Kristen is the bride’s sister, only sibling, and fellow victim of John Denver and Bob Seger being played on a loop in the car since 1987. She is truly the most generous wife, mother, daughter, sister and Matron of Honor. If you mess with the bride, this is who you should fear. She’s also a bit of a nudge with a specific sense of humor- be warned that she may tickle you until you cannot breathe, trip over your foot, and then blame you when she falls down a flight of stairs. There is possibly no one who is happier about this union than Kristen, including the bride and groom, and we are eternally grateful to her for being our biggest cheerleader and for her constant support.

James is the groom's older brother, only sibling, and best man. James has been the groom's best friend since they were children, from the early years when he would translate the groom's gibberish for their parents Pat and Janet, to now when they mostly talk about new video games that they'll definitely get around to playing. James is a mechanical genius, but please don't ask him to fix your car or wire your house. You can, however, invite him along on your next trip to a Goodwill or antique store. Curious if those mid-century modern speakers with water ring stains are worth anything? Jim's your man. Beyond that, James is a kind and giving person, and despite the occasional grumble, would bend over backwards for anyone who needs help. Speaking of, Jim, when we're done with the ceremony, I need to talk to you about a light in our living room that's been giving us problems.

Jess is the bride’s oldest friend in the bridal party. They’ve been best friends almost since the moment they ditched Ruth and Ernie at the mall to go look at shoes in Wild Pair. Ultra creative with impeccable taste, she is the bride’s go-to for fashion advice. She’s also an entrepreneur dedicated to vintage sourcing and sustainability. She is a dedicated mother of two amazing girls, flower girl Claudia and 1-year-old Sophia. Her sense of humor is on point, and she’s always willing to rewatch the What We Do in the Shadows movie.

Zachary Russell Esq and the groom met nearly ten years ago after they both moved to New York from different flyover states. They bonded over board games, video games, and the game of preparing for six months and then running a marathon. The groom currently has a 5% win rate vs. Zach in board games, and he's proud of that 5%.

Danielle is a gem of a human and one of the Three Amigos with Jess and the bride. She is incredibly thoughtful. A born hostess, Danielle is never happier than when she is feeding and watering guests. Christmas, Easter, Halloween, sprinkles, lemons, and lobsters…the girl loves a theme. She is the bride’s true “ride or die,” as she is not only the first to a karaoke mic and last on the dance floor, she is also the only one willing to dip and deliver chicken nuggets directly into the bride’s mouth on road trips.

Jason and the groom met at Theatermania, have seen and nearly enjoyed most of the new Star Wars movies together, and almost made a movie right before the pandemic hit with fellow Theatermania ex-pat and wedding offician Josef Zook.

Christy is the least traumatic thing to have happened to the bride during law school. She is known to discard rotten baby carrots on the floor as casually as she once tossed the bride into a river of hidden death traps after advertising it as the leisure activity “tubing.” No one is quicker to commit to a vacation or other adventure, especially if that adventure is shopping. She is dedicated to feeding her two angel babies, Finn and Helen, her husband Harald (second-least traumatic experience from law school), and everyone else her from-scratch cooking and even more delicious baked goods.

Keith and the groom lived together right before the groom moved to NYC, and they spent many nights watching YouTube videos, hosting Nerf battles, and waxing philosophic. They have had many proud moments together, and getting repeatedly yelled at for having too much fun with laser tag guns while evacuating a hotel at an anime convention because someone (else, to be clear) pulled a fire alarm is one of them.

Genevieve is one of the bride’s most reliable friends. It all started when she and the bride were office-mates in the infamously gross Queens District Attorney’s Office “big room” and suddenly realized they’d become friends without noticing. Genevieve’s opinion, taste, and judgment are so good that, if they disagree, the bride usually just assumes Genevieve is right. As coworkers, friends, roommates, and globetrotters, they’ve shared some of life’s worst and best moments. And both have been made better because they were together.

Ask Jason and the groom about the Herman Cain Bad Lip Reading, but only if you want to hear them recite the whole thing. Jason and the groom lived together briefly, but that short time was enough to forge a friendship for life. Jason Atkins is a beautiful animal and a destroyer of worlds.

Jamie Lynn might be the GOAT, if she weren’t already The Llama. Technically the newest of the bride’s friends in the wedding party, she proves you’re never too old to make new friends … especially when they’re willing to drop everything to go on a Caribbean vacation with some chick they barely know. Jamie is always there to lend an ear, celebrate an accomplishment, or cook you a meal with her trademark enthusiasm, which is genuine even when her face suggests otherwise. Whether they’re taking a trip to Fire Island or just an epic “trip” down Queens Blvd, the bride, Jamie, and her top knot will always be laughing ‘til they cry.

Erick Boeder and the groom met at Wilgus Hall at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville in the before time, the long long ago. They've been gaming together ever since, and have played countless board and tabletop games. Not to mention the dozens of hours they've spent driving to and from Indianapolis and debating the merits of worker placement games versus engine-building games.

Natalie is the light of the bride’s life, perfection personified, and possibly the funniest person the bride and groom know. But seriously, the bride’s niece and goddaughter and Matron of Honor’s daughter, Natalie is a delight to have around. She is a smart, empathetic, kind, and genuinely fun girl. Making her debut as a first-time junior bridesmaid, we assume her quadruple-threat skills at soccer, softball, math, and reading, will make her a force to be reckoned with on our big day.

Leah Evans and the groom met at Theatermania and began improvising shortly thereafter in an attempt to fight Josh Groban. They've been in multiple improv duos, groups, and improv-adjacent projects together. Ask them about The Big Stupids. The groom thinks that this was the apex of the improvisation art form. Leah, however, probably (correctly) disagrees. From sad lunches at Theatermania, to repeatedly trying to sell an abandoned house in Hunter, NY, Leah and the groom have been unapologetically doing bits since 2013.

Sean is a small boy brimming with curiosity, with a big brain and even bigger heart. The bride’s nephew and Matron of Honor’s youngest, Sean loves soccer, baseball, Minecraft, YouTube, and merch. His finely-honed sense of style ensures his haircuts and outfits are always sharp. A whiz at geography, he knows the name of every country. Age ranges are of no consideration when gifting Sean a Lego set. Incredibly kind and artistic, he is always ready with a handmade card for the bride and groom on special days- usually with a pretty fierce shark drawn on it.

Claudia is a first-time flower girl and Jess’s eldest. An aspiring dancer, she is a lover of mermaids and superheroes. During their trips to Philly, the bride and groom have had the pleasure of watching Claudia grow from a curious toddler to a lovely little girl. Claudia’s outfits of the day are always on point. And the only thing she’s better at than running really fast is being a great big sis to baby sister Sophia.

Joe and the groom met at Theatermania many moons ago, where they worked together as part of the Client Services department. He is now a mutual friend of the bride and groom's, and all three have bonded over dancing, karaoke, and general fun times. Joe is a registered marriage officiant and public speaker, and the couple is very excited to have his help getting hitched.