Red Barn Events

Reception

We are so excited to share this special chapter of our lives with you! Our journey together has been filled with love, laughter, and many unforgettable moments, and we can’t wait to celebrate our love with all the people who mean the most to us. To keep things simple, we’ve decided not to send out paper invitations. This website contains everything you need to know, so please explore and make sure to RSVP online! Our reception will be all about fun, laughter, and simply being together. We want everyone to enjoy a stress-free day filled with joy, dancing, and great memories. We hope you'll bring your smiles, your dancing shoes, and your best vibes to celebrate with us! As much as we adore your little ones, we’ve decided to make our reception a child-free event. We hope you’ll enjoy a night off and join us for a relaxing and joyful celebration! Instead of traditional gifts, we’ve set up a honeymoon fund. If you’d like to contribute, your gift will help us create memories that will last a lifetime as we begin our new life together. More details can be found on the "Honeymoon Fund" page. We are filled with happiness as we count down the days until we get to say “I do,” surrounded by the love and support of our favorite people. Thank you for being part of our journey—we can't wait to celebrate with you! With love and gratitude,Chelsi &amp; Josh

Our Wedding

It was September 20, 2023. A slightly brisk day, if I remember correctly. The moon was high in the sky, and only a few dark clouds could be seen. After coaching a football game, I walked into a Hickory Tavern. I was the first to enter from my group so I thought I’d wait at the bar.&nbsp;Unbeknownst to me, a friendly face was there, so I walked up next to her and stood beside her. I waited a few moments as she eventually turned to face me, she said hello - giggled of course, and turned back to talk to someone else. It was an interesting moment for me, I did not really know what to expect at the time but I was certainly intrigued. Not only by her beauty but her confidence and her smile. To my ultimate benefit, we ended up sitting next to each other when everyone had arrived. It felt like we were in the center of the entire bar, like a movie scene. There was plenty going on around us, other people trying to distract our moment but nonetheless I was always fixated back on her. It seemed like we were talking for hours but the conversation flowed so nicely and we both always had something to say. It was almost like we knew before we really knew that this was something. Something created from nothing but something so beautiful and fantastic. I was thankful for my liquid courage, as I assumed her mint mojitos were helping her with the same nerves that were always at my front door. Her mint green sweatshirt and leggings combo displayed beautifully while I donned my royal blue coaches shirt and khaki shorts. Going to the bathroom seemed like a mistake because I figured I would miss something, more time with her that is. Eventually and unfortunately, after hours had passed it was time to go. As all great romantic movies end, ours did the same, with a kiss. Not just a kiss but the kiss. One that I do not mind saying will go down in infamy. The lead up was peculiar but natural at the same time. The mint green gum stick going into her mouth breathed confidence that someone was feeling the same way I was. Like a gentleman, I inquired about a kiss, “that would be okay” she replied. The rest is left to imagination and the start of a beautiful life together.

Josh's Version of the Story

A couple of nights prior to our gathering at Hickory Tavern, the coaches had a film study session at my brother's house, where my sister-in-law and I were spending time together. When Josh walked in, it had been a while since I last saw him, but his handsomeness took my breath away. Knowing that he was going through some hard times, I felt I should not approach him but that ended up being a regret.&nbsp;The next day, I confided in my sister-in-law, expressing my desire to speak with Josh at the bar if he showed up. As fate would have it, he walked in shortly after we arrived at Hickory Tavern, and my heart skipped a beat upon seeing him. With a newfound sense of confidence from the mojitos, I turned to him and said hello. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and smiles. I knew at that moment that he was the one for me, no matter what the future held. He showed me the true meaning of love and its infinite possibilities.

Chelsi's version of the story 

Our Story

Photos

6 years ago I was told that Casidy and my brother were getting married. I was not sure what was going through her head saying yes to my brother but at the end I was blessed with such an amazing Sister in Law that has given me the most amazing niece and nephew I could have ever asked for. I am so lucky to have a sister in law that I can be so close with. Cas and I have been through some super rough times but at the end we always come back to each other. Growing up I always begged my parents for a sister. Having two older brothers was not easy. I finally feel like I was given that chance to have a sister and it is truly great I get to call her that and have her standing right next to me on my big day!

Casidy Mackey

Roberto Rizzo and I met back in high school, and we’ve been friends ever since. Living in the same neighborhood and having birthdays just one day apart felt like fate. On top of that, we share a lot in common—we’re both from Florida, and we’re both proudly Italian. These shared roots helped us connect, and over the years, we’ve built a friendship filled with unforgettable adventures and memories.

We also played football together, where we fought many hard battles on the field. To be honest, those battles often ended in losses, but that didn’t stop us from giving it everything we had. Whether it was on the field or off, we always found a way to make things fun, no matter the score.

Rizzo is harder to reach than the president but when he does finally show up, it’s always worth the wait. From our trip to Florida to our legendary nights at karaoke bars, we’ve racked up stories that I’ll be laughing about for the rest of my life. Rizzo has always been the star singer of our duo, absolutely killing it at karaoke, while I brought the moves as the dancer. It brought us lots of fandom, especially with the old ladies who tried to buy us drinks at the bar.

Through all the wins, losses, and unforgettable moments, Rizzo has been a constant in my life, and I’m incredibly proud to call him my best man. I know the adventures aren’t over yet, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us as we continue making memories together.

Roberto Rizzo

Aislinn, my best friend, where do I begin? Aislinn has been there for me through some of my toughest times and always knows how to guide me through it. Aislinn and I started becoming close in high school. We played basketball together and have always had a great friendship. When I told her that I was going to be a bonus mommy to 3 amazing kids she immediately became "Auntie Aislinn." We have had so many great memories and laughs especially while shoving our faces with sushi. Aislinn is the one I can go to for anything and has done nothing but support me for who I am. I am so thankful to have her by my side on my special day!

Aislinn McManus

Jonathan and I first met in high school through youth group. From the very beginning, his intelligence and kindness stood out to me, and I’ve admired those qualities ever since. It was through youth group—growing spiritually, getting competitive during soccer matches, and sharing countless laughs—that we built the foundation for an incredible friendship. Quick side note: Jonathan was that guy who played soccer in jeans and still managed to hold his own. Oh, and let’s not forget the time he decided to head to Africa despite my continued warnings—it’s just so Jonathan to follow his heart and convictions!

Over the years, our friendship grew deeper and more meaningful. We’ve shared countless late-night McDonald’s runs, intense one-on-one basketball games, and profound spiritual conversations that have strengthened our bond. Jonathan has always been someone I can count on, especially during life’s toughest moments.

I’m incredibly grateful for the friendship we’ve built and the many memories we’ve shared. I know that no matter where life takes us, Jonathan will always be a steady and meaningful presence in my life.

Jonathan Mead

Kait is another childhood best friend. Kait lives in Virginia so she is not super close unfortunately but we do our best to see each other as much as possible but the friendship is never different. Kait has two amazing little girls that I love being "auntie chels" too. We have a strong friendship that I am so thankful to have. This girl will speak the honest truth when I need it and  I know that she will always be there when I need her! I have so much love for her and her family and I cannot wait for more Rail-yard Dawgs hockey games soon! I am so thankful to have you by my side on my special day! 

Kaitlyn Lumpkin

Troy and I have been friends since 2006. We first met on the football field in Indian Land, where we faced challenges that tested us physically, mentally, and emotionally for four unforgettable years. One of our most vivid memories is surviving a car accident where we hydroplaned into a pole and ended up on a steep slope—I still can’t quite figure out who was driving that day...

What I’ve always admired about Troy are his exceptional social skills, his ability to connect with others, his calm and steady demeanor, and, of course, his great sense of humor. Whether we were on the football field or just hanging out, we always managed to have a great time together.

I’m incredibly grateful that our friendship has stood the test of time, and I hope we’ll continue to stay connected for many years to come.

Troy Wong Sang

Shari and I met through work and since then we have had such a strong friendship. Shari is always leading me in the right direction and will be completely honest with me especially if I am trying to make some bad decisions! Shari is the one that I can go have tea with and discuss something serious or go to downtown Charlotte and party all night! Whatever the occasion she brings love, friendship and fun. 

Shari Garcia

You can say Aubrey and I are childhood best friends even though we did not get super close until middle school. Aubrey is my fun and exciting friend who is willing to try anything. She has been at school in Clemson and it feels like she has been gone forever. She is a great friend and has supported me through everything even when she thinks it's a horrible idea. Aubrey and I have so many happy, crazy, and exciting memories. One thing her and I are known for is being Call of Duty queens. I basically lived at her house growing up and we would play zombies for hours on hours. I can't wait to have her back here once she graduates so I am able to see her more! I also can't wait to have her standing by my side on my special day.

Aubrey Dimalanta

Cara and I met through a mutual friend and ever since then we have continued our friendship. Cara and I have always had a great connection with a lot in common. We sometimes go a long period of time without seeing each other but once we get together it still feels like the great friendship we have always had. Cara recently had a little boy and I cannot wait to watch him grow because he has an amazing mother raising him! 

Cara Marie

Laren and Bella are our sweet little girls. These girls are the best daughters anyone could have asked for. Laren does not have a shy bone in her and Bella is the most outgoing 3 (almost 4) year old ever! They are both so full of personality and they both have such big hearts. They love to love others. They both love dance, princesses and of course their daddy & Chels. "We are so excited for them to lead us down the aisle and if you have a chance to say hello before the leave after the ceremony please do! They love meeting new people! 

Laren and Bella Camerire

Asher is our ring bearer. Asher is such an amazing kid and has so much love for his friends and family. He is the best son that anyone could have asked for. He can be shy at times but always sees the best in everyone. He is the best big brother to Laren and Bella. Asher loves flag football and fortnite! He is so full of questions and once he opens up he will talk your ear off!  We are so lucky to have him as one of the guys on our wedding day.

Asher Camerire

Jon is our officiant for our wedding! We are so excited for him to marry us! If you do not already know Jon is our favorite bartender and content creator! When Josh and I met at Hickory Tavern that night Jon was serving us and he helped the conversation be so casual so he of course is apart of our story. He always knows how to make everyone laugh and an overall amazing man! 

CHELSI + JOSH

CHELSI + JOSH

C&J

Reception