Caitlin felt welcomed immediately into Travis’ family, and Molly was a large part of that. Within a month of their relationship beginning, Molly informed Travis that she would take Caitlin’s side in a breakup. Caitlin wouldn’t have believed the foods Molly and her husband Jacob have forced her to try, but is always up for new ones. Molly was named the officiant for this wedding several months before Travis even proposed, an offer not rescinded despite Molly’s move to the other side of the country. Caitlin is waiting patiently for Molly to move back to Pittsburgh, but doesn’t love her any less for it.

Mike and Travis became friends in 8th grade social studies class when Mike mistook Travis’ shoulder for a punching bag, and Travis mistook physical abuse for male friendship. They quickly, in the words of their teacher “Completely ruined my first year as a teacher.” All these years later, their trips to Mario’s, Walter’s, and Tequila Cowboy followed by late night walks to GetGo for garlic parmigone wings carry a similar spirit of youthful exuberance and class clownery.

Caitlin feels very lucky to have Sarah as an older sister, even though that feeling only became mutual in their late 20s. Even though they fought, Caitlin always knew the only person who had to be scared of Sarah was the person trying to mess with Caitlin. Their shared journey through adulthood was cemented by graduating in the top five of nursing school together. Sarah and Caitlin continue to grow together as sisters, but not quite to where Sarah is willing to return Caitlin’s hugs. Caitlin hopes that she will get at least one on her wedding day.

Josh and Travis met and became friends thanks to whatever computer program randomly assigned them neighboring dorm rooms on Brumbaugh Hall’s 6th floor their freshman year of college. This led to attending every Penn State home game together as students, countless matches of pool at the Phyrst, lots of pregames at 409 the Legend, and a few other things our lawyers advised us not to put in writing. Moving to separate states has not stopped the two of them from continuing the same activities, as Junefest, more PSU football, and cruises have kept them reliving their college days more than is likely healthy. That computer program sure has a lot to answer for

Kristen and Caitlin have been side by side their entire lives. Grade school turned to high school, high school turned to college roommates, college roommates turned to adulthood. Kristen has always been in Caitlin’s corner. Caitlin was maid of honor at Kristen’s wedding, and is excited to return the favor. Caitlin is also happy that this time Nick will remember the maid of honor speech.

Self-titled as Travis' Biggest Hater, Gautam and Travis spent many teenage nights at Middle Road Park on the swings. Even though Gautam decided to move to South Florida as Travis drove his uhaul out of there, they’ve managed to keep in touch. Mostly in the true millennial way of sending garbage back and forth to each other on Instagram. Upon reading a preview of this bio, Gautam took his title to heart and deleted Instagram from his phone.

Caitlin never thought that the quiet Catholic school girl she would see at crossover dances in middle school would one day become one of her closest friends. Gia and Caitlin have many fond memories of rampaging through State College, South Side, Miami, and Indian Lake. Caitlin spent many years as Gia’s go-to plus one at family weddings, and even saw the sparks fly when she met her future husband. Caitlin looks forward to many more years of making memories they don’t remember the next day.

The owner and proprietor of Jeremy’s House of Beer and Sports in the Sky, Travis has always appreciated that Jeremy grudgingly provides screen time for NASCAR and Penn State games, two things Jeremy doesn’t condone. Summer weekends will find Jeremy and the *redacted* Consortium at his pool slowly convincing ourselves da stillers are gahn to da Super Bowl. Constant games of Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers provide a competitive spark to their weekends that surprisingly has not yet led to fisticuffs. Jeremy can usually be seen wearing black and gold while pretending that either the Pirates or Pitt football will ever bring him more joy than agony.

Bree and Caitlin have been close as long as they’ve known each other. Caitlin will always go to Bree to vent or to get reassurance when she needs it. Caitlin loves being godmother to Bree’s daughter Isla(and Henry is pretty cool too). Caitlin looks forward to watching their family grow up, and to not be annoyed when their husbands go watch cars drive really fast in circles.

Travis and Bloom share the unfortunate trait of keeping large parts of their emotional well being tied up in the Steelers and Penn State football. Whatever the final score is, their mood can always be improved by some cold ones while singing along to Hoobastank and Creed. While becoming semi-reluctant cat dads has softened them a bit from the 409 the Legend era, a warm bottle of crown russe hates to seem them coming

Betsy and Caitlin trauma bonded while working in the NICU at Magee, where Caitlin saw firsthand how kind of a soul Betsy is. Caitlin thanks her for creating, editing, and acting for Caitlin while she was starting on dating apps. Caitlin will always be in her debt for this, and looks forward to her wedding as well.

Not the step-dad but the dad who stepped up to Travis’ nephew puppy Roscoe. Credited with increasing the general quality of restaurants patronized by the Eckman family as well as inspiring Molly to exercise with regularity. Always happy to talk F1, smoking meats, and marathoning, Jacob and Travis never run out of things to talk about, if only because of ADHD. He did selfishly take Roscoe to Seattle but promises they will return to da Burgh

Freshman year at Penn State is often scary, but there was no better partner in crime for Caitlin than Denise. Ever since Caitlin walked into Denise and Natalie’s dorm room unannounced and asked if they wanted to be friends, they have been like sorority sisters. Frequently found together at the Gaff, singing louder than whoever had the mic, Denise and Caitlin never met a night out they couldn’t find a way to enjoy together. Though they now live on opposite sides of PA, they’re just some time on the turnpike away and look forward to continued rounds of laughing together.

Travis has always been proud that his friendship with Zach predates Leah’s. He also appreciates that he took Leah to Japan, which really lessens the ferocity of her arguments with Travis. While not piloting helicopters Zach is doing his best to bring back a Kei car from Japan, something Travis fully endorses

As the other member of the dorm room that Caitlin cornered and forced to be her friends, Natalie is also a big part of Caitlin’s college years and beyond. Caitlin could always count on Natalie to be next to her in the student section, chanting We Are during football games. Caitlin loves that Natalie will take Travis for runs and tire him out while she sleeps in on their trips. Caitlin looks forward to many more years of tailgates, beaches, and brunches together.

Despite the clear differences in physical appearances from his siblings, Alec was not adopted. He and Travis shared a room growing up, but Travis does not claim any responsibly for his decision to disappear into the ocean for three months at a time as an adult. Travis and Alec are always happy to talk running, even though Travis doesn’t understand his desire to run ultramarathons. He is fresh off providing the blanket of freedom us Americans sleep under, so please be sure to thank him for his service. He really enjoys when people do that

Caitlin met Leah without forewarning on her and Travis’ fourth date, right before she shipped off to Japan. Caitlin is grateful they got to meet, and happily joins in on Leah’s side whenever she and Travis have a disagreement. Like Molly, Caitlin patiently awaits her return to Pittsburgh and further joint bullying of Travis.

As a former Midshipman, Morgan also will appreciate being thanked for her service. Joining the Eckman family is not for the faint of heart and Caitlin has appreciated Morgan’s support during the volume competitions that consist family dinner at the Eckman homestead. Morgan and Caitlin look forward to more family gatherings and Caitlin appreciates Morgan’s ability to be a late night ambulance when needed.