Caragan & Caleb

Wedding Party

Life is better with good people in it. Life for Caragan and Caleb would not be the same without these people. Meet some of the people who have truly made a tremendous impact on their lives. Love you all so much! Please scroll all the way down you will not regret it ;)

Ryanne Obertino

Maid of Honor

Ryanne and Caragan’s friendship dates all the back to second grade, when Ryanne moved to Springfield. From Ry's very first Springfield birthday party (where Caragan was convinced the balloon stickers on the window were robbers) to being each other's maid of honors, they’ve truly been through it all. Despite the years of long-distance during middle and adulthood, their bond never wavered. Now, they're sharing another milestone—being married (but this time not to each other...long story short they got married in 2010 in Ry's basement at another one of her birthday parties)! Known by many names—Ry Ry, Big Chick, Wifey—Ryanne may be one of the worst texters out there, but her voice memos? Pure gold. In fact, they’re the only podcast Caragan listens to. But beyond the laughs, Ryanne is one of the most selfless, thoughtful, organized, goofy, kind, and obviously beautiful people in Caragan’s life. She always sees the best in everyone, never judges, and never gives up on anyone—probably why she’s still friends with Caragan after 20+ years. Ryanne is the sister Caragan never had, but always needed.

Joe Cotton

Best Man

Joe (“Cotton”) and Caleb met second semester of freshman year at FGCU in January of 2016. Joe was coming down from Chicago and moved into the same hallway a few doors down from Caleb. They quickly became good friends through various guy activities such as highly competitive video game matches (FIFA, NBA 2k, Madden), going to the gym (anytime fitness), watching sports, fantasy football, drinking games (beer pong), going to the bars/casino, and general college shenanigans. They would eventually become roommates for the last two years of school where the good times continued. Throughout Caleb's time dating Caragan and hanging out together with Joe countless times, Joe and Caragan have become like family as well. Caleb appreciates Joe being a great friend and all he has done for him and Caragan. Since graduation, Caleb and Joe have gone their separate ways with Joe moving to Tennessee but will always remain best of friends. Caleb is very thankful to have Joe stand by him as his best man and for all the memories they have shared.

Brooke Ridley Connolley

Bridesmaid

Caragan and Brooke, also known as Mandy and Candy, have been best friends ever since they met at Franklin Middle School. Fun fact: Caragan had her very first school night sleepover with Brooke, and the two even played soccer together—though Brooke was on Varsity while Caragan was dominating on JV (yes, Caragan’s dad was the coach). Brooke is truly one of a kind. She is fiercely loyal, incredibly kind, and just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She’s the kind of person you want around 24/7. Over the years, these two have shared unforgettable memories, from being quirky middle schoolers at Family Video to celebrating Brooke’s wedding in 2022, and Caragan knows they’ll keep making even more as they remain forever friends. Caragan is beyond thankful to have found her Brookie cookie—her life simply would not be the same without her! P.S. If she likes you enough, Brooke might even surprise you with chilled chocolate milk when picking you up from the airport :)

Conner Lydick

Groomsman

Conner is Caleb's youngest brother, three years apart in age. Caleb remembers sharing a room with Conner for the first years after he was born and was excited to finally be a big brother. As the youngest of four boys Conner had it tough at times during childhood, but Caleb recalls the good times outweighing the bad. Hopefully Conner would agree. The age gap prevented them from living close during Conner's high school years, Conner was a Freshman when Caleb was Senior. Conner visited FGCU a handful of times throughout Caleb’s Freshman-Junior years. Over this time, and multiple visits back home, they developed a deeper friendship and brotherhood. Conner would eventually move to Florida to attend FGCU for which Caleb was happy to have him. By the end of his time in Florida he had seamlessly joined Caleb's friend group. Caleb will cherish the memories they got to make in Florida and Maine. Caleb is grateful for his relationship with his younger brother and happy to have him by his side on his special day.

Tracy Cavanagh

Bridesmaid

Tracy and Caragan are more than just best friends—they are BFFLWAWGAAAs… if you know, you know! Their friendship began all the way back in 6th grade when they met at FMS. There truly aren’t enough words to fully capture the magic of the bond these two share. Tracy is one of the most accepting, genuine, kindhearted, funny, selfless, and absolutely gorgeous people Caragan has ever had the privilege of knowing. She’s truly one of a kind, and Caragan is beyond lucky to have her in her life. It’s not every day you meet someone who’s down to do the wildest things without hesitation. Tracy is the kind of friend who will drive around town with stuffed animal heads hanging out of the window, spend summer at Knight’s Action Park, and even bark at strange men in the club (and yes, she actually did all of those things). It's rare to find someone who sticks with you through thick and thin, and with Tracy, it’s been over 15 years of unforgettable memories, inside jokes, and laughter that has literally had them rolling on the floor together more times than you can count. Through every laugh, every adventure, and even the hard moments, Tracy has been there, and Caragan knows their friendship is something truly special. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than this in life. Tracy is the definition of a lifelong friend, and Caragan wouldn’t change a single thing about it (other than if they could live in the same city again).

Josh Lydick

Groomsman

Josh is Caleb's second oldest brother, two years apart in age. Being the other middle child and closest in age to Caleb, him and Josh shared a unique bond. Caleb remembers looking up to Josh when they were younger and thinking he was the coolest older brother (long hair, hair, skateboard shoes). Josh and Caleb have always had similar introverted personalities and sense of humor, which only get amplified when they are together. Josh was Caleb’s automatic teammate when playing any sort of four player game against Jeremy and Conner (mini baseball, neighborhood baseball, basketball, video games, etc.). Some of the best memories Caleb recalls with Josh are snowboarding trips to Lost Valley, riding in the back together on trips to Syracuse, trampolining, golfing, college Summers in Maine with Caragan (fishing, boating, rope swing, McDonalds.), him living in Fort Myers, and being a groomsman at his wedding. Caleb loves being an uncle to Forrest, Haddie, and Cliff. Josh is a great brother, father, husband, and friend, Caleb feels lucky to have Josh in his life.

Paige Schuller

Bridesmaid

Paige, or better known as Beyoncé (yes, Caragan’s entire family only refers to her as Beyoncé—she's that iconic), has had a life-changing impact on Caragan. Seriously, Caragan might literally owe her entire livelihood to this amazing woman! But in all honesty, when Caragan looks back on her friendship with Paige, she is flooded with nothing but the most wonderful memories. From unforgettable show choir days with the one and only Shelly Shaw to working together at Marqii, they've spent countless hours laughing—like, belly-hurting, tear-shedding, the kind of laughter that becomes an instant core memory. Paige has this magical way of inspiring Caragan to be a better person every single day, and Caragan is endlessly grateful for a friendship like theirs. Paige embodies every quality you could possibly hope to be—hilarious, intelligent, beyond loyal, independent, endlessly caring, honest and, of course, did I mention stunning inside and out? Paige is literally the full package, and Caragan can’t imagine life without her. This is one of those friendships that has stood the test of time. Caragan feels beyond lucky to have Paige in her life, and there’s no doubt in her mind that this bond will continue to grow with each passing year, creating even more unforgettable moments along the way.

Jeremy Lydick

Groomsman

Jeremy is Caleb's oldest brother, three years apart in age. Caleb remembers looking up to Jeremy for as long as he can remember. Jeremy was good at everything from school to sports and a great role model. Because of this, Caleb followed in Jeremy’s footsteps by playing baseball, basketball, and soccer as well. When they would play at home Caleb would lose 95% of the time, which only motivated Caleb to try harder and be more competitive. Being the oldest, Jeremy was also always the first to be good at new video games and beat his younger brothers. This was a big part of their childhood and competitive bond. From N64, to GameCube, to various Xbox’s. Some of the best memories Caleb recalls with Jeremy are riding in the blue VW Passat, fall baseball, fishing trips, hanging out in the basement with Caleb’s friends, ping pong, late night gaming sessions when he was back from college, and endless golf. Caleb is thankful to have a brother like Jeremy and to have him as a groomsman.

Elise Fain

Bridesmaid

Efain and Cphilly, boy, do these two have some serious history. It’s hard to believe that the little girls who used to annoy Patty P on the way back from Oklahoma practice (those good old theatre kid days) are now actual adults. There truly isn’t enough space to fully describe just how special and irreplaceable this bond is, despite time and distance. Elise was the little sister Caragan never had, and their connection is something that will last a lifetime. Caragan taught Elise how to “sexy walk” through White Oaks Mall like any big sister would, snuck into Glenwood High School (Caragan went to Springfield High) just to hang out with Elise during her Spring Break one year, and they even created their own language one night on Elise’s bunk bed. Elise is unlike anyone Caragan has ever met—and honestly, probably will ever meet. She is a one-of-a-kind soul who has shaped Caragan in more ways than she can count. Caragan would quite literally not be who she is today without Elise. Their friendship is a beautiful reminder that no matter how much time passes or how much distance grows between them, their bond will always be something truly unique and unbreakable.

Kelby Phillips

Groomsman

Kelby is Caragan’s younger brother by three years. Caleb first met Kelby in 2016 when he was visiting Caragan at FGCU. After a nice lunch at Carabba’s, it was time to check into the hotel, Dawn was inside when an unlicensed Kelby hopped in the driver seat of the rental car (Silver Mustang Convertible) and started driving around the hotel with Caleb and Caragan in the back. By the dumpster out back an old recliner was spotted, the three proceeded to take a picture on it in front of the Mustang. They all happened to wear maroon that day and is now one of Caleb’s favorite pictures of them to date. Since, the two have become closer with each visit and like brothers. Having such similar personalities and interests, this came very easy for the two. Caleb recognizes Kelby can be great at anything he puts his mind to and has a great respect for how humble he carries himself. Even with three brothers already, Caleb is honored to be adding a fourth in Kelby.

Annah Carney

Bridesmaid

Annah, also once known as Hot Annah in Caragan's phone, is one of those rare friends who you just can’t imagine life without. These two are not entirely sure how their bond began, but one thing is for sure—they are soulmates, and they're incredibly thankful it happened. Despite coming together later in their teens, they've more than made up for it with some of the wildest, most unforgettable memories. There’s no shortage of adventures: from a man trying to climb on Caragan's back to see if she could squat him (don’t ask, just know it happened) to tiki bar visits (shoutout to Fort Myers), ringing in a New Year at Annah’s parents' house with no power, and everything in between. Annah truly matches Caragan’s freak in the best way possible. Caragan is blessed to have someone who will willingly dress up as an old lady with her on Halloween (Caleb was life alert to match) and who would probably do it again on any random night if asked. Whether it’s laughter-filled moments or spontaneous adventures, Annah is always down! Annah is not just brilliant, beautiful, goofy, and caring—she is one of those once-in-a-lifetime friends. She is the type of person anyone would be lucky to have by their side, and Caragan is beyond grateful to have her as a best friend forever.

Meier Attas

Groomsman

Meier ("Merr") and Caleb met as freshman at FGCU living on the same hallway. Caleb and Meier were destined to be great friends after their first trip to the dining hall together about a month in, they were with a small group of people but weren’t quite friends themselves yet. On their way back to the hallway it ended up being Caleb and Meier in the elevator alone, Caleb took this opportunity to rip the loudest fart off the elevator wall and instantly a friendship was formed over uncontrollable laughter. Later that day they watched Big Papi hit his 500th homerun and discovered their shared love of New England sports teams. Meier is from Florida but has family from New England. They would go on to be roommates for the next 3 years of school with lots of great memories made along the way. Caleb is thankful for the friendship Meier and Caragan share as well. Although separated by distance now with Meier living in Tennessee, Caleb still considers Meier one of his closest friends.

Hannah Crawford

Bridesmaid

Hannah started out as Caragan’s cheerleader—her very first year as an Assistant Coach at FGCU. From the moment they met, Hannah immediately stood out because she reminded Caragan so much of herself… but better! It didn’t take long for Caragan to realize that they were destined to be best friends. Fortunately for Caragan, after Hannah graduated, she accepted the coaching offer, and from that moment on, their bond only grew stronger. These two instantly clicked, and honestly, they both knew it would happen. They're literally the same person… and it’s kind of scary sometimes how perfectly they match! Hannah is not just an incredible coach, she is an amazing friend and a beautiful person through and through. She is loyal, super smart, honest, kind, funny as heck, caring, determined, inspiring, and so much more. She truly embodies everything you could hope for in a friend, and Caragan is beyond lucky to have her in her life. Caragan couldn’t imagine life without her now. If they go a few days without seeing each other, the world just doesn’t feel right. Hannah has genuinely impacted Caragan’s life in ways she will forever be grateful for, and the connection they share is something that will last a lifetime.

Ricky Rochester

Groomsman

Ricky is Caleb’s oldest cousin on his mom's side, 3 years apart in age. Ricky’s family is from Texas but would travel to Syracuse every Christmas and for an extended period during the summers growing up. Syracuse is where Nanu and Popop, their grandparents, lived and where Caleb’s family would visit every Christmas and summer as well. During these visits in Syracuse are when the cousins became so close. Caleb remembers looking up to Ricky throughout childhood as the oldest cousin. Ricky was super strong for his age, a QB in Texas, played lacrosse, and was a superhuman in Caleb’s eyes. One summer Caleb recalls buying a lacrosse stick just to be able to play with Ricky, even though he didn’t even play lacrosse. Some other childhood memories include skinny dip jumping off the top of the houseboat as kids (Popop), fixing pools/pee-bottles, fishing/outdoor stuff, Sandy Pond, Skaneateles, Carousel mall, sleeping in train room, street football, video games, and golf. Caleb is thankful to have a cousin like Ricky and all the memories they share.

Theresa Tedesco

Bridesmaid

Theresa and Caragan met at FGCU through the cheer program, and from the moment they crossed paths, their bond was undeniable. Caragan was beyond lucky to have had the opportunity to be Tree’s big—hence why you’ll hear Caragan call her Little Tree! The memories these two have shared are endless and nothing short of legendary. From wild college nights at Keys Bar to the countless hours spent coaching cheer together at FGCU (and always going all out on their matching themed practices). You know you’ve reached best friend status when, on your very first adult wine night, you choose to watch Cat in the Hat and end up sleeping on the couch together instead of the king bed. Theresa is honestly one of the most incredible people Caragan knows—brilliant, beautiful, hilarious, and above all, incredibly loyal. She’s the type of person you just want to be around constantly because she has this magnetic energy that lights up any room. Whether she’s cracking jokes, giving you the best advice, or just being there when you need her, Theresa is the real deal. Caragan misses having Tree in the Fort more than words can express, but no matter the distance, they know their bond will always remain strong. 10/10 recommend being friends with Theresa—she’s truly one of the best people, and anyone who gets to know her is lucky beyond measure!

Cal Inlow

Groomsman

Caleb considers Cal to be his best friend from grade school in Falmouth, Maine. They met all the way back in 1st grade and have remained friends ever since. This is back when you would have to look up Cal’s home phone # in the school directory book to schedule “play dates” back in the day. The first “play date” at Cal’s house was a snowy day, Caleb remembers playing outside and having Cal’s beloved 100+ pound dog, Cider, grab his winter hat off his head. At the time Caleb was not used to big dogs and was a bit rattled by the whole thing. Eventually Caleb realized what a good boy Cider was and loved him. Other fond memories include playing baseball, basketball, ping pong matches, Xbox 360, summer hangouts, Mike Inlow's famous breakfast with skim milk. Even though life has taken them in different directions, Caleb will always consider Cal his original “best friend”. Caleb is honored to have Cal by his side at his wedding, as a groomsman, all these years later.

Caroline Briones

Bridesmaid

Caroline entered the Villa, and Caragan's life was never the same. Literally the hottest new bombshell that ever existed (and if you don’t get this reference, please watch Love Island UK immediately). Carol’s and Caragan’s story began much like Caragan and Caleb’s—Caragan was skeptical at first because, on paper, Carol wasn’t exactly her type. But little did she know, Carol was her soulmate. Carol is one of the most intelligent, dedicated, hardworking, and gorgeous people Caragan knows. She is hilarious, caring, and truly one of the best human beings to have by your side. Carol goes above and beyond to make her friends feel special, and Caragan is always striving to be half the person that Carol is. Her selflessness and warmth are absolutely unmatched. Caragan will forever be thankful to Millennium Apartments for uniting her with the best roomie, friend, and bruvvy out there! Fun fact: they lived in an apartment with three dogs (who are all besties as well). Carol is not only a fantastic friend but an inspiration. Caragan is incredibly grateful to have this beautiful soul in her life and is beyond excited to know this friendship is one that will last a lifetime.

Robby Rochester

Groomsman

Robby is Caleb’s youngest cousin on his mom's side, 5 years apart in age. Robby’s family is from Texas but would travel to Syracuse every Christmas and for an extended period during the summers growing up. Syracuse is where Nanu and Popop, their grandparents, lived and where Caleb’s family would visit every Christmas and summer as well. During these visits in Syracuse are when the cousins became so close. Caleb recalls playing with Robby when he was a baby, specifically falling down or pretending to hurt himself would always get a big laugh out of Robby and Riley. Robby loved to eat but usually couldn't do so without making a mess, Caleb vividly remembers the wing/pizza (Docs) sauce on his chubby cheeks. At that point no one knew little Robby would grow into a 6’6”, 290lbs, D1 lineman for TCU. Other childhood memories include fishing with Popop, Sandy Pond, Skaneateles, Carousel mall, street football, Wii sports/tigerwoods, and golf. Caleb is thankful to have Robby as a cousin and will always cherish the memories they share.

Alyssa Minder

Bridesmaid

Alyssa, also known as Shalyssa, and Caragan have known each other since forever. Shoutout to SHS for rekindling their friendship! Sometimes in life, you just meet someone and instantly click—that’s exactly what happened with these two. There aren’t enough words in Caragan’s vocabulary to express her gratitude for Alyssa’s friendship. They’ve been through it all together—from their theatre kid days (what a vibe!) to the iconic Minder’s basement parties, and now navigating adulthood and long-distance friendship. No matter the chapter of life, there’s absolutely nothing that could break this bond. Alyssa has been there for the good times and the tough times, always a steady rock through both the laughter and the challenges. She’s hilarious, genuinely caring, has a laugh that’s totally contagious, and the biggest heart of anyone you’ll ever meet. Not to mention, she is absolutely stunning, inside and out. Caragan feels incredibly fortunate for Alyssa every single day, and she knows she has a ride-or-die friend for life. Alyssa is truly one of a kind, and their friendship is irreplaceable!

Tyler Johnson

Officiant/Groomsman

Tyler ("Jerome") and Caleb met as freshman at FGCU as randomly assigned roommates in August of 2015. Tyler was Caleb's first friend in Florida, even though he was coming from Ohio. Both being introverted kids from up north not knowing anyone, they quickly became friends and bonded over starting out fresh in a new place. They shared similar interests in playing/watching sports, video games, and learning how to get away with drinking in the dorm (yik yak). Caleb remembers them leaving their door open while hanging out to try and make friends. In doing this they slowly formed a group, and their room was where everyone would come to hangout. 10 years later they are still friends, and the only ones left in Fort Myers. Tyler is the go-to dog watcher for Mia and Monroe, so he is trusted and appreciated greatly. Over the years he has become good friends with Caragan for which Caleb is grateful. Tyler has known Caleb and Caragan together the longest and it is only fitting to have him officiate.