Let's Celebrate!
Wedding Party
Sammy
'Tron of Honor
My cross-stitchin', sass-slingin', fun-sized sister"-in-law"! This tiny diva officially joined the Ray fam in 2018 but has been a Ray in my heart for more than a decade. In fact she's so deep in the fam, that Aiden recently decided to give her "a Polish name" - Samanka! From dishing out shoe advice at my high school graduation, to tolerating my constant attempts to form a pregnancy pact, to guiding me every step of the wedding planning process, she is the (ma)TRON and sister of my dreams! Love you lil Sam. UPDATE: The pregnancy pact took on a life of its own. Without planning, we both welcomed our little boys to the world within 3 months of each other :) Austin & Miles can't wait to see you on the dance floor!
Erin
Maid of Honor
It was 2002, and I was at the end-of-year 6th grade social, about to graduate and move on to the Big Bad Junior High. I spotted a 7th grader from across the room and was shaken with intimidation. Fast forward a few months and some classic AIM conversations later, and we were inseparable. How I became friends with a cool jock 7th grader is still a mystery. Erin you've seen me through the highest highs, the lowest lows and all the in-betweens from middle school to UMass and beyond. I couldn't be more grateful for such a hilarious, authentic, laidback and free-spirited friend to support me through it all.
Olivia
Bridesmaid
My contrarian Aquarian soul sister! Ballet class brought us together as kids, and we've been partners in crime ever since. She was willing to pack up and move to L.A. with me at the drop of a dime, with no apartment, no plan and no questions asked. She's one of the most loyal, easygoing and upbeat people anywhere and I'm so grateful to have her in my life. It's been a hell of a ride with you my little mushroom! You know me inside out, and you're definitely the only person who can handle me in a crisis! Lucky you haha. Thanks for always putting up with my moments of pure insanity, especially as sous chef/assistant party planner! And thank you for being Suki's favorite kitty-sitter<3<3<3
Jen(ny)
Bridesmaid
Jenny is a dear friend to both of us and the sneaky lil cupid responsible for bringing us together! Jen and I have known each other since Kindergarten, been besties since high school and reached a point of no return with a questionable trip to New Orleans... Do both of our moms a favor and don't ask to see our matching tattoos, cause they ain't cute! Ms. Avery may look sweet as pie and have the voice of an angel, but don't be fooled -- she taught me everything I know about breaking the rules and getting away with it, from signing into chorus practice before dipping out for a coffee, to crossing state lines illegally for a Lil Wayne concert. She's also the only 'maid who can wrangle Aiden! Good luck ;)
Cassie
Bridesmaid
My one and only Cassie Capri, Private Eye, Princess of the Bots. We met by happy accident at the beginning of our Spanish adventures and were fast friends. Teaching English by day and wreaking havoc by night, from Granada to Morocco to Marseille to Austin, there've been too many close calls to count! Friendship morphed to sisterhood when I let her unqualified ass tipsily cut my hair in a stranger's bathroom. Huge mistake, awkward morning - but I'd do it all again! I would follow you into the gates of hell, my darling.
Lauren
Bridesmaid
I wish I could go back in time to the days when Lauren and I got paid to play and splash around with toddlers, "teaching swimming." Bringing new life to the terms fashionably late and hot mess, she manages to use her charm and infectious laugh to win over any creature she encounters. She's got a bag full of whimsy, a closet full of crop tops, and some serious karaoke courage she has no business having :P Fun fact -- Aiden had an epic crush on Lauren in high school and eventually wore her down until she agreed to go to prom with him... guess she'll always be the one that got away! ;0
Anisha
Bridesmaid
This woman is a force of nature! The sometimes terrifying, always legendary captain of UMass Dhadak Fusion Dance team and now a brand new mama? With her commanding presence and unwavering will, she can get me and anyone else under her spell to do whatever she asks, including flying to India to dance in her Bollywood worthy wedding. But beneath her devastating beauty, apparent sophistication, and teaching credentials, she's basically a teenage boy. Even though you're all grown up and responsible for another life now, you'll always be an oaf to me, Anisha <3
Elsa
Bridesmaid & Sister of the Groom
Somehow Elsa survived being a little sister to Aiden long enough to make it out as friends. Talented artist and badass hiker, Elsa is the sweetest, smartest woman in most rooms (and the most modest ;D). She hosted us in Hawaii when we got engaged back in 2019, and is now the best auntie Austin could ask for! Elsa, I can't wait to become officially sisters!
Shailee
Bridesmaid
My own personal Disney princess! Shailee is the youngest bridesmaid, having joined the dance team during her freshman year when I was about to graduate. Thank goodness we had that 1 year together! Even though I moved to Spain shortly after we met, we stayed in contact and she eventually followed in my footsteps and went to teach in Madrid and have her own crazy adventure. She lights up the room and never fails to make everyone around her laugh, smile, sing and dance. It's no secret to anyone from Dhadak that she's my all-time favorite dance team alum, and the reasons are obvious ;) I love watching you grow up and take on the world, Shay!
Kevin & Rishi
Bridesboys
If you want to know any of the stupid stuff I did in college, just ask these two clowns. Truly evolved men, they learned on Dhadak dance team how to take multiple directions from multiple outspoken women flying from all angles at once. Most of the time they did alright ;) I love both of you so much and cannot even imagine my life without you. I can't believe either of you decided to befriend me after watching me burst into tears backstage over not being able to put on a pair of pants fast enough.... But I'm forever grateful that you did! <3
Martin
Very Important Bridesboy (VIB)
Martin! My one and only brother! I think I said it all in my speech at his wedding, but just to recap -- he's the BEST and WEIRDEST and COOLEST/LEAST COOL brother a girl could ask for. Thank you for always being you and letting me be me. Love you the most, always and forever!!!!!! Love your discomfort with affection!!! Cheers to you, brotha <3 mup mup mup
Cy.Moss.Tom.Masaki.Stefan.Mike
Groomsclowns
Obviously Aiden wasn't jumping up to write blurbs about his groomsmen so here goes! Most of these clowns have known each other since middle school and been trolling the streets of south Acton since their parents let them loose. Best Man Cy was Aiden's closest buddy in college and they've been adventuring together ever since! Shockingly I couldn't find a picture of all of them together so I had to get creative. All I can say is that despite the many late night antics these boys have put me through, they bring so much laughter and energy to both of our lives, and I am so grateful for their love and loyalty!