Aldona & Brandon
Wedding Party
Krista Martinka
Maid of Honor
Sister. Confidante. Pain in the butt. Best friend. From the moment she was born, Krista (or more frequently "Kika") was all these things and more to her big sister. Though she was born two and a half years later, they may as well have been twins. Aldona feels insanely lucky to have the best little sister in the world, and Krista is so thrilled to see her big sister and the brother she never had take this step together.
David Gilbert-Pederson
Best Man
David (aka DGP) became best friends with Brandon when he needed somewhere to stay after a protest. Ever since then DGP and Brandon are together all the time, whether organizing or just hanging out. He is a big part of the award-winning documentary "Time for Ilhan", in which you can see him wearing only one shoe while knocking doors. He says he had both shoes, but he is lying.
Melissa Rekasius
Bridesmaid
Aldona's oldest cousin, when "Issa" was born two mischievous girls became three. Melissa, Krista, and Aldona enjoyed sleepovers, games, and getting into trouble at family shindigs. Definitely the cool cousin, Melissa is always a blast to be around, no matter the occasion.
Aidan Schorsch
Groomsman
Aidan is Brandon's middle brother. They share a love of hockey and heated arguments, and Brandon is always inspired by his drive and his sarcastic sense of humor. Aidan has traveled all over the world and always brings back amazing stories, the couple will definitely seek his advice for honeymoon destinations!
Lisa Bacevicius
Bridesmaid
Lisa and Aldona are sisters in every way but genetically. They met at Camp Rakas as kids and have been friends for more than two decades. From camp shenanigans, to Lithuanian folk dancing, to hiding from their parents at parties, they have years of wild stories and amazing memories together.
Grayson Schorsch
Groomsman
Grayson is Brandon's youngest brother. Funny, a bit of a trouble-maker, and growing up way too fast, Grayson and Brandon bond over video games and music. Grayson is studying at Southern Methodist University, where he is always up to mischief and creating great stories to share with Brandon.
Julia Kohn
Bridesmaid
Julia and Aldona met in their high school homeroom and immediately bonded over shared nerdery and acerbic commentary. They've survived AP classes, high school awkwardness, and one terrifying inflatable Julius Caesar. Luckily for Aldona, they find themselves in the same city again now that Julia has moved to Minneapolis.
Sam Lecates
Groomsman
Brandon's best friend from high school, Sam and Brandon met in P.E. (where neither of them wanted to be) and spent their high school years annoying teachers and racking up stories. If Sam spins you a tale he is almost definitely trolling you.
Aisha Chughtai
Bridesmaid
Sorry, Brandon, Aisha beat you to the punch. Wife, housemate, and lifeline through countless terrible DFL meetings, they met (where else?) on the campaign trail. No one throws down like her to help a friend or fight for a good cause, and Aldona would be lost without her support and her contagious laugh.
Jess Fraser
Groomswoman
Jess and Brandon became fast friends when Brandon was living in London. They see each other as often as possible, and frequently report on who holds the ChunderCrown and who has found the most ridiculous British town names. She even braved Minnesota's winter to visit once, so you know they're close.
Crystal Audi
Bridesmaid
Crystal and Aldona met in Minneapolis and bonded over activism and brunch. They served on their neighborhood board together after Aldona convinced her to run, and board meetings are way less fun without her. An endlessly positive person, Crystal is a source of laughter, sage advice, and sarcasm, and a dear friend.
Adi Penugonda
Groomsman
Adi and Brandon met doing political organizing in Minneapolis and have been fighting the system ever since. Both love nerdy stuff, abusing rules and procedure, and the same video games. The people's DFL Secretary, there is no one better to navigate party politics with!