Julia and Rachel met when they were both Social Studies Teachers at McLean High School! Julia was a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first-year teacher and Rachel was a heavily pregnant first time mama! They taught the exact same Social Studies courses in the exact same hallway and because they had the last names "Braxton" and "Baxter" (and looked so much alike 🤣) they were often mistaken for one another! Naturally, once they discovered they shared a mutual love - not just for teaching and social studies - but also equity work, theater, Beyonce, and an annual rewatch of the "Leprechaun In Mobile, Alabama" newscast - they became fast friends. Now, years later, while they may not be at the same school, Rachel and Julia still have identical jobs, nearly identical last names, and are as close as ever!

Julia appreciates that throughout this process, Rachel has been sure to take her Matron of Honor duties seriously by sending her all the best WeddingTok videos - further ensuring their TikTok algorithm Venn Diagram remains a circle! 😁

Rachel's Fun Facts:

- I love karaoke, especially with Julia!

- Julia and I have been to concerts, protests, conferences, and vacations together!

- I don’t like bananas or ketchup (I’m running out of facts)

Where you can find Rachel once the party gets started:

On the dance floor 💃🏼🪩

For as long as she can remember, Julia has been 95–99% sure that her older cousin Amber would one day be her Maid (or Matron!) of Honor—and sure enough, when the time came and Julia asked, Amber said yes! The sweetest, most creative, and most organized member of the family, Amber has been part of all of Julia’s earliest and happiest memories: family vacations, birthdays, sleepovers, holidays (often alongside her little sister and fellow Bridesmaid, Ashia!).

Throughout Julia’s life, Amber has been one of her biggest cheerleaders—celebrating her milestones, cheering her on at graduations, plays, and pageants, and now standing beside her as one of her “Right Hand Ladies” on her wedding day. So many of Julia’s most meaningful moments have included Amber, and she couldn’t be more grateful to have her by her side for this one.

Amber's Fun Fact:

I am a collector of mainly 2 things: shoes and passport stamps! Currently, I own over 200 pairs of shoes and have been to many cities/countries in 6 of the 7 continents (waiting to cross off Antarctica). In addition, I don't have 1 favorite trip; there is a tie between a multi-city trip in Australia and my missions trip in Kenya.

Where you can find Amber once the party gets started:

Dance Floor or Bar or My Bed Napping

Paige holds the special title of Julia’s longest-running friendship — they’ve been friends since 6th grade at Blue Ridge Middle School, when Paige moved to Loudoun County from Maryland. Their shared love of Linkin Park and a mischievous streak that involved prank-calling pet crematories (yes, really) sealed the deal early on.

Even though they attended different high schools, Paige and Julia stayed close through the years — from college days at UVA to career changes and cross-country moves. Julia was deeply honored to stand by Paige's side as a bridesmaid in her 2017 wedding, and now she’s thrilled Paige agreed to return the favor. Though Paige now calls Texas home, Julia is grateful their friendship has lasted the test of time and distance. 💙

Paige's Fun Facts:

- I take badminton lessons

- I accidentally became the trustee of a Remediation Superfund

- My preferred method of driving is “Nakie” (i.e. driving my jeep with the top and doors off)

Where you can find her once the party gets started:

Dance floor, or on the prowl for dessert!

By far Julia’s most spiritual, grounded, and gloriously earthy friend, Jen entered Julia's life at UVA through their sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. On Bid Day, when Julia’s assigned “Bid Day Buddy” decided to abandon her, Jen swooped in to save the day! Like a baby bird with a busted wing, Julia migrated toward her—and Jen, of course, took her under her wing. That night over dinner at Red Robin (no really, that's where we ate! I'm not just trying to keep the "bird" theme going 😆), a beautiful friendship hatched!

Not long after, Jen officially became Julia’s “Big” and Julia her “Little” (fun fact: Jen is exactly one week older than Julia!). From late-night parties and early morning hikes to cozy dinners that turned into wild nights out—and even Christmas Eve candlelit midnight church services—they’ve weathered life’s many seasons together, through college and beyond!

Nearly a decade since their Gamma Phi Days, two things are still true:

1. Julia will never stop trying to set Jen up with cute guys, and

2. Jen continues to be the “true and constant friend” she pledged to be all those years ago—always reminding Julia to listen to her intuition, advocate for her needs, and stay connected to the world around her.

Julia is endlessly grateful to have her by her side on this most special day. 💙

Jen's Fun Facts:

- Jen lived out a childhood dream and spent a summer working alongside dolphins in managed care at Key Largo Florida.

- She’s seen Michael Phelps swim.

- Jen went skydiving and learned she prefers spending her time on land or in water.

- She is generally willing to try anything once except for motorcycling. You will never find her on the back of a motorcycle!

Where you can find her once the party gets started:

On the dance floor! Or outside looking at the stars.

Growing up, Julia always loved hearing the story of how her big sister practically willed her into existence—begging their mom for a little sister until, finally, her wish came true! On a Sunday morning in May, Julia was born, and from that moment on, Julia was happily attached to Lauren’s hip—once even making a guest appearance at Lauren’s elementary school as her show-and-tell item!

Despite their nine-year age gap, Julia has fond memories of spending four consecutive spring breaks with Lauren at college at Penn State, summer of second grade deemed "Camp Sister", quoting Judd Apatow movies by heart, “Mr. Cleckley”, and chuckling inappropriately during family functions. These days, Julia is beyond grateful that Lauren has managed to juggle bridesmaid duties with being an incredible mom to Julia’s two amazing nephews, Seth and Luke.

Lauren's Fun Facts:

- Her sons Seth and Luke are in the ceremony as the ring and broom bearers!

- She loves to daydream

- Cooking is her passion

- One day she'd like to be a food influencer

Where you can find Lauren once the party gets started:

The dance floor!

Some of Julia’s earliest (and most hilarious) memories involve getting into all kinds of mischief with her BFF cousin, Ashia. Practically inseparable growing up, the two were nicknamed “Heckle and Jeckle” by the family, thanks to their endless antics and close bond. As the youngest members of their extended family for years, they could always be counted on to stir up some trouble!

Ashia gave Julia the kind of iconic cousin connection usually reserved for movie screens. From family road trips and vacations to singing together in the church choir, weekends were made better by time with “Amber and Ashia.” Some of Julia’s fondest childhood memories include swimming in hotel pools with Ashia, celebrating every birthday with Ashia, sneaking food at family functions with Ashia, and—of course—getting in trouble with Ashia! There’s no way she could imagine getting married without her by her side… and thankfully, she doesn’t have to.

Ashia's Fun Fact:

Sometimes I’m sour sometimes I’m sweet. Either way I will make you smile!

Where you can find her once the party gets started:

Getting food

Julia's literal brother from another mother sashayed into her life in 2008 in the cafeteria of Duke Ellington School of the Arts! Both vocal music majors, they instantly clicked and spent the next four years surviving math class, slaying in concert choir, and dodging drama (or occasionally welcoming it... Who's to say? We listen and we don't judge.) While they made plenty of memories at Ellington, no one could have predicted they’d become even closer after graduation.

Julia can't remember exactly when Darius became an official member of the Braxton household, but she's happy that he did! It's like he was the brother she always had! Whether they’re exchanging knowing glances from across the room, sending snarky texts, being forced to sing/clean/do random household tasks for her mom, or crying while fangirling at a Beyonce concert, Darius being her honorary sibling just makes sense!

Watching each other grow since high school has been a journey Julia wouldn’t trade for the world. She truly can’t imagine her life without Darius “Seiko” Elmore—and is beyond thrilled to have him by her side on her big day as her one and only “bridesman.” 💗

Spencer and Tommy first met in 10th grade during lunch! They struggled through Spanish class together (or at least Spencer did) which truly solidified their friendship. After Spanish, they started hanging out at Tommy's house, playing video games and walking the mean streets of Olney, MD, pondering the meaning of life. They were fast friends. Soul mates, you might say.

After high school graduation, their bond only grew. Through college, even though they attended different universities, they hung out on weekends, partying with fellow groomsman Ryan. After college, they would become roommates for 6 years, living in Bethesda, MD with their friend Tyler and Washington, DC with Tommy's brother, Nick.

Two years after Julia met Spencer, it became time for Spencer and Tommy's domestic partnership to end... but their friendship lives on, stronger than ever! They have enjoyed many memories together, including going on a friends' trip to Mexico with Julia and Tommy's recent fiancee, Amy! They look forward to many new adventures together in the future (with their new wives!)

Tommy's Fun Facts:

- I have 22 houseplants in my apartment

- I’m scared of rollercoasters

- My bucket list travel destination is Japan!

Where you can find him once the party gets started:

The dance floor with periodic trips to the bar!

Shane is Spencer's younger brother by two and a half years. Growing up, they were inseparable, spending every day after school playing video games, creating their own epic storylines with their Dragonball Z action figures, skateboarding, and running dozens of football routes like they were practicing for the Super Bowl.

Even as they grew older, they remained close, starting their first "real" jobs together at CarMax! Now that Shane is married and a father, they don’t get to hang out as often as they used to, but still stay in touch through frequent phone calls and the occasional get-together. Spencer is excited Shane can be a part of this important day and looks forward to seeing Shane let loose and get wild at the reception!

Shane's Fun Facts:

- I share a birthday with Elvis Presley.

Where can you find him once the party gets started:

- In the bathroom or in line for food.

On a sunny afternoon in June, 2010, on the last day of high school, Spencer accompanied Tommy to pick up Andrew from his high school a few miles down the road. Spencer rode shotgun in Tommy's dad's two door pickup, forcing Andrew to have to crawl into the cramped back seat. The first thing Andrew blurted out to Spencer was, "Scoot up!" Spencer appreciated Andrews jokey, yet blunt personality and from then on, the two became good friends.

Over the years they've been on many adventures together. From their frequent weekend outings to DC in their early/mid-twenties, to their summer trips to Maine. After 15 years of friendship, they still have a blast hanging out together. Spencer is looking forward to watching Andrew do the stanky leg on the dance floor this November.

Andrew's Fun Facts:

- I'm a big soccer fan. Go Chelsea!

- I like to aquascape and play video games.

Where you can find him once the party gets started:

- On the dance floor (doing the stanky leg!?!?)

It's hard to remember the exact moment Spencer first met Nick. It feels like they've known each other forever! Being Tommy's younger brother, Nick's friendship with Spencer seemingly developed through osmosis. Spencer likely spent hundreds (if not thousands!) of hours hanging out in the Mourtoupalas household through his late teens-early twenties, so their close bond was bound to happen. Even as the friend group moved away from their childhood homes, Spencer and Nick remained close -- even living together as roommates in Washington, DC for a year with Nick's brother Tommy! They've spent countless weekends hanging out, getting into random, short-lived hobbies (tennis), and playing video games (Nick is quite good at Rock Band).

Spencer has always appreciated Nick's endless knowledge and advice on how to be a better adult. He has taken notes from Nick on baking (he makes good cookies), cooking, fashion, and professional growth. Spencer is hoping Nick can help him with his terrible dancing (as is Julia)!

Nick's Fun Facts:

- My father was born near Thebes, the legendary birthplace of Heracles.

- I work in politics-focused visual journalism.

- I enjoy baking.

Where you can find him once the party gets started:

- The bar, dance floor, outside, in that order.

Spencer first met Karlan over ten years ago through mutual friends at a nerdy convention called MAGFest (Music and Gaming Festival). He had invited our mutual friend group to his hotel room to play a Pokémon themed drinking board game that he had created himself (which was very on brand for Karlan, as Spencer would soon discover)! They went from acquaintances to close friends, sharing many birthdays, casual hang outs, and MAGFest hotel rooms, where they formed a friend group tradition of drunkenly singing "Be a Man" from Mulan. Spencer always admired Karlan's humility of taking on the supporting role of backup vocals during their performances.

In addition to Karlan's humility, Spencer also appreciates Karlan's intelligence, quick wit, competitive nature (when it comes to board games), creativity, and willingness to share his creations (Karlan wrote and DM'd Spencer's first ever Dungeons and Dragons campaign). Spencer is looking forward to drunkenly singing Be a Man at the wedding for the umpteenth time.

Karlan's Fun Facts:

- I have an app for logging the scores for every board game I play.

- I strongly disagree with Spencer's stance on Wendy's (Wendy's rules).

- I was born in the Philippines, but can't stand hot weather

Where you can find him once the party gets started:

- Bar, buffet, dance floor.

The first time Spencer spoke to Ryan was during their 6th grade lunch period in the cafeteria of Rosa Parks Middle School. They connected over the experience of being annoying eleven-year-olds. Though that interaction did not result in an immediate bond, it set the foundation for their friendship which would eventually develop over the course of their 10th grade Photoshop class.

They remained close friends during their college years as Ryan hosted many parties at his apartment while attending the University of Maryland. Spencer will never forget the countless 3 AM post-party McDonald's runs with Ryan and crew.After college, Spencer and Ryan remained close, hanging out most weekends. Even when Ryan moved to California for a few years, they stayed in touch, often through video games and long-distance movie nights.

Today, Ryan and Spencer continue their bro-friendship, and their hang outs typically involve dinner at a random Indian restaurant. Spencer is looking forward to Ryan's hype man personality at the wedding as he is naturally one of the most fun people Spencer knows.

Ryan's Fun Facts:

- Lived in San Diego for six years.

- Ate crickets in Tijuana, bone marrow in Seattle, deviled eggs in Austin, Italian beef in Chicago, biscuits and gravy in Portland, BBQ in Little Rock, bhaji in Midtown.

- Unwillingly watched the sun rise more times than I can count.

- I once stood in the middle of a crowd of tens of thousands of people belting the lyrics to the Lion King's 'Circle of Life' - life has never really been the same since.

Where you can find him once the party gets started:

- Sweating profusely uponst the dance floor or shoveling food into my face