylor met at Virginia Tech during their first semester as transfer students. Over the years, they have shared many adventures together- leading a bible study, taking over the local coffee shop in Blacksburg (s/o Bollos), singing AJR songs until completely out of breath, getting lost in the mountains of Maine, and fixing one too many broken-down cars. Sara lives and works in Washington, DC, but dreams of the day she can live on a farm in the middle of nowhere- preferably as Taylor’s next door neighbor. She is thrilled and honored to stand by one of her best friends as Taylor embarks on the beautiful adventure of marriage!
Brent Bailey
Groomsman
Brent and Nathan became friends through a serendipitous encounter around a crackling campfire at a college fall retreat. Their connection deepened as they embarked on the challenging journey of pursuing mechanical engineering degrees together. Amid the late-night study sessions and intricate calculations, Brent couldn't help but cringe when Nathan would loudly slurp his hot tea. Yet, it was during our morning runs through cow pie minefields that their bond truly solidified. They navigated those treacherous paths together, forging a friendship built on trust and shared experiences. And on birthdays, Nathan always knew how to make Brent feel special, adorning the inside of his car with colorful balloons one year, or whipping up a memorable breakfast another that left no doubt to Brent of his knack for celebrating life's special moments, and he an't wait to see what Nathan does for his own wedding… Oh, and Brent and Nathan love each other so much, Taylor made Brent move to Alabama to get out of her way…
Sydney Nelson
Bridesmaid
Sydney met Taylor through the Blue Ridge Fellows program and quickly became fast friends. Together they shared many an adventure in Roanoke, from hiking and rock climbing to feasting and movie nights. As a native Floridian, Sydney was a grateful recipient of Taylor’s old winter clothes. It has been a joy for Sydney to walk alongside Taylor as she grew in her faith during Fellows and navigated her relationship with Nathan. Sydney is currently back in Florida working as a neuroscience research coordinator and is thrilled to return to celebrate their wedding.
Daniel C. Folta
Groomsman
Nathan’s Cousin Daniel, not to be confused by the brother Daniel. Growing up Daniel always marveled at Nathan’s inventive drive, and his constant tinkering with random things sometimes led to clumsy accidents that would leave Daniel and his brothers rolling with laughter. "Only Nathan!" they’d say, teasingly for Nathan’s flounders while also admiring his inquisitive genius. Daniel has especially loved how those tear-inducing fits of laughter have continued with Nathan as the years go on, while also watching their friendship deepen into one of sharing wisdom and encouraging each other as sons of God. He had the privilege of meeting Taylor with Nathan during an adventure in the Tennessee hills, stealing conversations with each of them and particularly noticing how Taylor brings out the man Nathan’s called to be. “I'm proud to stand by their side, attest to the Father's blessing, and celebrate their union!”
Mary Wilding
Bridesmaid
Mary met Taylor through the Blue Ridge Fellows program. She knew they were bound to be close friends when she discovered Taylor to be a fellow Cookout corn dog aficionado. And the friendship only grew from there. Mary is grateful to have shared many experiences with Taylor, ranging from the common struggle of working in the Carilion emergency department together (lol) to the incredible gift of growing to know the Lord more deeply with one another. She is so excited for the privilege of standing by Taylor on her wedding day!!
Jordan Bryan
Groomsman
Jordan is our resident northerner, born and bred in New York, who made his way all the way down to Roanoke, VA to be a part of the same Blue Ridge Fellows class as Nathan. He grew close to Nathan and Taylor while he was showing them the ropes at the local climbing gym, or maybe it was Nathan showing him the ropes… and how to tie them. Anyway, he was along for the lovely couple’s journey from dating to engagement. He had the privilege of hearing all about their growing love for each other throughout their Christ-centered path to marriage during late-night conversations with Nathan while they were roommates. Though he is disappointed he may never get to be roommates with Nathan again, he couldn’t be more tickled and honored to be a part of their big day.
Emma Rafferty
Bridesmaid
Emma (aka Rafferty or Raff) met Tay while at Virginia Tech, sharing a table and doing homework together and have been on a myriad of adventures since. If you want to chat about road trips, national parks, or ultimate frisbee, among other things, Emma is your gal. She is on staff with New Life Christian Fellowship, both her and Taylor's college ministry.
Alexander Wagner
Groomsman
Xander and Nathan’s friendship began with a bruising UVA vs VT bar fight… or was it through spending 9 months in the same fellows program? Who knows, but what is known is they’ve become great friends since– whether working on cars, playing disc golf, or jamming and writing music. Xander is honored to be a groomsmen of “one of the men I respect the most in the world!” He and his wife Tamara have enjoyed friendships and double dates together with Nathan and Taylor, and are now a year and some change ahead of Nathan and Taylor in marriage. They are encouraged to watch their relationship grow and flourish. “Cheers to the new Mr. and Mrs. Folta!”
Tanya Murray
Mother of the Bride
Meg Folta
Mother of the Groom
Stacey Farley
Father of the Bride
Dan Folta
Father of the Groom
Andrea Raines
Flower Girl
AKA Nannie Goat - is the maternal grandmother of the bride. She took Taylor and her sister on all kinds of adventures throughout their childhood with her partner in crime, Mamaw. Nannie has taught Taylor how to do many things in life, like how to remove the sticky marshmallow residue off the roasting stick, how to pee between the car doors on the side of the highway, and all the different ways to eat Ramen Noodles. She taught Taylor that she “doesn’t need a man” to get things done in life, which instilled the bride’s independence (and stubbornness). This all changed when she met Nathan and saw how Taylor light up with him around. Nannie Goat is immensely thrilled for the happy couple and doesn’t think that there is a better match for her granddaughter.
Carol Farley
Flower Girl
AKA Mamaw - is the paternal grandmother of the bride. Her and Nannie Goat are thick as thieves and did everything together during Taylor's childhood. Taylor deeply cherishes all the adventures, stories, and laughter they have all shared throughout the many years of life together. Mamaw is the ultimate 'Bag Lady' role model to Taylor and taught her why it is important to always have your purse on you and how to properly stock it with all the tiny things needed in casual day to day life, including a mini tape measurer, finger nail clippers, and a box cutter. She has also taught Taylor what it looks like to be meek and shown her the value of choosing when to speak (this also means that she has the best jokes and you never see them coming). Mamaw is all the best things you think of when you think of a grandmother: warm hugs, soft laughs, spare cash for gas money, fresh fudge or sweets always on hand, and Christmas presents with your own distinct wrapping paper. She is all these things and so much more. Mamaw is so thrilled for the happy couple and cannot wait for their many visits with fresh grilled kabobs for dinner and fiddling on the back porch.
Brooks Farley
Ring Bearer
Brooks is the first grandchild of the Farley Family, making Taylor an aunt, which means he is absolutely spoiled rotten. He is the cutest little man and he knows it! He is currently fascinated with mowers, vacuums, leaf blowers, and keeping things organized. He is highly skilled at saying "no" and doing the exact opposite of what you ask him. It is for all these reasons that we have selected him to deliver our (fake) rings down the aisle ;)
Nick Viers
Officiant
Nick first met Taylor as a wee middle schooler at Woodland Hills youth ministry winter retreat (TCTC). Nick and Taylor were both new to the community that year but quickly fell in love with WHCC and all it had to offer. Nick and his wife, Heather, ministered and counseled Taylor growing up and have played a major role in the Lord's shaping and molding of the woman she is today. They have been prayerful over the bride and her future spouse, that he would love the Lord boldly and complement her well in their walk in Christ together. Although they have only met Nathan a few times, they fully support their marriage and lifetime together.