Courtney & Ryan
Wedding Party
Shannon Pederson
Matron of Honor
Shannon and I have been best friends since middle school. We talk almost every day, and we’ve been by each other’s side through every phase of “growing up.” She pours her heart into everything she does with sincerity and generosity, and will bend over backwards to make someone else’s life easier. I know I can always count on her, no questions asked.
Taylor Smith
Bridesmaid
Taylor and I met our first year of pharmacy school. We had regular “study sessions,” at her house, which really just meant dinner parties with friends. She is one of the strongest, most selfless people I know and never complains about anything. She keeps me honest, and always has my back.
Hayden Free
Bridesmaid
Hayden moved to Athens right out of high school and was assigned to my apartment as a random roommate. I immediately felt this protective, older sister-type need to watch over her. We lived together for several more years and now enjoy hanging out at the lake and bonding over our mutual love of champagne, country music, and spontaneous good times.
Harley McFall
Bridesmaid
Harley and I met on roommates.com when we were looking to fill the empty bedroom in our house on Jonas Ave. Another random roommate turned best friend as we navigated the mess that comes with early adult years. She’s my go-to “what’re you doing this weekend?!” girl and is always down for anything.
Taylor Lancaster
Bridesmaid
Taylor and I met our freshman year at UGA living on the same hall in the Russell dorms. We share a hard and fast love of UGA football and the Atlanta Braves, and she’s the only one I know that can out-stat the boys with her sports knowledge. She’s fiercely honest and a loyal friend.
Chris Couey
Best Man
Chris has been one of my closest friends throughout high school, undergrad, and professional school. We bonded over our love of UGA football, golf and happy hours. From late nights at Chops to early mornings at the UGA golf course, Chris has always been there through thick and thin. Unlike his brother, Chris will be the first one on the dance floor and last to leave it. I am honored to have Chris as my best man.
Bill Peeler
Groomsman
Bill and I became friends during our time playing soccer in high school. This friendship continued during our time as roommates in college until now, although it almost ended a few times from Hal killing us. Even though our years of Velvet Elvis and Rumplemintz are over, you can still find us on the golf course or at UGA football get togethers regularly. I can’t wait to have Bill by my side in August.
Tony Allen
Groomsman
From JMA to Athens, Tony has always been a great friend and continues to be. Sharing a love for UGA football, Tony (and his wife Kerry) introduced me to my favorite tailgate crew, the South Deck Dawgs. Like me, Tony is willing to go anywhere in the country to see the Dawgs play. We share a love for good food, cold beer, and screaming “What’s that comin’ down the track!” My wedding day wouldn’t be the same without Tony there beside me.
Troy Brantley
Groomsman
Troy and I met in high school, lived together in college, and are great friends to this day. We bonded over our shared love of golf, good food, and nights in downtown Milly. Even though we live in different cities, I will always cherish our many happy hours after 18 holes at the historic Milledgeville Country Club. It’s a privilege to have Troy by my side on my wedding day.
Bryan Couey
Groomsman
Bryan and I were acquaintances in my high school and college days, but didn’t become good friends until after I graduated pharmacy school and moved to Atlanta. Bryan is always up for whatever you throw his way, be it a sporting event, happy hour, golf, or a concert, as long as whatever it is does not involve dancing - for that call his brother. All jokes aside, I’m thrilled to have Bryan join me on my wedding day.
Bennett Pederson
Ring Bearer
Bennett is not only the cutest little boy on Earth, he’s also my Godson! Son of Matron of Honor, Shannon, and her husband, Nathan, he’s brought out maternal instincts in me I never knew existed, and is the reason I make as many trips to Acworth as possible (jk Shannon, it’s nice to see you too, of course).
Brooklyn & Palmer Smith
Flower Girls
Daughters of bridesmaid Taylor and her husband, Wes, they’re the princesses of the crew. I was at the hospital the day B was born, and I’ve watched her grow into the smartest, most situationally aware child I’ve ever encountered. Palmer is the happiest baby ever, and just being around her reminds you that there’s still pure goodness in this world.