Kelsey & Anthony
Wedding Party
Kelsey
Bride
Kelsey was born and raised in San Diego. From a young age, she showed a passion for adventure, always seeking new experiences and ways to express herself. After graduating from high school, she moved to Rapid City to break out on her own. Her family held a running bet on when she would return home, but not only did she win, she convinced her family to move there too. Kelsey became a homeowner at the age of 21 and loves fixing up her little house in her free time. Following the family tradition of pursuing careers in law enforcement, Kelsey started a career as a 911 Dispatcher, where she would meet her future husband. She has recently transitioned into accounting so that she can continue to build her professional life and family life.
Anthony
Groom
In Kelsey's words, Anthony has lived many lives. Anthony's parents both served in the United States Air Force and were stationed in many places over the course of their career. Anthony was born at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, but his parents were stationed in Germany and California while Anthony was growing up. Anthony's parents eventually retired and settled in Sturgis, South Dakota, which was close to a military base and family. Anthony grew up in Sturgis, and after graduating from high school he immediately joined the United States Air Force. Anthony's served as a Fire Protection Specialist while in the military, and deployed to the Middle East multiple times. Anthony transitioned to civilian life and is currently employed as a Deputy Sheriff.
Ron Newquist
Officiant
Ron is Kelsey's Uncle. Also known as "Tricky Ron", he has a gift for humor and just might make you pee your pants with laughter. This was a no-brainer choice, as the couple has spent quite a bit of time with Ron over the last few years. Ron is a retired police detective from San Diego and recently his family to South Dakota to live a more leisurely life. The family frequently shared with Anthony the family stories about her crazy uncle’s antics back in San Diego (who steps on the same rust nail twice?!). Ron has a huge heart for his family, will bend over backward to help anyone in need (as long as it's before 7pm), and is comedic relief to everyone he meets. The couple can't wait for you to see firsthand why they love this man so much.
Richard (Ricky) White
Best Man
Ricky is Anthony's younger brother and is currently stationed and living in Alaska with his wife, Ashley. Although Ricky may live nearly half a world away, Anthony considers his relationship with his brother as his closest. Ricky may be younger than Anthony, but he's taller and his presence in any room does not go unnoticed. Ricky and Anthony grew up together as most brothers do, wrestling, beating each other up, and trying to get the other in trouble. Ricky is among the most intelligent people you might find yourself talking to at the wedding. Anthony had the honor of serving as Ricky's Best Man for his wedding, and Anthony is excited to have Ricky in such an important role. The decision to ask Ricky to be Anthony's Best Man was as easy and it was obvious.
Kaitlyn Wright
Matron of Honor
Kaitlyn is Kelsey's older, but shorter sister. We include this fun fact because this is a point of contention between the two and because it's Kelsey's wedding day, we will give her the win on this. Kaitlyn has always been very protective of her little sister. She is Kelsey's chief role model and her biggest cheerleader. She is one of the fiercest females you will encounter. She inspired Kelsey to also be a strong, independent woman which led to Anthony falling in love with Kelsey. Kaitlyn is Kelsey's best friend, and they hope that one day they can grow old together in the same town and wreak havoc on their husbands.
Amanda Swanson
Groomswoman
Amanda is a coworker of Anthony's, but also is a long time friend and easily one the most supportive people of his relationship with Kelsey. Oddly enough, Amanda is so likeable she is also one of Kelsey's closest friends. A high-stakes Rock/Paper/Scissors match took place and Anthony emerged as the victor. For this reason, Amanda was chosen to stand on the side of the groom. Her height may prove to be comical in contrast to the other groomsmen, but she rises to the challenge with no effort. Amanda will be joined by her husband Ivor.
Haylee Porter
Bridesmaid
Haylee is Anthony's 16-year-old daughter (Yeah he's old. The AARP already knows) and she has fit seamlessly into Kelsey's and Anthony's relationship. The choice to ask Haylee to be a bridesmaid was among the easiest of decisions because she is intelligent, mature, and wise beyond her years to the point that we seriously contemplated having her plan this wedding. Unfortunately, Haylee was too busy attending college-level courses while playing collegiate-level volleyball. Oh yeah, FYI, she's still in high school. Haylee is an amazing addition to the wedding party and not having her there in this role is simply unimaginable. The couple is so excited for everyone to meet Haylee and encounter her maturity for yourself. Also, the newlywed couple fully expects Haylee's genius and success to fund their future retirement holidays.
Joe Porter
Groomsman
Joe is Dakota's (Haylee's mother) husband, and he's the kind of guy that makes you want to be like him. Joe is a husband, father (Aubree) and technically Haylee's step-father. Because Haylee lives so far away from Anthony, Joe takes on the responsibilities of a father for Haylee. Joe is not only a step-father to Haylee, but he is also one of the most supportive of his relationship between Haylee and Anthony. Joe and Anthony have one of the most unique and uncommon relationships that have ever existed in the world of co-parenting. Anthony is very grateful for Joe, and considers him one of his closest friends.
Ross Wright
Groomsman
Ross is married to Kelsey's sister, Kaitlyn. Ross is one of those guys that grabs your attention as soon as he enters the room, but he hates it. His height, coupled with the seemingly serious look on his face, makes him seem like an intense person with an overbearing demeanor, but that classification is so far from the truth that it's comical. Ross comes across as distant and guarded, but in reality he is one of the most genuinely nice and compassionate guys in existence. Ross is the kinda guy that comes with a disclaimer when you introduce him to a group of new people, but he quickly becomes a guy that you gravitate to once you get past his gruff exterior. If you get the chance to interact with Ross during the wedding celebration -- we promise the first 30 seconds will be awkward, but after that you'll want to hang out with him for the rest of the night.
Maddy Heyser
Bridesmaid
"Madeline" has been a close friend since adolescence. Kelsey and Maddy started as frenemies, naturally as middle school girls do. Maddy quickly became one of Kelsey's closest confidants and their friendship blossomed somewhere in between working at “The Mill”, sleepovers, beach trips, Disneyland, and all the times Maddy brought Kelsey out of her introverted shell. Maddy and Kelsey have lived halfway across the country from each other since they graduated high school, but Maddy's sense of adventure has brought her to visit Kelsey in the Black Hills several times over the years. Maddy is a staple in Kelsey's life, and even when they go months without seeing each other, Maddy has and will always be very special to the couple.
Katherine Newquist
Bridesmaid
Katherine may be Kelsey's Aunt, however she has always played a role as Kelsey's other big sister. When Kelsey's sister Kaitlyn moved out, Katherine took her place while the Navy stationed her in San Diego. Katherine, or as Kelsey calls her "KC", is effortlessly cool. She is someone whose attitude and behaviors are composed but seen as uniquely her own. KC is a mentor to Kelsey in the way that she is authentic and true to herself in everything she does. KC is hilarious, sarcastic, and unbelievably kind, however when she is not one to be trifled with. Kelsey can't wait to have KC by her side as they have always shared a special bond.
Ronald White
Father of the Groom
Anthony's father has served as the perfect example of what a father and husband should be. Ron is the literal epitome of a family man. He is unselfish, generous, accommodating, loving, supportive, instructive, forgiving, embracing, and about 50 more adjectives that will still fall flat and never come close to adequately describing the amazing man that he is. Anthony has never had to embark on any journey in his life without the strong support and backing of his father, and for that he will always be eternally grateful. Ron may tell too many dad-jokes, like John Wayne a little too much, save too many napkins from restaurants, but he's the best father that anyone could ask for. While in high-school, Ron was a police-explorer in his home town of Decatur, Illinois. Upon graduating high school, he joined the United Air Force. Ron met his wife, Kathy, while in Basic Training in San Antonio, Texas. Ron served for the United States Air Force for 20 years as a Combat Arms Instructor before retiring. After retirement, Ron decided his devotion to public service and desire to serve the greater good was not complete, and he became a Deputy Sheriff in Meade County where he is still employed to this day. Ron is an expert at many things, and Anthony sometimes finds himself struggling to fill the shoes of the man that made him. If you talk to Ron during the wedding you are lucky, if you escape without hearing a bad dad-joke you are blessed and should probably buy a lottery ticket - or two.
Kathy White
Mother of the Groom
If you've ever wondered what the Mom of a lifetime looks like, your search is over. Kathy is the kind of mother that makes you realize Mothers are the kind of people who protect those they care about with an intensity that is so focused you will categorically decide not to mess with them. Think of an actual Momma Bear, but with twice the ferocity. Coincidentally, the animal theme of the White household is bears, and if you were to step into their abode you would be immersed in an environment similar to a bear's den. The only thing in the house is love, and Kathy is the creator. Anthony unabashedly considers himself a Momma's Boy, but he has no shame making this admittance because his mom is Kathy. Kathy and Anthony have a special bond that extends past maternal obligations. Anthony and Kathy can instinctively feel when something is wrong in the others life. This is a real-life thing that is so strange it borders on the edge of the supernatural. If you get the chance during the celebration, ask Anthony and Kathy to recount some of their spiritual encounters. Kathy isn't only an extraordinary mother, but she fills the role of a grandmother like a boss. Kathy has two grandchildren, and both of them know that Grandma Kathy is a fierce and caring force that loves with compassion and disciplines with love. Kathy is a one-of-a-kind person, wife, mother, and grandmother. The couple can't wait for you to meet her!
William (Bill) Davis
Father of the Bride
Kelsey's father is the first man she would ever love. These are big shoes for Anthony to fill, especially if you know this man for yourself. Bill had a very long, successful, career as a motorcycle cop in San Diego. His tough demeanor and insane work ethic are no match for even the young. Growing up, Bill volunteered his days off to spend as the "classroom dad", never missed Kelsey's sporting events, and would attempt to do Kelsey's hair every morning before school. Bill is a "girl" dad, but never once did he let their gender impact their upbringing. Bill taught his girls how to shoot guns, off-road in his project cars, how to gut a house AND put it all back together…eventually. Bill may be called Mr. MacGyver for his innate ability to fix anything that is broken, but it's not just material things he repairs, it's the way he can hold his family together as well. Bill is incredibly patient (unless you don't return his tools), knowledgeable, empathetic, and hilarious. He loves his family fiercely and will do anything it takes to make sure they are taken care of. He may joke that he is ready for Anthony to take Kelsey off his hands, but deep down, he might be a blubbering mess on the day of the wedding.
Lauri Davis
Mother of the Bride
Lauri is Kelsey's best friend. They are so alike that sometimes the two of them stop mid-argument just to giggle about how ridiculous they both are acting. Lauri is one of the hardest-working women you will ever meet. She is constantly on the go and ready to tackle the world at any given moment. Lauri has always had the gift of being "right", she really does know best. Kelsey wishes so many times she had listened to her mother the first time and though Lauri may say "I told you so", she will be the first person to console you. Lauri has a zest for life and a contagious energy that brightens up any room she enters. She has a passion for cooking and entertaining, which has brought her family and friends together on numerous occasions. Her selflessness and generosity have earned her the love and respect of everyone who knows her. Lauri and Kelsey have always had an unbreakable bond, Kelsey frequently calls her mother and would be lost without her.
Aubree Porter
Flower Girl
This girl is sure to steal your heart. If you haven't already noticed, Anthony has a very unique relationship with Haylee's mother, Dakota. This unique relationship has exposed him to Aubree, who is the daughter of Dakota and Joe. Aubree refers to Anthony as her "best friend." When Anthony asked Aubree to be a Flower Girl at his wedding, she responded with: "I'll practice so that I'm perfect." Anthony sincerely regrets not recording this reaction because in his words: "It was perfect and it melted me." The couple is so excited to expose you to Aubree, but this meeting comes with a warning. Aubree is the type of child that makes you want to have children of your own.
Layla Arena
Flower Girl
Layla is Kelsey's cousin, Kelsey also grew up with her older brother Tyler. Tyler and Kelsey were always two peas in a pod and naturally so are Kelsey and Layla. Layla is one of the kindest humans you will ever meet, she is always smiling and she is absolutely brilliant. Kelsey frequently comments on how she would one day love to have a daughter like Layla. Whatever you do, don't mistake her kindness for weakness, I guarantee she is stronger than you. Go ahead, challenge her to an arm wrestling battle.
Justin Newquist
Ring Bearer
Justin is Kelsey's cousin, her uncle Ron's son. Kelsey actually grew up with his older sister Makenzie, and the two of them were unstoppable when together. Kelsey and Justin love to talk about Legos, video games, and how "crazy" their family is. Justin is incredibly intelligent and wise beyond his years; he gives everyone a run for their money. Feel free to stop and ask him about the latest documentaries, as he has seen them all.
"Little" Tommy Kennedy
Ring Bearer
Tommy is five years old and is a cousin of the bride. Tommy has been practicing his walk down the aisle for weeks, making sure that he does not trip or drop the rings. He has been very careful with the rings and has kept them safe, ensuring that they will be ready for the big day.
Hannah Newquist
Flower Girl
Hannah is five years old and is a cousin of the bride. She is very excited to wear her special outfit for the wedding and she knows that she will look adorable in it. She can't wait to walk down the aisle, feeling proud and important, and to play her part in making Kelsey’s and Anthony’s day even more special.
Dakota Porter
Honor Attendant
Dakota is not only Haylee's mother, but she is also one of those truly genuinely unselfish people you cannot assign a value to. Throughout Haylee's life, Dakota has bent over backwards, to an innumerable degree, and has helped to foster and grow the relationship between Anthony and Haylee. Dakota has undoubtedly influenced Anthony's maturity as a parent. Her marriage to her husband, Joe, has provided an additional source of inspiration. Kelsey and Anthony are lucky to have Dakota and Joe in their lives and cannot wait to repay the generosities they have extended. We feel sorry for everyone that doesn't have Dakota as a co-parent. We are truly honored to have her in attendance.