Brandi & Eric
Wedding Party
Jordan Brooke Matlock
Matron of Honor
Jordan and Brandi met in 2nd grade at Lanier Elementary School in East Tennessee. Initially the two girls hated one another, but in 3rd grade, on Halloween, an after school teacher told them to either be friends or leave one another alone. Since that day the two have been best friends. Jordan is like a sister to Brandi. Although, she could share some amazingly embarrassing stories, Jordan will keep "most of them" family friendly - at least Brandi hopes! Married to Keagan, a Marine from East Tennessee, Jordan and their two children, Emalynn and Lincoln live in Paris Island, SC. Brandi is so happy to have her best friend stand by her side.
Jonathan Carl Helpingstine
Best Man
Jon has been Eric’s best friend for nearly four decades now after first meeting in elementary school. Sharing a love of travelling the world together, great bourbon, and more good times than most will have in a lifetime, Jon is family in every sense of the word. He is one of the most loyal people, and Eric couldn’t be happier to have Jon standing by his side on the day. Keep an ear out for his best man speech, which will no doubt be filled with embarrassing tales from our many travels! Jon is sporting more of a ZZ Top look these days. He has been asked to fill in for band members on more than one occasion.
Whitney Beth Spence
Bridesmaid
Beth is Brandi's older sister. She lives in Knoxville, TN with her husband Michael and their two children, Paisley and Easton. Beth is the assistant principal at Amherst Elementary School. She is a graduate from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. A memory that stands out for Brandi is the time Beth told their mom when Brandi found a Christmas present. Brandi liked to sneak around the house in search of the present's hiding spots. This particular year, she found the one she had been hoping for - an iPod. Unfortunately, Beth snitched, so Brandi is still waiting for payback. Sisters are always a blessing, but Brandi feels like the luckiest girl in the world. Beth is the most amazing big sister anyone could ask for. Brandi is so excited to have Beth by her side.
Benjamin Scott Hipkins
Groomsman
Ben and Eric have been best friends going on thirty-five years meeting the summer shortly after 6th grade in junior high school. Eric, after graduating the year prior, was lucky enough to return home and recruit him into the Marine Corps. Ben served his country for 24 years, both enlisted and officer, on active duty retiring in 2016 as a Captain. Eric’s first home ownership was with Ben in Jacksonville, NC after both Eric and Ben returned from deployments in Japan. Eric couldn’t be happier to have Ben standing by his side on the day! Keep an ear out and your drinks close while Ben is in the area. He works hard but plays harder!
Alexis Paige Barton
Bridesmaid
Lexi is Eric's daughter. She is the second oldest of his five children. Lexi graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2016 with a degree in Business Administration. Having lived a year in Italy, Lexi loves to travel. She is currently living in downtown Nashville while pursing a Masters of Science in Strategic & Digital Communication from the University of Tennessee. Brandi is so happy to have Lexi by her side on her wedding day!
William Cody King
Groomsman
Cody is Eric's son. He is the oldest of his five children. Married to his high school sweetheart, Cody & Alex live in New Orleans, LA. Cody graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2016 with a degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. He is the District Fleet Manager for Waste Management overseeing locations in and around New Orleans.
Malinda Dana Barton
Bridesmaid
Lindie is Eric's daughter. She is ranked number three, by birthdate, of his five children. Lindie is currently a senior at East Tennessee State University graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. She lives in Maryville, TN with her boyfriend OC. The two have one child, (hurray for grand babies!). Bentley turned one this past December 31st. Brandi is so happy to have Lindie by her side on her wedding day!
Jonathan Fasil Barton
Groomsman
Jon is Eric's son. He is the fourth, by birthdate, of his five children. Jon is currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is pursing a degree in Finance. In his second year of Japanese (he plans to take Japanese all 4 years), Jon plans to live in Japan for a year as part of his college experience. He lives on campus.
Briella Mae & Elliana Briar
Flower Girls
Briella is the oldest of Brandi's two girls. Born on May 14, 2019, she helps keep up with her little sister. Elliana is the youngest of Brandi's two girls. Born on May 15, 2020, Elliana makes sure to keep Briella busy cleaning up behind her.
Bentley Corley
Ring Bearer
Benley is the first grand child! Born on December 31, 2020, he loves to celebrate the holidays. Lindie & OC are blessed with the most amazing son. We can not wait for a few more grandchildren in the years to come!
Easton Michael Spence
Ring Bearer
Easton is Brandi's five year old nephew. He is spunky, smart, and he is the biggest Pokemon Go fan in the family. Easton will be pulling Bentley down the beach in a cool looking wagon.
Autumn Marie Sparks
Flower Attendant
Autumn is Brandi's four year old niece. She is a wild at heart, bluey lovin, gigglebox. Autumn can touch her tongue to her nose just like her daddy! On wedding day, she will be extra careful to not break the flowers as she brings them to the two best mom's in the world!!
Rhonda Linette Costner
Mother of the Bride
Rhonda is the middle of three siblings. She has three children, Beth, Caleb, and Brandi. Rhonda lives in Knoxville, TN and works at Highway Transport. Rhonda has six grandchildren, all who call her nana. She has two cats and is a lover of reading while sitting next to her fireplace. Brandi could not have asked for a better mom! Rhonda is happy to see her daughter walk down the beach to marry her new son in law!
Patricia Ann Barton
Mother of the Groom
Patty is the youngest of eight children. Although Eric is her only child, she thinks of both Jon and Ben as her sons as well. They were always together during their school years back in Southern Illinois. Patty currently lives in Iuka, IL with Art, her boyfriend of 15+ years. She truly is the very best mom! Patty feels blessed to not only have a new daughter in law, but to see Eric so happy and in love!
John Paul Leach
Father of the Bride
John is the youngest of three kids. He lives in Louisville, KY with his wife Sherri. He has four children of which Brandi is the youngest. As a young man, John enjoyed racing jet ski's. He owns his own automotive quality consulting business operating out of Kentucky. Brandi is starting to develop a love of golf, just like her dad! John is excited for Brandi and Eric to marry.
Everette "Ebby" Votaw
Father of the Groom
Ebby met Eric's mom in Centralia, IL when they were both very young. Having served in the Marine Corps for four years, Ebby was honorably discharged. He moved to Los Angeles, CA with his new wife and young daughter Christian. After having two more children, Lee and Jimmy, Ebby was killed July 8, 1993.
Vaughn Edward West
Stepfather of the Bride
Eddie is the second oldest of six children. He has five kids including Brandi. Eddie has worked for Kenan Advantage for the past 19+ years. As a child, Brandi spent many days with Eddie in the barn working on cars. A favorite memory for Brandi is after working on a car, she would go with Eddie down highway 72 to see how fast the duo could get the car moving. Eddie is thrilled to see Brandi so happy marrying Eric!
Benjamin Bedelu Barton
Usher
Ben is Eric's son. He is the youngest of the five children. Recently graduating high school from William Blount in Maryville, TN, Ben is working full time while deciding on his future plans. He currently lives with his roommate in Maryville, TN.
Paisley Tate Spence
Hostess
Paisley is Brandi's ten year old niece. She loves gymnastics and collecting pop-it fidgets. Paisley is in third grade at Amherst Elementary School in Knoxville, TN. She loves to learn, and she loves pool water fights in the summer. Paisley will be stationed at the hostess table along side Kameron. Make sure you check in with the two beautiful young ladies!
Kamryn Elizabeth Sparks
Hostess
Kamryn is Brandi's six year old niece. She is in kindergarten at Fairview Elementary in Maryville, TN. Kamryn loves to dance, play soccer, to cuddle, and her favorite color is pink/purple. Scooby Doo is her favorite cartoon. Kamryn will be stationed at the hostess table along side Paisley. Make sure you check in with the two beautiful young ladies!
Octavion Corley (OC)
Usher
OC is Eric's grandson's father. He lives in Maryville, TN with Eric's daughter Lindie and their son Bentley. OC has a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from East Tennessee State University graduating in 2020. Originally from Reno, NV, he loves all that East Tennessee has to offer.
Kayla Cross
Wedding Planner
Kayla is an amazing wedding planner. She works for Simply You Weddings out of Key West. She loves to see everything come together on the day of the event. She is a sucker for the design elements + details. Kayls's favorite moment of a wedding is the First Look! She loves that moment when the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day!
Steve Torrence
Officiant
An ordained and licensed wedding ceremony officiant, Reverend Steve Torrence has been officiating weddings in Key West for over 25 years. He takes pride in working closely with each couple with the philosophy that each ceremony be intimate and personal, and the goal that your Key West wedding be an absolutely wonderful experience.