The Starting Lineup

At 6 ft. 2 in., 180 lbs, hailing from wild and wonderful West Virginia, the best man, Clayton Hill! He’s my brother—I don’t think there’s much more to say about it. We weren’t very nice to one another when we were younger, but as we’ve grown older, we’ve grown closer. He’s smart, hard-working, and I’m really proud of him. There’s nobody I’d rather have by my side when Leslie walks down the aisle.


At 6 ft., 175 lbs., from the commonwealth of Kentucky, Daviess County High School’s record holder for most goals in a single varsity soccer season, Brandon Gish! Although we didn’t know one another when high school began, by the end we were friends and after four years together, I’m as close to him as I am to any man on this earth. He’s currently in medical school at the University of Kentucky and I couldn’t be happier that he’s one of my groomsmen.


At 5 ft. 9in, 155 lbs., from the bluegrass state, a roommate, travel companion, and one of the finest men I know, Kevin Havelda! I didn’t know Kevin until we met at Centre freshman year, but after getting to know him in our first year of college, living together for most of our sophomore year, and venturing to India together senior year, I truly consider him one of my best friends. He and I both joined Teach For America after college, although he was placed in New Orleans and I in Texas. He’s one of the most passionate and loyal guys I know and I love him for it.


At 5 ft. 11 in., 155 lbs, a true Kentucky colonel, former Centre College homecoming king, Jay Carnes! Jay took a chance by asking me to be one of his roommates my junior year after only knowing me for a few weeks and I can’t tell you how glad I am that he did. We met just before traveling to London for our semester abroad. While we were there we grew closer, but our friendship didn’t truly blossom until living together the following year. I know he’ll always be there for me and I trust he knows I’d do anything for him.


A man of average height and inconsiderable weight, traveling all the way from the land of the rising sun, Drew Kingsolver! Aside from my brother, I’ve known Drew longer than any of the other groomsmen. We were friends all the way back in middle school, he’s the only person other than my brother that I’ve ever been in a fight with, and I absolutely love him. Leslie and I went to visit him in Japan back in March and it was a remarkable experience. As we’ve gotten older, we’ve only grown closer and I know our friendship will continue to grow as the years pass.