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Our Wedding

It Started With The Music 

Sean and I first made eye contact at a show in February of 2020. We didn't connect that night, but we did match on Bumble a few days later and realized we'd met in passing the weekend prior. Turns out the concert I'd gone to was Sean's. We immediately started comparing notes about our favorite bands and set a date to meet up. 
 
Back in 2020, Worcester was in the midst of a booming economic renaissance, so we decided to get together for a beer at the newly opened Worcester Public Market. You can tell a lot about a person from their Bumble profile, but you cant tell how tall they are unless they list their height, and Sean had not provided that info... Sean and I met in person when I nearly trampled him&#160; coming out of the ladies room at a brewery and shared an awkward laugh about it.&#160; We sat down for our chat and I could tell immediately that something special was happening.&#160; I had just started to appreciate his gorgeous blue eyes, when I was accidentally introduced to a good chunk of his extended family. Turns out half of the O'Connell clan was also excited by the prospect of a new brewery. When the bar closed, we were having so much fun that neither of us wanted the date to end, so like a true gentleman, Sean took me to an absolute dive across the street known as The White Eagle, where we continued to have a fantastic evening/early morning.
 
At the end of the night, Sean walked me to my car and opened&#160; the door for me. Before I could get in, he got on his tiptoes and&#160; gave me the best (albeit surprising) goodnight kiss that I've ever had. While we both agreed that neither of us was interested in anything serious, we agreed to get together again for coffee the next morning. Of all the coffee shops in all the world, Sean's cousin also felt compelled to try the one we went to that morning, so I was reintroduced to the family while we stood in line for drinks, in what must have looked like, from their perspective, a scandalous encounter. We talked for a long time, mostly about our shared love of travel, and by our third date on Sunday, we had a Greece trip all planned out for that summer. 
 
Unfortunately, or maybe not, life had other plans, and by the end of that first weekend, the lockdowns started. We couldn't have known then how long the world be still and quiet, but in that isolation, love bloomed. We found fun where we could, and many of our early dates involved takeaway food and spending time at Seans place, or my apartment listening to music or playing video games. I've heard it said that the lockdowns could "make or break" a relationship, and I think its fair to say it made ours. In a world full of distractions, we suddenly had none, and that gave us a lot of time to get to know each other.
 
By the time the pandemic was over 3 years later, "nothing serious" had turned into a mortgage and 3 different overseas adventures together.&#160; I had to wait 2 years for Sean and the guys to play another show, but we enjoyed making some music together in between the all the wild times we had in our first apartment on Harding St. Its funny how sometimes the most challenging years, can be the most fun. We've seen and done more crazy things in the last 3 than some people see in a lifetime, but I hope Sean and I will enjoy another 80 with the same sense of adventure and humor we survived a pandemic with. 
 
If nothing else, we'll always have the music, and when words fail, music speaks. It speaks into the silence even when the world goes quiet for a while.

Our Story

Photos

My best friend from Yard House and the funniest person I know. Alison drunkenly swore an oath at her own wedding to be my maid of honor one day, and also to roast me heartily in front of my friends, family, and loved ones at my wedding.  Alison enjoys moving rocks, eating bacon from a mason jar, sleeping in tents, getting lost, yelling at strangers, and making our friends and neighbors feel welcome in our apartment. She appreciates an opportunistic desert scream and has a special interest in horticulture.

Alison Killpatrick 

Weslynn is my dear friend, roommate, and coworker. We share a deep love of fried okra and crowd surfing. Weslynn enjoys a good two-step, whether her partner enjoys it or not. Our friendship dates back to our time in the Air Force together, which is why neither of us can hear a darn thing.

Weslynn Wooten 

Emily and I met waiting tables at Civic Kitchen and bonded over our shared disdain for people who come to a restaurant with a party of 9, order the special but modify it 19 ways, split the bill by individual consumer, tip 5 bucks on a 200 tab, and then complain about the rising menu prices. Neither of us are very good at using drink trays, but Emily is better. We share a love of charcuterie and fine cocktails.  Emily loves dogs and hiking. I can't stand either one but I sure do like listening to Emily tell me about them. We also love Costa Rica and we enjoy getting hit the head with surfboards. Emily is my favorite person to talk about boys with and she was a supporter of Sean since day 1. 

Emily largesse 

Rachel is my oldest friend. We've been besties since a hotly disputed race at church camp when we were 6.  We have often settled things via wrestling match, and we spent our teen years seeing who could wear more eyeliner. We've been known to share clothing, and dates. We spent most of the early 2000s pretending to be pirates and I'm not actually sure we stopped. Rachel and I have seen every cringe worthy phase of one another's life and I'm looking forward to all the new and noteworthy dumb things we'll accomplish in our 30s. Rachel is living her dream of being an English teacher and has the patience of a saint.

Rachel Smith

Casey and I have been friends since highschool.  She's kind, brilliant, and absolutely adorable. We share a love of comic book conventions and techno music.  Casey approaches every interaction with her signature sense of empathy and humor. We've crawled home from many late nights spent dancing in shoes that don't fit, and we've shared many nachos at Denny's. I accidentally bullied her once when I was trying to be funny and we really became friends when I made her a greeting card apologizing for my absolutely criminal tendency to put my foot in my mouth. Casey forgave me and rest is history. Casey does not try to be cool. Her coolness simply is. 
Casey and I swap clothing and I'm pretty sure she still has my pants.

Casey Perez

Mari and I have known each other for 10 years. It was love at first sight when she walked into that house party on base and we started talking by the fire. Mari is an absolute treasure trove of weird ideas and useful knowledge. We bonded over my willingness to make jokes in poor taste and her willingness to laugh loudly at them. Neither of us can stand liars and we happened to know quite few around the time we were getting to know each other. Mari always gives me the truth, even when it's hard to hear, and she makes me laugh until my mascara runs. She has more class in her pinky than most of us will have in a lifetime and I'm proud to know her. Mari and her husband, Adam restored my faith in real love. They're the best smelling people I know. 

Mari Noftsinger

Lynn is my friend and coworker. She's the very first friend I made after moving to mass. She's absolutely a crazy cat lady and I love her for it. Lynn is tenacious and street-smart and she always finds a way to get things done. She never gives up and she stands up for herself and others. She's an incredible friend and I love it when she has few drinks and dances at our parties. Lynn loves animals and gives her cats the most luxurious life you've ever seen. She's rock solid reliable, but you will see her Worcester side if you cross her.

Lynn Ballotte

Alyssa is the first friend to ever smooch me the first time we met and I had no idea how to handle that. She's a wonderfully warm and affectionate person in spite of me having the social skills of a plank. When I was a broke teenager, she would to take me out for nice sushi dates and ask nothing in return. She told me she likes to dress up on Valentine's day (which is also her birthday) and hand out flowers to strangers because "the world is her valentine!" Spending time near Alyssa is a lot like laying across a beach in a Bahamas and listening to the waves while the sun shines on you. She's also an incredible seamstress and gives amazing hugs. I 10/10 recommend getting a hug from Alyssa. Same town or different countries, Alyssa has always been there with a kind a word and an encouraging smile, even when I didn't deserve one. 

Alyssa Templeton 

Not many people can say they met their bestman and best friend on craigslist, but I can. It was 2011 and I was looking to get back into  playing music, I stumbled across an ad for a cover band looking for a guitarist on craigslist, that’s how I met Don. Walking into the try out, I remember being a bit intimidated by Don because of his sheer size but quickly found out he was a gentle giant. Over the years and countless shows, Don has always been the one to keep the band on track and focused on whatever goal/next show we have coming up. Always the voice of reason through countless shows, trips to the Cape, and cross-country band excursions to Montreal and San Diego. Don is also always quick to come to my defense (whether its at the Lucky Dog or outside of the Salty Dog) and stand up for those in need.  Don is an inspiration to me as a wonderful Husband to his incredible wife Romiya and a loving father to his two children. In addition to being an incredibly talented musician Don is a consummate hobbyist and can fix anything including recently, when our band space flooded and nearly ruined our PA system (which he built by the way), Don was the one to keep everyone else cool and took it home to fix.  

 I love traveling with Don because he is very much like me when traveling, just open to new experiences. I’ll always remember our San Diego trip when Aadam and I tagged along on his business trip and we spent several days exploring San Diego including going to Warped Tour, ocean kayaking, and swimming with sea lions in La Jolla. Hey Don, are you active?

Always looks out for me, whether I’m singing Brian McKnight’s “Back at One” in line waiting to get into the Chatham Squire or fixing the door to my bedroom that someone who shall not be named in the wedding party broke (Cole). Don has really been an older brother to me and so naturally when I met Hannah, Don was the first of my friends I wanted to meet Hannah in person. I won’t ever forget it was peak pandemic (April 2020) and only a few places finally started opening up for “Take-out only” so Hannah and I met up with Don to grab some beers from a few different breweries in Western Mass. Since you couldn’t eat or drink at the breweries because of restrictions, we took it to-go and found a good spot near a river and just hung out for hours talking and drinking beers, it was really the first day in a while that things started to feel normal. 

Whether it's Thursday nights at the Lucky Dog, weekends at the Cape, shows with the band, or traveling around the country, Don is always there for me  and I am honored he accepted the role of Bestman.

Don Barry

While&nbsp;living&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;3rd&nbsp;floor&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pierpont&nbsp;all-freshman&nbsp;dorm&nbsp;at&nbsp;UMass&nbsp;Amherst,&nbsp;my&nbsp;close&nbsp;friend&nbsp;and&nbsp;neighbor&nbsp;(later&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;my&nbsp;roommate)&nbsp;Nate&nbsp;told&nbsp;me&nbsp;about&nbsp;this&nbsp;guy&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;second&nbsp;floor&nbsp;he&nbsp;thought&nbsp;I’d&nbsp;get&nbsp;along&nbsp;with&nbsp;since&nbsp;he&nbsp;also&nbsp;played&nbsp;guitar&nbsp;and&nbsp;liked&nbsp;similar&nbsp;music.&nbsp;Nate&nbsp;was&nbsp;right&nbsp;and&nbsp;when&nbsp;we&nbsp;finally&nbsp;met,&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;became&nbsp;fast&nbsp;friends&nbsp;connecting&nbsp;over&nbsp;music,&nbsp;guitar,&nbsp;and&nbsp;videogames.&nbsp;I&nbsp;would&nbsp;hang&nbsp;out&nbsp;in&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;and&nbsp;Valade’s&nbsp;room&nbsp;and&nbsp;watch&nbsp;them&nbsp;get&nbsp;into&nbsp;heated&nbsp;bouts&nbsp;of&nbsp;Guitar&nbsp;Hero&nbsp;(especially&nbsp;the&nbsp;song&nbsp;Beast&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Harlot)&nbsp;and&nbsp;jamming&nbsp;with&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;on&nbsp;guitar&nbsp;in&nbsp;between&nbsp;partying&nbsp;nights&nbsp;with&nbsp;occasional&nbsp;night&nbsp;of&nbsp;studying.&nbsp;Anytime&nbsp;I&nbsp;hear&nbsp;the&nbsp;song&nbsp;“Collide”&nbsp;I&nbsp;will&nbsp;think&nbsp;of&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;with&nbsp;his&nbsp;JamMan&nbsp;looper&nbsp;pedal&nbsp;playing&nbsp;his&nbsp;rendition&nbsp;of&nbsp;it&nbsp;in&nbsp;dorms&nbsp;at&nbsp;UMass.&nbsp;When&nbsp;I&nbsp;needed&nbsp;help&nbsp;on&nbsp;an&nbsp;original&nbsp;song&nbsp;I&nbsp;was&nbsp;working&nbsp;on,&nbsp;he&nbsp;would&nbsp;always&nbsp;listen&nbsp;and&nbsp;give&nbsp;input.&nbsp;He&nbsp;probably&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;remember&nbsp;this&nbsp;but&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;been&nbsp;working&nbsp;on&nbsp;an&nbsp;original&nbsp;song&nbsp;and&nbsp;was&nbsp;stuck&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;chord&nbsp;progression&nbsp;for&nbsp;months,&nbsp;so&nbsp;I&nbsp;interrupted&nbsp;him&nbsp;playing&nbsp;Playstation&nbsp;3&nbsp;in&nbsp;his&nbsp;room&nbsp;one&nbsp;day&nbsp;and&nbsp;as&nbsp;soon&nbsp;as&nbsp;he&nbsp;heard&nbsp;it,&nbsp;he&nbsp;gave&nbsp;me&nbsp;the&nbsp;idea&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;right&nbsp;chord&nbsp;change&nbsp;in&nbsp;2&nbsp;minutes...my&nbsp;only&nbsp;regret&nbsp;is&nbsp;we&nbsp;never&nbsp;started&nbsp;a&nbsp;band&nbsp;together.&nbsp;We&nbsp;moved&nbsp;into&nbsp;the&nbsp;first&nbsp;floor&nbsp;27&nbsp;Phillips&nbsp;Street&nbsp;Junior&nbsp;year&nbsp;with&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;bunch&nbsp;of&nbsp;friends&nbsp;including&nbsp;Nate&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dave,&nbsp;which&nbsp;was&nbsp;an&nbsp;absolute&nbsp;slum&nbsp;of&nbsp;a&nbsp;triple&nbsp;decker-&nbsp;so&nbsp;much&nbsp;so&nbsp;that&nbsp;my&nbsp;dad&nbsp;put&nbsp;up&nbsp;additional&nbsp;smoke&nbsp;alarms&nbsp;when&nbsp;helping&nbsp;us&nbsp;move&nbsp;in&nbsp;and&nbsp;my&nbsp;mom&nbsp;left&nbsp;move-in&nbsp;day&nbsp;in&nbsp;tears,&nbsp;crying&nbsp;all&nbsp;the&nbsp;way&nbsp;from&nbsp;Amherst&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;Worcester.&nbsp;At&nbsp;Phillips&nbsp;Street&nbsp;we’d&nbsp;take&nbsp;turns,&nbsp;keeping&nbsp;the&nbsp;heat&nbsp;on&nbsp;late&nbsp;at&nbsp;night,&nbsp;and&nbsp;make&nbsp;runs&nbsp;filling&nbsp;the&nbsp;kegerator&nbsp;(with&nbsp;our&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;beer:&nbsp;Keystone&nbsp;Light),&nbsp;and&nbsp;taking&nbsp;out&nbsp;the&nbsp;mountains&nbsp;of&nbsp;trash&nbsp;left&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;parties&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday&nbsp;-&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;a&nbsp;slum&nbsp;but&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;our&nbsp;slum.&nbsp;Many&nbsp;nights&nbsp;we&nbsp;would&nbsp;spend&nbsp;playing&nbsp;Rock&nbsp;Band,&nbsp;throwing&nbsp;parties,&nbsp;watching&nbsp;football&nbsp;and&nbsp;Entourage,&nbsp;or&nbsp;playing&nbsp;Halo&nbsp;3.&nbsp;Fat&nbsp;Tuesday&nbsp;burritos&nbsp;at&nbsp;Bueno&nbsp;y&nbsp;Sano&nbsp;with&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;and&nbsp;Valade&nbsp;(Dave&nbsp;providing&nbsp;the&nbsp;Frank’s&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Hot).&nbsp;&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;was&nbsp;known&nbsp;for&nbsp;having&nbsp;the&nbsp;loudest&nbsp;sound&nbsp;system&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;house&nbsp;and&nbsp;to&nbsp;this&nbsp;day&nbsp;there&nbsp;are&nbsp;many&nbsp;songs&nbsp;that&nbsp;will&nbsp;remind&nbsp;me&nbsp;of&nbsp;how&nbsp;he&nbsp;would&nbsp;blast&nbsp;music&nbsp;during&nbsp;cleaning&nbsp;day&nbsp;Sunday-&nbsp;Panic&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Disco,&nbsp;Hellogoodbye,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Yung&nbsp;Joc.&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;was&nbsp;always&nbsp;in&nbsp;charge&nbsp;of&nbsp;creating&nbsp;the&nbsp;CD&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;parties&nbsp;or&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;party&nbsp;buses&nbsp;that&nbsp;would&nbsp;drop&nbsp;us&nbsp;off&nbsp;to&nbsp;our&nbsp;spring&nbsp;dances.&nbsp;I&nbsp;could&nbsp;always&nbsp;count&nbsp;on&nbsp;him&nbsp;making&nbsp;me&nbsp;a&nbsp;good&nbsp;party&nbsp;mix&nbsp;if&nbsp;I&nbsp;needed&nbsp;it&nbsp;(and&nbsp;inevitably&nbsp;it&nbsp;would&nbsp;always&nbsp;have&nbsp;Yung&nbsp;Joc&nbsp;“it’s&nbsp;going&nbsp;down&nbsp;on&nbsp;it”&nbsp;and&nbsp;Soulja&nbsp;Boy&nbsp;on&nbsp;it).&nbsp;One&nbsp;of&nbsp;things&nbsp;I&nbsp;&nbsp;really&nbsp;admire&nbsp;about&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;is&nbsp;how&nbsp;much&nbsp;he&nbsp;loves&nbsp;and&nbsp;cares&nbsp;for&nbsp;animals.&nbsp;From&nbsp;Dozer&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kona&nbsp;to&nbsp;Cooper,&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;always&nbsp;treated&nbsp;them&nbsp;like&nbsp;his&nbsp;children.&nbsp;I’ll&nbsp;never&nbsp;forget&nbsp;the&nbsp;day&nbsp;we&nbsp;had&nbsp;to&nbsp;give&nbsp;away&nbsp;our&nbsp;beloved&nbsp;college&nbsp;dog&nbsp;Cooper&nbsp;and&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;cried&nbsp;the&nbsp;entire&nbsp;way&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;Phillips&nbsp;Street…a&nbsp;true&nbsp;bonding&nbsp;moment&nbsp;in&nbsp;our&nbsp;friendship.&nbsp;From&nbsp;the&nbsp;senior&nbsp;year&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;(where&nbsp;we&nbsp;met&nbsp;our&nbsp;friend&nbsp;Gallo&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;Miller&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;almost&nbsp;got&nbsp;kidnapped&nbsp;in&nbsp;Belize)&nbsp;to&nbsp;Phillips&nbsp;Street,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Cape,&nbsp;Arizona,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Newport,&nbsp;Blaine&nbsp;has&nbsp;been&nbsp;there&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;lot&nbsp;of&nbsp;important&nbsp;and&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;moments&nbsp;in&nbsp;my&nbsp;life&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;am&nbsp;honored&nbsp;to&nbsp;have&nbsp;him&nbsp;as&nbsp;my&nbsp;groomsman.

Blaine Roche 

Chase&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;younger&nbsp;brother&nbsp;I&nbsp;never&nbsp;had,&nbsp;and&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;very&nbsp;best&nbsp;friends&nbsp;and&nbsp;certainly&nbsp;the&nbsp;best&nbsp;wing&nbsp;man&nbsp;I&nbsp;could&nbsp;ask&nbsp;for.&nbsp;Perpetually&nbsp;forgetting&nbsp;where&nbsp;my&nbsp;basement&nbsp;is&nbsp;when&nbsp;at&nbsp;my&nbsp;parent’s&nbsp;house&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Cape,&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;is&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;very&nbsp;funniest&nbsp;people&nbsp;you&nbsp;will&nbsp;ever&nbsp;meet.&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;has&nbsp;a&nbsp;fondness&nbsp;for&nbsp;his&nbsp;Disney&nbsp;DVD&nbsp;collection&nbsp;and&nbsp;when&nbsp;we&nbsp;were&nbsp;roommates&nbsp;would&nbsp;barge&nbsp;into&nbsp;my&nbsp;room&nbsp;constantly&nbsp;looking&nbsp;for&nbsp;his&nbsp;cherished&nbsp;Aladdin&nbsp;DVD&nbsp;at&nbsp;all&nbsp;hours&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;night.&nbsp;One&nbsp;year&nbsp;for&nbsp;Halloween,&nbsp;me&nbsp;and&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;went&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;pair&nbsp;of&nbsp;old&nbsp;men.&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;has&nbsp;a&nbsp;rule&nbsp;during&nbsp;Halloween&nbsp;(Still&nbsp;to&nbsp;this&nbsp;day)&nbsp;to&nbsp;never&nbsp;break&nbsp;character&nbsp;and&nbsp;so&nbsp;we&nbsp;would&nbsp;go&nbsp;out&nbsp;to&nbsp;our&nbsp;friends&nbsp;party&nbsp;as&nbsp;these&nbsp;old&nbsp;men&nbsp;and&nbsp;pass&nbsp;out&nbsp;classic&nbsp;candies&nbsp;such&nbsp;as&nbsp;werther's&nbsp;originals&nbsp;and&nbsp;some&nbsp;of&nbsp;our&nbsp;best&nbsp;friends&nbsp;had&nbsp;no&nbsp;clue&nbsp;who&nbsp;we&nbsp;were.&nbsp;To&nbsp;this&nbsp;day,&nbsp;ten&nbsp;years&nbsp;later,&nbsp;people&nbsp;will&nbsp;still&nbsp;remember&nbsp;us&nbsp;as&nbsp;those&nbsp;“old&nbsp;men&nbsp;from&nbsp;halloween&nbsp;2013”,&nbsp;that&nbsp;is&nbsp;the&nbsp;type&nbsp;of&nbsp;impact&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;makes.&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;huge&nbsp;video&nbsp;game&nbsp;fan&nbsp;and&nbsp;requires&nbsp;a&nbsp;crispy&nbsp;internet&nbsp;connection&nbsp;and&nbsp;is&nbsp;known&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;upset&nbsp;with&nbsp;roommates&nbsp;who&nbsp;hog&nbsp;the&nbsp;internet&nbsp;bandwidth.&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;is&nbsp;incredibly&nbsp;generous&nbsp;and&nbsp;always&nbsp;willing&nbsp;to&nbsp;put&nbsp;all&nbsp;the&nbsp;drinks&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;entire&nbsp;bar&nbsp;on&nbsp;his&nbsp;tab.&nbsp;Not&nbsp;the&nbsp;most&nbsp;talented&nbsp;homecook,&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;prefers&nbsp;to&nbsp;come&nbsp;up&nbsp;with&nbsp;ridiculous&nbsp;diets&nbsp;in&nbsp;order&nbsp;to&nbsp;avoid&nbsp;cooking,&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;favorites&nbsp;include-&nbsp;the&nbsp;milk&nbsp;diet,&nbsp;the&nbsp;beef&nbsp;jerky&nbsp;diet&nbsp;(tasty&nbsp;but&nbsp;expensive),&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;baby&nbsp;food&nbsp;diet.&nbsp;A&nbsp;great&nbsp;husband&nbsp;to&nbsp;his&nbsp;incredible&nbsp;wife&nbsp;Annette&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;wonderful&nbsp;father&nbsp;to&nbsp;two&nbsp;wonderful&nbsp;children,&nbsp;Reese&nbsp;and&nbsp;Alanna.&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;has&nbsp;become&nbsp;an&nbsp;incredible&nbsp;inspiration&nbsp;in&nbsp;his&nbsp;old&nbsp;age&nbsp;juggling&nbsp;being&nbsp;a&nbsp;husband&nbsp;and&nbsp;father&nbsp;all&nbsp;while&nbsp;attending&nbsp;law&nbsp;school&nbsp;at&nbsp;night.&nbsp;As&nbsp;Proud&nbsp;as&nbsp;I&nbsp;am&nbsp;of&nbsp;him&nbsp;pursuing&nbsp;a&nbsp;career&nbsp;in&nbsp;law,&nbsp;I&nbsp;will&nbsp;always&nbsp;feel&nbsp;he&nbsp;missed&nbsp;his&nbsp;calling&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;mover&nbsp;of&nbsp;priceless&nbsp;family&nbsp;heirlooms&nbsp;and&nbsp;there&nbsp;will&nbsp;always&nbsp;be&nbsp;a&nbsp;place&nbsp;for&nbsp;him&nbsp;at&nbsp;Liberty&nbsp;Movers&nbsp;if&nbsp;he&nbsp;ever&nbsp;wants.&nbsp;As&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;very&nbsp;best&nbsp;friends&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;only&nbsp;friend&nbsp;I&nbsp;would&nbsp;ever&nbsp;trust&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;me&nbsp;rearrange&nbsp;my&nbsp;pool&nbsp;furniture,&nbsp;I&nbsp;am&nbsp;grateful&nbsp;to&nbsp;have&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;groomsman.

Chase Leblanc

Garrett is the oldest of the Leblanc brothers,  Garrett is my perennial number 1 pick for flip cup, we form such a team as it is now illegal for us to be on the same team. Garrett and I initially bonded over our mutual love of Shaquille O’Neal back when he was a rookie on the Orlando Magic. Over the years, he has been like an older brother to me, whether it is hanging out at Westside BBQ or at Cotton’s grandmother’s house, he was always the one making sure everyone was having a good time. The only guy who could compete with me in MVP baseball 2004 on Playstation 2 and also would be my go to emo concert buddy at the Palladium circa 2004. Many nights in the summer playing videogames with all the Leblancs, Garrett is still the only one that can handle the Barry Zito curveball in MVP Baseball. Many drives to te Cape in his 2006 Mustang (which he still has, and somehow only has like 40k miles on) listening to classic emo tunes. Speaking of Cape Cod, we had many incredible times together there whether it was at Frost Lane or in Harwich where I hear “there are sharks in the water”. Garrett is always willing to request his favorite song by yelling at the band to “play Jessie’s Girl”. Always up for an adventure Garrett has always been there whether it is visiting our friend John Ebrecht in Boston or being there on the best Tuesday of my life, Garrett does not miss an opportunity to “make memories”. Garrett is my longest tenured roommate from Baxter Street and was there through all of the incredible times we had both there and at Mystic Street. Much like Blaine at Umass, Garrett was always the playlist provider at Baxter Street and to this day when I hear certain songs (Kesha, 30 Seconds to Mars Kings and Queens)  I'm instantly transported back to Baxter 1.0 circa 2010 when Chase would have to wait for us to get back from the bars on the orange couch. Always very competitive in everything (his video game rants are epic). Fiercely protective of his brothers and friends, he always looked out for us and was always a great bouncer at various parties whether it was Phillips St, Cotton’s Grandmother’s house, Mystic Street or Baxter Street. But as tough as he is, he will always be scared of my sister Kara, who put the fear of god in him during the walking line at Flagg Street Elementary. Now seeing him married to his fantastic wife Gina, I look forward to continuing to make memories with them throughout the years and am honored to have Garrett as one of my groomsmen.

Garrett Leblanc

Another&nbsp;legend&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;basketball&nbsp;court&nbsp;at&nbsp;Flagg&nbsp;Street&nbsp;Elementary&nbsp;School,&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;has&nbsp;always&nbsp;been&nbsp;down&nbsp;for&nbsp;adventure.&nbsp;Whether&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;late&nbsp;night&nbsp;adventures&nbsp;with&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;trying&nbsp;desperately&nbsp;to&nbsp;find&nbsp;an&nbsp;ATM&nbsp;machine&nbsp;in&nbsp;Hyannis&nbsp;at&nbsp;3&nbsp;A.M.&nbsp;or&nbsp;heading&nbsp;to&nbsp;Boston&nbsp;to&nbsp;visit&nbsp;our&nbsp;friend&nbsp;John&nbsp;E,&nbsp;Silk’s&nbsp;timeless&nbsp;motto&nbsp;is&nbsp;that&nbsp;he&nbsp;“must&nbsp;take&nbsp;advantage”.&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;loves&nbsp;Cape&nbsp;Cod&nbsp;and&nbsp;will&nbsp;always&nbsp;be&nbsp;willing&nbsp;to&nbsp;head&nbsp;there&nbsp;for&nbsp;weekends&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;summer&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;moment's&nbsp;notice.&nbsp;One&nbsp;of&nbsp;our&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;places&nbsp;to&nbsp;go&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Cape&nbsp;for&nbsp;years&nbsp;was&nbsp;the&nbsp;Improper&nbsp;Bostonian&nbsp;in&nbsp;Dennis&nbsp;Port.&nbsp;One&nbsp;day&nbsp;a&nbsp;bunch&nbsp;of&nbsp;us&nbsp;were&nbsp;there&nbsp;during&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;daytime&nbsp;summer&nbsp;parties,&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;out&nbsp;the&nbsp;door&nbsp;packed&nbsp;so&nbsp;we&nbsp;kind&nbsp;of&nbsp;lose&nbsp;each&nbsp;other&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;crowd.&nbsp;After&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;hours&nbsp;hanging&nbsp;out,&nbsp;we&nbsp;decide&nbsp;we&nbsp;wanted&nbsp;to&nbsp;head&nbsp;over&nbsp;to&nbsp;get&nbsp;some&nbsp;burgers&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Red&nbsp;Nun,&nbsp;but&nbsp;we&nbsp;couldn’t&nbsp;find&nbsp;Silk&nbsp;anywhere.&nbsp;Finally&nbsp;we&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;go&nbsp;outside&nbsp;and&nbsp;look&nbsp;for&nbsp;him&nbsp;and&nbsp;we&nbsp;see&nbsp;an&nbsp;ambulance&nbsp;pulling&nbsp;up&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;commotion&nbsp;of&nbsp;people&nbsp;gasping&nbsp;in&nbsp;horror.&nbsp;Sure&nbsp;enough,&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;comes&nbsp;out&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;back&nbsp;door&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;stretcher&nbsp;bleeding&nbsp;profusely&nbsp;from&nbsp;his&nbsp;head,&nbsp;it&nbsp;was&nbsp;quite&nbsp;the&nbsp;scene.&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;turns&nbsp;to&nbsp;us&nbsp;and&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;say&nbsp;a&nbsp;word,&nbsp;just&nbsp;gives&nbsp;us&nbsp;a&nbsp;wink&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;thumbs&nbsp;up&nbsp;as&nbsp;if&nbsp;to&nbsp;say&nbsp;“you&nbsp;just&nbsp;keep&nbsp;going”.&nbsp;Fast&nbsp;forward&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;hours&nbsp;and&nbsp;about&nbsp;12&nbsp;stitches&nbsp;later,&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;rolls&nbsp;up&nbsp;back&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;house,&nbsp;positive&nbsp;as&nbsp;ever,&nbsp;looking&nbsp;to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;the&nbsp;night&nbsp;going.&nbsp;Unfortunately,&nbsp;he&nbsp;walked&nbsp;in&nbsp;right&nbsp;as&nbsp;the&nbsp;Hot&nbsp;Stuff&nbsp;was&nbsp;hitting&nbsp;hardest&nbsp;and&nbsp;several&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;other&nbsp;groomsmen&nbsp;were&nbsp;already&nbsp;in&nbsp;various&nbsp;states&nbsp;of&nbsp;disarray.&nbsp;Not&nbsp;wanting&nbsp;to&nbsp;let&nbsp;him&nbsp;down&nbsp;after&nbsp;this&nbsp;horrifying&nbsp;event,&nbsp;I&nbsp;called&nbsp;my&nbsp;friend&nbsp;Nate&nbsp;from&nbsp;umass,&nbsp;who&nbsp;happened&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;in&nbsp;town,&nbsp;and&nbsp;we&nbsp;met&nbsp;up&nbsp;for&nbsp;some&nbsp;late&nbsp;night&nbsp;food&nbsp;and&nbsp;drinks.&nbsp;I&nbsp;think&nbsp;this&nbsp;story&nbsp;just&nbsp;highlights&nbsp;the&nbsp;determination&nbsp;that&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;possesses&nbsp;and&nbsp;is&nbsp;still&nbsp;evident&nbsp;to&nbsp;this&nbsp;day.&nbsp;One&nbsp;thing&nbsp;I&nbsp;really&nbsp;admire&nbsp;about&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;is&nbsp;his&nbsp;determination&nbsp;and&nbsp;will&nbsp;of&nbsp;steel&nbsp;which&nbsp;is&nbsp;especially&nbsp;evident&nbsp;during&nbsp;the&nbsp;yearly&nbsp;Charity&nbsp;event&nbsp;he&nbsp;participates&nbsp;in.&nbsp;Every&nbsp;year&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;raises&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of&nbsp;dollars&nbsp;for&nbsp;local&nbsp;charities&nbsp;by&nbsp;marching&nbsp;100&nbsp;miles&nbsp;(not&nbsp;a&nbsp;typo&nbsp;actually&nbsp;hikes&nbsp;100&nbsp;miles)&nbsp;over&nbsp;the&nbsp;course&nbsp;of&nbsp;4&nbsp;days&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;40&nbsp;pound&nbsp;rucksack&nbsp;with&nbsp;proceeds&nbsp;going&nbsp;to&nbsp;local&nbsp;charity&nbsp;Why&nbsp;Me&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sherry’s&nbsp;House.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is&nbsp;something&nbsp;he&nbsp;trains&nbsp;for&nbsp;months&nbsp;before&nbsp;the&nbsp;event&nbsp;and&nbsp;really&nbsp;puts&nbsp;his&nbsp;heart&nbsp;and&nbsp;soul&nbsp;into&nbsp;and&nbsp;really&nbsp;is&nbsp;another&nbsp;reason&nbsp;I&nbsp;admire&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;and&nbsp;couldn’t&nbsp;be&nbsp;happier&nbsp;that&nbsp;he&nbsp;agreed&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;my&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;party.&nbsp;We&nbsp;highly&nbsp;recommend&nbsp;supporting&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;by&nbsp;donating&nbsp;to&nbsp;his&nbsp;100-Mile&nbsp;Ruck&nbsp;March&nbsp;benefitting&nbsp;Why&nbsp;Me&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sherry’s&nbsp;House-&nbsp;a&nbsp;non-profit&nbsp;organization&nbsp;created&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;families&nbsp;cope&nbsp;with&nbsp;childhood&nbsp;cancer.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you&nbsp;would&nbsp;like&nbsp;to&nbsp;donate&nbsp;and&nbsp;support&nbsp;Alex&nbsp;click&nbsp;here:&nbsp;https://whyme.org/event_campaign/alex-silkman-100-mile-ruck-march-athlete/?empty-cart=true

Alex Silkman 

“That’s a big dog”. Johnny, what can be said about the man that hasn’t been said, the man is a legend at Umass and a Worcester legend. Always coming to my defense and willing to stand up for the right thing, known for taking out walls with his head and asking “who wants to fight club me”. One time we were throwing a party and this random guy was there and offended one of our female friends so Johnny asked him politely to leave. Well this guy didn' take kindly to being kicked out of the top party house at UMass so he tried to swing at Johnny, who promptly ducked and said punch landed right on my nose. Needless to say that didn’t sit well with Johnny (or Blaine for that matter) and an all out epic brawl broke out at Phillips Street (even Nate getting involved with some of his patented soccer kicks) because of Johnny not liking the fact I got punched in the face. Always quick to his friends' defense and fiercely loyal, Johnny would again be there (somehow he always is at times like these) when I got punched in the face outside of the Salty Dog bar in Worcester. Johnny at the time had just come back from deployment and was on crutches when said incident occurred. All I remember is getting knocked in the head and then just seeing Donny (also always quick to my defense, what can I say? I got some great friends) and Johnny come out of nowhere, Johnny throwing down his crutches and this guy couldn’t have run away any faster from this hobbled crazed maniac out for blood. Johnny has also been there for so many times in my life that I will never forget- taking him to the hospital with Cole after he cut his hand open, the car crash with Nate (first time in Worcester, almost dies), “That’s a big dog”, KDP, Hungry like the wolf- Duran Duran, the trip to visit the UMass crew in CA, too many memories together, but as Johnny would say “details, details”.  Always fun loving, caring, and full of stories, Johnny is the type to get along with anyone from any walk of life, he has a way of finding common ground with anyone and I am honored to have him as a groomsman.“That’s a big dog”. Johnny, what can be said about the man that hasn’t been said, the man is a legend at Umass and a Worcester legend. Always coming to my defense and willing to stand up for the right thing, known for taking out walls with his head and asking “who wants to fight club me”. One time we were throwing a party and this random guy was there and offended one of our female friends so Johnny asked him politely to leave. Well this guy didn' take kindly to being kicked out of the top party house at UMass so he tried to swing at Johnny, who promptly ducked and said punch landed right on my nose. Needless to say that didn’t sit well with Johnny (or Blaine for that matter) and an all out epic brawl broke out at Phillips Street (even Nate getting involved with some of his patented soccer kicks) because of Johnny not liking the fact I got punched in the face. Always quick to his friends' defense and fiercely loyal, Johnny would again be there (somehow he always is at times like these) when I got punched in the face outside of the Salty Dog bar in Worcester. Johnny at the time had just come back from deployment and was on crutches when said incident occurred. All I remember is getting knocked in the head and then just seeing Donny (also always quick to my defense, what can I say? I got some great friends) and Johnny come out of nowhere, Johnny throwing down his crutches and this guy couldn’t have run away any faster from this hobbled crazed maniac out for blood. Johnny has also been there for so many times in my life that I will never forget- taking him to the hospital with Cole after he cut his hand open, the car crash with Nate (first time in Worcester, almost dies), “That’s a big dog”, KDP, Hungry like the wolf- Duran Duran, the trip to visit the UMass crew in CA, too many memories together, but as Johnny would say “details, details”.  Always fun loving, caring, and full of stories, Johnny is the type to get along with anyone from any walk of life, he has a way of finding common ground with anyone and I am honored to have him as a groomsman.

John Staruk

Cole&nbsp;is&nbsp;my&nbsp;oldest&nbsp;friend,&nbsp;we&nbsp;initially&nbsp;met&nbsp;back&nbsp;in&nbsp;kindergarten&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ms.&nbsp;Andersen’s&nbsp;class&nbsp;at&nbsp;Flagg&nbsp;Street&nbsp;School&nbsp;circa&nbsp;1991.&nbsp;We&nbsp;connected&nbsp;first&nbsp;over&nbsp;our&nbsp;mutual&nbsp;love&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;cartoon&nbsp;Captain&nbsp;Planet.&nbsp;Over&nbsp;the&nbsp;years&nbsp;living&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;same&nbsp;street&nbsp;(Richmond&nbsp;Ave&nbsp;crew),&nbsp;we&nbsp;would&nbsp;spend&nbsp;summers&nbsp;at&nbsp;each&nbsp;other's&nbsp;house&nbsp;either&nbsp;at&nbsp;my&nbsp;pool&nbsp;(with&nbsp;my&nbsp;mom&nbsp;life&nbsp;guarding)&nbsp;or&nbsp;going&nbsp;over&nbsp;his&nbsp;house&nbsp;to&nbsp;play&nbsp;Playstation&nbsp;or&nbsp;heading&nbsp;down&nbsp;the&nbsp;street&nbsp;Mad&nbsp;Murphy’s&nbsp;Ice&nbsp;Cream&nbsp;or&nbsp;Dollar&nbsp;Video&nbsp;to&nbsp;rent&nbsp;even&nbsp;more&nbsp;video&nbsp;games.&nbsp;One&nbsp;time&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;summer&nbsp;of&nbsp;7th&nbsp;grade&nbsp;I&nbsp;brought&nbsp;over&nbsp;my&nbsp;Playstation&nbsp;so&nbsp;that&nbsp;we&nbsp;could&nbsp;connect&nbsp;two&nbsp;of&nbsp;them&nbsp;to&nbsp;play&nbsp;some&nbsp;Command&nbsp;&&nbsp;Conquer.&nbsp;I&nbsp;ended&nbsp;up&nbsp;leaving&nbsp;the&nbsp;Playstation&nbsp;at&nbsp;Cole’s&nbsp;house….big&nbsp;mistake.&nbsp;He&nbsp;ended&nbsp;up&nbsp;frying&nbsp;my&nbsp;Playstation&nbsp;(it&nbsp;was&nbsp;sparking&nbsp;like&nbsp;a&nbsp;scene&nbsp;out&nbsp;of&nbsp;Frankenstein&nbsp;by&nbsp;all&nbsp;accounts)&nbsp;but&nbsp;always&nbsp;being&nbsp;the&nbsp;generous&nbsp;person&nbsp;he&nbsp;is,&nbsp;we&nbsp;settled&nbsp;on&nbsp;him&nbsp;paying&nbsp;me&nbsp;back&nbsp;by&nbsp;giving&nbsp;me&nbsp;a&nbsp;dollar&nbsp;everyday&nbsp;from&nbsp;his&nbsp;lunch&nbsp;money…for&nbsp;three&nbsp;months.&nbsp;So&nbsp;for&nbsp;three&nbsp;months&nbsp;I&nbsp;got&nbsp;an&nbsp;extra&nbsp;bag&nbsp;of&nbsp;3D-Doritos&nbsp;at&nbsp;lunch….those&nbsp;were&nbsp;the&nbsp;days.&nbsp;Cole&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;would&nbsp;go&nbsp;to&nbsp;different&nbsp;high&nbsp;schools&nbsp;but&nbsp;still&nbsp;stay&nbsp;best&nbsp;friends&nbsp;playing&nbsp;basketball&nbsp;at&nbsp;Flagg&nbsp;Street&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;summers,&nbsp;swimming&nbsp;at&nbsp;my&nbsp;pool&nbsp;(my&nbsp;mom&nbsp;still&nbsp;life-guarding&nbsp;all&nbsp;the&nbsp;neighborhood&nbsp;kids),&nbsp;and&nbsp;hitting&nbsp;Westside&nbsp;BBQ&nbsp;regularly&nbsp;(good&nbsp;size,&nbsp;good&nbsp;size).&nbsp;Cole&nbsp;would&nbsp;make&nbsp;a&nbsp;habit&nbsp;of&nbsp;coming&nbsp;up&nbsp;to&nbsp;UMass&nbsp;to&nbsp;hang&nbsp;out&nbsp;with&nbsp;me&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;UMass&nbsp;crew&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;dorms&nbsp;and&nbsp;at&nbsp;Phillips&nbsp;Street.&nbsp;Cole&nbsp;spent&nbsp;many&nbsp;summers&nbsp;with&nbsp;me&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Cape&nbsp;from&nbsp;Frost&nbsp;lane&nbsp;to&nbsp;Harwich&nbsp;and&nbsp;visiting&nbsp;the&nbsp;UMass&nbsp;crew&nbsp;(Blaine,&nbsp;Ian,&nbsp;Miller,&nbsp;Valade,&nbsp;Nate,&nbsp;Gallo)&nbsp;at&nbsp;their&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;bar&nbsp;(and&nbsp;place&nbsp;of&nbsp;summer&nbsp;employment)&nbsp;the&nbsp;Woodshed.&nbsp;Always&nbsp;coming&nbsp;in&nbsp;like&nbsp;a&nbsp;young&nbsp;buc&nbsp;fresh&nbsp;off&nbsp;the&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;train&nbsp;(credit&nbsp;Joey&nbsp;Lalos).&nbsp;From&nbsp;the&nbsp;many&nbsp;nights&nbsp;visiting&nbsp;our&nbsp;friend&nbsp;John&nbsp;Ebrecht&nbsp;in&nbsp;Boston,&nbsp;who&nbsp;had&nbsp;to&nbsp;have&nbsp;had&nbsp;the&nbsp;best&nbsp;spot&nbsp;in&nbsp;all&nbsp;of&nbsp;Boston&nbsp;right&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tremont,&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Colonial&nbsp;Inn&nbsp;Cape&nbsp;Cod&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Princess&nbsp;Suite&nbsp;in&nbsp;Hyannis&nbsp;to&nbsp;Frost&nbsp;Lane&nbsp;and&nbsp;Phillips&nbsp;Street,&nbsp;Cole&nbsp;has&nbsp;always&nbsp;been&nbsp;there&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;important&nbsp;moments.&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;glad&nbsp;I&nbsp;could&nbsp;be&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;important&nbsp;moments&nbsp;in&nbsp;his&nbsp;life&nbsp;too,&nbsp;like&nbsp;when&nbsp;he&nbsp;proposed&nbsp;to&nbsp;his&nbsp;lovely&nbsp;wife&nbsp;Brittney&nbsp;in&nbsp;Cape&nbsp;Cod.&nbsp;I&nbsp;have&nbsp;made&nbsp;so&nbsp;many&nbsp;memories&nbsp;with&nbsp;Cole&nbsp;it&nbsp;is&nbsp;hard&nbsp;to&nbsp;fathom&nbsp;how&nbsp;much&nbsp;we&nbsp;have&nbsp;grown&nbsp;up&nbsp;together.&nbsp;Some&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;many&nbsp;memories&nbsp;together-the&nbsp;Frost&nbsp;Lane&nbsp;Carson&nbsp;parties&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Cape,&nbsp;Cotton’s&nbsp;Grandmother’s&nbsp;house,&nbsp;UMass,&nbsp;to&nbsp;Baxter&nbsp;Street&nbsp;to&nbsp;Mystic&nbsp;Street&nbsp;to&nbsp;meeting&nbsp;John&nbsp;Ebrecht&nbsp;randomly&nbsp;at&nbsp;a&nbsp;seminar,&nbsp;to&nbsp;Breathe&nbsp;Carolina&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;Tuesday,&nbsp;johnny&nbsp;on&nbsp;crutches&nbsp;memorial&nbsp;day&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Cape,&nbsp;and&nbsp;winning&nbsp;a&nbsp;karaoke&nbsp;contest&nbsp;together&nbsp;singing&nbsp;NSYNC&nbsp;and&nbsp;Boyz&nbsp;2&nbsp;Men.&nbsp;There&nbsp;are&nbsp;just&nbsp;too&nbsp;many&nbsp;memories&nbsp;between&nbsp;the&nbsp;two&nbsp;of&nbsp;us,&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;look&nbsp;forward&nbsp;to&nbsp;making&nbsp;many&nbsp;more&nbsp;with&nbsp;him&nbsp;and&nbsp;couldn’t&nbsp;be&nbsp;more&nbsp;thankful&nbsp;to&nbsp;have&nbsp;him&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;friend&nbsp;and&nbsp;in&nbsp;my&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;party.&nbsp;If&nbsp;you&nbsp;see&nbsp;him,&nbsp;tell&nbsp;him&nbsp;he’s&nbsp;a&nbsp;top&nbsp;tier.

Cole Leblanc

I&nbsp;met&nbsp;Aadam&nbsp;8&nbsp;years&nbsp;ago&nbsp;when&nbsp;the&nbsp;band&nbsp;was&nbsp;looking&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;new&nbsp;singer.&nbsp;He&nbsp;ended&nbsp;up&nbsp;winning&nbsp;the&nbsp;job&nbsp;and&nbsp;completely&nbsp;changed&nbsp;the&nbsp;direction&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;band&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;better.&nbsp;No&nbsp;longer&nbsp;were&nbsp;we&nbsp;an&nbsp;80’s&nbsp;cover&nbsp;band,&nbsp;we&nbsp;transformed&nbsp;overnight&nbsp;into&nbsp;an&nbsp;all&nbsp;emo&nbsp;cover&nbsp;band&nbsp;thanks&nbsp;to&nbsp;Aadam.&nbsp;Aadam&nbsp;turned&nbsp;out&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;a&nbsp;talented&nbsp;and&nbsp;versatile&nbsp;singer&nbsp;and&nbsp;since&nbsp;he&nbsp;joined&nbsp;the&nbsp;band,&nbsp;we&nbsp;have&nbsp;really&nbsp;gone&nbsp;further&nbsp;than&nbsp;I&nbsp;ever&nbsp;thought&nbsp;possible&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;huge&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;that&nbsp;is&nbsp;thanks&nbsp;to&nbsp;Aadam.&nbsp;Aadam&nbsp;is&nbsp;always&nbsp;up&nbsp;for&nbsp;countless&nbsp;concerts&nbsp;(the&nbsp;TBS&nbsp;weekend&nbsp;in&nbsp;Boston&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Warped&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;San&nbsp;Diego&nbsp;with&nbsp;Don&nbsp;are&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;standouts)&nbsp;and&nbsp;is&nbsp;always&nbsp;down&nbsp;for&nbsp;band&nbsp;trips.&nbsp;On&nbsp;one&nbsp;particular&nbsp;band&nbsp;trip&nbsp;to&nbsp;San&nbsp;Diego,&nbsp;Aadam&nbsp;met&nbsp;me&nbsp;and&nbsp;Don&nbsp;out&nbsp;there&nbsp;and&nbsp;he&nbsp;was&nbsp;dead&nbsp;tired&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;particularly&nbsp;grueling&nbsp;cross-country&nbsp;flight.&nbsp;Even&nbsp;with&nbsp;just&nbsp;getting&nbsp;in&nbsp;from&nbsp;this&nbsp;brutal&nbsp;cross-country&nbsp;flight&nbsp;he&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;come&nbsp;out&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;bar&nbsp;with&nbsp;me&nbsp;and&nbsp;Don.&nbsp;Needless&nbsp;to&nbsp;say&nbsp;he&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;last&nbsp;all&nbsp;that&nbsp;long&nbsp;but&nbsp;instead&nbsp;decided&nbsp;to&nbsp;put&nbsp;his&nbsp;head&nbsp;down&nbsp;and&nbsp;take&nbsp;a&nbsp;nap&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;bar,&nbsp;fortunately&nbsp;this&nbsp;moment&nbsp;is&nbsp;forever&nbsp;immortalized&nbsp;as&nbsp;“when&nbsp;you&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;bar,&nbsp;but&nbsp;you&nbsp;stugglin”,&nbsp;A&nbsp;for&nbsp;effort&nbsp;Aadam!&nbsp;Over&nbsp;the&nbsp;years&nbsp;there&nbsp;have&nbsp;been&nbsp;many&nbsp;memorable&nbsp;Chase&nbsp;the&nbsp;Past&nbsp;shows&nbsp;with&nbsp;Aadam&nbsp;(and&nbsp;Don,&nbsp;Nick,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dave&nbsp;of&nbsp;course)&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;that&nbsp;stick&nbsp;out&nbsp;to&nbsp;me&nbsp;are&nbsp;the&nbsp;Boston&nbsp;Emo&nbsp;Night,&nbsp;Salem&nbsp;show&nbsp;(where&nbsp;Aadam&nbsp;bought&nbsp;the&nbsp;world’s&nbsp;most&nbsp;expensive&nbsp;12-pack&nbsp;of&nbsp;Bud&nbsp;Light&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;after&nbsp;party),&nbsp;outdoor&nbsp;show&nbsp;at&nbsp;Ralph’s,&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;Frat&nbsp;Party&nbsp;show&nbsp;at&nbsp;UMass&nbsp;Lowell.&nbsp;For&nbsp;two&nbsp;years&nbsp;straight&nbsp;Aadam&nbsp;and&nbsp;I&nbsp;had&nbsp;date&nbsp;night&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;Fix&nbsp;in&nbsp;Worcester&nbsp;where&nbsp;we&nbsp;both&nbsp;had&nbsp;a&nbsp;yearly&nbsp;burger&nbsp;subscription&nbsp;card&nbsp;that&nbsp;entitled&nbsp;us&nbsp;to&nbsp;a&nbsp;burger&nbsp;a&nbsp;day,everyday,&nbsp;for&nbsp;two&nbsp;years…&nbsp;We&nbsp;went&nbsp;there&nbsp;so&nbsp;much&nbsp;that&nbsp;the&nbsp;staff&nbsp;knew&nbsp;our&nbsp;orders&nbsp;and&nbsp;would&nbsp;always&nbsp;have&nbsp;Aadam’s&nbsp;signature&nbsp;after&nbsp;dinner&nbsp;shot&nbsp;of&nbsp;Chartreuse&nbsp;at&nbsp;the&nbsp;ready.&nbsp;Unfortunately,&nbsp;the&nbsp;one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;only&nbsp;times&nbsp;he&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;come&nbsp;with&nbsp;me&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;fix,&nbsp;he&nbsp;missed&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;Bill&nbsp;Murray.&nbsp;I&nbsp;am&nbsp;pretty&nbsp;sure&nbsp;we&nbsp;went&nbsp;there&nbsp;so&nbsp;much&nbsp;that&nbsp;we&nbsp;are&nbsp;probably&nbsp;the&nbsp;reason&nbsp;they&nbsp;have&nbsp;since&nbsp;stopped&nbsp;selling&nbsp;the&nbsp;burger&nbsp;subscription&nbsp;because&nbsp;they&nbsp;certainly&nbsp;were&nbsp;losing&nbsp;massive&nbsp;amounts&nbsp;of&nbsp;money&nbsp;with&nbsp;how&nbsp;much&nbsp;we&nbsp;went.&nbsp;There&nbsp;is&nbsp;not&nbsp;a&nbsp;day&nbsp;that&nbsp;goes&nbsp;by&nbsp;that&nbsp;I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;miss&nbsp;having&nbsp;that&nbsp;burger&nbsp;card&nbsp;but&nbsp;fortunately&nbsp;I&nbsp;still&nbsp;have&nbsp;Aadam&nbsp;who&nbsp;is&nbsp;always&nbsp;down&nbsp;to&nbsp;go&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Fix&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;burger.&nbsp;An&nbsp;excellent&nbsp;roommate,&nbsp;singer,&nbsp;and&nbsp;friend,&nbsp;I&nbsp;couldn’t&nbsp;be&nbsp;happier&nbsp;to&nbsp;have&nbsp;Aadam&nbsp;in&nbsp;my&nbsp;wedding&nbsp;party.

Aadam Clegg 

Wedding Party

Q + A

TRAVEL
 
Compass Point is a 5 minute walk to the Algiers Ferry, which will get you to downtown new Orleans in about 15 minutes. This makes it pretty easy to stay downtown or in the French quarter if you dont mind a quick stroll to the venue. Compass Point os also close to the bridge, if you happen to be staying across the Mississippi and coming by car.
 
We have secured a block of rooms for guests at the International House Hotel, highly rated and central location but also affordable, below is the link for block (just copy and paste): 
https://tinyurl.com/JacobsOconnelwed 
 
High-end hotel options for fancy people :)
 
THE RITZ-CARLTON, NEW ORLEANS
 
921 CANAL ST, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70112, USA
 
(504) 524-1331
 
<a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1658865231596&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink&amp;wwpath=www.theknot.com%2Fus%2Fcarlee-taggart-and-steve-barrow-oct-2022">WEBSITE</a>
 
JW MARRIOTT NEW ORLEANS
 
614 CANAL ST, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130, USA
 
(504) 525-6500
 
 
<a href="https://book.passkey.com/go/TaggartWeddingRoomBlock?wwpath=www.theknot.com%2Fus%2Fcarlee-taggart-and-steve-barrow-oct-2022">WEBSITE</a>
 
RENAISSANCE PERE MARQUETTE
 
817 COMMON ST., NEW ORLEANS, LA 70112
 
(504) 525-1111
 
<a href="https://book.passkey.com/go/TAGGARTWEDDING?wwpath=www.theknot.com%2Fus%2Fcarlee-taggart-and-steve-barrow-oct-2022">WEBSITE</a>
 
 
OTHER LODGING OPTIONS
 
 
Airbnb/VRBO:
 
In the meantime, we encourage you to consider options with&#160;<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/a/stays/?c=.pi0.pk36239956_25650614176&amp;ghost=true&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwk_WVBhBZEiwAUHQCmWGodZpPcdiiBW2ERZ5iGNuqSK3zOqa6ITJkMmfjhLFNUGYsG3grPBoCWY8QAvD_BwE">Airbnb</a>&#160;or&#160;<a href="https://www.vrbo.com/">VRBO</a>, which provide private room and home rentals.
 
 
Inns/Bed &amp; Breakfasts:
 
There are also many small inns and bed &amp; breakfasts throughout the French Quarter, Marigny, Treme, and the Central Business District neighborhoods, all of which are are convenient to the reception venue and downtown attractions.
 
 
General Area:
 
Further, any lodging options near Algiers Ferry will be close to the venue and downtown attractions.
 
 
GETTING AROUND
 
 
Getting to/from Airport:
 
We recommend taxi or Uber/Lyft. You may also rent a car.
 
 
Parking:
 
The reception venue has free parking. You will likely be required to pay for parking at your hotel and for other outings.
 
 
Walking:
 
New Orleans--especially in and around the French Quarter, where we will be--is very walkable. We encourage this mode of transportation when possible. There is so much to see and do! Walking is the best way to see New Orleans' personality, culture, and history! (Not to mention, you can bring a to-go cup of whatever you want on your walk.)
 
 
Uber/Lyft:
 
For longer trips (more than 15-20 minute walk), we recommend using Uber or Lyft.
 
 
Public Transit:
 
You may want to check out the open-air street cars for getting to certain destinations. They are fun and affordable, if a little crowded!

We have secured a block of rooms for guests at the International House Hotel, highly rated and central location but also affordable, below is the link for block (just copy and paste): 
https://tinyurl.com/JacobsOconnelwed 


International House Hotel

Hotels and Getting Around 

Must see New orleans includes: 
 
Jackson Square- In the heart of the French Quarter, many street artists and small shops with plenty of restaurants.
 
Cafe Du Monde- A New Orleans tradition, Beignets and Chicory coffee (coffee made from a combination of dark roast coffee and Chicory root (a flower) which is a hold over from the civil war when a blockade cut off New Orleans from coffee shipments.
 
World War II Museum- Widely considered the greatest WWII museum in the world, a must see! 
 
Bourbon Street- needs no introduction!
 
Frenchmen Street- considered by locals to be superior to Bourbon Street, you will find more low key jazz bars here compared to the rowdiness of Bourbon. 
 
Warehouse District- The up and coming district with a plethora of highly rated restaurants and bars. Also located here is Urban South Brewing, Sean's favorite brewery in New Orleans!

Hannah & Sean

Hannah & Sean

Things to Do

Restaurant Suggestions (See Below)