Wedding Party
Anaya Connley
Maid of Honor
I met Anaya in early 2021 at Tapestry, where we formed a connection over our shared goal of reclaiming our lives from an eating disorder. After realizing we both lived in the Charlotte, NC, area, we continued to hang out after our discharge. Since then, we’ve supported each other through all of life’s highs and lows while keeping each other accountable in our recovery. Anaya graduated with her associate degree from Central Piedmont Community College and will be attending Western Carolina University this fall to pursue a career in food science. She is also part of a dance crew and loves expressing her creativity through movement, photography, and drawing. Her loyalty, unwavering support, and compassionate patience through all of life’s phases have shown me a new level of friendship in adulthood. I am so excited to go through yet another new chapter of life with her as my Maid of Honor.
McKenna Whatley
Bridesmaid
McKenna is my sister, but from a young age, we have always been best friends. Spending hours playing Barbies, jumping on the trampoline, playing pretend on the swing set, and swimming in the pool defined the best parts of my childhood. We always daydreamed about being in each other’s weddings, and I am so honored to have her by my side. We have shared a lifetime of laughter, memories, and inevitable ups and downs. We’ve pushed each other’s buttons, challenged each other, and sometimes driven each other crazy—but through it all, our bond has only grown stronger. She’s my built-in best friend, my fiercest protector, and the one who knows me better than almost anyone. Having her as my bridesmaid means the world to me because no matter what, we always find our way back to love, understanding, and an unbreakable sisterhood.
Livvie Harden
Bridesmaid
I met Livvie in late 2022 when she started dating Dylan’s younger brother, Jackson. After a few thrifting and coffee get-togethers, I was drawn to her courage to be unapologetically herself, her ability to always look on the bright side, and the love and light she brings to those around her. This fall, she is a freshman at Winthrop University and is currently undecided on her major. She is incredibly talented in the art of ceramics, expresses herself beautifully through fashion, and has a pretty cool taste in music. I’m so glad I’ve gained such a wonderful friend in Livvie over the past few years and feel honored to have her by my side for this special occasion.
Andrew Stevens
Best Man
Andrew is Dylan's step dad. He entered Dylan's life at a very young age, and taught him a lot of the things that turned him into the man he is today. Dylan continues to look up to Andrew, not only as a dad but as a friend too. He has taught him how to be a handyman, how to think critically and solve problems, and the importance of having fun while doing it. He is consistently dependable, showing the importance of being there for others and how much of an impact that can make on lives. Dylan played soccer for years as a child and he still remembers hearing Andrew cheer him on in the crowd at every single game. He was always there, through thick and thin, and that is why Dylan is having him by his side on this special day.
Jackson Stevens
Best Man
Jackson is Dylan's little brother, but brother doesn't begin to explain the level of their relationship. Jackson is the most kind, honorable, forgiving, and authentic person that Dylan has ever met. Even though he is Dylan's younger brother, he is his hero. He is continuously inspired to live life on his terms, the way that Jackson does. To be thoughtful and kind to others, to live life to the fullest, to push boundaries and achieve whatever the heart desires. Jackson has made Dylan a better person through his ability to forgive and hold him accountable for his actions. He makes him want to be the best version of himself, which 100% plays a part in the way he now treats and loves Kathy. Dylan is so unbelievably thankful for the relationship they have formed especially in the past few years.
Aaron Leonard
Groomsman
Aaron is Dylan's step brother, but they might as well be best friends, Dylan and Aaron have know each other since a very young age and they instantly clicked. They quickly became very close and have continued to stay in touch and make time for each other in adulthood, they continue to talk/ play games together on a regular basis even though they live 1,000 miles away from each other. They bring out each others fun side, they laugh about the dumbest stuff but still talk about hardships and troubles of life too. They know each other on a deep level and the complexities that make them who they are. Aaron will continue to always be his best friend. Although they butt heads, Dylan couldn't ask for a better older brother. He is very excited to share this part of his life with him.