Wedding Party

Miranda Bitting

Bride

Justin Leary

Groom

Madeleine Bitting

Matron of Honor

Maddie has had the honor of knowing Miranda before everyone else, having met her on the first day of her life outside the womb. Maddie has played a pivotal role in helping Miranda develop into who she is today using means of constructive, gentle bullying and silly, childhood games. Maddie helped teach Miranda how to write, add, and multiply, until such day that our mother joked she may skip a few grades and be put into Maddie’s class. When these lessons ceased, Maddie still continued to instruct Miranda on important topics including fashion, boys, and catching toads. Maddie had to be the one to touch the toads. Feel free to approach Maddie at anytime for embarrassing stories about Miranda’s childhood.

Paul Joseph Leary III

Best Man

Paul Leary is a civil engineer based in New Jersey, where he spends his days designing infrastructure and his evenings making sure his archery skills are sharp (because you never know when you’ll need to take down a rogue assassin). He’s the proud older brother of Justin, the only confirmed favorite child of their parents (between 1997 to 1999). When he’s not working on roads or bridges, Paul loves experimenting in the kitchen. He's a self-proclaimed culinary scientist who often trades recipes with Justin, although their most memorable kitchen project was making avocado oil from scratch. After 30 hours of hard work and a lot of laughs, they ended up with about 2 ounces of oil—clearly, it was worth it for the memories (and maybe a little bit of oil). Paul is engaged to his best friend, Greta Colman, and together they share their lives with the sweetest puppy, Cooper, a King Charles Cavalier who pretty much rules the house. Paul and Justin have been best friends from the start, and naturally, they’ve agreed to each be the other's best man. Whether it’s hiking, cooking, or laughing through the tough times, Paul and Justin always make sure to keep life light, funny, and full of love.

Olivia Reiff

Bridesmaid

Olivia met Miranda on freshman move-in day at UD when they became roommates and never looked back. They lived together all four years of undergrad and have remained best friends for life, even though Miranda still refuses to learn to control the weather (what were all of those meteorology classes even for?) When Miranda and Justin started dating sophomore year, Olivia had to joy of being around for it all. She still remembers the grin on Miranda’s face that accompanied those little words “and I really like him.” Gee, it must have been true! Since leaving Delaware, Olivia returned to North Carolina where she now practices family law in Raleigh. Being a part of this wedding is such an honor, and she is excited to celebrate two of her favorite people as they promise forever (hopefully under clear skies, but again, that’s on Miranda).

Emily Smith

Groomswoman

Emily is the groom’s favorite little sister and is honored to be a part of such a special day. Emily and Justin became siblings in 2012. Although suddenly outnumbered by brothers, Emily knew one day they'd pick out good sisters-in-law for her. Emily recently graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Animal Science and Biology and has a big love for animals. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, reading, baking, and making art. Justin also taught Emily how to ski, which is now her favorite part of every winter.

Polly Ni

Bridesmaid

Polly had the pleasure of witnessing Justin and Miranda on their first date at Snap Pizza. She met Justin first through their shared major of environmental engineering, and eventually went on to become real friends with Justin (because he was a fake friend at first), and later on (a really long time later) officially met Miranda as Justin’s girlfriend. Since then, their friendship has flourished, with weekly phone calls keeping them connected no matter the distance. Polly has taken trips to see Justin and Miranda in Washington, DC, while they returned the favor by visiting Polly on their frequent stops in Delaware. Polly is excited to be involved and watch two of her besties tie the knot!

Adam Smith

Groomsman

Lyn Flynt

Bridesmaid

Graduate school may have brought Lyn and Miranda together, but it was laughter, adventures, and a trip to Mexico that made them lifelong friends. Lyn was lucky to have Miranda as a bridesmaid in her own wedding, and she’s can’t wait to return the love with plenty of celebrating, dancing, and maybe a margarita or two.

Alex Flynt

Groomsman

Alex Flynt is an atmospheric science graduate whose passion for weather led him to thrilling storm chasing adventures. While living in State College, he met his close friend Justin, as both of their partners were pursuing graduate degrees at Penn State. Together the four of them journeyed to Mexico to explore the Yucatán Peninsula, creating memories of adventure and discovery. Outside of his academic and professional life, Alex enjoys playing golf and fishing as ways to relax and connect with nature. He is married to his amazing and beautiful wife, Lyn Flynt, and together they share their home with a loyal and loving Doberman, Luna. Professionally, Alex works as a government contractor with Integrated Systems Solutions for NOAA, where he applies his expertise to support vital atmospheric and environmental initiatives.

Reagan Bird

Bridesmaid

Miranda was Reagan’s first friend at Our Lady of Victory when she transferred there in the fifth grade. Reagan shadowed Miranda in the fourth grade when she was originally looking at OLV, where Miranda drew Reagan a horrible picture of a horse. Needless to say they were fast friends. Reagan still has the picture somewhere in a binder she kept from middle school. Reagan spends a lot of time designing and making costumes and will likely talk your ear off about her latest project. Make sure to ask about who/what Bibble from Barbie Fairytopia is, and what possessed her to cosplay him in 90 degree weather in downtown DC for Otakon 2023.

Kevin Palena

Groomsman

Kevin had the rare distinction of knowing both Miranda and Justin before they knew each other. He met Miranda during their freshman year at the University of Delaware's Redding Hall, and later got to know Justin through the UD Kronum team (suitably named the Golden Cocks). In fact, Kevin proudly claims credit for setting this whole love story in motion—he was the one who convinced Miranda to ask Justin out in the first place. The rest, as they say, is history. When chatting with Kevin, don’t forget to address him by his full and well-earned title: Dr. Kevin Palena, PT, DPT, MS (Doctor of Physical Therapy).

Ardita Gjonbalaj

Bridesmaid

Meet Ardita, who has been by the bride's side since their college days. They first crossed paths through mutual friends during their freshman year and quickly bonded over shared adventures and weekend shenanigans. As roommates for two unforgettable years, they created lasting memories filled with laughter and late-night chats. She fondly remembers walking into the kitchen countless times to the smell of whatever delicious concoction Miranda and Justin were whipping up at the time (and very graciously shared!). Now, as Ardita prepares to graduate from PA school, her dedication and warmth continue to inspire everyone around her. She's excited to stand beside the bride on this special day!

Grant Houston

Groomsman

Grant is Justin’s cousin and a proud fellow Blue Hen, as the two both attended the University of Delaware. After college, Grant built a career in banking and now manages a team of financial crimes investigators. Outside of work, he channels his creativity into his small woodworking business, Inheritance Woodworks, crafting handmade furniture. Grant is deeply honored to stand beside Justin on his wedding day and looks forward to celebrating this new chapter with Justin and Miranda.

Patricia Olson

Mother of the Bride

Laurel Leary

Mother of the Groom

Robert Bitting

Father of the Bride

Paul Joseph Leary Jr.

Father of the Groom

Max Leary

Officiant

Max is Justin's younger brother. He followed in his older brothers’ footsteps and became a fellow engineer, graduating from the University of Delaware. He now lives in Pennsylvania, working his dream job designing robots to automate the production of battery accessories. For better or for worse, Justin has always been an influential role model to Max, like when he wanted to learn how to skateboard like his brothers. Justin led Max to the top of a parking garage and told him to just get off the board if you start to fall. Justin continues to encourage Max to improve, whether by showing him new recipes, giving life advice, or dragging him through the mountains. Max is honored to now lead Justin and Miranda through the wedding ceremony as their officiant.