Drake & Andrew
Wedding Party
Jay Hilbourn
Groomsman
Jay is Andrew’s “Low Overhead Best Friend”—they put no effort into the friendship whatsoever. In fact, the only thing Jay and Andrew have in common is their birthday, and for years they have done nothing but antagonize each other. Somehow though, this constitutes a friendship in their minds, which has led to some admittedly good times. Whether it’s playing video games in the back of a cellphone repair store, ill-planned vacations that always fall through, or just grabbing a drink at the one awful bar Jay can be bothered to visit, there’s no friendship that Andrew would rather put no effort into.
Blake Cameron
Groomsman
Despite also being called Andrew’s Low Overhead Best Friend (one can have multiple), Blake and Andrew’s relationship involves a considerable amount of effort, put mostly into bullying Jay. One can be certain whenever Blake and Andrew are in the same room that any third person will become the victim of a bit. Blake's superhuman ability to get away with being the way he is has made him Andrew’s go-to buffer through countless awkward parties, family vacations, and weddings. When they are apart, “what would Blake do?” has become a refrain that has gotten Andrew in and out of trouble countless times. Mostly in.
Joshua Aelick
Groomsman
Joshua and Andrew became friends thanks to their shared interest in writing, and in the interceding years their differing opinions have jeopardized that friendship multiple times. Joshua’s willingness to go along with just about anything makes for the ideal patsy in a number of Andrew’s ventures during and after college. At various levels of willingness, Joshua has been a business partner, a proofreader, and a confidante. Notably, Joshua was the first person to call Andrew's relationship with Drake. "She likes you; you should really ask her out," Joshua said to a then-oblivious Andrew, about a week before his first date with Drake.
Jacob McFadyen
Best Man
Jacob is Andrew’s brother.
Piper Koontz
Bridesmaid
Piper and Drake first met at Andrew's family's beach week vacation. Drake was nervous to be spending a whole week with the new family but Piper was like a sister to her right away. They bonded over true crime, horse stories, sci-fi, books, and the woes of dating a McFadyen boy. Piper and Drake ended up staying up many nights talking late and confiding in each other. Piper is invigorating, kind, and always down to tell a crazy story. At Andrew and Drake's engagement Piper got to meet Drake's little siblings. Two weeks later, Genevieve dyed her hair blue- which may be a coincidence but may also be because Genevieve adores Piper just as much as Drake does. Now, Genevieve AND Drake brag about how cool Piper is to all their friends. So Piper has cred she doesn't even know about amongst high schoolers and retirees that do plein air.
Tori Hilbourn
Bridesmaid
Tori and her husband Jay first introduced Drake to the city of Greenville, where they all now live. She's funny, musical, and a reliable cat watcher. She is always down to bike 18 miles and watch the Aliens and The Lord Of The Rings franchise. Funny enough, Drake first met Tori at her wedding to Jay! She was a vision of grace and a wonderful hostess that greatly impressed Drake with her attention to each and every guest. That's still the impression of Tori that Drake carries with her- even when Tori snort laughs or has to whack her husband on the shoulder for saying something he shouldn't. One of the best things that Drake can say about Tori is how much her mom adores her. Drake's mom visited Greenville to tour houses with Drake and was charmed by Tori and Jay. Whenever Drake talks about plans for the weekend with her mom- she'll ask if Tori is going to be there!
Genevieve Powell
Bridesmaid
Drake used to call her sister Genevieve "Miss Priss". Despite all the one-sided childhood bullying from Drake, they now are very close. Genevieve is the biggest nerd/academic of the family, and somehow also the one with the most theatre kid energy. When Drake's parents told her they were having another baby, Drake campaigned for a little sister. Genevieve is the best sister anyone could ever ask for. Drake was the very first person to make Genevieve laugh when she was just a little baby. They were riding back from the library in Alabama and Drake made silly faces and started head banging so her hair whipped all over the place. This enchanted baby Genevieve enough to elicit not just her very first giggle but her very first whole hearted laugh. Drake hopes to do some hand banging with Genevieve at the wedding reception.
Tali Horst
Maid of Honor
Drake and Tali met in 3rd grade. Tali was super into chickens and Drake was super into dragons. Somehow they've both become functional humans. Their friendship grew and blossomed through middle and high school. They were in a bird club together in fourth grade and traveling to the magical land of "Bluhphobia" together on the playground in fifth grade. Drake still has letters that Tali wrote her while she was in summer camp and emails from when Drake was overseas for the summer. In college, they were roommates and bonded all over again. They went through a lot of firsts together and grew as people. Now, they stay good friends despite living on different sides of a continent. Tali always takes the best pictures of Drake and always takes her on the best adventures- from the play ground to now. Tali has been there through all the embarrassing moments and supported Drake through them. Drake is excited to have her best friend at her side when she gets married.