Best friends since 8 years old, Brandon and Ben bonded instantly over their competitive nature, and tried to out score each other to settle a bet between their dads. For the last 25 years Brandon has always pushed Ben to be better, and the pair have leaned on each other through the best as well as worst of times. Although Brandon’s bright ideas have often landed them in hot water, Brandon is credited with convincing Ben to try lacrosse. With that, he gained a brotherhood and a lifelong passion which supported him all the way to dental school. Hot topics for Brandon include anything sports related, conspiracy theories and the summer he moved into a trailer parked outside Ben’s house

Leela and Raven have known each other literally since day one, thanks to their dads' friendship that brought their families together. They have shared so many amazing travel memories in the Caribbean Sea, indulging in late night karaoke on New Years Eve, and creating iconic iMovies to show their parents. Raven has always been the big sister Leela never had, even though sometimes it feels like Leela’s the one looking out for her. Together, they will forever laugh about the silliest Vines and go by their alter egos (Jaz and Georgia)- a rare bond that is built to last a lifetime.

Brother of the groom and second born of the Van Galen Family, Nick has been Ben’s partner in mischief since the two could walk. As they grew in age, their misadventures matured from shenanigans around the neighbourhood to throwing legendary house parties the moment their parents left town. Roommates, sparring partners, defence pairs in hockey, they have kept each other in and out of trouble from boarding school all the way through college. The strong silent type and family handy man, Nick’s adventures now consist of growing his construction business, his Swiss Mountain Dog named Rosa, and rescuing Ben from various failed DIY projects. As the Stoic in the Van Galen family, Nick may seem quiet , but after a couple cocktails you can expect the same smart ass remarks, sarcasm and tendency to take his shirt off as the rest of the family. Conversation starters for Nick include hunting, barbecuing, Cuban cigars and how he managed to completely avoid the cadet program at boarding school (ask him about it)

Sister of the bride, Lindsay gave up her career as an art teacher to home school her four wonderful children. Despite their best efforts to conceive a girl, the good lord instead blessed them with 4 rambunctious boys and the makings of an excellent starting lineup. Although Lindsay is the older sister, Raven often took on the role of “Big Sister” when it came to letting Lindsay sleep in her bed during thunderstorms, and even threatening to pummel the bullies at school. Talking points for Lindsay include her faith, her family and her love of her adopted country USA.

Youngest brother of the groom, Deb & Rob tried their hardest for a girl, but instead received an exceptional man and gifted athlete. Nicknamed “Chewy” because of a humorous pronunciation issue as a toddler, Matt followed a similar path to Ben in American education but on a lacrosse scholarship. However, Chewy found his passion in the world of finance rather than people’s orifices like his brother. Since graduating from university, his charisma and work ethic have propelled him in the finance core at TD. It’s unclear whether Chewy’s strength, determination and work ethic are God given or a product of all the childhood torment he received from the older boys, but he is exactly who you want protecting your money from Trudeau. Besides protecting Ben from his horrible spending habits, Matt enjoys golf, squash, hot sauce, hockey, his Bernadoodle Whitney and avoiding their dad’s calls for help with pointless yard work.

Sister of the groom, and lifelong student, Sarah has a passion for Art as well as collecting diplomas. While enduring Ben’s inability to stay silent, Sarah and Raven bonded over their mutual love of being awkward. Talking points for Sarah include her recent career change from teaching to massage therapy, as well as her love of animals and the outdoors. Famous for her catch phrase, “I love art”

Paired together for a group project on the very first day at NYU, Dave and Ben formed a lasting friendship based mostly on sarcasm. A Winnipeg native, Dave’s need for adventure forced Ben to leave their apartment and make the most of his time in New York. Between volleyball in the park, hockey at the Chelsea Piers, and the occasional bar hopping escapade, they helped each other navigate Manhattan. There were hard days where they studied relentlessly and tested the limits of their 8$ “Mr. Coffee” machine, as well as good times where they hit the town to test the limits of their health insurance. Although Dave made the decision to leave Canada and practice with his wife in the USA, Ben was honoured to officiate their ceremony in California. Hot topics for Dave include the birth of his son, the Winnipeg jets, and the time they scrimmaged against Anthony Weiner. You know he went 5 hole.

Cousin of the bride, Sara has always been someone that Raven has looked up to while growing up. From her many pretend cooking shows that she would create alongside Lindsay, to driving around town in her little pink car, Sara has always been down for a good time. Some talking points include her 2 beautiful boys, Snooki, and that one time she lived in Alberta.

Friends and roommates during dental school, believe it or not Jordan is the sensible one. If anything has been organized or planned for this friend group in a clear and efficient manner, you can bet Jordan probably had something to do with it. In dental school he made sure that Ben remembered most of his deadlines, and was a voice of reason that helped Ben avoid dying on the subway. Since then he has spearheaded a boys trip to bring them together every year, without any serious bodily harm, except maybe his tattoo from the Vegas trip; ask him to see it. Hot topics for Jordan include his cat Buster, his recent wedding, and his unfortunate love of some of the worst sports franchises ever.

Friend of all the boys and regular Van Galen family couch surfer, Chris played hockey with Nick since they were 7 years old. In addition to his ability sniff out frozen chimichangas and leftovers, Chris also has the gift of the gab. His propensity to destroy the silence in a room has served him well as he moved to British Columbia and manifested his dream of becoming a radio host. Therefore, as a lifelong friend of the groom, Roach is the perfect man to be trusted with the microphone. Hopefully we can also convince him to put it down at some point.