Wedding Day

The Big Barn Theater

Ceremony & Reception

Bachelorette Party

Bachelor Party

Spring

Our Wedding

The Story Begins... Somewhere Unexpected

The story of how we ended up here begins 2 years before the two of us even became friends, at a little girl's birthday party. Emily's youngest brother, Kiyo, was at the birthday party of one of his best friends, Emily (another weird coincidence!). Over the course of the day he developed a crush on the cool older boy there. Julian, meanwhile, was tagging along with his best friend (and Best Man!) Ian to his sister's birthday party. Flash forward 2 years, it's our junior year of high school and we're in Texas for a drill competition. We had existed in the same spaces for most of high school, but this was the first time we ever really interacted with each other. This began months of friendship and budding feelings as we spent nearly every day together. Fun fact: we got together the week before school (and then the world) shut down for COVID. The first few months consisted solely of texts and phone calls, learning more about each other while isolating from the rest of the world. Our first date, and many of our dates for the first year, was to lunch at chick-fil-a and eating in parking lots. We both have done lots of growing up together being as young as we were when we started dating. Major life decisions happened, careers started, and a little family (3 adorable fur babies!) of our own. We can't wait to see what else waits for us in this life together.

A String of Coincidences

Our Story

A walk through memory lane as we grew up together, all leading to this moment

Photos

Lisa and I met on the first day of tech school at Keesler AFB, and have been inseparable since. We spent nearly 6 months joined at the hip, supporting each other every day through training. Lisa is also the one that took me dress shopping for the dress I wore when we eloped! Lisa's outgoing personality will make her the life of the party at the reception!

Lisa-Marie McKinney

Ian has been my best friend since 7th grade, and there’s no one else I’d trust to stand by my side on such an important day. Over the years, Ian has been a constant source of support, humor, and adventure. Whether we were navigating the chaos of middle school or celebrating life’s milestones, Ian has always been there with his unwavering loyalty and sharp wit. I couldn’t ask for a better best man, and I’m thrilled to have him here to celebrate this next chapter with us.

Ian Kieser

Mack's the best (and longest lasting) friend that I could ask for. We've known each other since 2014, so they've seen me at my worst... the dreaded middle school years. We're siblings in every sense but blood and I couldn't imagine this day without them. Mack's big heart is sure to make the party fun for all!

Mack Choate

Kevin joined my life two years ago thanks to Emily, and it didn’t take long for us to hit it off. As one of her co-workers, he’s not only been a great friend to her but has also become a valued part of our lives. Kevin’s goofy sense of humor and easygoing nature always bring a smile to everyone’s face, and I couldn’t imagine this day without him. I’m honored to have him as part of the wedding party and to celebrate this special occasion together.

Kevin Shaw

Alastor, while probably the weirdest person I've met, is also the kindest friend I could ask for. We met via a mutual friend (Mack!) and after a rough start have been the very best of friends. He has been a great support through the many rocky trials in life and a person I wouldn't have made it here without. While definitely not the extrovert of the group, once Alastor is comfortable he is the heart of many great conversations!

Alastor Garduno

Charlie, our amazing nephew, will be taking on the important role of ring bearer at our wedding. With his boundless energy, charm, and a big smile that lights up any room, Charlie is sure to steal the show as he walks down the aisle. We’re so excited to have him be a special part of our big day, and we know he’ll make the moment unforgettable for everyone.

Charlie Phelps

Allee, our wonderful niece, will be gracing the aisle as our flower girl. Her sweetness and bright personality make her the perfect choice to help set the tone for our special day. We know she’ll add a touch of charm to the evening as she leads the way down the aisle, sprinkling petals and smiles and making the evening even more magical. Having Allee as part of our wedding is a joy and an honor.

Allee Phelps

Wedding Party

RSVPs

Can I RSVP online or do I have to mail in an RSVP card?We invite you to RSVP here on our website using the RSVP tab. What date should I RSVP by?Please RSVP by January 25th.

Directions, Transportation and Accommodations

What are the addresses of the wedding ceremony and reception venues? Are they wheelchair accessible?The wedding and reception will be held at the same location, <a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&amp;&amp;p=0a6d1deb8947cabcf42dce7475bc5dc904eb1a1fa9db6012cf8b5777309c15c6JmltdHM9MTczNjAzNTIwMA&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=4&amp;fclid=1e63efd9-0fba-6bdb-303b-fd340e966ad0&amp;u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MTAxfn5Vbmtub3dufkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPVRoZSUyMEJpZyUyMEJhcm4lMjBUaGVhdGVyJnNzPXlwaWQuWU44NzN4MTA3NTY1NDY0MzUwMjQwNDY2NzcmcHBvaXM9MzUuMjkxNjYwMzA4ODM3ODlfLTc4LjExMzk4MzE1NDI5Njg4X1RoZSUyMEJpZyUyMEJhcm4lMjBUaGVhdGVyX1lOODczeDEwNzU2NTQ2NDM1MDI0MDQ2Njc3fiZjcD0zNS4yOTE2Nn4tNzguMTEzOTgzJnY9MiZzVj0xJkZPUk09TVBTUlBM&amp;ntb=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2253 US Highway 13 S, Goldsboro, NC 27530</a>. While there are no stairs to worry about, be prepared to walk in dirt as the ceremony will be held outdoors and there's no paved sidewalk or parking lots. Don't worry about getting lost, there will be signs there to guide you! What is the easiest way to get to and from your wedding venue?Driving yourself or carpooling is your best bet as our venue is not close to any major urban areas. Is there parking available near your wedding venue?Onsite parking is available, however it is not paved so expect to park in dirt. Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?The ceremony will be outdoors (weather pending) and then we'll transition inside for the reception. Have you reserved blocks of rooms at one or more hotels?No, but there are plenty of good hotels in the area at a good price! Will there be a shuttle to and/or from the hotel?Unfortunately, there will be no provided shuttles to or from the hotel.

Wedding Dress Code

What is the dress code for your wedding?The dress code for our wedding is semi formal. Think Sunday best! Are there any colors or styles you'd prefer me to wear?Wear whatever you feel comfortable in! If you'd like to wear heels, we suggest bringing some form of sandals for walking outside. What is the weather like in the area?North Carolina has a typically mild climate, but being in February there might be a slight chill.

Plus-Ones and Children

Am I allowed to bring a plus one?Due to limited space, only those listed on your invitation can come. Am I allowed to bring my children?We love your children, but due to space restrictions we cannot accommodate guests not listed on invitations on our wedding day.

Menu and Dietary Restrictions

What type of food will be served at your weeding?There will be a pasta buffet where you can select your own pasta, sauce and protein as well as salad and breadsticks. Will there be meal options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies?We did our best to accommodate dietary concerns, and there will be meat-free options for dining. All pasta will contain gluten. Will there be an open bar?There will be an open bar with a limited amount of beer and wine options available.

Wedding Registry and Gifts

Could you give me a link to your wedding registry?We're thrilled that you're coming to celebrate with us—and that's the best gift of all! But, if you'd like to help us spruce up our place, you can find our registry under the registry tab. Where should we bring/send our wedding gift?Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honor us with a gift, you can have it delivered to our home at 95 Westchase Dr Clayton, NC 27527. A wedding card box will be at our reception.

Wedding Day Intinerary

What's the wedding itinerary?The ceremony will begin at 4:00 pm sharp, followed by cocktail hour and the reception, which is anticipated to wrap around 10:00 pm. What time should I arrive at your wedding ceremony?We recommend arriving at the ceremony venue at least 15 minutes ahead of the ceremony start time to ensure you have enough time to find a seat. What time will your wedding reception end? Is there an after-party?Our reception will end around 10:00, we do not have a planned after-party following. Will there be a time gap between your wedding ceremony and reception?A 30-minute cocktail hour will take place inside between the ceremony and reception where you can enjoy drinks and socialize.

Emily & Julian

Emily & Julian

E&J

Wedding Day

4:00 PM–10:30 PM

Ceremony & Reception