Madeline Grace & Brandon Wayne
Wedding Party
Troy Congleton
CO Best Man
I'm Brandon's oldest sibling and only brother, so I met Brandon when our parents brought him home from the hospital. I wasn’t so thrilled, I wanted a sister. As we got older and gained three more siblings, all girls, I was more than pleased to have a brother. My advice to the couple? If she’s angry, feed her. If she’s still angry, get her dessert.
Lindsay Hooper
Matron of Honor
I’m Maddie’s older sister, and as a result, I’m thrilled to have been the best worst influence my parents could have imagined. We had so much in common growing up that it’s no surprise that we ended up on similar paths: Maddie went on to a masters in social work, and I mastered socializing for work. I’m so honored to stand by my sister’s side while she marries Brandon, and I’m so excited to call Brandon my Brother-in-Law. Now I just need to find the right shoes… My advice for the couple? Always remember that you're on the same team, no matter how different your perspectives on the matter at hand.
Chris Pope
Co Best Man
Brandon and I met during a high school Spanish class. Despite the age difference (he a freshman, me a senior), what started out as conjugations and him being picked on by my classmates, turned into a great friendship. Advice to the couple? Pick your battles and don't go to bed angry... and always let Brandon play video games with me.
Alexa Dixon
Bridesmaid
Maddie and I met at Elon, and at first, I thought she was too cool to be my friend. She had one of the most intense resting bitch faces I had ever seen. I was scared to approach her, but I’m glad I did because we found our mutual love of Krispy Kreme and Taco Bell which has evolved into an almost 10-year friendship. I honestly can’t even remember when I first met Brandon, but I’ve known about him since the very beginning. My advice? Don’t be deterred by Maddie’s RBF and keep her happy with tacos and donuts.
Sean O'Reilly
Groomsman
I first met Brandon was when I went with my brother, Kevin, to his house for some late night fun in high school. But we didn’t really become close until one summer, where Brandon, Kevin, and I began hanging out regularly, drinking twisted teas, and talking about anything (girls, family, work, all of it). These were simple times, but they really were the best of times. My advice for the couple? Never forget how crucial communication is for a relationship to grow. Also never forget when you fell in love with each other.
Briana Alston
Bridesmaid
Maddie and I met in a class, sophomore year at Elon. We were inseparable from then on, giving ourselves the nickname “Ebony and Ivory.” The next year I was on my first plane out of the country with Maddie (and our Popeyes) by my side. As my emotional-support friend through my first time in an airport, I knew we were destined for true best-friendship. During that trip to Guatemala, Maddie almost fell hiking up a mountain. Thankfully I was behind her, caught her and kept pushing her up the mountain because I told her I wasn't going to let her miss it! The rest is history. Ten years later I have moved back to North Carolina and now live 15 minutes away (which probably still isn't close enough). It feels great to have my Ivory back and it feels even better to know that Maddie has found The One! Getting to know Brandon and witness how much the two adore one another has been beautiful. My advice for the couple would be to stand behind one another and never let them fall.
Kevin O'Reilly
Groomsman
Brandon and I became good friends in highschool and our friendship has continued ever since. From the Xbox Live parties to the late night Taco Bell runs, I wouldn’t of had it any other way. Advice to the couple? Maddie - my name is not "Jason." Love you guys can’t wait to be part of your special day!
Kelly Whitney
Bridesmaid
I met Maddie at the University of Georgia during a group project for sweet ole Professor Reeves. We were “working” in the library together but found ourselves completely distracted talking about sports and our competitive nature. I proceeded to drag her to an OTF workout class with me and the rest was history. Over the following two years in Athens, we were attached at the hip - tailgate adventures, (too many) nights out on the town, date night at our favorite Thai spot, study sessions & of course marathons of Law-and-Order SVU…we love a good crime marathon. Maddie introduced me to Brandon over one of our many Facetimes and from the very start, I noticed his patience for our weirdness and the ease at which he laughed along with our inside jokes. It was almost as if he had been a Georgia Bulldog along with us. My advice to the couple? Kiss and say goodnight to each other, every night, no matter what.
Michael Chaitovitz
Groomsman
Brandon and I go way back—so far back that it’s probably best I keep this write-up current to avoid any embarrassing stories. From throwing on our first set of little league football pads to now, I am lucky to call Brandon one of my best friends. It’s hard to believe that out of our Friend group, B is the first to get married— somehow I knew it would always shake out that way though. The best piece of advice I Have for you two is: enjoy the journey. It may not always be easy but at the end of the day, the adventure of it all is what will bring you happiness and fulfillment. I can’t wait to see you two succeed together.
Genna Mazzei
Bridesmaid
When I met Brandon, I was 8 years old and he was 5. I wasn't sure about getting a little brother and decided very quickly I didn't want one. He was small, annoying, and dramatic. The older we got, the more I realized, "Hey... This ain't so bad!" Brandon quickly became my family trip/camping buddy and together we would cry when our other brother was mean to us. Thank the LAWD for Maddie, because he is still small, annoying, and dramatic, and she keeps him in check. My advice for the couple? You've got the rest of your lives to be old and boring. ALWAYS say "yes" to shots and new experiences!
Kash Flaherty
Groomsman
I met Brandon at Nutanix in our first role at the company. Since then, we've had a mutual respect for each others hard work, dry humor, and sarcasm. That grew into a fast and close friendship, with endless nights of gaming. My advice for the couple? Keep each other in mind when making big decisions.
Bella Mazzei
Bridesmaid
I know Maddie through the groom, my older brother. I found out they were dating the same day everyone else did: the day he was hit by a cop in a crosswalk. While I didn't meet Maddie until 2019, I knew I liked her when she came to the rescue that day. Brandon’s a baby when he’s hurt, so when Maddie nursed him back to health, I knew they were meant to be. My advice for the couple? Even if the sign says “walk,” take another look before you do.
Elliott D.
Flower Child
Elliott is the son of Maddie's cousin, Crista. He is so excited to celebrate Maddie and Brandon's big day! His advice for the couple? "Plan time to play with Archie, be messy, play games together, and have movie night. The next day, clean up the mess and everything you left out on movie night, and then do something nice for each other!"
Dylan B.
Flower Girl
Dylan’s mom, Alex, grew up with Maddie. Dylan is six and currently in kindergarten. She loves school, going to gymnastics, anything rainbow, and playing with dolls in her Barbie Dream House.
Milo B.
Ring Bearer
Milo’s mom, Alex, grew up with Maddie. Milo is four and spends his days at a part day preschool and with his Grandma. He loves playing games on the Switch, soccer, building with blocks and magnatiles, and playing with his big sister, Dylan.
Rory D.
Ring Bearer
Rory is the son of Maddie's cousin, Crista. Rory can't wait for his ring bearer duties to help celebrate Maddie and Brandon's wedding! Maddie was also Rory's nanny when he was an infant. His advice for the couple? "Plan fun activities together, like going for a hike, going to a garden to walk around, and going on vacations!"
Archer Hooper
Best Dog
WAIT. Mom and Dad aren't married?!