Tylor was introduced to Justin by their mutual friend Troy. Ty, as Justin more regularly calls him, was typically a guest appearance to the West Corners neighborhood, and always a menace when it came to sports. Justin and Tylor became very close in high school due to them working side by side in the wedding business. Justin and Tylor climbed their way in the wedding business, from coat room, to server, to bartender, and so on; Justin followed Tylor’s footsteps. During college, Tylor would make impromptu trips to Oswego, sometimes at a half hour notice, just to hang with Justin. Tylor is another one, been there for it all, Justin and Ellen are super thankful for their relationship with Ty.

Lauren, or “sis” as Ellen affectionately calls her, is the Maid of Honor. Coming in at 4’11”, she is Ellen’s little sister in more ways than one. Growing up, it was just the two of them, and as her big sister, Ellen naturally assumed the roles of teacher, protector, style critic, and at times, annoyed older sister. Over the years, their relationship has transitioned into a true friendship full of humor, honesty, and almost daily phone calls. A defining moment in Justin and Ellen’s relationship was during Lauren’s time at SUNY Broome, just a 20-minute drive away from their home. Shortly after a snowstorm, Lauren’s car wouldn’t start, and without hesitation, she reached out to Justin for help. Knowing how comfortable Lauren felt calling Justin, and seeing how quickly he dropped everything to go help her, meant the world to Ellen and solidified him as not just a future brother-in-law, but a true brother figure entering their sibling dynamic.

Ant, more commonly referred to as “Noce”, has been critical in Justin’s life. From early memories in the dugouts of West Corners baseball, to wrestling, to the most recent years exploring the outdoors together, Noce has always been there. You can find Justin and Noce in tree stands with bows, sitting in a duck blind as the world wakes up, or attempting a new wild game recipe for one of their “wild-game nights” at the house. In fact, Justin asked Noce to be best man during one of the best duck hunts of the 2023 season on the Susquehanna River, this same river that Ellen was asked to marry Justin months before.

Ryan, the oldest of the Ketchum boys, has proved his loyalty in family. Ryan may be the greatest difference in age and distance from Justin, but you would never know when they are together. Recently, Justin has cherished the long conversations with Ryan via telephone and rooting on the Buffalo Bills (regardless of all the hardships the Bills put them through). One of Justin’s most fond memories with Ryan is during elementary school when Justin was too “sick” to go to school but Ryan still managed to get Justin to go to Tony’s for his first gnocchi experience. Little did pre-teen Justin know that Tony’s would be a favorite date night spot for his future wife Ellen.

Next in the brother line we have Chris. Chris and Justin’s relationship has transformed over the years. Having Chris in the area most of Justin’s life, Justin looked at Chris as a role model. Although Chris is still looked up to, Justin now can see him as a peer and someone to go to when needed. It was because of Chris that Justin first became interested in a career in law enforcement. Chris is a trail blazer and has a work ethic like no other. One of Justin’s most fond moments with Chris is watching Chris' children grow. From the early days of conning Bren and Keels into washing Justin’s car with squirt guns, to now seeing them flourish on their respective sports teams and friend groups. Justin takes great pride in being “Uncle Justin” and has Chris to thank for that. Chris is also the reason for Justin and Ellen putting their orange and black sports clothing aside and trading it out for blue and yellow (because who wouldn't for those kids).

Middle brother Mike. Mike is reliable in that he can take anything apart and build it better. Justin calls Mike via FaceTime often to help him navigate whatever weekend project that he is working on. Even when help is not needed, Justin can count on Mike to admire his work because Mike knows how much effort goes into these types of things. One of Justin's most fond memories is the period when Justin was in high school, and Mike and Justin were the sole brothers in the house. You could find them watching the St. Louis Blues in the basement, Justin with a chocolate milk and Mike with a beer, chips and salsa. Justin credits Mike for cultivating his love for salty snacks and one of his favorite date night drinks; craft beer.

Brother Brendan being closest in age to Justin has not let down either. Justin admires Brendan’s work ethic and ability to talk and connect with anyone. Brendan has an ability to get people to talk with him regardless of the topic. Justin cherishes the long conversations he and Brendan have routinely. Early on in Justin and Ellen’s relationship they were talking on the phone, Justin at his mom’s house, when Brendan intercepted the conversation, making him the first to meet Ellen. Brendan grilled Ellen as if she were in a job interview, and ultimately must have impressed him, as she quickly gained his approval.

Connor has been one of Justin’s closest friends since they were old enough to walk home from school together. Connor has been around for all the major milestones and supported Justin in all his endeavors. Most recently, in 2020, Connor, like many, was unable to work in person causing him to stick around Endicott for a bit. During this time, Connor was able to spend a lot of time around the house with Justin and Ellen.

Troy is one of Justin’s closest friends. Justin and Troy knew of each other on the little league diamond but it wasn’t until Troy came riding by the neighborhood wiffle ball game on his bmx bike with his skateboarding helmet on, that their true relationship started. As kids, Troy and Justin would square up to each other and fight often due to their competitive nature, usually resulting in someone saying “you’re not my friend anymore” after getting hurt. As adults, Justin is proud to sit back and watch Troy accomplish his dreams, as Troy is of Justin. Troy has been around for all of Justin and Ellen’s relationship, from the early days of Oswego, to the more recent ones when Justin calls him in need of assistance at the house.

Kelsey holds a special place in Ellen’s heart as her first and longest friend. They met at daycare and practically grew up at each other’s houses, sharing countless sleepovers, endless laughter, and core memories. While they were best friends, their relationship was marked by a healthy dose of competitiveness. Whether it was comparing hair length, test scores, or determining who was the tallest, Kelsey and Ellen always seemed to have a friendly rivalry. As adults, the hallmark of their friendship is the ability to seamlessly pick up where they left off, no matter how much time has passed or how far apart they may be geographically. Through every phase of life, Kelsey remains a constant, and Ellen is incredibly appreciative of their friendship.

Alli is a caring and reliable friend with THE biggest heart. In addition to being a great friend to Ellen, Alli has always treated Ben and Buddy like her own. From delivering comfort food at a moment's notice to recently "breaking Ben out of jail" from the boarding facility, she continuously shows up for the people she loves, no matter what. There's a running joke that whenever Alli visits Justin and Ellen’s home, they need to have coffee readily available and hide all the pillows and blankets because she's sure to bundle up and inevitably fall asleep during gatherings. While it’s something the whole friend group laughs about, Justin and Ellen see it as a representation of the comfort and ease of their friendship.

Carlie is the life of the party and radiates constant warmth and positivity to those around her. Carlie has a knack for turning an ordinary day or task into an extraordinary memory. Whether Ellen is sitting in Carlie’s salon chair, listening to music around a fire, or roaming around the West Endicott garage sales, their time together is always full of laughter and random adventures. Ellen can’t wait to dance the night away with Carlie by her side in September.

Jamie, otherwise known as Ellen and Justin’s neighbor, has what seems like endless energy, is remarkably talented (seriously, check out her house sometime), and has been such a genuine friend to Ellen. Before Jamie moved in next door, Ellen and Justin were pretty nervous about who their new neighbor would be. They kept an eye out for showings and low-key creeped on potential buyers before Jamie came along. Little did we know we would move from neighbors to close friends who enjoy regularly scheduled “porch bevs’, backyard bonfires, and DIY projects.