Wedding Day

Haywood Hall

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner & Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

Our wedding party is made up of people we've known for decades and people who've only been in our lives a couple of years. Yet somehow, they all feel like they've been around forever. These are our closest people, our biggest supporters, and the ones who will absolutely be the last ones on the dance floor.

Savannah has been Caelan's best friend for 6 years. We've been told that's a long time to be friends with Caelan, but we would never say that ourselves. 

Savannah and Caelan met in a Target parking lot in Marshfield in 2021 — which feels exactly right for two people who were clearly destined to be best friends. In the years since, Savannah has been everything: kind, thoughtful, selfless, hardworking, and somehow endlessly patient. She is, in every way that counts, the sister Caelan never had.

We're pretty sure that in another life, they've already been married for 20 years. In this one, she gets to stand up front and watch Caelan marry someone else and do it with grace. That's just the kind of person she is.

Savannah Wester

Bryson and Sawyer first met at Haylee and Eric's apartment back in August 2025 — and by December, they were already the kind of friends where one helps the other remove his pants. To be fair, there was a bourbon station at the Renuity holiday party involved. These things do happen.

Sawyer came into the picture as Emma's boyfriend (now husband), and somehow went from "Caelan's friend's guy" to Bryson's best man in the span of a few months. It makes complete sense if you know Sawyer. He's the funniest person in any room he walks into, and he'd be the last one to bring it up. Laid-back, humble, down to earth, and genuinely one of those people you just feel good around. We're glad he showed up when he did.

Sawyer Barnett

Caelan and Chloe met through work in 2024 — the exact month is unknown, because they trauma bonded so hard it erased the timeline. What started as a professional connection turned into one of those friendships that's hard to put into words: Chloe is sporadic yet calm, a little crazy yet deeply wise, and one of the realest people you will ever meet. Caelan has looked up to her professionally for years, and somehow ended up with her as a best friend too. That's a win by any measure.

Chloe is also personally responsible for getting Caelan into Heated Rivalry and has shown zero remorse about it. She's known for her rugby skills, her leg wrestling game, and a well-documented obsession with green tea shots — so if you're looking for a friendly competition and a good time, you know where to find her. They've also had a matching tattoo plan in the works for years. Still pending. It's happening. Probably.

Chloe Jewell

Sloan is Caelan's little brother — emphasis on little, though that word stopped applying physically somewhere around middle school, which is also right around the time people started assuming Caelan was the younger one. At 22 years old and frequently described as a refrigerator with legs, Sloan has never once let Caelan forget it.

Growing up, Caelan and Sloan were about as opposite as two siblings could be — and somehow that's exactly what made their bond unbreakable. They balanced each other out in all the right ways, and the years have only made them closer. Sloan is hilarious, kind, and genuinely sharp, which makes him excellent company and a formidable opponent in just about anything competitive.

Speaking of which: the iconic game Song Quiz was invented by these two during their childhood, which means they have been arguing about music taste for longer than most people in this wedding party have known either of them. Sloan will tell you he has the better taste. Caelan will tell you it's her. Bryson has been aware of this ongoing dispute since August 2024 and has wisely chosen to stay out of it. We respect that decision entirely.

Sloan Welch

Caelan and Emma met at a mutual friend's apartment in August 2025 — and by the time they'd had a conversation in the bathroom that night, they both already knew they were going to be best friends. What started as a chance introduction turned into a friendship that feels like it's been around much longer than the calendar suggests. In a short time, Emma has become one of Caelan's closest people, and we couldn't imagine this wedding party without her.

Emma is funny, matter-of-fact, smart, and fiercely dedicated; she takes absolutely zero nonsense, which makes her an excellent friend and a formidable opponent. She's a ping-pong ace, can put a Biggie Ball down with ease, and brings a focused, competitive energy to everything—either inspiring or humbling, depending on which side of the table you're on. She also insists she can manage Blackout Bryson (she cannot), but we admire the confidence. Truly one of a kind, and we're so glad she agreed to go pee with Caelan that night.

Emma Barnett

Bryson and Jack met in April 2024 when Bryson hired Jack at Renuity — and what started as a working relationship quickly turned into something much more important: a genuine friendship and, some would say, a cultural institution. After Bryson and Caelan's move to Charlotte in September, the two of them singlehandedly built the in-office culture at the Renuity Charlotte office. We're choosing to take that at face value and we stand by it fully.

Jack is funny, level-headed, responsible, and independent — the kind of person who doesn't have to try to draw people in, but somehow always has a crowd around him anyway. He handles everything with a calm and steadiness that makes the people around him better, and he shows up for the people he cares about without being asked. Bryson is lucky to have found him at work, for both metric-based and socially-based reasons. He is also a proud cat dad to Geraldt and Percy, which tells you everything you need to know about his character.

Shortly after Jack adopted Geraldt, Caelan and Bryson came over for a little birthday get-together and Caelan promptly could not remember the cat's name and called him Gimbus for the rest of the night. To this day, there are people in this friend group who genuinely believe that cat's name is Gimbus. It is not. His name is Geraldt. We are so sorry, Geraldt.

Jack Vilas

Bryson and Bran have been friends since August 2024, brought together by the fact that their partners — Caelan and Savannah — are best friends and, frankly, a lot to keep up with. From the beginning, Bryson and Bran found an unspoken kinship in the shared experience of looking at each other across the room while Caelan and Savannah scheme up their next plan. It is a bond built on mutual understanding, patience, and a healthy appreciation for a quiet night in.

Bran is an old soul in the best possible way — and at the distinguished title of oldest member of the wedding party, he has earned that label. He is into all things vintage: film photography, classic movies, typewriters, and a good glass of red wine. He and Bryson share what can only be described as grandpa energy, and we mean that as the highest of compliments. He is thoughtful, genuine, and exactly the kind of person you want in your corner.

He also wishes more people would compliment his shoes. Consider this your reminder. Take a look.

Brandon Baltus

Caelan and Shannon met at a Charlotte Hornets game in October 2025 — and that same night, Caelan invited a whole group of girls to her Halloween housewarming party the next evening. Shannon was the only one who showed up. That is Shannon Chapman in a nutshell, and it tells you everything you need to know about her before we even get started.

Shannon is selfless, kind, funny, and the reigning world champion of trivia — on virtually any subject, at any time, in any room. She is a devoted Hamilton enthusiast, which is not a personality trait so much as a lifestyle, and we respect it deeply. She is also the person Caelan turns to when life gets a little existential, because Shannon somehow always has the right answer. It's a gift, and Caelan is very lucky to have it on speed dial.

On a practical note, Shannon is Bryson and Caelan's go-to dog sitter for Charlie and Bayla, and she has never once shown up to anything empty handed — not even when Caelan has already made four courses of food and explicitly told her not to bring anything. She brings something anyway. Every time. We've stopped fighting it.

Shannon Chapman

Wedding Party

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

We're celebrating in one of Raleigh's most storied historic homes, and we'd love for our guests to dress the part. Formal attire is requested — suits and dress attire for gentlemen, floor-length or formal gowns for ladies. Color is encouraged.

We'd love for our guests to feel at home in our color story. Here are the shades that will surround us that evening:

Dress Code

Q + A

The couple has reserved hotel blocks at discounted rates for guest who are traveling for the big day. You are not able to access these blocks through the hotel website. Please reach out to the bride or groom directly to inquire on availability!

This Raleigh hotel is 1640 ft from Lincoln Theater and 1804 ft from Raleigh Station. Features include fitness center. Duke Energy Center of Performing Arts is 5 minutes' walk away. A flat-screen cable TV, desk, and en suite with free toiletries are found in all the rooms at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel. Extras include a seating area and tea- and coffee-making facilities. A 24-hour reception and concierge services are available to the guests of the Raleigh Sheraton Hotel. The on-site restaurant, Jimmy V’s Osteria   Bar, serves modern Italian dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features Raleigh city center's largest outdoor covered patio. The Raleigh Convention Center is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the hotel. North Carolina State University is 4 mi from Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, while Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 25 minutes’ drive away.

Sheraton Raleigh Hotel

FULL SERVICE, HIGH RISE HOTEL WITH FREE WIFI CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN RALEIGH ONLY A FEW BLOCKS FROM THE STATE CAPITAL, GOVT OFFICES, UNION STATION, RALEIGH CONVENTION CTR, RED HAT AMPITHEATER, AND DUKE ENERGY CTR FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. ALSO WALKABLE TO FIVE FREE MUSEUMS, SHOPPING, DINING, AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES. NEARBY OFFICES INCLUDE PENDO, RED HAT, DUKE ENERGY, CITRIX, WELLS FARGO, AND BANK OF AMERICA. LOCAL COLLEGES ARE NC STATE, WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY, ST. MARYS COLLEGE, AND MEREDITH COLLEGE. 13 MI FROM RDU ARPT. SELF PARK IN ATTACHED PARKING DECK IS 10 USD DAILY. ONSITE RESTAURANT, SKYE TOWER RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE, IS LOCATED ON THE 2OTH FL SERVING BREAKFAST WITH A PANORAMIC VIEW. FITNESS CTR AND BUSINESS CENTER. SERVICE ANIMALS ALLOWED. IHG GREEN ENGAGE HOTEL, WORLDWIDE SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM.

Holiday Inn Raleigh Downtown Capital

Homewood Suites By Hilton Raleigh Downtown is located in Raleigh, within a 12-minute walk of North Carolina General Assembly and 5.5 miles of PNC Arena. With a terrace, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, the rooms have a desk. All rooms in Homewood Suites By Hilton Raleigh Downtown are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Buffet and American breakfast options are available at the accommodation. Speaking English and Spanish at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always at hand to help. Popular points of interest near Homewood Suites By Hilton Raleigh Downtown include Museum of Natural Sciences, State Capitol and North Carolina Museum of History. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 14 miles from the property.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Downtown

Featuring 3-star accommodations, Tempo By Hilton Raleigh Downtown is located in Raleigh, a 11-minute walk from Museum of Natural Sciences and 0.6 miles from State Capitol. The property is around 5.5 miles from PNC Arena, 6.1 miles from Crabtree Valley Mall Shopping Center and 6.7 miles from North Carolina Museum of Art. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All rooms include air conditioning, a desk and a flat-screen TV, and some rooms at the hotel have a balcony. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Speaking English and Spanish at the 24-hour front desk, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical information on the area. Popular points of interest near Tempo By Hilton Raleigh Downtown include North Carolina Museum of History, North Carolina General Assembly and Raleigh Convention Center. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 14 miles from the property.

Tempo by Hilton Raleigh Downtown

Raleigh Marriott City Center located directly opposite the Raleigh Convention Center. Guests can take a refreshing plunge in the pool or unwind in the hot tub. Free WiFi is offered throughout the hotel to Marriott Bonvoy Members. Dining options are available on-site. The property provides 15,119 sq ft of meeting and event space. All guest rooms at the Raleigh Marriott City Center are equipped with 55" TVs with on demand Netflix and Hulu TV. Every room has an private bathroom, coffee-making facilities, and a work desk. Guests of the Raleigh City Center Marriott can work out in the fitness center, featuring Peloton bikes. On-site parking and a 24-hour reception are offered for added convenience. Rye Bar and Southern Kitchen provides contemporary Southern cuisine. Guests can grab a signature cocktail at Rye Bar. Raleigh Durham International Airport is 20 minutes’ drive from the hotel. North Carolina State University is less than 10 minutes’ drive away.

Raleigh Marriott City Center

Located in Raleigh and with Museum of Natural Sciences reachable within a 5-minute walk, The Longleaf Hotel has concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a terrace, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. Rooms include air conditioning and a TV, and certain accommodations at the hotel have a safety deposit box. À la carte and American breakfast options are available at The Longleaf Hotel. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include State Capitol, North Carolina General Assembly and North Carolina Museum of History. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 13 miles from the property.

The Longleaf Hotel

Located in Raleigh, a 13-minute walk from State Capitol, Guest House Raleigh- Adults Only provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Some units at the property feature a patio with a city view. At the inn, all rooms come with a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, all guest rooms at Guest House Raleigh- Adults Only have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms here will provide you with a balcony. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A continental breakfast is available at the accommodation. Guest House Raleigh- Adults Only has a sun terrace. Popular points of interest near the inn include North Carolina Museum of History, North Carolina General Assembly and Museum of Natural Sciences. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 14 miles away.

Guest House Raleigh - Adults Only

Located a 12-minute walk from State Capitol, Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown offers 2-star accommodations in Raleigh and has a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. PNC Arena is 6.1 miles from the hotel and Crabtree Valley Mall Shopping Center is 6.4 miles away. Certain rooms also offer a kitchen with a fridge, a dishwasher and an oven. The hotel offers a buffet or American breakfast. Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown also provides a business center and guests can use the on-site ATM machine at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown include North Carolina Museum of History, Museum of Natural Sciences and North Carolina General Assembly. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 14 miles from the property.

Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown

Located in Raleigh, a 10-minute walk from Museum of Natural Sciences, AC Hotel By Marriott Raleigh Downtown provides accommodations with a terrace, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. The property is around 4.9 miles from PNC Arena, 5 miles from North Carolina Museum of Art and 5.4 miles from Crabtree Valley Mall Shopping Center. The property has room service and a 24-hour front desk for guests. Popular points of interest near the hotel include State Capitol, North Carolina Museum of History and North Carolina General Assembly. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 13 miles away.

AC Hotel by Marriott Raleigh Downtown

Located in Raleigh, a 14-minute walk from Museum of Natural Sciences, The Casso, Raleigh, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel provides accommodations with free bikes, private parking, a fitness center and a shared lounge. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. Guests can have a drink at the bar. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Guest rooms include a closet. An à la carte breakfast is available at The Casso, Raleigh, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. At the accommodation you'll find a restaurant serving American cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested. Popular points of interest near The Casso, Raleigh, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel include State Capitol, North Carolina Museum of History and North Carolina General Assembly. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 13 miles away.

Caelan & Bryson

Caelan & Bryson

Q + A

What is the dress code?

Is there parking at the venue?

Are there hotel blocks reserved for guest who are traveling?

What time should guest arrive?

What airport should guests fly into?

Are my children invited to the wedding?

What should I do if I'd like to bring a gift?

When is the RSVP deadline?

Am I allowed a plus-one?

Will there be an open bar?