Cristiana & Chris
Wedding Party
Pauline Reiley
Maid of Honor
I don't think anyone would have expected that a random roommate pairing from freshman year of college would have resulted in such a beautiful friendship but sometimes random is exactly what's needed to create best friends. From video compilations of Pauline scaring me on a daily basis freshman year, to losing many a game of rage cage in the Mole Hole junior year, to attempting to stay up with the times and (poorly) attempting TikTok dances in the midst of Covid, Pauline has been a huge part of my favorite memories. Given the years of memories we've already formed together it only made sense to have her be a part of one of the most important memories of Chris and my lives.
Caroline Reed
Matron of Honor
The irony of our meeting being at a mutual friend's wedding is not lost on me. Caroline and I had one of those instant connections where we knew we were going to be best friends. Quickly kicking off our friendship with True Crime and Wine nights at my apartment and competing in Bachelorette Brackets, even living half a country apart we often have virtual happy hours and catch up on all the latest reality TV drama and inevitably end up scream laughing at each other. Caroline is my biggest hype girl and never fails to make me laugh which is exactly the kind of person I knew I needed by my side on this magical day.
Stephanie Porter
Bridesmaid
Steph is one of those friends that I can never pinpoint the exact moment we became best friends but I’m so grateful we did. One day we were just chatting in class and the next we were spending every free minute hanging out, watching literally ALL the nature documentaries and getting up to all kinds of shenanigans. She’s the first person I think to call when something ridiculous happens in my life and my favorite person to have a drink and a good laugh with. We’ve been through a lot of highs and a lot of lows together so it’s only right that she be with me for the best day of my life.
Frances Turner
Bridesmaid
Starting as casual friends that shared a good number of classes, Frannie and I truly became close while knee deep in mud on the Oregon coast doing research work and getting into trouble when our professor wasn’t watching. We quickly learned that digging each other out of mud and spending hours staring into a microscope together (and possibly breaking multiple pieces of machinery in the lab) really makes people bond for life. Frannie never fails to make me laugh and she can’t help but make even the most mundane things fun so there was no question in my mind that I wanted the “diatom queen” by my side on this special day.
John Aymond
Groomsman
I met John while studying mechanical engineering at LSU, where he was the model LSU student; always in class, and always down for every LSU football game. We shared a lot of great memories in Tiger Stadium and even more in the ME study room (just ask him about winglets). These days, John is juggling dad life like a pro, and when he gets a moment to himself you’ll probably find him grinding away on RuneScape, or carrying me through Warzone while I do my best to stay alive. John is dependable, loyal, and has the best dad jokes around. I’m lucky to have him as a friend, and even luckier to have him standing with me on my wedding day.
Matthew Wooster
Groomsman
I met Matt at a Jesters match in New Orleans, and we instantly bonded over our shared love for the beautiful game. More specifically, our unwavering support for Manchester United. From there, the tradition began: early weekend mornings at Finn McCools, iced Irish coffees in hand, yelling at the TV, and cheering on the Red Devils. Our friendship was fueled by more than just football; it was also fueled by $2 tacos on countless Tuesday nights at Tacos and Beer. No matter how long it’s been or how quick the trip, Matt’s always down for a good time whenever I’m back in New Orleans. He’s one of those friends who makes every hangout feel like no time has passed, and I couldn't imagine this day without him by my side.
Mike Kolehmainen
Groomsman
I met Mike while living in San Diego, and we quickly bonded over a shared love of sports and board games. Whether we were debating the best NFL wide receivers of all time (Jerry Rice or Megatron, who y'all got?) or battling it out over a game of New York Zoo (Mike's "favorite" boardgame), Mike's competitive spirit and easygoing nature made every moment better; his one flaw is that he's a red wings fan, but I've learned how to live with that. Beyond the fun, Mike is one of the most dependable people I’ve ever known. Mike consistently goes out of his way to show up for his friends, and he would always make the time to catch a Padres or Gulls game together when I'd be back in San Diego. I’m honored to have him by my side for the most important day of my life.
Mathew Dietz
Groomsman
I met Matt in college, and it didn’t take long for everyone around us to start saying we were basically the same person. We looked alike, both rode motorcycles, both played soccer, and, most importantly, we both supported Manchester United. Our friendship really hit its stride when Matt and I were both living in New Orleans. From weekend mornings watching United at Finns, to beers at Urban South or Miel, to catching beads and good vibes on the Mardi Gras parade route, we’ve shared a lot of great times together. Whenever I’m back in New Orleans, you’ll probably find us at Finn’s, iced Irish coffee in hand, continuing the tradition of blind optimism that United will turn the season around. I’m grateful for Matt’s friendship, and even more grateful to have him by my side for such a big day in my life.
Nick Bohall
Officiant / Best Man
Nick and I met while studying mechanical engineering at LSU, and we’ve been close ever since. One of our deepest bonding experiences came during our senior design project when we were tasked with building a rocket, and came way too close to blowing ourselves up in the process. From there, our friendship only continued to grow. We’ve shared some incredible memories together including a trip to Belize, spending weekends exploring New York and Breckenridge, and crashing on Vinnie’s couch after LSU football games, followed by kolaches and NFL RedZone to recover the next morning. Nick isn’t just a friend, he’s family. He’s the person I can always count on, through every stage of life. So when Cristiana and I got engaged, there was no question: we knew Nick was the one we wanted to officiate our wedding. Having him stand beside us and lead the ceremony means the world to us.