Don't let his youthful charm fool you. Although a glance at Jake's passport will confirm that he is, in fact, the youngest gun of the groomsmen, he and Zach go wayyyyy back. Jake and the rest of the "Delano Cafarellas" (his awesome parents - who he wanted to give a shout out to - and his favorite sister, the one and only Madeline Joy) were a fixture in Zach's childhood and his time with them was the highlight of many summer trips down to Marion, MA. Jake has earned many titles throughout his adventures with his older cousin, from Family Talent Show gold medalist, to SAT conqueror, to National Bally-Ball League Co-Commissioner, to MVP of the legendary wiffle ball team, The Mudbugz ("That Fish Cray"), where his bond with his teammates, Zach and Katie, was truly cemented for life. No matter his title though, Jake will always be an amazing cousin, a close friend, and a great guy whom the bride and groom respect a lot.

To sum up the Best Man in just a short bio, would be, as anyone who has met him could attest to, a true impossibility. However, given that he is tasked with doing the same for the groom in his speech, it seems fitting that the world should get a brief history of Josh Sogolow, as told through the eyes of his loving brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law.Since August of 1993, Josh has played far too many roles to count in the life of his older brother. Like many younger brothers, Josh inevitably served as a tackling dummy, a dunk contest prop, a batting practice pitcher, and a participant in numerous impromptu trivia quizzes with impossible to guess answers, as Zach was never one to be satisfied with playing games on his own, and Josh was inevitably draft pick number one day in and day out. The battle between playing Playmobils and Pokemon or being dragged outside for another game of one-on-one was not one that Josh won often, and admittedly led to more scuffles than either party might care to admit. But while Josh put up with more of this than any little brother should need to endure, there were also many moments of shared excitement and entertainment when the brothers played "Guess that song" in long car rides to Marion or Norwich, or when they successfully planned and executed surprises to terrify their poor (and far too forgiving) mother, or even when they used the basement for knee hockey, full contact basketball, tackle football with Jake, or fast pitch baseball (a sport which both Josh and Zach are very fortunate to have survived without major facial reconstructive surgery). The hours of laughter and countless inside jokes that were the true hallmark of the friendship between the Sogolow boys, have lasted through high school and college, and will continue to draw the best out of both of them (while undoubtedly continuing to elicit rolled eyes and defeated shakes of the head from their mother) for many years to come.Somewhere over the years, Josh transitioned from "kid brother" status to Zach's closest confidant, an example of strength and perseverance for his brother to emulate, and a reliable source of humor and levity at just the right moments. In addition to this, Josh has become a friend to many of Zach's friends, through college parties, pickup games, and fantasy football leagues, and while his association with the ragtag company that Zach keeps has from time to time left their parents fearing for his health (as well as that of his liver), it has meant the world to his older brother. Josh now stands as the Best Man in a wedding between two people who love him dearly, and who each have had the amazing opportunity afforded too few siblings in this world - that of growing closer in conversations and shared experiences even as everyone has grown older and transitioned from home to college and beyond. By virtue of sharing a campus, Katie and Josh were able to grow close and spend time together even when school was at its busiest or life was drumming away at its absolute loudest. Josh's willingness to confide in Katie and Zach, about his college experiences, his personal battles and triumphs, and of course, his excitement over his relationship with his own Katie - the one and only, Katie "Two" Murphy, brought his brother and future sister-in-law closer into his world, and allowed them all to grow closer. As Josh and his Katie have seen their relationship flourish, Zach and Katie Martin (soon to be Sogolow!) have loved being able to attend family holidays, Patriots and Celtics games, and even Josh's notorious (read: entirely calm, pleasant and civil) 21st birthday bash with both of them and sharing in the joy they bring to all those around them.In closing, Josh's older brother wants the world to know how truly grateful he is for the love shown by a young man he has seen grow from a kid who cried when his older brother's team was eliminated after a fairy tale run at the Cooperstown little league tournament to an equally empathetic and compassionate adult, who continues to fiercely defend, believe in, and care for the ones he loves, as well as so many others in this world who have found themselves in need of a helping hand. Zach and Katie are both incredibly excited to enjoy the wedding celebration with Josh, and could not ask for a better Best Man to share in the joys of this moment and a lifetime of moments to come.

As the oldest of Zach's beloved Rhode Island cousins, Matt was always the ringleader of their group growing up, and along with Josh and Jake, holds the distinction among the groomsmen of knowing the groom from day one (of his own life, that is). Matt is loved and admired not only by his cousins, but by his two awesome (and exceptionally sweet, yet undeniably cool) sisters, Ana and Katrina, and his younger brother, Luke (look for Luke in the first round of your NFL fantasy drafts in ten years!). Despite his soft-spoken nature, Matt comes "Straight Outta (Little) Compton" and isn't afraid to stand up for those he loves, showing the kind of care, compassion, and loyalty that Zach and Katie have come to know and love. For this and so many reasons, the bride and groom are so excited to be able to share in the wedding celebration with Matt and his whole family!

As the older brother of the bride, the unintentional catalyst for Zach and Katie's relationship, the only groomsman who has the honor of being called a Dad, and the only groomsman who has said, "I do" himself, Ben fills many important roles, and does so with the amazing blend of grace, patience, and thoughtfulness that only he can. For all those who thought that the phrase "I've never met anyone in this world quite like..." could only be reserved for Zach's Nana, just wait until you meet Ben! The first person to challenge those around him with thought-provoking debate, Ben is also an amazing listener, whose thoughtful approach to conversation and the viewpoints of others always brings out the best in those around him. Zach's gratitude to Ben is unending, not only for introducing him to Katie on that first visiting weekend at BC, but for welcoming him to the family with open arms, helping both Zach and Katie grow more comfortable with deep and meaningful discussions, and giving them the chance to be Godparents to the adorable and awesome, Peter "Squish" Martin. After experiencing the joy and excitement of Ben and Amelja's wedding celebration, Zach and Katie can't wait to celebrate with everyone again in January!

Along with being possibly the first person to recognize a budding romance between his sister and the scruffy New Englander she is now about to marry (and not mentioning it to anyone the next day - what a guy!), Sam is also a one-of-a-kind brother, friend, and all-around person. Sam's competitive spirit has driven him to excel on the baseball field, the piano bench, and in so many arenas of performance over the years. A master at ping pong, mafia, and remembering the Martin family's absurdly long wi-fi password, Sam's many talents also come coupled with a great sense of humor and a laugh that is contagious. From recounting poetic journeys of chimineas by the sea, to enjoying the lighter side of Florida Summer League rain delays, Sam's positive outlook and fun loving personality shine through even as his laser-like focus guides his competitive successes. Sam's creativity and energy never ceases to amaze both Katie and Zach, and the time they get to spend with him brings out the best in both the bride and the groom. Along with his equally fun and loving partner-in-crime, Jonna, Sam helps to make sure that every family gathering leaves Katie and Zach counting the days until the next one!

From the day they first met, eating sand together on the beach at age two, Tom (or Thomas as he was known way back then) and Zach have been the best of friends. Whether through reading Calvin and Hobbes (the comic books, of course) for hours on the living room floor, or racing on crutches (seriously, this happened... a summer spent with a broken leg demands creativity) down the mean streets of Whortleberry Lane, or playing/inventing every sport under the sun, this friendship endured through it all. Thomas's family - his sisters, Audrey and Charlotte, and his parents, Ellen and Tom - have been like a second family to Zach for many years. It is an honor for Zach, and now Katie, to be able to count Thomas as a friend, and so much fun to be able to share this wedding celebration with him and his family!

Despite whispers that Liam was a "charity add" to this group of esteemed groomsmen, Zach would like to put such rumors to rest, and wants everyone to know that Liam only called him 7 times on the day after the proposal to lobby for a spot in the wedding... In all seriousness though, Liam is an incredibly loyal and reliable friend, who is the first person to open up his home and a friendly welcome to others, as well as the first to step up when those close to him are in need of a helping hand. His eagerness to listen and give attention to his friend's interests and concerns may be matched only by his complete unwillingness to listen to his friends' admonishments when he gets that mischievous twinkle in his eye - but that is, in fact, part of what gives Liam his devilish charm and awesomely contagious personality. Liam is a true friend to both Katie and Zach, and his friendship, along with his commitment to making sure things are "all good" will continue to mean the world to both of them. Always.

Kevin, or "K-Will" as he has often been called, is not only the groomsman voted most likely to get a sunburn from a full moon (really, if you see him outside down in Tampa, please make sure he's covered), but also the first person to smile and laugh with you, a fierce competitor and committed teammate with a spirited and driven mind for sports, and of course, a great friend who can only be described as the Chris Turk to Zach's John Dorian (if you'll accept the obligatory Scrubs reference). The memories he has shared with the bride and groom will continue to put smiles on their faces for years to come, and the friendship he has shown both of them over the years has meant more than he could possibly know. Zach and Katie can't wait to share in the laughter and joy of this wedding celebration with Kevin!

It seems almost unfair to sum up a true Renaissance man like the inimitable Matt Reilly in just a short bio, but like Matt's liver throughout his time at BC, we'll give it the ol' college try. Matt and Zach have seen it all together, from the trials of elementary school redistricting, to the many joys of Gates Middle School bus rides, to the countless hours of Greenbush Line shenanigans, and of course, the purely scholarly pursuits of the Mods. As Matt's time at BC helped to cement his place in Zach's heart, Matt also become a dear friend to Katie, a mentor (to use the term generously) for Josh, and an all-around fun guy to have at any and every event. Under Matt's gruff, vaguely Grizzly Bear-esque exterior, lies a warm, lovable Teddy Bear who is the kind of loyal and lifelong friend that any bride and groom would be honored to have in their wedding party.

Schindler (did anyone else know that his first name was Jonathon??) is the Boston man that many a Boston man aspires to be. From having the best accent this side of the Charles River, to possessing an uncanny knack for being able to name late 90s platoon players for the Sox, Pats, Bruins, and C's, Schindler and his South Shore brand of Bostonian awesomeness represent so much of the feeling of home that Zach and Katie have missed since graduating. The welcoming friendship that Schindler has shown all those around him throughout the years, has led to many smile-worthy memories, from Stanley Cup celebrations, to Toy Story comparisons, to the world's best hooded sweatshirts (pictures accessible with a deep dive on Facebook for those interested). Zach and Katie are thrilled to have found a weekend that Schindler is not up in Maine, so that he can join in the wedding festivities!

As any great tricycle-craftsman will tell you, there is no piece more integral to the operation than the third wheel. James has undoubtedly cemented his legacy as the greatest piece of the world's best tricycle with his amazing friendship toward the bride and groom over the years, and especially during the trio's tenure in their across-the-hall apartments (think Friends, but much much cozier - seriously, who could afford that square footage in NYC??) for a year in Nolita. However, to claim James has been a just a third piece in Zach and Katie's world would be missing out on all that James brings to the table. Along with serving as an endless fountain of highly quotable Lewek-isms (I mean, guys, come on! Who else has single-handedly turned "cooked goose" into a city-wide sensation??), James has been an amazing roommate, a reliable pick-up basketball teammate, and a founding father of family dinners. Most importantly though, James has always been a friend who not only has looked out for Zach and Katie at every turn, but has also cared enough to challenge the bride and groom in meaningful conversations, turn to them in moments of uncertainty, and spend his Friday nights hanging in with the gang, enjoying each others' company. James is a friend who has never flaked when it counted most, and the thought of celebrating this occasion without him would be truly "bananas," so it is with gratitude and joy that Zach and Katie look forward to sharing in the excitement with James, who will always be the first wheel in their hearts!

Of all the amazing friends standing in the wedding party, perhaps no friend has seen his or her friendship with the bride and groom grow as much as Tommy. Whether it has been due to his shared interests in football (where he has co-piloted fantasy leagues with Zach and bemoaned the fact that Katie doesn't share his love for the Bucs), video games, soccer, and arguing about basketball (just ask Tommy about his love of Draymond Green), or his relationship with bridesmaid/international farm-to-table chef sensation, Clara Son, or possibly even (as Tommy claims) Zach and Katie's personal growth in maturity while he has remained exactly the same, over the years Tommy has become one of the bride and groom's closest friends. His brilliant mind and relentless efforts to prove what he knows to be true have consistently challenged those around him to do their research, fight for what they believe, and be ready to defend any stance they take. While this sounds intimidating, when coupled with Tommy's endearing nerdiness, his desire to brighten situations with laughter, and his willingness to welcome friends into his home and his circles, it makes for quite the guy, and a friend that Zach and Katie cannot wait to see in their wedding!

Along with the inimitable William Lee Morrow III, Samrad holds the distinction (and battle scars) of being a 4-year college roommate to Zach. While Zach and Katie both regret never making it out to visit him in Kuwait, Samrad has been to Scituate, Tampa, and seemingly everywhere in between with the bride and groom. Through these adventures and misadventures, both Zach and Katie have come to see Samrad as incredibly close and loyal friend, and have also learned that while he'd hesitate to admit it, behind Samrad's oft-cynical British (maybe? Where is this guy actually from?) wit and humor, lies a warm heart and a genuine care for those around him, as well as a love for his friends near and far, his family, his Gunners, and of course, the Harry Potter series (a source of much roommate bonding over the years). Basically, Samrad is one of the most interesting and engaging people you will ever meet, and it is well worth catching him for a conversation if you get the chance - just don't ask him his thoughts on Tottenham, Boston's MBTA buses, or Katie's left hook. While Samrad's presence has been dearly missed since he began working in London post-graduation, it makes it all the more meaningful and special for the bride and groom to have him back in the States for this wedding celebration!

Along with being a political guru and movie buff, Lee's vaunted resume also includes the fact that he has roadtripped across every East Coast state with Katie and has somehow survived a 30 hour overnight stay in Boston's South Station train and bus terminals. When he is not busy managing winning political campaigns or refusing to recognize that good Tex-Mex exists outside of Waco, Lee enjoys introducing his friends to creative board games that nobody else has ever heard of, debating the merits of literally anything (but most often obscure Indie movies with his brother Travis) and of course, hanging out with his friends, his girlfriend Emily, and their dog, (Tommy's arch-nemesis) Yoshi. Lee, Emily, and in recent years, Travis, have shared so many great memories with Zach and Katie - on adventures that have taken them from late nights at ECU and the Boston Museum of Science, to foggy mountain tops in Maine, to Red Sox, Rays, and Harvard games, and seemingly everywhere in between. The bride and groom look forward to enjoying this adventure, and many more, with Lee and co.

Everyone likes a good story, and nobody tells a story quite like Tucker Kelly. Tucker's adventurous personality has taken him on many story-worthy journeys, and in talking to him it becomes apparent quickly that the next great adventure is always right around the corner, whether that means spending a semester at sea, half a year roaming the country in a van, or just rallying the troops to find an exotic location to escape to for a weekend. So if you get a chance, catch Tucker for a few minutes and see what tales he has to tell (and if you bring him a drink, he might even share a toast with you!). Along with his esteemed 4-year roommates, Kuo-Kai and Richard, Tucker was the closest thing to a roommate that Zach could have without actually sharing a dorm in the greatest house on campus (K-Haus for life!). Tucker's love for sports, his Cajun charm, and his ginger beard meant that he fit in well with both Zach and Katie's friends and families over the years, and his friendship, along with that of his lovely lady, Gaby, and the many other friends he brought into the mix, has led to many great adventures and even greater smiles for the bride and groom these past five years.

To get a picture of just how big a role Marcos has played in Zach's life since freshman year of college, look no further than the fact that the Sogolow and Cafarella families were surprised and saddened the one year that Marcos didn't join for Thanksgiving, despite the fact that the groom, himself, was over 4,000 miles away spending Thanksgiving in Anchorage, Alaska. Along with relishing his place as "Facebook friend" to Zach's Nana, Marcos has been there for both Zach and Katie over the years and has shared countless memories with the bride and groom, from navigating the canals of Venice, to leaping from canyons and whitewater rafting in Slovenia, to braving blizzards like no Californian has ever seen, and cheering on Harvard basketball near and far. What has truly stood out about Marcos throughout all of these experiences is the fact that he remains upbeat in any circumstance. Whether quietly maintaining some semblance of order and cleanliness amidst the tornado of messiness that was the college roommate crew, or popping back up and calmly trying to bail out his kayak after capsizing in the mangroves at the Martin family fishing camp, Marcos's ability to see the best in every situation, and every person, that he encounters has been an example that both Zach and Katie have tried to emulate since the day they met him. It is with great joy that the bride and groom look forward to stealing Marcos away from the West coast for the weekend to share in the wedding celebration!

If you've never met this pistol-shooting med student with a degree in computer science, a love of Michigan football, and a youthful exuberance that has led him to explore the open skies and the open road, you are in for a treat. Balaji has taught Zach, Katie, and all of the roommate crew many important lessons over four years of dorm living, including the ridiculousness of the term "zoom/enhance," the proper use of the word "Khajiits," the incorrect use of the phrase "over/under" (as well as many other misappropriated idioms), and most importantly, why you should always use a real ruler and not a printed one. Whether suffering through the struggle of teaching Zach basic computer science concepts, spending hours taking down zetas with the roommates on the XBox, or just staying up talking about life, liberty, and the pursuit of fantasy football titles (since Lions Super Bowls were too fictional even for him), Balaji has been a fun-loving and supportive friend to the groom over the last five years, and for that both Zach and Katie are exceptionally grateful and proud to have him in their wedding.