Lauren & Ashlee
Wedding Party
Kaci Franklin
Matron of Honor
Ashlee's sister & best friend. Kaci lives in Colorado with her husband Kienan, two kiddos, Charlee & Crew, and two fur babies, Hank & Nacho. She operates at 200mph all day long between the kids, travel and her job as National Business Development Manager at BluSky Restoration. She is our beautiful little spontaneous hellion who lives life to the fullest and pushes us to always seek adventure & take chances. She is beautiful, inside and out, full of personality, loves tequila, shopping, traveling, working out, spoiling/hosting people and has a momma bear caretaker nature. She has a small obsession with decorating for holidays and loves Hallmark movies at Christmas. Love you more than life, sis!
Stephanie Bennett
Best Friend of Honor
One of Lauren's best friends - 25+ years of friendship. They first met in high school but their friendship really blossomed during their college years together. Each time they would go in separate directions, there was a cosmic pull that would bring them back together. A destined friendship. When working together, Lauren used to stand close to her tables and listen to her talk b/c she is such an animated & poetic speaker. Steph is full of knowledge. I don't think she would ever admit that she is the smartest person in the room, but there is a high probability that she is! She lives in Chicago with her husband, Reid, son Roman, and fur babies Sugar, Pepper & Smoke. Steph has a classic style, loves history and has a unique way of absorbing every detail. She is beautiful, bold, passionate and magnetic. The one that will always (literally) "stop and smell the roses." She is the matriarch of the group. She is momma bear.
Alisha Kulich
Best Friend of Honor
Another one of Lauren's best friends. Alisha lives in Napa with her husband Brian and fur baby, Ruby, and works in hospitality/sales as Dakota Shy Winery. Lauren and Alisha met in college and have been kindred spirits since day one. They moved out to San Francisco together and enjoyed many episodes of Sex and the City with one another! A lot of raves, a lot of sushi, a lot of shopping and a lot of wine has been shared between these two. Beautiful, trendy Alisha always has a smile on her face. She has a calm, sweet demeanor and is full of positivity.
Amanda Nascimento
I Do Crew
Amanda is a student and nanny in Denver, CO. She grew up in both Brazil & Italy, and moved to the United States to learn English and pursue a degree. Denver is home now and where she met her boyfriend, Cody. As a nanny for Kaci/Kienan, she does a great job of taking care of the kiddos, holding down the fort and keeping Kaci in check with her indulgent shopping habits! She is energetic, spicy, focused, and a ton of fun. She loves to travel and speaks three languages.
Kady Chivington
I Do Crew
Kady, also known as K-Diddy, is one of the bravest women we know. She lives in Dallas, TX with her honey of 7.5 years, Parker, and two fur babies Gigi & Duke. She stays very busy with her job as VP of Business Operations for DIRECTV. She is fun, beautiful, determined and is always in the know on all the latest trends. She loves shopping, hanging with her girls, fun hats, dogs (especially bulldogs), dirty martinis and dropping it low to rap music!
Debbie Novak
I Do Crew
Debbie is originally from Cleveland, Ohio (yes, she still roots for the Browns) and found her way to NC about ten years ago. She currently manages one of our favorite taprooms, however, she prefers mega pints of wine over beer. She is a foodie and loves to try new restaurants. She also loves to shop. Debbie is full of fun. She has an infectious, witty personality (and smile) that attracts a crowd. The trip to Spain will be her first international trip!
Charlee Franklin
Flower Girl
We are her Ashee and Lolo and she is our little princess Nuggie. Charlee loves to travel and has visited more places in the 5 years she has been alive than many do in a lifetime. She loves unicorns, all things rainbow, getting pedicures, putting on makeup, dressing herself, baking, gymnastics and snow skiing. She is a water rat and loves to spend as much time as she can in the pool. She is a quiet, shy yet strong leader and is full of personality. She is very empathetic and loves to ensure everyone is taken care of. She loves people, but also appreciates her "space."
Roman Bennett
Ring Bearer
Roman is a 6-year-old guitar-playing, t-ball athlete and chess student. He has lost six teeth to date. The trip to Spain will be his fourth time on an airplane. After Spain he hopes to see Paris. His fur family includes two boy cats, Pepper and Smoke, and one girl dog named Sugar. He just graduated Kindergarten. He looks forward to swimming, eating new food and meeting new people in Spain. He has been practicing conversational Spanish. When he grows up he wants to be a superhero. His parents think he already is.
Crew Franklin
I Do Crew
Crew is a 2.5 year old, Monster Jam truck lovin' little ham with puppy dog eyes. He is full of personality and never goes anywhere without two of his favorite Monster Jam trucks in hand. His favorite is 'Grave Digger.' He is independent, fearless, yet the sweetest snuggle bug.....but on his terms. Everything is on his terms. He is a picky eater and prefers snacks over an actual meal.
Kienan Franklin
I Do Crew
Ash's bro-in-law. These two have known one another for quite some time and have gone through a lot together over the years. Kienan is like a brother and is the perfect match for Kaci. He has a pretty cool job as Regional Director of Sales for a private jet charter broker, Jettoken. Doesn't suck to be in an industry where your clientele includes the likes of Dierks Bentley. He is an amazing father and it is so sweet to watch him with his two kiddos. He has welcomed us with open arms, has always been a great support system and source of fun! Kienan loves golfing, traveling, skiing, hunting, any and all things outdoors. During the Christmas holiday, he really enjoys placing his favorite stuffed moose on Ash's head (once asleep) for holiday pictures. We love you, Bubby!!
Joe Weller
Father of the Bride
Urban Joseph Peters Weller "Joe" or "Joey" recently relocated to Louisville, KY but spent the last 20+ years in NC. Raised in a Military family, and the true Son of a Preacher Man, his experiences have been robust. Joe is an Aerospace Engineer by trade and has spent the majority of his career building all those first class seats ya'll ride around in (or want to if you are like us). His inherited step-daughter, Lauren, loves him like the step part never existed. Joe met Lauren's Mom Patty 26 years ago and spent 13 beautiful years with her. He was an amazing source of love and support in their lives and remains that for Lauren to this day. They keep Patty's memory alive together. Joe loves road trips on his motorcycles, bourbon, ice cream, a good meal, music, friends, family and his new daughter, Ashlee.
Reid Bennett
I Do Crew
Reid. The "funny" guy who likes to revisit wines & experiences. This trip is the first time he has been out of North America. He just acquired a new, coveted position of Head Coach of his son's t-ball team. Go Giants! As a side hustle, he is the Council Chair of Multifamily for an International Real Estate Firm. His personal goals include becoming a Formula 1 race car driver and internationally renowned DJ of house music. He married the love of this life and the next. His favorite role is being father to Roman. The three of them reside with their pets in Chicago. Reid loves to watch American Idol, read books about real estate, drink good coffee and work our. He also loves being by the water.
Brian Kulich
I Do Crew
Brian is the life of every party...and also, an Advanced Sommelier and the Director of Operations for Labry Wines. He has curated extensive wine lists, including multiple Wine Spectator Award lists for Michelin Star restaurants. He is originally from San Jose but currently lives in Napa with his wife, Alisha, and their fur baby, Ruby. A few of his favorite things include playing golf, watching all sports, traveling, music/concerts, binge watching good shows on Netflix and Hulu and drinking too much wine. He also just produced his first bottling of Pinot Noir, Brian David.
Seth Gottleib
I Do Crew
Seth and Lauren have had a long run of being friends, dating back 19 years when they worked in the restaurant industry together. Seth currently resides in Colorado with his dog Myla, a Coyote, Wolf, Rottweiler, Newfie mix. Seth has a passion for helping others, empowering people to become the best version of themselves. This makes him perfectly suited for his role as Owner/Field Manager/Life Coach at Adventure Recovery/Cairn Transition Coaching. Seth is very outgoing and loves to connect with people. He also loves nature and outdoor adventure - camping, skiing, kayaking, etc.- and appreciates good food and great company.
Nick Weller
I Do Crew
Nick is Lauren's favorite step-brother. He currently resides in Michigan where he financially coordinates the distribution of drugs...at a pharmacy. He enjoys sports (HUGE Michigan Wolverine fan), reading, movies, and trying new foods and drinks. His favorite hobby is spending time with his family. He is currently into sci-fi type stuff...especially Star Trek. One of Lauren's favorite memories with Nick is the time they shared an Adirondack chair and shattered it for a photo op. It was worth it for Lauren, as she was celebrating an OSU football victory over Michigan.
Parker Chivington
I Do Crew
Parker lives in Dallas, TX with his wife, Kady, and their fur babies Gigi & Duke. Parker is a partner at PMSI, a hotel valet service company. He is an outdoor boy and enjoys staying busy. He loves cars, toys and spending time on the lake. He also enjoys snow skiing. He hits the golf course any chance he can and recently got his first hole in one. He also drinks White Claw and wishes he were a cowboy!
Cody Smith
I Do Crew
Cody is the plus one to Amanda and resides in Denver, CO. He is often described as opposite of his significant other - extremely patient, laid back and steady. He grew up in Colorado and currently works at the Denver Fire Department as a Fire Prevention Engineer. He is an avid golfer, loves the beach and enjoys playing basketball on the weekends.
Don Franklin
I Do Crew
Don has become a second father to us over the years. We have spent many holidays together and have made lots of fun memories traveling together, as part of the larger Franklin family. He is a devoted grandfather who loves to teach his babies new things and makes everything a learning opportunity or lesson. He loves football. He loves beer. He loves to golf, hike, fish and travel the world. Don has a passion for meeting/getting to know new (interesting) people and has never met a stranger. He loves a good workout and is the most active & fit 70+ year old man we know!!! Please ask Don to show ID when you meet him ;)
Den Franklin
I Do Crew
Den is the brother of Don and currently resides in Cali. He is a Marine veteran of the Vietnam war and has a son (Mike) and 2 1/2 year old grandson. Den spends as much time as he can on the water, fishing in his bass boat. He has a big heart and will help anyone in need. We recently learned that he has a soft spot for Nancy Pelosi!
Clyde
Baby Dog of Honor
Clyde is our sweet little fur baby angel. He is the snuggliest, most gentle 95lb American Bulldog. He is covered in polka dots and these dots form the shape of a panda on one of his paw pads. Hence our nickname, Panda Paw. He has been our rock during some of our hardest times and the source of laughter, strength and fun in some of our best moments. He is our co-pilot, helping us navigate each and every day. He also serves as our admin and keeps us focused during work hours. He loves greenies, long walks, Jeep rides and drinking water from the fire pit cover. He is also goldilocks, making his way through every bed/couch in the house for his cozy time. We love you, little Monkey!