Wedding Party
Sonia
Bride
Sonia was a gifted child - gifted at sneaking treats, making snarky comments (sorry, André), and exercising a runaway imagination, which is why it's truly so impressive that she found her one. She could be described as a little rough around the edges, as a complete original, and as a Gemini, and all of those would be completely accurate. Around that sharp backbone and mile-a-minute brain though, is an ooey gooey interior, with an extra special soft spot for her friends, her family, her pets, and especially Byron. You know you're inner circle when you've heard her sing-narrate, or caught her mid-conversation with herself, or been on the receiving end of a deadpan sarcastic comment. She can't wait to share this day with you and welcome you to that coveted/dreaded cohort.
Byron
Groom
Byron is a man of selective words - he prefers to listen and contemplate, but when he speaks it's worth listening because it's always with a purpose. Sometimes that purpose is to playfully pester (and when he does, he also exhibits how shockingly fast he can move to dodge retaliatory pinches), but more often it's to bring joy or offer comfort. He's had an incredibly interesting life, but his greatest adventure has been building a home with a family of rogue critters (Sonia included), all of whom have large personalities and attitudes to match, but Byron loves his role as the gentle bear that plays with and cares for all of them. Byron can talk to anyone about pretty much anything, but he has a soft spot for cooking, lovingly sass-mouthed comments, Dan Carlin podcasts, and his wife to be.
Cheryl
Mother of the Bride / Witness
Cheryl had to raise André and Sonia, so her sense of humour and ability to roll with the punches is basically unparalleled. She helped build the road into the cottage where the ceremony will be taking place (in fact, the property is where Sonia & André grew up!) and she knows her way around the area better than anyone. She's the ultimate cottage-mom and is completely lovely but she commits 110% to anything she does and will not hesitate to kick your ass at most games if given the chance. Hanging out with her is like napping in the sunshine, but also getting woken up by a mischievous relative with a hose - you have to stay on your toes with her, but ultimately she does it all out of playfulness. And love, but mostly playfulness.
Linda
Mother of the Groom / Witness
Linda comes from a proper English upbringing (hello, boarding school) but don't let her etiquette fool you - she would be dancing on the tables if they were load-bearing and we'd let her! Linda has a great story for every occasion and is a pro at making new friends - if you don't believe us, spend fifteen minutes with her and just TRY to walk away without a new nickname, plans for a shared vacation, or an idea for matching tattoos. Hanging out with her is like finding that special someone on the first day of kindergarten that you'll trade snacks with for the rest of the year - it's cahoots at first sight. She believes that it's bad luck not to drink after cheersing, so do with that information what you will.
André & Brooke
Brother and Sister-in-Law of the Bride / Wedding Crew
André and Brooke are nature nerds who grew up and got cool and attractive and struck the jackpot by finding each other. They're goofy, love a party, and can hike farther in a day than most of us could comfortably do in a week. Hanging out with them is like taking a lazy river ride through a forest, but with a floating cooler of craft beer next to you the whole time - it's equal parts relaxing, invigorating, and intoxicating, and will leave you feeling like you've been basking in pure sunshine. They laugh generously (they're used to Sonia's jokes, after all), and have more optimism than a Sunny D commercial. They're the pinch-hitters you want on your bench and would be picked first by any team that knows what's good.
Jamie & Evan
Sister and Brother-in-Law of the Groom / Wedding Crew
Jamie and Evan are those cool, super fun people at a party that you wish you knew, and then five minutes later you're taking selfies with them because they've introduced themselves and you're now best friends and probably have a secret handshake. They are silly and joyful, with hearts of gold. They're type of couple that puts everyone at ease and makes you feel like you belong, but they also love getting up to some tricks, especially with each other, and once they do it to you too, you know you've been initiated. They are the ultimate enablers of all things fun, so be careful when they suggest shots, because you'll be having such a good time that you won't notice it all getting very blurry very quickly. #YouveBeenWarned
Nikki
The Raleigh Raconteur / Wedding Crew
Nikki is basically Sonia's kid sister. What started as a friendship based on a shared affection for frogs and a deep appreciation of all things Spice Girls, has since turned into true sisterhood. Nikki is an enigma - she might look and sound like she could've won her high school's pageant (she did) but under that sweet southern exterior, she's all grit and spice, and can speak as widely about sports as she can about literature. She's the centre of the Venn diagram of insanely cool and Good Will Hunting "wicked smaht" but is as far as you can get from a fictional character ('cause she'll sass you back and school you). If you have a question about lake etiquette, Jane Austen, or what it's like behind the scenes on major sports teams, she's your gal.
Adam & Jody
Certified Joke-Crackers / Wedding Crew
Adam and Jody are like the Tilt-A-Whirl of couples - you boldly approach thinking sure, that looks like a fun time, easy! But when you walk away the world is spinning, you're not positive which way is up, and you're pushing other people out of the way to get to the front of the line so you can do it all again. Hanging with them feels shockingly similar to the sugar high of a kid left unattended with a giant bag of cotton candy. They land jokes like a super-soaker cannonball. They're the devil on your shoulder telling you to go for it and high-fiving you when you do, which is to say (with love) don't forget to drink some water if you're hanging out with them all night.
Shannon
The Secret Keeper / Wedding Crew
Shannon and Sonia stage managed together early on in their time at Guelph, and forged their friendship in the fires of tech weeks and late night wing runs. In her day job she's all business, but she loves a dive bar and a roadtrip and can navigate either like no other. She's the go-to if you need a reco of an nostalgic, story-driven video game, an excellent 90s-00s tv show, or if you like deep-cut, super-detailed Halloween costumes. Hanging out with her is like unlocking a secret easter egg that feels like it was designed just for you. Her memory is bananas, so she'll PROBABLY be the one with the best stories on Sunday, or at the anniversary party next year, but your secrets are safe with her.
Heather & Amy
The Infamous Mischief-Makers / Wedding Crew
If a couple of super-mischievous sprites ate the Alice in Wonderland cake and got bigger and not quite so bigger, that would be Heather and Amy (respectively). They are joyful, quick to flash an ultra charming smile, and can bring out the playful pestiness in anyone, especially if it's directed at Byron. Once you start talking to them, you might find yourself wondering "where have you been my whole life" or "why haven't we been best friends 4ever?" and we want you to know that this is normal with them because they're low-key Kind Of A Big Deal. They get it. They're awesome like that. They're unfalteringly supportive, but if you cross someone they love, don't trust those charming smiles because they WILL cut you.
Chancelor
Best Boy / Dog of Honour
You'll immediately recognize Chancelor (or Chance to those close to him) by his quiet confidence. He's not much of a talker, but has the casual ease and swagger of someone who is used to catching looks. He's a sociable jock, equally at ease running sprints, swimming laps, or lapping up drinks (of water) with the lads and sidling up to the ladies. Don't be surprised if you find yourself falling into his soulful, Caramilk-coloured eyes or running your hands through his silky, dappled, salt-and-pepper hair. He has a habit of wooing anyone he meets, and though he may not call you the next morning, he'll definitely remember you when he sees you again.