Kimberly & Derrick
Wedding Party
Leah Konen
Matron of Honor
I guess you could say I’ve known her for a while…(you know, like my whole life 😉). In addition to being my wonderful big sister, Leah has maintained the role of one of my closest friends in adulthood. In recent years, she’s also taken on my favorite role of mom to my two adorable nieces, aka. my favorite girls on the planet. Making me an aunt is the coolest thing she’s ever done, aside from being the co-creator of the “bed burrito” game as children. It was also pretty neat when she fashioned a “waterslide” in our backyard by tying the hose to our play set. I have more lovely memories than I can count with Leah, and I’m honored to have her standing next to me on my big day.
Lilly Watts
Bridesmaid
Lilly and I met in 6th grade in science class. I befriended her after she made up a song about everyone at our table, to the tune of “Smelly Cat,” a la Phoebe from FRIENDS. This hilarious lady has been by my side ever since, cracking jokes, sharing wisdom on countless topics, making up music videos to Lady Gaga songs, sharing an affinity for horror movies & pizza, and being an incredibly caring and generous friend. I got to stand next to her at her Halloween wedding some years back (see photo) and I am so happy to have her do the same as we come full circle.
Michelle Ramirez
Bridesmaid
Michelle’s family moved to Charlotte, NC the same year my family did. Even having older sisters in the same grade, we were destined to be buds as two “new kids” in our 4th grade class. From our beginnings of sticker collecting, trick-or-treating as 1950’s gals, & making up a song to convince our parents to let us have a sleepover…to attending the same college, watching her marry the best guy around, and become a mom to two sweet boys—it’s been a ride that I’ve been so grateful to take together. 25 years of friendship is not something I take for granted, and I’m so excited to have her on my team for my wedding.
Sarah Calvert
Bridesmaid
I met Sarah by way of Michelle, a fellow bridesmaid. We both started college at NC State, and I personally didn’t know a lot of folks there. Though Michelle had tried to set us up on a friend date, we met organically at a Campus Crusade social event. After having fun dancing the night away together, I knew Sarah was someone I wanted to keep around. We both ended up transferring to other schools after freshman year of college, but always made an effort to stay in touch. After years of living in different cities (even different states when Sarah landed in CA for a bit), we are finally in the same place again & are enjoying reconnecting & seeing each other on a regular basis. Thank you for always answering my random medical/health-related questions (Sarah is an NP) welcoming me to the triangle, inviting me to book club, and being an amazing support person through the thick & thin of navigating our 30’s. I’m very lucky to have her in my life & share this special day together.
Joanna Capps
Bridesmaid
Joanna and I met working at a Therapeutic Boarding school in Flat Rock, NC. We initially bonded over being the only 2 staff members with a “dinosaur phone,” aka. non-smart phone. From there, we established a solid group of pals who hung out outside work, for much-needed unwinding and venting about how crazy it was working with behaviorally & emotionally challenged youth. We’ve seen it all—and are trauma-bonded for life after our experiences as counselors there. (See photo above from spirit week when we dressed as “twins”). Joanna also had a crucial influence on my relationship with Derrick, as she was the one who told me to give the nice, shy guy another chance when I (initially) decided I just wanted to be friends with him. I am so glad I listened to her advice. ;) Over the years she has become a close friend to Derrick as well, as the 3 of us explored the mountains, played video games, attended various trivia nights, and sampled all the local beers along the way. Joanna is the closest friend I have from my 10 years in Asheville, and I am so honored to have her with us on the big day.