Danielle and I met way back in high school. From the moment we met there was an immediate click, and we spent all of our free time together gathering unforgettable moments, chats, getting into trouble, and laughing till our stomaches hurt. Even now when we live half way across the world from one another, we are able to keep up a strong friendship that feels like family and everytime we meet its like no time has gone by.

Danielle has been my best friend since college. Little did we know she went to my grandparents summer camp in Long Island as a kid and somehow our paths were linked before we even knew. As I've always spent part of my summer in New York, Danielle became an integral part of my New York life. From living with her parents during summer internships to weekends with my Grandma & crazy family in the Hamptons we’ve never missed a summer. This very soon led to including John into our chosen family and I couldn’t be more grateful.I feel so lucky that now John and danielle spend a few weeks in San Diego every year as well. I thought I was blessed with gaining Danielle as a sister but now I have an amazing brother/husband to add to our little family 💕

We met in 10th grade chemistry class when we were lucky enough to be partnered together. From then on we were inseparable running around on the Upper East Side. From concerts, travels, roommates, hardships and best of times we’ve been friends through it all and I can’t wait to celebrate Danielle and John!

Danielle and I first met through our mutual best friend Olivia in high school, and immediately hit it off. In the near decade as best friends since then, we have gotten to experience running around nyc as crazy teenagers, traveling around the country, moving to Brooklyn, quarantining together and laughing and dancing endinglessly. I am so excited to be by her side as she texts this major next step in her life.

Danielle and I became fast friends during our freshman year of college living in the Oxford dorms. Danielle has always been able to make me laugh and has never ceased to amaze me with the ridiculous things she says. In the toughest of times, Danielle has been able to put a smile on my face, and I am so grateful to be by her side on a day dedicated to celebrating her amazing love and to witness the beginning of a life with John, filled with endless laughter and joy.

Danielle and I met in a gloriously NY fashion… at a concert - in high school! We took our time before deciding that we needed to be friends, and once that happened there was no going back. From concerts 12 years ago, to ski attempts last month, this will be a friendship that will last forever.

Danielle and I first collided in the halls of Eleanor Roosevelt High School back in 2009, and it was love at first sight. Together, we navigated growing up in New York City, crafting unforgettable adventures and friendships that feel more like family. College couldn't part us; we returned to the city every summer, creating memories we'll cherish forever. Our friendship didn't miss a beat even after I ventured west to Santa Barbara. Whether it's reunions in California, New York, or Denver, Danielle remains my anchor, my slice of home. Being friends with her means always having a place to belong. I'm thrilled to watch Danielle and John embark on this exciting new chapter together!

Danielle and I both don’t remember when we became friends, but we met when we had to walk to organic chemistry together from Chi-Omega. It took no time at all and we found ourselves in a very close friendship hanging out every day. We lived together as roommates for the last two years of college and even shared a big room together senior year on the third floor of our house of 8 girls. Her friendship means the world to me and I’m so lucky to have her in my life. :)

Danielle and I first met freshman year of college when we were in the same dorm and sorority. We lived together senior year and then moved to New York together where we had countless sleepovers, random adventures, and gluten free bagels. We’ve moved to long distance friendship now but nothing could keep me from celebrating the most incredible, thoughtful, sincere friend who moves heaven and earth to support her people.

Danielle and Anna met the first week of freshman year in 2013 at the University of Michigan on a bus on the way to class. They started chatting and became instant friends. Since that moment, they have been chatting just about everyday for the past 11 years! After college, Danielle and Anna both headed to NYC where they continue to make memories together.

I met John at a point in my life where I needed direction. It was early high school and, as fate would have it, John was reassigned to Cary High. To be honest, I looked up to John. He was highly motivated, insanely intelligent, and just wild enough to scare me a little. We were forming what continues to be a lifelong friendship, and John was guiding me through a point in my life where I desperately needed to make the right choices. I’ll never forget hanging out late at night at his parents’ house watching Saving Private Ryan with the third of the three amigos, Colin. John was so pumped up after the movie that he decided we should rappel down his roof using a blanket tied to a couch. Typical John. John and Colin, and even his dog Holly, made it down before me and I worked my way to the edge of the roof. This is when I learned that I was terrified of heights. After a good half hour of bargaining back and forth, and me not budging, I slid off the roof and on to John’s shoulders. Not my proudest moment, but a moment that told me that he would always be there when I needed a hand. That’s still true today, and I’m grateful to have a friend and brother like John.

John and I met at Lufkin Road Middle School in 2005 as young men. Even at that age, I knew that we would be lifelong friends. John was an absolute terror in gym class, pray you never face the man in floor hockey; my fingers still hurt from getting slashed. I quickly learned that it was far better to be on John's side than against him and I've never left since. In high school, John, Ellis and I were inseparable. Known as "The Triplets" or "The Triangle", our teachers quickly learned that letting us sit together in class was a big mistake. As did our mutual employer, Harris Teeter, who soon regretted scheduling us on the same shifts and allowing us access to the store intercom. From school projects to road trips to late night adventures, there are countless memories with John from these times that I cherish. I have always been proud to call John my friend. He's loyal, caring, insanely smart and, unfortunately, witty. But I've never been more proud of him than when he told us he was going to marry Danielle. I first met Danielle on a visit to New York City where she and John stuffed Mady and I full of Italian food and then took us to shoot pool. It was instantly obvious that Danielle brings out the best in John. Since then, I've enjoyed multiple weddings and vacations with John and Danielle and have loved getting to know her better. I can't think of a better partner for my best friend and I'm so excited to watch them continue to grow as a married couple. Cheers to the Blackwells!

John and I met in middle school, but we got close in high school spending weekends getting into trouble with Ellis and Colin. I learned quickly that John has a “take the road less traveled” take on life when we were hiking a trail near Blowing Rock and he convinced us the hike would be a lot more memorable if we went off trail and hiked up the face of the mountain with no gear. He was right. That was the first of many memorable adventures we’ve had together spanning from Brooklyn to South Beach. John is the best friend anyone could ask for and I couldn’t be more proud to stand by him on his wedding day.

John and I met like many people do, as two lonely strangers catching each other's gaze from across a dimly lit, moody cocktail bar in the heart of a horrible neighborhood undergoing rampant gentrification. We didn't know it then, but we soon would discover this was a start to a beautiful friendship. It didn't take long to discover we were both in similar transition periods in our lives and were just a couple of wide eyed young adults ready to give NYC a run for its money (turned out NYC took our money instead.) Our social lives were flourishing with countless nights that ended in stepping outside to see the sun rise, us navigating the war zone that is the NY dating scene, sightseeing, brazilian jiu jitsu, biking, food touring, and eventually surviving the apocalyptic COVID landscape of NYC. Much to Danielle's dismay, we were inseparable. One of my favorite, albeit blurrier, early memories of meeting Danielle was as John's plus one to a party she was throwing. Don't ask for too many details but I had a blast overstaying my welcome and no one made me feel like I didn't belong in their circle. It didn't take much for Danielle to gain my approval, it was a good thing for John to have some order to the chaos that was his life, and I couldn't be happier for the two to now be together. She even became a permanent member of the Winter 2020 Banya Crew and had a seat at our table, and the raggedy sweaty couch of Spa 88, no small feat! I couldn't be more honored to be a witness to the love that John and Danielle share and hope to be a part of it for the many years to come.

John and I both transferred into the computer science program in August 2015. Early memories include a Saturday spent studying data structures in Sitterson, an epic camping trip in Snowbird Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains and a long journey to and from the Hulaween music festival in Florida. I met Danielle for the first time over FaceTime at the beginning of the Covid lockdown. John was obviously very excited to show her off…didn’t want to wait for an in-person opportunity. Then I met her officially at his birthday party that year.

John and I first met in Ms. Woodside's 3rd grade class, where he promptly shattered my dreams of becoming a professional basketball player during a game at recess. Our friendship truly solidified in 4th grade when we both caught chicken pox. I cannot recall who got who sick, but I vividly remember John picking at his scabs and eating them once they started to harden. While everyone else in class was disgusted, I couldn't help but find it hilarious. As we grew older, we remained close friends, living in adjacent neighborhoods and we frequently hung out together. Many afternoons were spent playing highly competitive sand volleyball at North Cary Park, complete with tennis grunts and sounds that would rival any Wimbledon match. Some of my best high school memories involve going to raves with John, consuming high-tier cinema together, and getting into all sorts of shenanigans. Fast forward to today, and John and I are still great friends. We continue to engage in spirited debates about movies, NBA, politics, and philosophy, just like we did in our youth. Every Christmas, we make sure to get together and catch up in the neighborhood where we grew up. In November 2021, John graciously hosted me at his apartment in Brooklyn. We had a blast attending "The Fall of Troy" concert, exploring Brooklyn's bar scene, visiting Russian spas, and discussing NFT opportunities. It was during this trip that John introduced me to his wonderful fiancée, Danielle. I had the pleasure of getting to know Danielle while admiring the NYC skyline from her apartment. We bonded over our shared love for Fuyu Persimmons, and I even had the opportunity to meet her parents. Danielle's kindness and support for John are truly remarkable. She stands by him in all his endeavors, whether it's biking, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or exploring the world of NFTs. I was honored when Danielle attended my own wedding with John in October 2022. Although many years have passed since those memorable chicken pox scabs, the foundation of our friendship remains as strong as ever. I am thrilled to stand beside John on his wedding day and celebrate the love he has found with Danielle.

I still remember the first time I met John Blackwell, it was at a rooftop party in Brooklyn. Little did I know that this guy would become one of my closest friends and a true brother to me. When the pandemic hit, John and I ended up getting to know each other a whole lot better, and he introduced me to two things that changed my life for the better; Bikes and Banyas. John got me into cycling, and we'd spend hours exploring the city and enjoying the freedom of being outdoors. On Wednesdays, we you could find us in the Russian Bathhouse. With bathrobes and beers in hand, we'd lounge on the couches of Spa 88 and shoot the shit for hours. It was easy to forget about the world outside, and just enjoy the few social moments we had available - It was a unique and special bond that we formed. One of my favorite memories with John is when we took a trip to Puerto Rico. He pushed me to face my fears and climb the Cliffs of Fajardo. I was a bit scared, but with his encouragement, I made it to the top, and it felt like an accomplishment. John believed in me and helped me realize that I could overcome my fears and achieve anything - this extraordinary moment is captured permanently as it's his contact photo in my phone. He always knew how to make the most ordinary moments extraordinary. Speaking of extraordinary, John and Danielle are a match made in heaven. I can see how they bring out the best in each other. John, with his adventurous spirit, and Danielle, with her loving and vibrant personality, complement each other perfectly. Their love is genuine, and you can just feel the happiness and joy between them. I can't help but feel grateful for our friendship and the journey we've shared. John has taught me a lot about life, friendship, and love. I wish them both all the happiness in the world because they truly deserve it.

I first met John back in 2021 when my sister asked me if I wanted to meet her North Carolina transplant boyfriend. Despite my apprehension, John and I quickly bonded over motorcycles and sports while pregaming in my tiny Brooklyn basement apartment. Little did I know that over the next couple of years, John and I would swim with sharks in San Diego, party in a kibbutz in Israel, SCUBA dive in the Mediterranean, and ski black diamonds in Breckenridge. Can't wait to see what the next couple of years brings.

I'm Roman Faizorin, a Russian New Yorker by way of Florida. The moment I saw John I realized that he is a man of focus, commitment, and sheer iron will. He knows no fear, and never backs down at the face of a danger. How do I know all this? We met on jiu jitsu mats at the height of the pandemic. Throughout these years John has proven to be a loyal friend, relentless sparring partner, and a reliable adventuring mate. I know he can always be relied on, whether it's the final miles of a day-long bike ride or the final slices of a pizza - John always has my back. The moment I first saw Danielle and John together, I could tell by their shared glances the warmth of their smiles that they belonged together. As beautiful as she is sophisticated, Danielle perfectly balances John's unwavering strength. It is an honor for me to be at this wedding and celebrate Danielle and John's love.