Wedding Party
Sarah Hughes
Maid of Honor
Emma's younger sister, better known as "Sweet Little Sar", is our Maid of Honor! Emma remembers bringing the twins their bottles in the mornings and causing quite a ruckus if she were to give Matt or Sarah the wrong color. Sarah has always been wise beyond her years, making Emma feel as though she was learning from her own little sister. She is the more athletic sister, the one who got hurt the most, definitely the spunkiest of the Hughes kids, and will always find a way to put a smile on your face. Sarah and Hunter have some of the silliest and goofiest brother and sister type of rapport- sure to always be laughing every time they're together. She radiates beauty and kindness, and if you want to talk to anyone about hearts or ultrasounds, she'd be a great person to go to!
Luke McKernan
Best Man
The man, the myth, the legend. Luke is Hunter's little brother and the best man in the wedding. Always one of the funniest people in the room, you will likely find Luke breaking out his best dance moves throughout the ceremony. Living in Boston, MA you may see him rocking his signature Scally Cap as he bounces between the Irish Pubs in Wilmington throughout the weekend. Over the years Hunter and Luke have become incredibly close, and they love to spend their time together fishing, working out, and watching YouTube videos together for hours on end. Emma entered the picture when Luke was just a senior in high school- it goes without saying that their love and bond has grown tremendously over the years, and they can't wait to become in-laws for real! Luke is a one of a kind person that has a tremendous impact on everyone he meets!
Jenna Barry
Bridesmaid
Jenna is Emma's younger cousin, who we often referred to as the "triplet" to Matt and Sarah in the Hughes house! Growing up, Emma actually feared Jenna and their visits, which always resulted in a dispute, or some form of bossing around from Jenna. Thankfully over the years, the fear turned to love, and Emma became obsessed with Jenna, even when she decided to go to her rival university and become a Tiger. Visits back and forth from Columbia to Clemson became a fast tradition for these cousins, and this continued on to Greenville and Charleston after college. Emma can't imagine life without Jenna (or her pup Juno).
Matt Hughes
Groomsman
Matt is Emma's little brother and Hunter's soon to be brother-in-law! Growing up in a house with two girls, Matt has always had the patience of an angel. He's protective and caring, and seeing him transform into the mature and successful man he is has been Emma's dream come true for her younger brother. Matt has grown in inches and in many pounds of muscle since Hunter first met him during a trip to visit the Hughes fam at the University of Kentucky back in 2018. He loves alpha-ing Hunter in the gym whenever they workout together. The McKernan and Hughes kids have something really special - enjoying so many trips, evolving as young adults, and sharing countless memories together already. They'll officially become brothers come April, but it's safe to say that Hunter and Matt have already felt like family for years.
Emma Ellis
Bridesmaid
Emma Ellis and Emma Hughes met when Emma H was going through recruitment at the University of South Carolina. Emma H had no clue what she was getting herself into, oblivious to the pressures of rushing, and just enjoyed getting to meet so many people. Before she knew it, Emma and Emma had the gift of becoming "big" and "little"! Big Emma showed little Emma some of the incredible places and people she knew in Cola, and fate led big Emma to run into Hunter on a trip to Nashville. This is where Emma would meet Hunter's then-roommate Blake, who is her now-husband! Our lives were changed that weekend as we began our lifetime of memories as friends, and soon as spouses!
Blake Ellis
Groomsman
Going on 10 years of friendship with Hunter, Blake was Hunter's roommate three of the four years of college. A friendship that started via Facebook message prior to college move in, neither Blake nor Hunter could have imagined what would have followed Freshman year of college in 2016. Between South Carolina football games, adventures in Europe, and beach trips - the memories between Blake and Hunter go on and on. Blake now lives in Charlotte with his wife Emma who is also in the wedding party. Blake is always down for a good time, and certainly will bring the party for the wedding weekend.
Tor Cahill
Bridesmaid
Tor is Emma's long lost bestie from Rutherford, NJ! She and Emma played sports together growing up in elementary school, but once Emma's family moved to Monmouth County, they didn't reconnect until college. It was when they both became Gamecocks, their lives changed for the better! No matter how much time or distance they had spent apart, it was clear that Emma and Tor were meant to be friends forever. Still only getting a few visits a year, sometimes only for hours at a time, Emma and Tor are always sure to give each other near-death-causing hugs that bring them right back together in an instant.
Parker Robinson
Groomsman
Parker and Hunter were roommates multiple years in college and have continued their nearly decade long friendship over the course of different cities and life changes, from living together Freshman year at the University of South Carolina all the way up to living in Atlanta together postgrad. The ultimate South Carolinian, Parker will gladly chat Gamecock Football with anyone willing to listen. Parker is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and truly is an incredible friend that is always there to be a listening ear, or jump into action to help with anything at a moments notice. He's also a world class shag dancer (the official state dance of South Carolina) so you'll likely see his smooth dance moves throughout the entire wedding weekend.
Lacy Hylton
Bridesmaid
Lacy is one of Emma's precious friends who she met during her time in dental school. If it weren't for Lacy, Emma wouldn't have had the best time working out at various gyms around Charleston during her 4 years living there. Hundreds of workouts together also meant hundreds of chats to vent about our stresses, support one another, and to laugh a whole lot. She is truly Emma's accountability buddy for the history books. Lacy will always be someone for Emma to look up to in bible study, in her pursuit of being a great dentist, and really in all aspects of life. Lacy has such a special ability to make you feel good about yourself and boost you up.
Evan Dinopoulos
Groomsman
A friendship that was born in difficult surf conditions on Folly Beach in the fall of 2022, Evan was one of the first people Hunter met while living in Charleston. Evan lives each day to the fullest and always is down for any sort of adventure or sideways idea. Paddling out in treacherous cold and stormy conditions to surf, hitting hardcore workouts in the gym, and watching Arsenal at 7:00 AM at a local brewery are just a few of the things Evan and Hunter have done and continue to do together. A true Charleston local, you can find Evan running his water-sports business on Folly Island or chasing some 1-2 foot waves at the Washout.
Emma Barnett
Bridesmaid
Emma B was a hard shell to crack at first- but after a few hangouts and some trauma bonding in dental school, Emma knew she would be a friend to lean on through it all. Quickly they got used to their "Emma B" and "Emma H" designations, and thrived through the ups and downs of clinic and life during their four years of dental school. Emma glows both inside and out, turns heads in every room she walks into, keeps you goofy and calm at the same time. Emma B has always served as Emma H's inspiration for someone she wants to be like when she grows up. Now living in Birmingham, AL- Emma and Emma might be miles apart but that hasn't stopped them from being there for one another through it all!
Mick Lusk
Groomsman
Hunter met Mick in Columbia while attending the University of South Carolina, and from then on they became fast friends. Dubbed "Captain Mick" for our many boat excursions on Lake Murray, Mick is a one of a kind person that is an absolute blast to be around. He's truly one of the most loyal people we know, and has been by our side through many of life's biggest changes. Mick will talk to you about any subject under the sun, and knows how to connect with anyone he meets. Also, he sure does know how to break it down when the music starts playing.
Sarah Grooms
Bridesmaid
Sarah Grooms is one of the most vibrant, easy to talk to, and loyal humans. She wasn't scared off when Emma saw her and her dog Ellie sitting outside at a restaurant, immediately asked for her phone number, and pretty much begged her to be friends. Suddenly, after just a few double dates, Sarah and her husband Justin felt like family to Emma and Hunter. Sarah can teach you how to thrift, make you want to try organizing your phone with satisfying widgets, can always lift your spirits if you're down, and will immediately diversify your taste in music if you give her the aux. She's a world traveler and a true gem!
Justin Grooms
Groomsman
Justin (also known as "J-Money") and Hunter met by pure coincidence while at brunch in Charleston in 2022. From then, the friendship has blossomed through watching footy (soccer), paddleboarding, enjoying cigars, and trudging through long South Carolina Football seasons together. His wife Sarah (also in the wedding party) and Emma are also great friends, and because of this we have been able to have many date nights and trips together over the years. Justin and Sarah have been one of the closest couples to us, and even recently put on their hard hats to help us with our renovation at our home in Wilmington! We truly do not know what we would do without them!
Ruhi Patel
Bridesmaid
Ruhi is Emma's friend from dental school who will bring the fashion wherever she goes. They have made endless memories together in 4 years of knowing each other, and she has been there to support Emma at some of her lowest of lows and highest of highs. Without Ruhi's constant love and encouragement, Emma's favorite moments from dental school wouldn't be the same. Ruhi is loyal, honest, understanding, and has one of the brightest smiles you'll ever see. She is who Emma would go to first and foremost to talk about traveling the world and probably has some restaurant recommendations in any major city you can think of.
Will Davies
Groomsman
One of Hunter's oldest friends, Will Davies (Willy D) is more of family than a friend at this point. From attending High School together and starting the globally successful "Davies McKernan Report" podcast, to celebrating each other's weddings in our new cities, and working two consecutive summers for the Atlanta Braves together, Willy D and Hunter have done it all together. Willy D has seen Hunter through many transitions, but through it all he has always been one of the most loyal and caring friends in the world. He now lives with his wife Sara (who we also love dearly!) in Birmingham, with their adorable dog Moses.
Kait Krieg
Bridesmaid
Kait is one of Emma's girlfriends who will jump in the ocean with her for a cold plunge, or to paddle out and learn how to surf (even if the waves are intimidating)! She'll also step up to lead a long (or short) run when Emma refuses to try to be the pacer. Kait is empathetic and joyful, she's a fitness queen, always there to push you to chase your goals, and she'll never turn down an adventure. Kait will try nearly any type of workout with you (even the hiit class in a 94 degree heated room). She's quickly become a confidant and friend that, if Emma could sum her up in a few words, Kait is doubtlessly one of the "real ones".
Brendan McKernan
Groomsman
One of Hunter's cousins, Brendan is a true adventurer and a man of many skills. Growing up in Florida but now residing outside Denver with his wife Alexis, Brendan can surf and snowboard with the best of them. Brendan and Hunter grew up going on trips to the Florida Keys, and family vacations down to Ormond Beach, and have many childhood memories together. Brendan once saved Hunter from a vicious attack from a Portuguese man o' war in Islamorada (well, maybe it was just after Hunter accidentally swam into one because he wasn't paying attention). Brendan and his wife Alexis are both great friends with Emma and Hunter, and we look forward to hopefully getting back out to Denver for a ski trip very soon!
Mackenzie Hixon
Bridesmaid
Mackenzie is a remarkable friend that Emma made when she sat down one day in Bio101 Laboratory at the University of South Carolina. It became evident that Mack would support Emma through the woes of anatomy, physiology, and some of the other classes we felt tortured by during undergrad. She's a cardiovascular perfusionist, which if you know some of the Hughes or McKernan family history over the last few years, you could imagine how much Emma leaned on her for comfort. Mack is one of those friends who loves you through thick and thin, and will never make you feel judged- she's a true Godsend!
Dakota Hunter
Groomsman
One of Hunter's cousins, Dakota quickly assumed the role of Hunter's de-facto older brother during childhood. While that may have come with its fair share of older brother antics, Dakota has certainly been a role model for Hunter over the years. Whether he was reminding Hunter of whatever the coolest trend was throughout our teenage years, or giving helpful career advice - he has always been a major influence for Hunter. A successful motorsports marketing professional, recent dad, and crossfit king, Dakota absolutely has his hands full and stays busy every single day. He and his wife Meghan are an inspiration to us, and we love visiting with them any chance we get.
Nicole Whitley
Bridesmaid
If you had told Emma in 6th grade that Nicole would be one of her bridesmaids one day, she would've been completely shocked! Nicole lapped Emma in middle school soccer tryouts, so it's safe to say Emma typically watched Nicole from the sidelines. But, as life would have it- peer leadership class during senior year of high school changed everything! They sat next to each other, and both quickly realized they loved chatting. Emma invited Nicole to volunteer with her outside of school, and suddenly they were never the same. They constantly find something to laugh about, can make light of any situation, and confide in one another when they need someone to lean on. The duo continues to love each other more and more as the years go by.
Mason Jordan
Groomsman
Paired as Hunter's random roommate in Barcelona during a semester abroad in college, Mason and Hunter quickly became fast friends while experiencing all of the excitement that came along with exploring Europe together. When they came back home, they continued their friendship and have stayed very close over the past five years. Through NFL games, South Carolina games, Braves games, and even the occasional SplooshBall game at Mason's lake house, Hunter and Mason have created an amazing friendship. Mason is one of the kindest and authentic people Hunter knows, and is also the best chef Hunter knows as well.