Bethany and I met in college but our friendship didn't begin until after Bethany had graduated and my last semester of senior year. We've been best friends since. Bethany is someone who makes everything infinitely more fun- whether it's running errands, driving 2 hours one way for our favorite Braum's burgers and ice cream, or going on a surprise vacation and finding out where we were going the morning our flight left. B is a strong follower of the Lord, someone who's always down for an adventure and one of my favorite travel pals. (Also, she's single folks!!) We've planned, prayed and talked about this day for years. I can't imagine getting married without her by my side.

Sarah has been there for all of it. From being my translator when my speech impediment was indecipherable, playing high school sports together, breakups, graduations and everything in between. She is a helper by heart, genuine, a great mom, and funny too! Sarah has the gift of making everyone feel seen and loved and we're so happy to have her stand with us as we profess our love to one another through covenant.

Sweet Sydney Joy, my younger sister by only 3 years. She is curious and creative, always willing to make a road trip- whether that be driving to Colorado overnight to hike a mountain and lose some toenails in the process (I'm still so sorry), coming to Abilene for a girls weekend and ending up having to boil hot water for a bath, or going to Asheville, NC and being there for our engagement. Sydney's always ready for the next new thing with her people, she has a heart the size of Texas, knows her fashion, and knows how to make people feel warm all over. We can't wait to share our next new thing by becoming the Smiths with her by our side!

My youngest sister, and one of the sassiest too! (She's adamant that she's Zach's favorite, to which I respond by just holding up my ring ha!) Kenzie is always ready to go somewhere new and will keep you laughing and surprised by her witty one liners. She's a thoughtful supportive friend, we call her the cow whisperer, she's a planner, hilarious, spunky and all things a baby sister should be! We can't imagine our day without the added joy and laughter she brings.

Maci Ruth is a HUGE part of how Zach and I became a couple. Zach and I joke that we owe it to Maci and Hayden that we're together, and that if we'd listened to them sooner about setting us up maybe we'd be married already! Maci, her brother Hayden and their mom (my Aunt Robin) were the ones who originally wanted to set us up in 2019. Maci & Hayden were the ones to convince me to go to Kentucky to see Zach for the first time, and they came with me! Maci was one of the first people I told "Oh I'm for sure going to marry him." Maci is compassionate, one of the funniest people you will ever meet, the BEST story teller we know (we even joked about her officiating our wedding), she would do anything for a friend or family, and has become one of our favorite travel companions. We love how big of a role Maci has played in our relationship and can not imagine getting married without her being a part of this too!

My oldest sister and one of the most passionate people you will ever meet. When I played college volleyball Kandace would come to my games with a box of Roundrock Donuts just because she knew I loved them and couldn't get them in Abilene. She's always going on fun trips and has the best recommendations for everything! Kandace is a thoughtful sister, a fiery defender of people, she's driven, always knows the best music and latest trends, and is the life of the party. Zach and I can't wait to share the biggest party of our life with her there beside us.

Picture it! Russell Springs, Kentucky in the year 2000. Two Zachs, one basketball team. That’s how Zach Grider and I met. His mom always gave him the same instructions for every game: pass the ball to Zach Smith. Many of you probably don’t believe it, but it’s true. Sadly, my basketball talent peaked in 4th grade but my friendship with Zach is better than ever! Zach is my life-long best friend. We’ve endured middle school, high school, and what some would call “adulthood” even though things got a little rocky because of some audio cds of The Yearling our freshman year. We even started a videoing business together when we were in high school called Z2 Productions where we videoed recitals, weddings, plays, and whatever paid. When Zach and I are together, we are always ready to have a good time. We enjoy kayaking, cruising in his jeep, singing karaoke with friends, catching some shows or just hanging out whenever we can. Zach is a performer in every sense of the word (Enneagram Type 3). He’s outgoing, sociable, and is often the life of the party. However, when getting to know him, you’ll find him to be a sensitive and supportive friend. I’m glad I was able to have Zach with me for my proposal to Kelsey and I’m thankful they are becoming good friends too! Im blessed Zach will be standing next to me when I say “I do” to my bride. Look for him out on the dance floor! He’ll be the one busting the best moves and leading all the group dances!

Tanner and I met in 2010 when we were assigned as roommates at Campbellsville University. Tanner has brought a ton of excitement to my life over the past decade. Our friendship has weathered living together, relationships, jobs, and moves; all of which have been no small feat for two guys with a flair for the dramatics like us. We’ve had many adventures together in many cities, including an unforgettable trip where we rode in an overcrowded passenger van to NYC with no other English speakers (we are thankful to be alive)!! Tanner might be a bit stand-offish at first, but once you get a conversation going you’ll find that he’s a great listener and offers sound advice. Tanner and I have had countless discussions over the years about what our futures might look like, but we’ve always known our friendship is non-negotiable. I’m so looking forward to having him standing with me on my big day. **Also congrats on your BIG move to Denver!

Tyler and I go all the way back to middle school. Well, not really. We met my first year teaching at Northern Middle School. Tyler and I became friends first as workout partners, then we started hiking and camping annually on our fall break. I guess you could call Tyler my “outdoorsy” friend. He and I have a great time kayaking down Buck Creek or boating on Lake Cumberland on his swanky pontoon. Tyler is ALWAYS chill and up for a good time. I’ve said time and time again he’s the guy I want around in a crisis. But his calm temperament also makes him a great friend. Our best conversations happen around a campfire in the Red River Gorge on our annual Wild Turkey Weekend. Tyler Cox is a talented craftsman, YouTube mechanic, and all around fixer. I’m thankful that he’s pushed me outside my comfort zone to be more adventurous and try new things. Tyler and I must think a lot alike because we’ve showed up to school wearing the same shirt, pants, or shoes on many occasions. So yeah, he has great style too! He and Kelli have let me third wheel a couple of times with them and I can’t wait to bring Kelsey along to even things out. If you can’t pick him out, he’ll be the tall one standing up front.

I met Greg for the first time in 2015 at the Star Theater in the local production of “The Nutcracker.” Even though neither of us landed the role of Sugar Plum Fairy, we still crushed it as “extras”. This was my first acting “gig” but Greg was a seasoned pro at the local community theater. He encouraged me to keep it up, so in the theater’s very next production, “Beauty and the Beast,” I was cast as Lumiere and I’m sure you can guess who was cast as Cogsworth. This has pretty much set the tone for our friendship; Greg’s the Cogsworth to my Lumiere. Greg is kind and compassionate. He cares about people, all people. I truly admire him for that. Greg is a talented vocalist and some of my favorite times with him include karaoke nights with friends. I appreciate our friendship because I can always count on Greg to keep me grounded. Sometimes he plays “hard to get” with his friends but he’s always up for a random trip to the closest Starbucks (about 30 minutes away) which can also lead to a deep philosophical discussion about humanity OR just an explanation of what “spicy” really is. I can’t wait to celebrate our special day with Greg. You’ll find him at the coffee bar or trying to snag a mic.

Hayden is a distant cousin of mine. We first met them several years ago when they came to Kentucky to visit. Our families instantly connected and that's ultimately how we came to know The Harkins Family. Our families spent several vacations visiting each other. When Maci and Kelsey started planning a road trip to Kentucky, it was Hayden who decided to drive. Hayden and Maci have come to be a huge part of mine and Kelsey's story. They were here and in large part responsible for how everything started with Kelsey and I. We can always count on Hayden to be the chauffeur whether it's road tripping all the way to Texas from Kentucky OR to navigate Asheville on our proposal weekend. Hayden can be a bit reserved, but he's a true gentleman. We're thankful for the part he plays in our story and I'm honored to have him as a groomsman at our wedding.

Kelsey's oldest niece, JoLee is 10 years old sweet and sassy. She loves Ariana Grande, volleyball and is excited to play club volleyball this next year. This isn't her first flower girl gig so we know she's the perfect girl for the job!

Ruthie Joy is Kelsey's middle niece, she's 4 years old and a real smarty pants. She still isn't sure about being a flower girl and is a powerful negotiator saying, "Mmmm how about I be a flower girl only if I can have a rainbow dress?" We're not sure we'll let her win that rainbow dress battle but we're sure we want her to be part of our day!

Kelsey's littlest niece, Anna Kate, is 1.5 years old and a real delight. You wouldn't know it from photos because she's a little camera shy, but our family has nicknamed her "Smiley" because of her sweet disposition. She gives the cutest little lion roar every time she sees Zach and we secretly hope she gives it as she walks down the aisle as a flower girl.

She's the girl who made Zach an Uncle and even calls him "Uncle Bub" or "Uncle Bubby". She's 5 years old and loves learning new things. Sometimes, she can barely catch her breath because she loves sharing what she's learned. She enjoys feeding her farm animals and riding her bike. Abigail is ready to have her "Aunt Kelsey" live in Kentucky and is excited about being a flower girl.

Some call him Uncle Zach's "mini-me", but this three-year old red head has a personality all his own! He's a boy of few words, but isn't shy about telling us he loves us. He warmed up to Kelsey within 2 minutes of meeting her and to this day grins from ear to ear when he sees her (kind of like his Uncle Zach). Isaac LOVES dancing and singing, particularly to some of the classics like Bohemian Rhapsody and Staying Alive.