Claudielis & Michelle
Bridal Party
Jeannette
Maid of Honor
Claudie and Jean met at church many many years ago. They weren't friends from the start because of a little age gap but they later went on to becoming more like a sisters. Jean is that friend that you can come to with anything and not receive an ounce of judgement. No matter what has gone on in each other's lives, there has never been a time Claudie couldn't count on her.
Jessica
Maid of Honor
Michelle's eldest younger sister. They've known each other since the day Jessica was born. You could go as far to say Jessica is Michelle's oldest friend.
Katy
Bridesmaid
Claudie's (not so) baby cousin, but they've always considered each other more like sisters. Claudie was always over protective and set out to be a good example and role model for Katy. Even though she’s grown, she’ll always be Claudie’s lil’ baby.
Ann
Bridesmate
Michelle's second eldest / second youngest younger sister. Michelle (accidentally) sat on her the day she came home from the hospital. They certainly had their Big Sister vs. Little Sister battles when they were younger, but they’ve grown closer with age.
Karen
Bridesmaid
2 of 2 of Claudie's oldest and strongest friendships. Karen and Claudie shared a mutual love for barbies from the start that went on for more years than Claudie would like to admit but it's what brought them closer together. 23 years and countingggg!
Malia
Bridesmate
Michelle's youngest younger sister. Formerly known as "Dora the Explorer," now known as Private Britton. Michelle used to change Malia's diapers and be mistaken as her mother, now she's proudly watching Malia monitor her own alcohol intake at her 21st birthday and serving in the U.S. National Guard.
Cassie
Bridesmaid
1 of 2 of Claudie's oldest and strongest friendships. Claudie and Cassie met in church 23 years ago as little bebes and used to sing and play guitar together often. Music has always been something that brought them closer together.
Tana
Bridesmate
When Michelle first moved to Orlando and didn't have any friends, she posted in a rugby Facebook group to find other ruggers who'd be interested in driving to a tourney three hours away with her, a complete stranger. Not long after, Tana and Michelle met in a parking garage in the wee hours of a Saturday morning. Since then, they've lived through some crazy/fun stuff...and maybe grew up a little...together. (Don't ask Claudie or Theresa to comment on any of this.)
Clorice
Bridesmaid
Claudie and Clo met working the front desk at EWC where she became Claudie’s first friend in Chicago. Leaving all friends and family in FL was hard but becoming close with Clorice made Chicago feel more like home.
Roehm
Bridesmate
Michelle and Roehm met while they were working the launch of a new lesbian night at Orlando's Parliament House. They've been getting into trouble together ever since. Including hanging the infamous teal door on Michelle and Claudie's house in Florida, and smoking cigars and drinking whiskey in the face of Hurricane Maria.
Jen
Bridesmaid
Claudie's confidant and last roommate before moving to Chicago. Claudie and Jen met working at a restaurant with a toxic environment and they helped each other get through it together. They’ve been best friends ever since.
Yahdi
Bridesmate
Michelle and Yahdi met while playing rugby for one Chicago team, had some fun, leveled up to another Chicago team, won a Regional championship and then both hung up their boots. In the time since, they've continued being goofy together, expanding their horizons, learning, evolving and hyping each other up.
Abryl
Bridesmaid
Claudie and Abryl met working for 1st Family Dental. They share the same love for cats, small things and Halloween so naturally they became friends. Really what did it for Abryl though was Claudie mentioning she likes pineapple on pizza. Jumping into a new career with no experience is no joke, but having a friend like Abryl there along the way has brought Claudie so much comfort and peace of mind when things get tough.
Patrick
Bridesmate
Michelle met Patrick through Philippine Student Association at University of Illinois--both were forces on the field during Rice Bowl! Though they've lived many miles apart for most of their 10-year friendship, they've always stayed connected.
Crystal
Bridesmaid
Crystal and Claudie met at church camp many many years ago. Soon after they became close friends going on to graduating from the same high school and starting the same college together. Crystal is also the mother of Claudie's beautiful Godson, Ezra!
Tony
Bridesmate
Tony is one of Orlando Women's Rugby's biggest supporters. He was always there to help out before matches, after matches and at fundraisers, a.k.a. Michelle's favorite kinds of people. The two naturally became friends. (Tony also helped with the infamous teal door on Michelle and Claudie's house in Florida, and provided the cigars for the Hurricane Maria party.)
Marseille
Bridesmaid
Claudie and Marseille met through Michelle when she played Rugby but didn’t become close until a couple years later. Even though their friendship is fresh, there’s no doubt that this bond will last a lifetime. AND they’re both marrying the loves of their lives this year!!
Cori
Officiant/Bridesmate
Cori is Michelle's festie bestie. The two knew each other in college, but really became friends some time after graduation. Cori learned through social media that they had similar tastes in music and invited Michelle to a show. A few festivals and shows later, Cori's officiating Michelle's wedding!