Carmen has been Ariel's best friend since the ripe old age of about 5, when they both met in a Hartford kindergarten. Ariel was thrilled to have the first real friend in the class, Carmen was an angel with the patience of a saint who was willing to play "Prince Eric" to Ariel's, well, Ariel, when playing "pretend". In addition to being an incredible source of love and support for the last quarter of a century, Carmen is a brilliant writer, an incredibly eloquent communicator, a multi-year Portlandian, and Ariel's most prolonged long-distance relationship (the east coast misses you!)

Older brother of Eric, Dylan has made numerous attempts on Eric's life over the years, but has had no success as of yet. His study of boxing and Krav Maga have encouraged Eric's own martial arts studies, so expect some kind of battle-to-the-finish scenario to go down before the night is done. Love ya, hermano!

Eric was totally-definitely not forced to put Ariel's brother into his wedding party. Nay, they've been super good friends for, like, A FEW YEARS MAYBE. They've hung out a whole HANDFUL of times! In a larger group, or as part of a pseudo double date in NYC! FRIENDSHIP! (In all honesty, he's honored to have Ian as part of his wedding party. Although he is a little disappointed that there has been no epic battle-for-his-older-sister's-hand-in-marriage sort of thing yet. There's still time though, and Eric is always prepared.)

Ariel's cousin since...well, since Sarah was born, Sarah grew up in a few different states, and now resides in Cambridge, UK, where she has been studying Art History and Art Law. Sarah's the one who sparked Ariel's love of all things anime, manga, and cosplay, as she once "accidentally" left a Sailor Moon manga at Ariel's house after visiting when they were kids - it was all downhill (depending who you ask) from there!

All-around dapper gentleman, Nils Lutjens is a childhood friend and former roommate of Eric's. While their friendship staled between first and eighth grade, Eric and Nils have been friends for years, and currently live above/beneath each other. Nils takes credit for introducing Eric to the (other) love of his life, British Comedies.

Julie comes in at a close second in years of friendship, being a big part of Ariel's life since first grade, and growing up with her through the trials and tribulations of the Simsbury Public School system and its theater scene. Julie now a talented opera singer who participates in concerts and shows in Connecticut and beyond. She's also an skilled makeup artist who can create both everyday looks and cosplay prosthetics with ease.

One of Ariel's best friends from Tufts University, the two lived in the same dorm freshman year, right across the hall sophomore year, and in the same house for junior and senior year. They shared new experiences, new relationships (that both became marriages!), a mutual love for Jumbo the elephant, and brief stints in the big apple before returning to MA.

Oh look, its Alan! Oh wait, that's not Alan, its Eric's friend from college, Steve! (this is a link to click, for those who don't get the joke)Steve and Eric met at Tufts, have been friends since, and Eric was even a groomsman at Steve's wedding to Eric's other friend Kate (Eric didn't introduce them, he can't take credit for that)!

While she unfortunately can't make it to the big day, Karin is an honorary bridesmaid! Another close friend and former housemate from Tufts (and Rita's freshman and sophomore year roommate), Karin studied chemical engineering in undergrad and is soon t0 be a brilliant MD/PhD! Karin and Ariel have shared many adventures along with Rita, from cavorting around the Caribbean during a spring break cruise, having frequent dance parties in their former college abode, or exploring the food and botanical gardens of the Bronx.

Eric met Bryan in the third grade, where Bryan stole Eric's best friend. This put a strain on any possible friendship for many years, until they were reunited in the eighth grade, and have been friends since. A frequent companion in video game adventures (now online since he lives in Texas), Bryan actually designs video games and designed some of the weapons in the most recent Doom! How cool is that!?