Wedding Party

Bryannia Bongiorni

Bride

Jamie Green

Groom

Pateley Bongiorni-Cook

Matron of Honor

I’ve known Pate for her entire life! 6 years can be quite the age gap, but as we’ve grown up we’ve grown closer and closer. From a shared love of teaching to a shared disdain for blue Christmas lights, I wouldn’t be who I am today without her as my younger sister. What a privilege to have her stand by my side as my matron of honor on my wedding day.

Josh Green

Best Man

Everyone needs a Josh in their life. Josh was my first friend, my younger brother by fewer than 14 months. Josh and I moved lockstep through our lives through childhood, school, and our burgeoning social lives. We pushed and pulled at each other, shaping each other. Even after we separated for college, our reunions were like coming home. Every up and down, every time of life, Josh has been there for me. A good friend, a good brother, a good (new) father, a good man. I’m honored to have him as my groomsman.

Olivia Matinas

Bridesmaid

Liv and I met as teachers while working at the same school. We initially were mere acquaintances, but she was gracious enough to take a chance on welcoming me into her home as a new roommate. 5 years later, and oh the stories I could tell. She’s had a front row seat to mine and Jamie’s love story, and we are forever grateful for her support, care, and ability to make a delicious weeknight meal. I am so, so happy to have her as a bridesmaid.

JoJo Green

Groomswoman

Of my two siblings, I had the more competitive relationship with JoJo. We knew how to get under each other’s skin. What else would you expect with growing up with one of the most driven, dynamic, and relentless persons I’ve ever met? But our friendship has become all the sweeter for all we’ve worked through. Jo has charted her own path and opened my eyes to so many wonderful ideas and parts of the world. She’s a generous, devoted, and hospitable friend. She has brought more of her friends home than I ever have. She draws people in. She has a huge heart. I am honored to have her as a groomswoman.

Dawson Strickland

Bridesmaid

Surprise, I’ve also known D for her entire life. :) Dawson was the “baby” cousin for the longest time (12 years apart and all), but it has been such a joy to watch her grow up and get to develop our own adult relationship. We share a love of trashy teen romance shows and, of course, sharing a bed on every vacation. I’m thrilled to have her as a bridesmaid.

Jake Howell

Groomsman

What a dear, dear friend Jacob Howell has been to me. I think Jake pulled me out of my shell more than anyone else. We adventured together in the wilds of Philadelphia, the shores of southern California, and most recently the shifting sands of Brooklyn. Jake was a source of joy at some of the lowest moments in my life - a light in dark places. Jake is a man who can make anyone feel comforted and valued. He is silly and kind, with a wry wit which always makes me laugh. I am so honored to have him as a groomsman.

Anna Del Vecchio

Bridesmaid

Anna and I met our freshman year of college, connected through our faith and affinity for 00s dance music (Jay Sean, anyone?). Anna also talked me into moving to Philadelphia after college, which means I technically owe meeting Jamie to her, in a way. We lived together for years and have traveled the US and parts of the world together. I am so excited to have her as a bridesmaid.

Kai Kasiguran

Groomsman

How do I describe Kai? An elite athlete? A classically trained singer? A high-flying mover and shaker at his job? A devoted and loving father? Kai is all of these things and somehow greater than the sum of these parts. Kai can galvanize me like no one else. He is insightful, propulsive, charming, and (don’t tell him I told you this) funny. Kai and I started our friendship as running buddies. Together we covered many subjects, many dreams, and many miles. I’m honored to have him as my groomsman.

Hope Cline

Bridesmaid

Hope and I met at church in Philadelphia. Fast friends, I worked my way into her life by walking her dog, Otter, and she taught me all about cheap late night pizza. Hope and I learned a lot about friendship when she and her husband moved to Oregon for a season, but they eventually came back to the best coast. I cannot express how happy I am to have her as a bridesmaid.

Will Fuller

Groomsman

How to describe one William Fuller: fun-loving, charming, earnest, determined, chaotic, and one-of-a-kind. Will may be the person in this party who I’ve known the least time, but that doesn’t change the quality of our friendship. We’ve been friends, roommates, travel companions, peers, and brothers. Through turbulent times and quiet summer mornings, Will can lift your spirits like a birdsong rising to the dawn. I am honored to have him as a groomsman.

Lexi Victor

Bridesmaid

Lexi and I met while working at the same school as well! We learned how to be teachers together, I think. Our friendship grew slowly, but I value it so much. Lexi gives the best hugs and knows all about a good aesthetic and vibe. I am ecstatic to have her as a bridesmaid.

Joe Kowalick

Groomsman

On the one side of my family I am the eldest and Joe is the youngest. Despite this gap Joe is one of my closest friends. Soulful coffee sessions, a reflective cocktail on New Years, nights catching up over bourbon, and lots of memes. Joe has always punched above his weight class. He’s been a constant source of incisive questions, deep insight, and unwavering consistency. A brother like no other, I am honored to have him as my groomsman.

Chelsea Boyd

Bridesmaid

Chels and I also worked together, although our beginning was not so simple. I desperately wanted to be her friend and she was hesitant, at least that’s the way I remember it. In any case, we see how things turned out. Chelsea and I have seen each other through many seasons, and I anticipate many more as the years go by. I am so glad to have her as a bridesmaid.

Stephen Kowalick

Groomsman

A man of subtle artistry. To meet Steve, you may think not “subtle” is the best descriptor. He can fill a room, drive a conversation, deliver a story - he is the life of the party. It’s in the quiet more solitary ways this portion of his spirit shines forth - in the relentless pursuit of his craft. You taste it when he serves you a meal. You hear it when he plays the piano. You see it his fervor to describe to you his latest trip, his dear friends, his glimpses of the stars. It may not sound exactly like a compliment but no one else makes me miss my grandfather the way he does. Sometimes when he’s hamming it up, I can hear my Pop-Pop laughing. I am honored to call him my groomsman.

Connor Strickland

Bridesman

You guessed it, I’ve known Connor for his entire life. As kids we definitely butted heads on more than one occasion. But as we’ve matured(?!) we’ve grown close. I value Connor’s ability to talk about serious subjects and then move into an evening of even more intense board gaming. I am so happy to have him as a brides man.

Jamie Edgar-Nielsen

Groomsman

Jamie and I became friends in college and have been very tight ever since. From hanging in Malvern, we’ve adventured as far as Japan together. Jamie is a buddy who became a brother. His infectious laugh can fill a room and you always feel supported by his quiet care. I am honored to have him as a groomsman.

Chris Hawkins

Bridesman

While it feels like I’ve known Christopher for his entire life, we actually met when we were 11. We grew up in church together, and dreamed of days like this. He cared for my heart long before I knew it would be Jamie’s, in a way only a brother could. I am so thankful to have him as a brides man.

Hilary Horigan

Groomswoman

My friendship with Hil has withstood the tests of time, distance, difficulty, and (most harrowingly) puberty. A friend since childhood, our school days were spent learning, playing, and competing. I remember being blown away by Hil every time there was a creative aspect to our school work. From inventing the ZipIt (TM), to showing up in full Spanish armor Hil always blew my mind. In adulthood she continues to teach me about dedication, faithfulness, and intentionality. She is a gracious woman who can still make me laugh like we’re kids. I am honored to have her as a groomswoman.

Rachel Green

Groomswoman

Rachel is a faithful friend - she is the glue which holds so much together. An artist with all things good, a gracious hostess, and a wonderful example of a patient parent - there are so many ways to admire and learn from her. Rach is a lifelong friend whose support and care means so much to me. I’m not sure I have a friend who holds me accountable more than Rach does. She is fierce in expressing her opinion when she feels I am in the wrong. I greatly admire her tenacity and love. I am honored to have her as a groomswoman.

Isaac Green

Groomsman

This is a hard one to write because Isaac and I are usually (lovingly) mean to each other. An earnest and lovable goofball. One of the hardest workers I know. He reads the same books I do so we can enjoy them all over again through discussion, jokes, and memes. He is a man without guile. I am honored to have him as my groomsman.