David & Deming
Wedding Party
Abby McDowell Funk
Maid of Honor
Being eight years younger, I was often just the annoying little sister who wanted into her room when friends were over and who she had to mute Laguna Beach to tell to be quite while "babysitting" after school. Thank god, adulthood brings insight into the importance of sisters! There is no one else who will experience life with you in a way that your sibling does and I am happy that sibling is you. You are passionate, driven, and creative, which makes you easy to look up to! I am envious of your ability to always been honest, yet kind, pull Mom out of a "major domo" moment and back into reality, and put a positive spin on whatever life throws your way. I am honored to have you stand by my side as my maid of honor and sister.
David Montgomery Saunders
Groomsman
Monte and I spent lots of time playing golf with my Grandfather (eating tons of wings afterward), and driving around on inspections for his work. He helped me discover my love for hot sauce, rice, and black pepper. After my dad passed away, he has always been an influential figure in my life. He's taught me the importance of laughter, spending time with family, and eating two starches with every meal. Monte lives in Charlotte with his pride and joy, Ellie, the dachipoo.
Catherine Gabrielle Stephens
Bridesmaid
"Friends since before birth" are few and far between for many. Fortunately, for me, Gabi has remained a constant in my life for the past 26 years. Often sharing Mom's, secrets, dreams, and oh so many laughs. Being Gabi's friend has always felt like home: a safe place to land. No problem is too small to share, no worry seems fruitless, and comforting, yet honest advice is always plentiful. She is one witty, talented and smart women that I am lucky to have been able to cherish our friendship for so long. We have been through a lot of phases of life together, including those awkward middle school years, and am I thankful we still continue to hold a strong bond into adulthood. I am thrilled to have Gabi by my side during all the wedding festivities!
Francisco de Paula Ponce
Groomsman
Paul is the oldest of the three Ponce brothers and has by the far the most Cuban name. Being 9 years older than me, Paul and I didn't get to know each other until later in life. Naturally, when he was 18 years old he did not have much in common with a 9 year old. Now that we are both older, we have found that we actually have a lot in common and Deming and I have enjoyed hanging out with his wife, Monica, and two daughters, Kailyn and Carson, on their back porch.
McLean Gardner Robinson
Bridesmaid
Where to begin? 7th, 8th grade, and on through high school we were inseparable. This is another friendship that has stood the test of time. We were a package duo for many years and since the introduction of David you have offered even more love and support, like coordinating the surprise proposal party! People say true friends have the ability to pick up with each other no matter where they leave off and with you I have always felt that. You are vibrant, candid, simply irreplaceable and for that I am thankful. You have been present for the good and bad with David and I, but always encouraged us to push through, knowing you had never seen your friend so in love. I know our friendship will have many more chapters, but I am ecstatic to have you be such vital part of our wedding and marriage!
Daniel Saunders Ponce
Groomsman
Daniel is the shortest and most Cuban looking of the three Ponce brothers. When we were younger, I spent most of my childhood hanging out with Daniel's friends while he sat there and played his guitar. Daniel has taught me a lot and has certainly had a positive impact on my life. Daniel now lives in Charlotte with his soon to be wife, Sarah.
Brealynn Kay Jarrett
Bridesmaid
With Bre the laughter doesn't stop! You have been a truly integral part of David and I's relationship transitioning into adulthood. There was even much debate about whether or not you would be in a dress, suit, or half & half, but alas I won that battle. From living together on Chamberlain, bonding over the ridiculousness of sorority life, to game nights and target runs our friendship has only gotten stronger. You have a fiery spirit that shows in everything you do! David and I have loved all our time with you spent laughing, getting competitive over poker, and obsessing over puppies & political debates. Simply put, Raleigh would not be the same to us without you! I am glad we both needed help making friends and chose EK because without you we'd be oh so bored. Love in the dove, ha ha!
Lee Wickstrum Jenison
Groomsman
Lee is the shortest guy in our crew, but he claims that he makes up for it with pure athleticism. In highschool, we made a lot of great memories at his house shooting poole, watching football, and playing with his dog Jesse. Lee loves the outdoors and smoking meat while watching Alabama win games. Lee lives in Atlanta with his Fiance Cait, and two dogs, Cooper and Hank.
Casey Alanna O'Brien
Bridesmaid
I am oh so thankful for Combs and the many friendships I have been able to develop there! Casey is the essence of those friendships and has become so special and dear to my heart. We like to say we saved each other my first year teaching, which was also her first time having to tackle teaching 5th grade math. Having someone push me to be a better educator daily, while still supporting me on a personal level has been such an invaluable experience! Not to mention, a common love of rich food, extra dirty martinis, Madewell clothes, midcentury modern home goods, and trash TV! I can't wait to see where life takes us both and know that the support, the common-brain & facial expressions, sibling-like quibbles as well as love will never falter. Casey, I apologize in advance for the sappiness!
Allen Cole Smith
Groomsman
Cole has always been the friend to make sure the group gets together every year. This is an important type of friend to have because it wouldn't happen otherwise. He spends most of his time talking to himself in the group chat. When he's not busy texting himself, he spends time with his lovely wife Logan and three dogs: Basil, Zeus, and Burt in Columbia, South Carolina.
Charlotte Abbott Watkins
Bridesmaid
Oh, CharWat! I am so very grateful for your friendship. I could've never imagined that meeting in high school would lead to college roommates and then lifelong friends. We have so many memories together, some of my favorite being watching reality TV and eating literally jugs of Kirklands chocolate covered raisins. You are the only person I know that liked those fish sandwiches from Bojangles, cries on your birthday, and can make me laugh in a way I don't know if I will ever catch my breathe again. Your kind heart and infectious spirit has been such a blessing to both David and I and I can't wait to have you there with me when I walk down the aisle!
James Kirk Sheridan Kessler
Groomsman
James has been one of my best friends since sophomore year of high school. We played lots of disc gold together after school. James randomly moved from Charleston to the frozen tundra of Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he doesn't study at Harvard.
Robert McLean Deal
Groomsman
Robert and I grew up together going to Barclay Down Swim and Raquette Club every day. We became better friends in high school, playing lacrosse and disc golf, and have kept that friendship over the years. Robert is now Mormon and lives in Salt Lake City his his puppy, Simba.