Kristen & Derek
Wedding Party
Erica Bratton
Maid of Honor
Erica is my "twin" big sissy. We're just 13 months apart, and I've loved growing up and out into the world together over the last ~24 years! Erica and I both chose to attend THE Ohio State University for our undergraduate and graduate education, which has given us lots of special years to share in the rich traditions of our university, to meet and share friends, and to have some "fun" times together too! Erica and I also both met our high school sweethearts at STVM- she started dating Ryan Loney just a month after I started dating Derek! It's been so fun to share so many major life moments and paths together, but to also make such different choices for our careers and our plans after college. Erica is the toughest and most beautiful person I know- the perfect MOH to have by my side!
Tyler Riemenschneider
Best Man
Tyler and Derek have been friends since high school, probably sophomore year! They clicked on the football field- Tyler was a WR and Derek played right tackle on the O-line- and have been absolute best friends ever since! Derek and Tyler practically have their own language- quoting movies (they can both recite Shark Tale and The Dark Knight, in particular) and sharing political memes and sports commentary all day everyday. Tyler is such a loyal friend and chill guy to be around, and we've loved making memories with him over the years!
Danielle Whiddon
Bridesmaid
Danielle is my little-sis-to-be! I've known Danielle since junior year of high school when I started dating Derek! Danielle is studying to be a nurse at Kent State, and she will be amazing in her career because she is so kind and caring! I love seeing Derek and Danielle spend time together. They have so many hilarious inside jokes about old vines ("What you doin, Terry?") and about their dog, Brady ("Brady will never be included in a wedding party!"). She's also so patient with Derek's silly antics- he loves to jam out in the car, and then cut the music to catch Danielle off-guard when she's singing. They are the perfect big brother-little sis duo, and I can't wait to officially be a big sis-little sis duo with her!
Ryan Bratton
Groomsman
Ryan is Derek's little-brother-to-be, even though Ryan towers over anybody he meets! Ryan is studying to be a pilot at BGSU (the school where my parents met, how full-circle!), and he is destined to be the best pilot around because he's so detail-oriented about his work and he has wanted to be a pilot since he was little. Ryan is so special to me, and I have so many fond memories of playing all kinds of girly games with him (with two older sisters, Ryan was really a trooper) and of our car rides to school during the one year when we were both at STVM after Erica left for college. Ryan is the funniest person I know, and I admire how he believes in things and people with so much conviction. Love you wittle brother!