Desiree and Megan met on the school bus in 7th grade and have been best friends ever since! Way back in 1998, they became close friends because they lived in the same neighborhood, loved getting straight-As, played softball on the same team, and enjoyed sharing books with each other. To this day, Megan recommends the BEST books to Dez, with Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson being the latest. Seriously, check it out. Nowadays, Megan is a geneticist who just completed her post-doc and is getting married 3 weeks after Dez and Robby! Congratulations, Megan! Desiree is so blessed to have Megan, who is always there to celebrate triumphs and show empathy during tough times. Megan also gives the best advice, including dating advice (not that Dez needs that anymore--but trust me, there was a time...), and is always first to help Dez in a time of need. She is (still) smarter than Desiree, and always will be! However, Dez still cares that she inexplicably won the Distinguished Scholar in Science award over Megan during senior year of high school. Yes, she still has it and yes, it is still majestically displayed in her 2004 scrapbook. Desiree is beyond thrilled to have Megan as her Maid of Honor! Megan lives in Bloomington, Indiana, with her fiancé, Mike.

Ted is Robby's first cousin, and from the time of childhood, they have always been very close. Beginning with humble origins, where the two playmates would build up giant Lego constructions and smash them together (those were the halcyon days, and probably peak Robby & Ted) to celebrating all the events together that brought them into adulthood and beyond, Ted has always been like a brother to Robby. Robby is very proud of all that his cousin Ted has accomplished in his life, and is beyond honored to have Ted as his best man on this special day of celebration. Ted lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife, Wenwen.

Having examined the other groomsmen, one might be shocked to know that Robby and Geoff did not actually know each other in elementary school, high school, or even college! Making up for lost time, however, Geoff married Robby's sister, Michelle, in 2015, and has (voluntarily!) been part of the wacky Freeman family ever since. In the happy years that they have known one another, Geoff and Robby have traveled together on many advenutres, from the warm Caribbean, to the shores of Lake Michigan. If there is one thing that is clear, it is that there are many more incredible trips to come. Robby is proud to have Geoff as his brother-in-law, and as his friend. Geoff lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his wife, Michelle.

One fine day, in August 2005, Desiree threw a "Welcome Back" party in her West Quad dorm room. After many months of hearing about "Amanda Byrne" through their mutual friend, Chris, Desiree invited her and they finally met! After a great evening together, Nicole turned to Dez and said, "I really like Amanda. She should definitely be our friend." Desiree instantly agreed, and the rest is history! Desiree and Amanda have been extremely close ever since their West Quad days in Michigan House. After countless nights at the Heidelberg, trips to the Limited (RIP!), the famous Cruise of a Lifetime, a decade together in Chicago, and hours-long conversations about life, boys, and everything in between, Dez and A.Byrne personify what it means to be "besties." Desiree is extremely touched and grateful to Amanda for nursing her back to health after major surgery, both in the hospital and after. Amanda is, and always will be, a brilliant role model, confidante, and traveling companion! Desiree cannot wait to stand proudly next to her Matron of Honor in September! Amanda lives in Downers Grove, Illinois, with her husband, David, and son, Evan.

Once upon a time in 2004, in an elevator at Mary Markley Hall, Nicole and Desiree met on their way to the laundry room. It was the beginning of freshman year at Michigan, and both were eager to make new friends...especially one who lived in the same hall (6th Van Tyne, Damn We're Fine!). Within days, Nicole and Dez were inseparable and formed a lifelong friendship! After becoming roommates the following year, Nicole let Desiree become a marching band and Arabic Club groupie, and Desiree let Nicole teach her how to wear something other than t-shirts to parties. She may not know this, but Nicole is the reason Desiree made her first investment into "going out shirts" that did not have a Tigers, Red Wings, or other sports logo on them. LIFE. CHANGING. Despite the Peace Corps. taking Nicole to Morocco for 2 years, followed by jobs in Atlanta, Panama, & Honduras, Nicole always finds a way to talk, laugh, and stay best friends with Desiree. Through FaceTime, Hangouts, and much-anticipated visits to Chicago, Nicole is always there for Desiree, even if she isn't actually "there." Robby can't wait to FINALLY meet Nicole in person, and not just through the computer! Desiree can't wait to show Nicole the ultimate "going out dress" for her wedding. Nicole lives in in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, with her husband, Eric O'Bryant.

Coming off the heels of being high school classmates, Scott and Robby grew close as friends in the years since, with evergreen summer nights spent hanging out in parents' basements, to memorable camping trips. Their ease at traveling and having fun together culminated when they journeyed to the world's premier board game convention in Indianapolis! "Nerding" out was never this easy. Scott, ever the inventive entrepreneur, has created board games and axe throwing businesses alike (but has yet to combine them!). Robby is very impressed with Scott's accomplishments, and is just as proud that he has Scott as his friend. Scott lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Natalie is Desiree's younger sister, and they have been close for most their lives. Once Desiree grew out of resenting Natalie for moving into her bedroom as a baby and tackling Natalie for no reason (which was somewhere around age 5-6), they became great friends and partners in crime. Well, not actual crime...just the occasional mischief. As kids, Natalie taught Desiree how to use her sewing machine to hem pants (clearly, a necessary skill in the Lauricella household), bake pies and cakes, and properly hold garter snakes in the backyard. Desiree taught Natalie how to break into the attic of the house and hide candy "for later" under the fiberglass insulation (side note: That is so toxic! How are we alive?!), watch WWE wrestling on Dad's tv when they were supposed to be in bed, and how to annoy Sophia when she banned us from going in her room. As adults, Natalie taught Desiree what really happens during childbirth when she asked Desiree to be in the room for Giovanni's birth, and Desiree taught Natalie that a glass of Boone's Farm is always delicious after a long day of parenting. Or after a long day of work as a hospital nurse. Or after nothing at all. Desiree loves her sister very much, and she is thrilled to have Natalie drive her tricked out minivan to Chicago to be in the wedding. Natalie lives in Jackson, Michigan, with her husband, Larry, and their five children: Victoria, Griffin, Liam, LJ, & Giovanni.

Friends since high school, Matt and Robby quickly bonded over their shared love of bands such as Talking Heads, and quirky home videos made on VHS tapes. The best foreshadowing for their good friendship to come, however, was their shared birthday of March 29. How fortuitous is that? Throwing co-birthday parties over the years has become a time-honored tradition for these two friends, and Robby looks forward to continuing it for years to come. Robby is truly honored to have Matt stand with him on his wedding day, and as a side note, to continue to share a deep and abiding love of synthesizers with Matt for all time. Matt lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Sophia is Desiree's older sister, and the reason that Desiree has good taste in music. Ever since they were very young, Sophia would enlist Desiree and Natalie to help her write songs, play in our family band, and listen to all of the 80s and 90s classics on her extremely impressive Sony boombox. Sophia was always the lead singer, which Desiree now realizes was for the best--Desiree cannot carry a tune, but Sophia is not only a talented singer, but a gifted guitar player. Together, they perfected numerous Janet Jackson, Madonna, Hanson, Michael, Mariah, and Whitney Houston songs that eventually made their way into karaoke bars across the country. As adults, Sophia and Desiree have bonded over their shared experiences as female lawyers on opposite sides of the country. Desiree is very excited to be a bridesmaid for Sophia, who will be married this June in Hawaii, and can't wait for Sophia to do the same for her sister in September. Sophia lives in Santa Monica, California, with her fiancé, Jon.

Ever a man with charm in his gait and a mischievous glint in his eye, Sean's unlimited capacity for fun matched well with Robby's outgoing nature. It didn't take long after high school for these two to become close friends, and intense Game of Thrones speculators. When will the next Game of Thrones book come out? Only the gods know for sure, but Robby certainly didn't expect to be married by this point (there's still time)! Life is full of surprises, and Robby is grateful that Sean has always been there to experience those twists, cliffhangers, and joys together. Sean lives in Seattle, Washington.

Desiree is excited to add another sister to her family, and she loves her new sister-in-law-to-be, Michelle. Upon first meeting each other at Michelle's house in St. Paul, Michelle and Dez became instant friends and learned that they have tons in common. Desiree is pumped to join Michelle in the Freeman/Fasen traditions of lying on the beach at Lake Macatawa, biking around the Twin Cities, and tearing up the Boca Grande, FL, bar scene! Dez also volunteers to hold everyone's coats again during the annual family Turkey Trot 5K, since it is too early in the day for her to muster the strength to run. Desiree can't wait to tear up the dance floor with Michelle, and she is so grateful to have her as a bridesmaid! Michelle lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband, Geoff, and adorable puppy, Olaf.

There was a moment once, ages ago in high school, when Matt and Robby awkwardly hung out for the first time (Matt did not think at the time that Robby was "cool"), not yet seeing the bright future that lay ahead of them as friends. For several years after that point, Matt and Robby would constantly ask each other in jest, "wait, did I know you two years ago?" Over time, this question became more than a little redundant, and fell out of rotation. From these inauspicious beginnings, a beautiful friendship has blossomed. Robby is honored and touched every day that he is friends with Matt, and looks forward to Matt being a part of the many special celebrations to come. Matt lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Ryan is Robby's dearest friend from his college days at Miami University, as they met freshman year at a magic show, but quickly discovered that they lived in the same dorm! They became fast friends and roommates for the remainder of their exciting tenure at Miami, trying (and sometimes succeeding) to keep one another out of trouble. Robby had the great privilege of being Ryan's best man at Ryan's wedding in 2016, and is ecstatic to return the favor and have Ryan stand with Robby at his wedding in 2019. Ryan lives in Laurel, Maryland, with his wife, Rachael, and their two children.

Desiree and Andie met on the first day of law school orientation and became fast friends. Since they both are the middle child of three daughters in an Italian family, Andie and Dez bonded instantly and often over the last 10 years. From Justinian Society bocce ball tournaments, to Vegas pool party concerts (Ja-SON Da-ruuuuuuulo!), to sleepovers at Andie's with Lydia, Grace, & Rose, Desiree is so thankful for her friendship with Andie! Desiree and Andie (still) enjoy watching Jersey Shore, Real Housewives, and Teen Mom, despite ridicule from Robby & Chuck. Andie is one of the most loyal, caring people that Desiree has ever met, and she is proud to call Andie one of her closest friends and her bridesmaid! Andie lives in Woodridge, Illinois, with her husband, Chuck, and daughters, Grace and Rose.

Joey and Desiree first met during their first year of law school and have remained super close ever since! They spent two years as roommates in Chicago living--and living it up--in the Gold Coast! Dez takes credit for helping Joey become an excellent cook, and she credits Joey with helping her learn the difference between foundation and blush. If it weren't for Joey, Desiree would have no idea how to put on makeup! Joey is kind, intelligent, and gives excellent advice on everything (i.e. that we should go to Mass and pray for success the night before the bar exam--it worked!). Desiree is thrilled to have Joey as a member of her bridal party and is especially grateful that Joey suggested they use her church, St. James, as the venue for the wedding. Joey lives in Arlington Heights, Illinois, with her husband, Phil, and son, PJ.

Danny and Robby have been close friends for nearly their entire lives, which is not looking too bad now that they are in their 30's! From sharing high school prom, to long summer night hangouts; from playing tennis games to board games, attending concerts and everything in between, Danny and Robby have done it all. Most importantly, Danny and Robby have always been there for each other, and Robby is very lucky to have Danny as his life-long friend. Now, they can add celebrating Robby's wedding together in 2019 on that proverbial bucket list! Danny lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Sunethra and Desiree are two peas in a pod and share a special bond that extends well beyond their mutual love for the University of Michigan, fiscal responsibility, and a certain Detroit Tigers bullpen catcher/ UM alum (woooo, Jeff Kunkel!). Sunny and Dez are excellent at keeping in touch despite living 2,000 miles apart, and they can laugh about anything, anytime. Sunethra is responsible for helping Desiree learn the art of tough negotiating (both on Devon Avenue and in the board room), and Dez is continually grateful. Desiree is so glad that Sunethra will join her on the altar and dance floor next September! Sunethra lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her husband, Mike Mohan.

Aaron, or "AJ", as he is known to his oldest friends and family, has been a close friend of Robby's since their childhood days of inventing fantastical games on the school yard grounds. These days, instead of running around like maniacs on playground equipment, Aaron and Robby enjoy dancing from one disco-ball infused place in Chicago to the next, with memorable events such as Beauty Bar's "80's Night", or "New Wave Night" at Neo (RIP) to help fire up their imaginations. Never could Robby ask for a better friend than AJ. Robby looks forward to ceding the dance floor at his wedding to Aaron, and his majestic dance moves. Aaron lives in Deerfield, Illinois.

Having known each other since childhood, there have been ample opportunities for Bobby and Robby to share not only ridiculous lives, but also the same name, the same red hair, and practically the same houses. Fortunately, they both seized these many chances to be fools together, and haven't looked back since. Could one be tempted to say that their close friendship appears to "be over 9,000"? Robby would be the first to agree. Robby would also implore Bobby to "get in the jeep", but he has been asking him to do that for years, and it never seems to work out. Maybe at Robby's wedding, they can finally do just that. Bobby lives in Washington, D.C., with his fiancé, Krista.

Friends since age 12, when they shared 7th grade homeroom and Spanish class, Laura and Desiree have been the best of friends for over 20 years! Desiree will always hold dear memories of Laura and her working 10,000-piece puzzles on Laura's dining room table, "hanging out" at their favorite store, Meijer, opening the car door at railroad tracks "just to make sure" nothing was coming, being waited on by Jim at The Parlour, and "Swiss Treat" runs in Dez's first car, the Bu (as in Buick). More recently, Desiree always counted on Laura to join her at Rick's (you're never too old for Rick's!), Hunt Club on the night before Thanksgiving, and Barleycorn in Wrigleyville...and staying in on a Saturday night to watch 90s music videos. Laura is always genuine, hilarious, and a great listener. Desiree is overjoyed to have Laura stand beside her on her wedding day! Laura lives in Jackson, Michigan, with her husband, Jason, and daughter, Livia.

LJ is Desiree's nephew, and he is the apple of her eye! Desiree and LJ have always had a special bond, especially because LJ loves "muhlaxing" on the couch, cuddling, and taking pictures--just like Aunt Desiree! LJ enjoys artichokes, Paw Patrol, and getting a new "mackpack" every year for school. Although he no longer calls her "Aunt Cat" (as in the feline), LJ can't wait to be a ring bearer for his "favorite aunt after Aunt Christina." LJ lives in Jackson, Michigan, with his Mommy, Daddy, three brothers, sister, and three dogs: Titus, Tracker, & Tula. Aunt Christina lives 20 minutes away.

Giovanni is Desiree's youngest nephew, and her favorite toddler! Desiree and Giovanni met the exact second he began life, because Desiree was in the room when he was born! Giovanni loves candy, Mickey Mouse Playhouse, and not going to bed on time. He can't wait to walk down the aisle with LJ and (hopefully) make it to the front of the church without running! Giovanni lives in Jackson, Michigan, with his Mommy, Daddy, three brothers, sister, and three dogs, Titus, Tracker, & Tula.

Livia is an experienced flower girl ready to steal the show at Robby and Desiree's wedding! Her mom and dad, Laura and Jason, grew up with Desiree and can't wait to see their smart, talkative, beautiful girl walk down the aisle! .....They are excited for Liv to be a flower girl, too. :-P Livia enjoys behaving extremely well most of the time, dancing around the living room, and hanging out with Nana instead of mom. Dez and Robby can't wait to see Liv dancing (slowly) down the aisle! Livia lives in Jackson, Michigan, with her Mommy, Daddy, and all of her teddy bears and stuffed animals.

Grace is so excited to be a flower girl in HER friend Desiree's wedding! Grace will tell you that Desiree is, in fact, her friend and not her mom's friend...even though Desiree loves being friends with both Grace and her mom, Andie. Grace loves preschool, her dog Jenkins aka "my Jenks," and playdates with Desiree (when Andie allows it). Although only three, Grace might actually be taller than Desiree by the time the wedding gets here. Stay tuned! Grace lives in Woodridge, Illinois, with her Mom, Dad, little sister Rosie, and golden doodle, Jenkins.