Wedding Party
Elizabeth (Liz) Straus
Maid of Honor
What can I say, we shared the womb together. The twin bond is real - and I could not be more grateful to have my other half by my side as MOH on the big day. She knows me better than I know myself (yes, I have called her to decide what to 'order' from the vending machine, and yes, she chose my wedding dress....but hey, I chose the groom!). I am also beyond proud of my twin (Dr. Straus!), for her work as a psychologist treating PTSD patients at the San Diego VA - and her empathy for those without a voice that are often ignored in our society. She became a vegetarian at 9 years old and inspired me to follow in her footsteps a year later and is a passionate advocate for the humane treatment of animals. She has been my other half forever, and I love her more than words can express
Mike Shanahan
Best Man
Mike is like a brother to me. We met at Nobles in middle school but didn’t get close until after high school. Over the years we’ve bonded over many shared interests, but more importantly, share an outlook on what’s important in life. His uncompromising approach to self-discovery, driven by integrity and honesty is a true inspiration.
Anne Christine Føllesdal
Bridesmaid
Anne Christine is one of my Norwegian sisters as I call her :) We grew up together from the moment my Mom stopped her Mom on the street when she saw a stroller with twins (Anne Christine and her sister Helene) go by! We shared our childhood in Cambridge, MA until she moved back to Norway - Nelson and I recently were lucky enough to be hosted by her there and go on a 5 hour snowy hike like they do there (!). As Nelson put it as we left Oslo, he had never seen me feel so at ease and connected with anyone like that. And that will be the case until we tackle that snowy hike as 90 year olds!
Alex Zalkin
Groomsman
I’m so proud to call Alex a brother-in-law. His work as a lawyer fighting on behalf of sexual abuse survivors is awe inspiring and makes me want to drop everything and go to law school. As we’ve grown closer over the years, I consider myself extremely lucky to call him family, regardless of his basketball allegiance.
Clarence Friedman
Groomsman
Clarence and I met as babies in Boston. It’s hard to explain how special it was growing up with the Friedmans, I’m sure it played a large part in who I am today. Although over the years we’ve moved apart, we always make it a point to see each other when we find ourselves on the same coast.
Helene Elizabeth Føllesdal
Bridesmaid
Helene is my other Norwegian sister, as I call her :) We grew up together from the moment my Mom stopped her Mom on the street when she saw a stroller with twins (Helene and her sister Anne Christine) go by! We shared our childhood in Cambridge, MA until she moved back to Norway - Nelson and I recently were lucky enough to visit her there :) There is a deep bond between us that will be shared until we are little old ladies reminiscing about our toddler adventures in Harvard's Currier house.
Sam Schleipman
Groomsman
Sam and I have come a long way, from kicking and screaming kids to becoming the closest of friends; maybe another testament to the bonding powers of Rainbow Island. While it’s not always easy to find time to spend together with Sam globetrotting, I always look forward to our adventures fishing or shipwreck diving in the bay.
Miriam Straus
Bridesmaid
My wonderful first cousin Miriam has been around from the beginning! From our adventurous midnight swims as kids at Grandma Lynn's to attending her unforgettable bachelorette and wedding :)
Dan Chen
Groomsman
Dan and I go way back to USC Film School, after which I was lucky enough to call him a roommate for 6 years. Dan’s thoughtfulness and insight are unmatched - and I consider him one of my closest friends.
Rebecca Patterson
Bridesmaid
My dear friend Rebecca, who I met in high school at Concord Academy, was my math nerd partner in crime. We were the only two who, when we reached senior year and had the choice of any mix of electives, freely chose to double up in math :) We have kept in touch over the years - and I finally got her over to the best coast (!), and no matter the distance - every time we see each other it's like no time has passed at all.
Michael Coursey
Groomsman
Coursey is another close friend from film school, and now a frequent collaborator. He’s a constant source of creativity and the person I’m most excited to share a new idea with. Some say we share a quiet artistic nature (and could be confused as brothers).
Martha Desta
Bridesmaid
Martha was one of my first and dearest friends from Concord Academy! I was immediately drawn to her genuine, warm, kind and caring personality. With these traits, it is no coincidence that she became a nurse years later. And I’ve watched in awe as she courageously has fought and advocated for her patients and fellow healthcare staff in NYC during the pandemic. She is a real hero and I am so lucky to have begun the journey of adulthood with her by my side.
Sara Afraimi
Bridesmaid
I met Sara in Israel on birthright - We both knew no one there...and yet everyone was convinced we'd known each other long before the trip. I knew we had a special bond soon after I met her...we both had pets we lovingly referred to as 'Mooshie'. We are little Sara(h)s. Many years after that trip, Sara and I still engage in hour+ phone calls to catch up on every detail of each other's lives.
Betsy Nelson
Mother of the Groom
Along with Sarah, my mom is someone I can talk to about anything. Our near-daily phone calls are a source of joy in my life, and help me power through endless LA traffic. Her tireless work ethic and self sacrifice have shaped my core being (though I’m glad she’s able to relax more nowadays). Her love of nature and creativity are a part of me. Her love of family and unflappable optimism are a part of me. I’m so thankful for everything she’s given me, and for always loving Sarah like a daughter.
Don Straus
Father of the Bride
Can I just say I have a Father of the Bride like no one else?? Who else can say their #1 zumba buddy is their dad? When he’s not running his biotech company, he can be found in one of several places - on the zumba or tennis floor, in morning bootcamp, in chorus, or napping on the sofa. I am beyond proud of his outlook on life, and I often find myself pondering 'what would my dad say' when deciding on almost every aspect of my life (to the point that now Nelson uses the phrase!). Needless to say, he is my role model in life.
Carol Goss
Mother of the Bride
Let me introduce you to the Mother of the Bride, the MOB who made this entire day happen (no joke, shes done it all) - and raised us Straus twins (or shall I say, is still trying lol!) from the beginning - no easy task, just ask the twins in attendance! Now as a life coach, I see her imparting her wisdom on others - and could not be more proud that I get that for free almost everyday. I love her beyond words, and am so lucky to have her as my mom <3