Anita & Alexander
Wedding Party
Allie Smith
Maid of Honor
Allie and Anita met in 1998 at recess when Anita boldly asked to Allie to count her jump rope skips. Though Allie never even kept count, they have been best friends ever since.
Jeanine Goodson
Best Woman
Often mistaken for his adopted twin, Alex met Jeanine in the Bronx when he was 1. As his sister, she has been by his side from the beginning and he can’t wait to have her by his side for this tremendous occasion.
Shanti Donthineni
Matron of Honor
Shanti and Anita met as fierce dance competitors during their childhood through Telugu community competitions. Their bond started out pretty cutthroat, but they put away the knives and their friendship fully blossomed when Shanti began working with Anita at Vanguard.
Darren Goodson
Groomsman
Jeanine picked the best possible brother-in-law a guy could ask for. He loves Chicago like Alex loves New York, he can respect an inferior choice. Darren has the trifecta of being kind, driven, and funny person while most can only manage two of three. He treats Jeanine like a queen and Alex would have it no other way.
Brittany Choplin
Bridesmaid
Brittany was Anita's first friend in her childhood neighborhood. They met on a school bus in the second grade when Anita boldly asked to sit with Brittany. Having no feasible reason to decline, Brittany agreed. Now they both live in Philadelphia and love their wine nights and being aunties to each other's pets.
Pedro Baines
Groomsman
In Pedro, Alex has always had his greatest protector, acceptor, and ultimate big brother. His authenticity is something to be revered and a trait Alex has always respected. Having his older brother by his side is a moment Alex will never forget.
Bailee Donahue
Bridesmaid
Bailee and Anita met their freshman year in 2009 at Bryn Mawr College when they were hunting down the nearest Wawa. They somehow managed to graduate and embarked on their adulthood journey in West Philly as roomies. After Bailee completed her Ph.D., the two reunited again in Philly. They identify as each other's mutual Hans Grubers.
Chris Vincent
Groomsman
He is Alex’s brother from another mother. He ensured Alex always felt connected to his New York roots. When Alex moved out of New York City, Chris was always ensured that Alex continued to feel the connections to his NYC. From beach trips to the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Chris always made sure Alex never forgot home.
Ceann Barakey
Bridesmaid
Ceann and Anita met at brokerage training at Vanguard. They each thought they were the funniest one and saw each other as competition. Despite this, Anita eventually realized having a fierce Lebanese tiger as a friend could come in handy during bar fights or in case she ever had to hide a body. Ceann and Anita finally bonded over Arbor Mist and many laughs.
Carmelo Vincent
Groomsman
Practically a mini Christopher, Alex feels incredibly blessed to have him as his godson. Alex loves Carmelo dearly and is always impressed with his creativity and intellect. Alex knows Carmelo is meant for greatness and can’t wait to have his partner in crime by his side.
Elyse Parkinson
Bridesmaid
Elyse and Anita met through Ceann and working at Vanguard. They slowly realized they were the same person and Anita felt overjoyed that she had found her Italian twin. Though they practice different religions, they enjoy their shared love of faith and learning about each other's cultures.
Govind Kilambi
Groomsman
Govind is Anita’s oldest brother and has a deep affiliation with sports teams that have nothing to do with their childhood city of Philadelphia. Though Govind is a fan of the Blue Jays and NOT the New York Yankees, he and Alex bonded over his love of sports and beer. He has always gone above and beyond to make Alex feel like he is a part of the family.
Becky Whitton
Bridesmaid
Becky and Anita met through Elyse during a fun night out in West Chester. Their friendship moved beyond acquaintances when they finally hung out solo and bonded. Becky coached Anita about "the sports" and assisted her in impressing Alex in the early dating stages.
Cody Cohrs
Bridesman
Anita fell for Cody the minute she laid eyes on him. No, literally, she fell on her face. They adventured to Atlantic City together and eventually became roommates with Ceann.
Lauren Bleakney
Bridesmaid
Lauren rescued Anita from the Vanguard call center, taking a chance and hiring her as a training coordinator. That's not the only thing Lauren rescued Anita from... she also rescued her from loneliness. Lauren was the mastermind behind setting up Anita and Alex on their first date and making sure Anita was in attendance. During this time, Lauren went from Anita's boss to her very close friend and matchmaker.
Vikram Kilambi
Groomsman
Vikram is Anita's second oldest brother and her allied force against The Establishment (Anita's parents and brother, Govind) growing up. Alex enjoys their deep philosophical conversations. Via the transitive property, Alex respects Vikram because of his respect for Anita. Kudos to Vikram if he reads this and uses his Ph.D. to fix this math error.
Sashika Kilambi
Bridesmaid
Sashika is Anita's sister-in-law and Anita couldn't be happier that Sashika joined the family. Sashika is like an older sister to Anita and they lovingly call each other "sissy."
Jordan Goodson
Ring Bearer
He is everything that Alex could hope for in a nephew. He has given Alex hope for what his first experience with children will be. Unlike Amelia, he does not think he is a cat.
Amelia Kilambi
Flower Child
Amelia is Anita's niece and is part cat.
Axel Rose & Dobby
Actual Cats of the Bride and Groom
Axel Rose and Dobby will not be in attendance at the wedding but will be present in everyone's hearts. Feel free to scratch some furniture in their absence (within reason). We will be serving two drinks in their honor: the Axeltini and the Dobbarita.