Cassandra, although I tortured you most of our childhood (yes, she was afraid of me), I have always, ALWAYS, looked up to my big sister - my first and forever best friend. You are one of the most strongest, resilient, hardworking, loving, women that I know. I am incredibly proud of you and so grateful that you found Mark - an amazing, kind, man who cherishes, appreciates, and loves you for all that you are. Congrats to the future Mr. and Mrs. Koenig and so much love to you both, I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

In this picture, I look so upset because I could not believe that you were going to prom with another boy instead of me. I guess I got over that quickly, because the first time you came home from Temple, I asked you if you were getting married soon. That was funny then because it was ridiculous to be asking a 19 year old if she was getting married. I think I was asking that question because I did not understand how time worked, and my little 6 year old self had no idea why my older sister was not married. I kept asking you that question because I so badly wanted that to happen for you and I was so excited to be there when it happened. Mark is an amazing man and I am so excited for you both that you found each other. He is everything that you have been looking for and deserve, and I am so glad that you found him. You two really are a perfect match and I cannot wait to see what the future holds in store for both of you. Congratulations and I cannot wait to celebrate with you on June 7th!

“I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart’s affections and the Truth of the imagination.” -John Keats In the very first rehearsal I ever had with Mark, his wild gesticulation and my poor spatial awareness somehow resulted in him sticking his finger up my nose. Beyond mortified, we dove into the Grand Apology Tour of ‘08. It’s a set list we still routinely play. Mark is maddeningly and wonderfully charming in every room he walks into. His humor, intelligence, empathy and humanity are intoxicating. And yet, I know Mark best in his silence. In the space between words. It was in this, the breath before he said “this is serious” two months into the relationship that the moment we are in now became strikingly, gorgeously, joyfully inevitable. How marvelous that he’s met his person. That they’ve found each other. Cassandra is an incandescent prism of love and light. We’re so very lucky to be caught in their glow.

Cassandra may tell you that the reason we’re in each other’s lives today is because she forced me to be friends with her freshman year of college, but I will go to my grave believing otherwise. Our early days were filled with late night rehearsals, a confusing amount of white face paint and an ongoing debate about whether Sam or Dean was the better Winchester (clearly it was Sam). If you had told me then that 16 years later I would be standing next to her at her wedding, well, I probably would’ve believed you because bonds like ours aren’t the kind that fade over time — they’re the kind that grow stronger. Over the years our friendship evolved from baking boxed brownies in our dorms to moving to NYC, chasing our dreams, starting our own businesses and navigating all the ups and downs in between. Cassandra has been my rock through it all and I cannot think of a human in this world that is more deserving of someone like Mark. I’m so glad you guys found each other and I am so excited to stand next to both of you on your big day!

Marcus! The man, the myth, the Mike Meyers doppelganger who dances with octogenarians at dive bars after rolling in on shopping carts on a high school weekend... But you had to get groovy with a few frogs before finding the one. We met playing friends on stage freshman year, and as great an actor you were and are, you've undoubtedly played a better friend to me in life. Every moment with you around instantly becomes a special one, simply because of your presence - that's your gift. Seeing you recognize this light in yourself and unapologetically share it with the world these past few years, it's no wonder you've drawn someone of equal light in as your partner. You two make up a cosmic supernova and the world just got a bit brighter for it.

Cassandra and I first met in college at Temple, and were instant friends- probably something about our profound weirdnesses that brought out the best in each other. She is the only person I ever have, and ever will, showcase my air dancer moves for on a stage, in front of literal judges. Cassandra is a bright light that brings joy to anyone lucky enough to know her, and I could not be happier that she has found her soulmate in Mark. Let's celebrate!

I needed a roommate, and I got this. And by this, of course, I mean a scene partner, a co writer, a road tripper, a joke butter, a music distributor, a straight shooter, a secret keeper, and a best friend. Very few people stick in my life—my circle has always been a small but mighty one. Thank you, Mark, for seeing the real me and not fleeing. Thank you for sticking. To quote a great poet: “Yes, it’s true, I’m so happy to be stuck with you. ‘Cause I can see that you’re happy to be stuck with me.” —Keats (I think)

Cassandra and I were auditioning for the same dance company on the day we technically met. There was not much competition between us, we both got into the company and have been dancing together since :) Navigating dance in NYC is a lot. I am so lucky that we have had each other to get through anything that came our way like all those confused people in public parks, unknown sleeping situations in other states, a pirate ship in the summer heat, and the chaos of the port authority bus terminal to name a few. Dance friends can end up a few different ways. There are ones you never really felt close to but had to be friendly with out of necessity. There are the ones you think are super close but then you stop dancing together and years go by before you realize you haven't spoken to them since. And then there are the lifelong ones, the kind that says I care about you as a whole person, no matter what you choose to do at any given time. I am honored that Cassandra and I share the latter. Mark and Cassandra are amazing together, they match each other's enthusiasm for life and generosity to the people they love. As I get to know Mark more and more it fills me with joy to know Cassandra has found such a wonderful person to share her life with. I am beyond excited to celebrate their love!

OH SNAP!! Hahaaa!… Because Im wearing the “Snap” hat… HaHAAAH!… (*Awkwardly clears throat.. takes a sip of water..) I met Mark in college and IMMEDIATELY knew he was my kind of person. Little did I know he would become one of the famed “Three Gentlemen of Staunton Ave.” ..or as they are known in Mexico, “Los Trés Caballeros del StauntÓN!”. ..Or as they are known in Canada, “The Three Gentleman of Staunton Ave.”. I have always admired Mark’s wisdom beyond his years, his spot-on sense of humor, and his musical taste. There are albums that Mark has recommended to me that I STILL listen to regularly to this day. It’s kind of my way of keeping him close, even though we may be many states apart. When I think of Marky, I am reminded of a concept that was only BRIEFLY discussed in the “Fast and Furious” movie series - Family. I mean, it’s REALLY important, so I always wondered why they barely ever mentioned it.. Like, if you blinked you would have missed it! Mark you are family. Always.

I’m SO excited for Cassandra and Mark!! I met Cassandra through dance in NYC and am the luckiest that we’ve stuck together through wonderful and weird art experiences into a steadfast friendship. Cassandra is a kindred spirit, a fierce friend, and an inspiration in how she takes on life! The way she tackles highs and lows with spirit and vivaciousness has always amazed me. She’s also a huge goofball and the most fun on both a night in decorating her apartment for Christmas, or a night out dressed up drinking cocktails. Cassandra has the gift of being dazzlingly engaging and captivating while also shining the light on her friends. I’m so happy to see how Mark makes that sparkle come alive, and how much they care for one another and have fun with life, in their adventures at home and afar. Cheers to Cassandra and Mark! I can’t wait to celebrate the love and life they’ve built together and their many years of joy and partnership to come.

We met on a day where neither of us were feeling our best. Cassandra was the new girl and I had the flu, but we had a long day ahead of us of being smart in front of a room full of people we barely knew. It quickly became very clear that we were in it together and everything would be fine because of that. And it was. It’s rare to make friends that instantly feel like you’ve known each other forever. But the world dropped you in front of me and said “here’s your new sister”. I’m so grateful for that. And I feel so lucky to be in it together still. Watching Mark and Cassandra, it’s that same feeling. From the very beginning. It was as if it had always been. And now it will always be.

After only knowing each other a few short weeks in the office, I sent my first text message to Mark, which read something like, “Hey, hope you’re okay, you seemed really in your head today!” Mark replied with something to the tune of, “oh wow, thanks for caring! But if you get to know me, you’ll realize I am often in my head!” Since then, I have spent the last 12 years: #1 Caring for him sometimes (which still seems to surprise him) #2 Discovering that he is, in fact, often in his head #3 Getting my own glimpses inside that head: learning of the silly, playful, brilliantly funny man that is my Marky, with his appreciation of comedy and respect for the “Rule of Threes” Respectfully, #4 - Lovingly bullying him at every opportunity I can. And on that note…I would like to thank Mark and Cassandra for giving me this opportunity to finally dress like a girl again. Genuinely, so much love for you both.

It all started on the Clearwater High stage while rehearsing for “Joseph”, Mark and I formed a bond because I kind of had a crush on his brother. We talked about all the high school drama (both the club and the actual drama of life and school). We both served as drama club officers and would later refer to ourselves as the “Koenig Dynasty” of drama presidents, as Lee handed the reigns to me and then I handed them to Mark. We held club meetings, officers bondings, and put together a pretty perfect Midnight Madness. Did we know then that we would be family one day? I mean I guess we would have always been theater family but I officially joined the Koenig family in 2008. Mark became my brother-in-law and eventually the greatest of uncles to Paul, Owen, and Nora. He will be one of our best friends always. Cassandra, I am beyond excited and happy that Mark has found the love of his life in you. I can tell that you are best friends and that is the greatest gift. I look forward to family vacations, and making memories together, and becoming sisters with you. I can’t wait to celebrate with you both. Cheers to you, wishing you all the love and happiness in the world!

Wedding advice: "Have a good marriage.”

Wedding advice: "Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”

Wedding advice: "Have kids. Have fun.”

I’ve known Mark for many years now and followed him from Florida to New York. We’ve worked on many projects together and had many great times especially tubing down the Delaware River while sipping some ice cold ones. I chose this picture because Mark looks happy obviously the Gators must’ve beaten the Seminoles that day. The only other time I’ve seen him happier than that was the day he introduced us to Cassandra . I’m so excited for the both of you on this new adventure in life together and I’m happy that I get to be a part of it in a really BIG way. In the name of The Father, The son, and The Holy Spirit …Amen. 🙏🏼 😇

Being a part of this wedding was an easy yes - I would do anything for these two. I hope to do them so proud that they invite me back for the next one.

Well, I’ve known Cassandra her entire life. I’ve witnessed her artistry, compassion, determination and resilience through every phase of her journey. Her path has changed, obstacles have arisen and unexpected doorways have appeared. But I could tell “this one” was special and unique. Cassandra, my little girl who thought she would never find the right guy. You found “you” in guy form. When you speak of Mark, you can hear the love you share. When you look at Mark, I see your hopes and dreams coming true. When Mark speaks of and looks at you…. It is what I have always dreamed for you. I am excited to walk alongside you as your dreams come true. Welcome to the family Mark.

I’m really proud of Cassandra. What she has done and is doing. She never stops going after what she wants. Even to the point of telling the police that we weren’t her parents when she about 3 or 4 and didn’t want to leave the boardwalk yet and was throwing quite a tantrum. Luckily she decided to say we were her parents when the option was going with the police to find her real parents. She should be proud of everything she has accomplished. I couldn’t imagine life without her and I miss the times when she was younger - hide and seek, Dancing Dudes, recital weekends, family games and looking up at the stars. I’m really happy for her and Mark. I think he’s a really good guy and she lucked out. I think they will be perfect together. Looking forward to the perfect day and perfect life. I wish you both the best. Welcome to the family Mark!