Allie & Ray
Meet Our Wedding Party!
Aaron Gingras
Best Man
I’m Aaron and I live in Charlotte, NC. I work in digital marketing at AvidXchange. I’ve known Ray since college at NC State University, where we rowed crew, lived together, and were part of some hilarious escapades that will go down in infamy. I'm probably known for reinvigorating Ray's love for the Bengals, introducing him to good music, making fun of his different hairstyles, fact-checking him when he tells stories, and attempting to keep him humble....which is harder than it seems. It's awesome that we've maintained our friendship over time and still make time to hangout, despite mostly living in different cities. Ray introduced me to Allie in Philly in 2019. I knew instantly that they were a perfect match. I'm thrilled to celebrate Ray & Allie's special day. It’ll be one for the ages.
Chris Collins
Groomsman
I’m Chris, Ray's younger brother by exactly thirteen months to the day. I am probably best known for being the guy Ray shares a phone bill with and for making video games for a living. I’ll be coming all the way from Los Angeles to celebrate love and welcome Allie into the family!
Dillon Slattery
Groomsman
I'm Dillon! I've known Ray since high school. I have tons of memories with Ray. Some of my favorites with Ray include going camping up at turkey-pen and our road trip to NC State for our first college party. Honestly, my favorite was during a snow day after Christmas. We spent the day sledding on a golf course. Afterwards, we ended up jumping my Subaru Outback on the practice football field at school. Needless to say, it didn't end as we planned. To avoid getting in trouble, we took the car through the carwash...in 7 degree weather. The night ended with myself, Ray and friends using library cards to scrape ice off the car... We busted the fog lights and the bumper, but man was it fun. That's something you always get with Ray; laughs and memories. I'm excited to make one more with you!
Brad Thumma
Groomsman
I'm Brad! I live in Delaware and I am the Director of Supply Chain for Comoto Holdings. Ray and I met at Amazon in Delaware. Like most college kids when they start at Amazon, Ray was a pain in the ass. Despite that, we quickly became friends and later found out that we were neighbors. Ray was lucky to have me as a neighbor one night when his upstairs neighbor flooded his apartment. Half of his stuff stayed in my apartment for weeks! Ray and I have had plenty of great times playing video games, golfing, drinking beers, or watching football games. As a Bengals fan, Ray knows well that twice a year his Bengals will lose to my Steelers. I'm looking forward to celebrating this day with you two and having as much fun as we did on St. Patrick's day when Ray introduced me to Allie!
MaryBeth Allen
Groomswoman
I'm MaryBeth (MBA to some). I live in Philadelphia. Raymond and I met when he started as an Area Manager at Amazon in Middletown, DE. I pretty immediately disliked him for his inability to be on time for a co-worker brunch group. But as he began to respect brunch and I got to know him more, we became friends. Some of my favorite memories with Ray are trying out new restaurants/bars in and around Philly. Last year, we had the life changing experience of eating robuchon potatoes with caviar at one of Philly's newer BYOs, River Twice. It was ridiculous how good those potatoes were. I'm so looking forward to supporting Raymond and Allie as they start this next phase of life together. It truly will be a day of celebration and fun. Plus, you can't beat the proximity to the ocean!
Nash Lueken
Groomsman
I'm Nash and I’m a high school teacher in MN. I met Ray in Delaware in 2013 after moving out east. Our jobs kept us both busy during the week but we always found time to hang out. We watched football, played games, and found fancy beers to drink. We share in a tortured love of bad football teams (Ray the Bengals, me the Vikings), a hopeless golf game and a general disdain for the state in which we met. We even lived together for a time, where I left an imprint on his couch in more ways than one. We’ve lived 1000+ miles apart for 5+ years, yes Ray and I always pick up right where we last left off. I got to first meet Allie in July 2020 and I could immediately tell she was a great fit for Ray. I’m so excited to own this dance floor and celebrate the two of you starting your life together!
James Damiano
Groomsman
My name is James and I currently live in Ellicott City, MD and work in Operations Finance for Amazon, where I met Ray five years ago. Ray's up-for-whatever attitude makes every encounter quite an adventure. My favorite memories of him are scattered all over the place, from Wilmington, DE, where he made me order late-night Domino's, only to fall asleep and force me into a man vs food challenge, to State College, PA, where we tailgated in sub-freezing temperatures before 8am, and finally to Charlotte, NC, where I was just glad he was not my partner for better-ball golf. I am beyond excited to be a part of Ray and Allie's wedding in the best vacation spot on the East Coast. If you need me, I'll be the guy near the band requesting John Mayer songs.
Taylor Flatt
Maid of Honor
My name is Taylor, I live in Philly, and I’m a pediatric nurse. I met Allie in the womb, and we’ve been together ever since! One of my favorite memories of us is when we went on a trip to San Francisco & Yosemite, featuring a 12-hour layover in Las Vegas, eating our way through the city, driving in the middle of the night to get a first come first serve campsite, trying to camp without knowing how to camp, bouldering without knowing how to boulder, and finally skydiving hungover (do NOT recommend). I’m genuinely shocked we made it out alive, but there’s no one in the world I’d want to adventure with besides her. I’m looking forward to taking on this next adventure right by your side, and welcoming Ray into the family!
Sara Flatt
Bridesmaid
I’m Sara! I’m Allie’s youngest, coolest sister, and I am so excited to dance with everyone after the nuptials! Just a few things about me so you don’t have to ask at the wedding: I’m graduating from Denison University this May with my Bachelor of Science in Biology, and I am planning to move to Denver, CO post-grad (p.s. if you’re looking for a wonderful hardworking employee, she’s right here!). Let’s get Allie and Ray married!
Caroline Donahue
Bridesmaid
Hi there! I’m Caroline. I met Allie (and Taylor) in the third grade when we played on the “Lady Kickers” soccer team headed by Bud himself. Thankfully the name of the team was eventually changed. And equally thankfully, none of us got good enough to move up to the “Wild Kickers”, so we got to spend years playing together and became fast friends. Allie’s witnessed all the braces, bangs, and DIY brow waxing gone wrong—from middle school to high school. I’ve always admired Allie’s spunk, conviction, and down-to-earth nature. And I’m excited for her to have met Ray, who I got to know when I moved back to Philly. Can’t wait to celebrate these two! See you in Corolla!
Karla DiPietro
Bridesmaid
Hello! My name is Karla but you will likely only hear the bride refer to me as “Karl”. Allie and I met by the unstoppable force of our lovely mothers in Pre-K. We were able to experience precious elementary, awkward middle school, kind of coming into our own high school, and full circle college together from there. I can still see Allie at the front of our third grade classroom as she was always asked to watch the class while the teacher stepped out - because no student dare cross their 4’3” classmate who was clearly in her element. Allie has always been so confident, strong willed, compassionate, and a life long friend I am lucky to know. Growing up, and continuing to grow up, next to Allie is something that I hold so close to my heart and I cannot wait to see her marry her soulmate!
Kenyota Farmer
Bridesmaid
Allie and I met when she and Ray came to Charlotte to look at houses last year! Raymond and my boyfriend Aaron rowed together in college and have been friends for years, so I was excited when I found out they were moving to Charlotte and couldn’t wait to meet them both. Luckily for me, Allie and I became fast friends and immediately hit it off. Allie is one of the kindest and most sincere people I know and I feel so fortunate to be a part of her bridal party. Can’t wait to celebrate Ray and Allie’s upcoming nuptials.
Hilary Hooper
Bridesmaid
Hello! I’m Hilary. I met Allie when we joined Delta Gamma at Penn State in the fall of 2013. We became fast friends because we are both usually late and disorganized. We’ve shared so many laughs and ridiculous adventures together. I’ll always look back fondly on senior year when we lived in the same house together at PSU. We were always the last two out the door because getting ready for any event took a very long time for us. I’m so excited for Allie and Ray and this next step in their life! I’m so happy I get to stand next to Allie on her big day and I can’t wait to boogie all night long!!!
Laura "Lowagz" Wagner
Bridesmaid
I’m Laura (you’ll hear Allie call me Lowagz) and Allie and I have been friends since our first Delta Gamma formal at Penn State freshman year! We’ve lived in a old house in Philly together and shared lots of laughs, concerts, good food, and even holidays together! One of my favorite memories with Allie is going to the Eagles home opener after they won the Super Bowl. I’m so excited to see Allie and Ray continue their adventure together. Can’t wait to dance the night away and celebrate, let’s get them married!!!!
Jenny Becker
Bridesmaid
My name is Jenny and Allie and I met at the Pennsylvania State University our freshman year of college! During our four years together at school, we developed an everlasting bond! From being President and Vice President of our sorority to roommates our senior year, there has never been a dull moment. I am so lucky to to have witnessed Allie and Ray’s love blossom . I am so excited to stand by Allie’s side during this special day. Let’s party!