Justine & Brian
Wedding Party
Larry & Leora Presby
Parents of the Bride
My parents have poured their hearts and souls into me, helping me grow into the person I am today. Undoubtedly, their greatest gift to me has been their love; so pure, unconditional, and balanced. Witnessing their love inspired hope that one day I would find someone who completed me. And I did in Brian. On my 29th birthday, before we started dating, Brian offered to drive my friends and me to watch fireworks. I opened the front door of my parent’s house, and he walked right past us, making a beeline for their cats. My mom called me later that night to tell me, “ I liked that Brian guy, he went straight to cats. That’s a good judge of character. Are you sure you don’t want to date him?” Suffice to say from day one, he had my parents eating out of his hands. Thank you, mom and dad, for opening your heart not only to me, but to Brian. It is truly an honor and blessing to be your daughter.
Daniel Cohn & Sheri Siegel
Parents of the Groom
Mom and Dad (Sheri & Dan) have been my bedrock, serving as pillars of love, support, family, and guidance throughout my whole life. Growing up, they gave and sacrificed so much for me to have a full and meaningful life, dedicating many hours shepherding to and from dance practices, sports games, Jewish events, and friends houses, while also imbuing my life with a profound meaning steeped in family, history, and religious culture. Mom and Dad set a strong example for me in how I want to lead my life, focusing on life’s most important components, including being there for family, developing a strong social structure, giving back to the community, and displaying your faith and moral character through the way you conduct your life. Mom & Dad, thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do to contribute to my beautiful life, and I love you both very much! I will be honored to have you both by my side as I say my vows, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you and all our family in November!
Rachel
Sister of the Groom
Rachel is one of the smartest and most creative people I know, with an innumerable amount of talents and deep thoughts on the world. Whether it’s intricately designing a new crocheted blanket, writing the next great screenplay, or psychoanalyzing, say, a niche 1930’s French horror movie, Rachel is endlessly creating and re-imagining, bringing a level of enthusiasm and passion that is unmatched. Growing up, Rachel and I were very close, and to this day, we have a beautiful relationship, sharing with each other our favorite passions and takes on family, friends, and the world. I was so excited when Rachel first got to meet Justine, and it’s been exciting to watch them grow closer as well. Rachel brings an atmospheric and old-soul perspective to our family, and I’m so proud of the woman she’s grown into. I’m so excited to celebrate with and honor her at our wedding in November!
Ashley
Maid of Honor
I don’t think there has ever been a dull moment in my friendship with Ashley, which was forged somewhere between Dolce’s eye sagas and watching every Disney princess movie known to man during COVID. When Brian and I started dating, I told him the one person he needed to impress most was Ashley. Jokes on him, because in winning Ashley over, he somehow ended up with two horses of his own. Ashley, you are absolutely brilliant, beautiful, and worthy of everything life has to offer. My life would be a sad state of affairs without the road trips, documentaries, and horses you have brought into my life. So, thank you for reminding me on the daily that life is always an adventure.
Hannah
Matron of Honor
There isn’t much I can tell you about Hannah that you wouldn’t know watching her walk into a room. She has this light surrounding her aura that is infectious. Hannah always sees the best in people, and in life, and she serves as a daily inspiration to be kind and zen. But I would be lying if I didn’t say the most life altering contribution she has ever made to my life was introducing me to my favorite food group, Thanksgiving. For that act alone, Hannah, I am forever in your debt. No matter where life has taken us over the years, she has, and always will be my rock. Hannah, thank you for the privilege of being your best friend!
Heather
Bridesmaid
Heather is responsible for so many of my best college memories, and without her by my side, I certainly wouldn’t be the person I am today. She has this special talent of convincing you to jump head first into whatever idea she cooked up. And you are all the better for it. Heather patiently taught me how to paint and craft, how to dress for parties, and most importantly, how to smile and laugh. It is also no surprise that her favorite animal is the giraffe (and that she is an AEPhi sister) because her heart, too, is the largest of any land mammal. I love you to the moon and back Heather!
Autumn
Bridesmaid
Autumn took a leap of faith after reading a Facebook post about a girl with a million animals needing a roommate. I’m forever in debt that she took a chance on us. Not only did we live together for 4 years, but also we became sisters. When my heart and soul, Mario, was diagnosed with a chronic disease, Autumn without hesitation assisted me in giving my giant macaw monthly injections and I got another year with my best friend before I had to say goodbye. From SnowVid survival to pie days to dungeons and dragons, Autumn continuously opens my world to new experiences. Autumn, thanks for your patience, adventurous spirit, and always being my cheerleader. You may claim that ruminants are the superior species, but I know better - you, my friend, are the best of all.
Krystin
Bridesmaid
Krystin may be the most compassionate and earnestly kind person I know. She will literally give every single ounce of herself to others, always asking nothing in return. In the week after I moved to Dallas, I was feeling overwhelmed and homesick for the life I created in College Station. Our company book club was reading Green Lights, by Matthew McConaughey, and Krystin was tasked to mail my copy of the book. I sat in my living room and ripped the package open, unleashing multicolored metallic confetti everywhere. And in that moment I allowed myself to feel for the first time in weeks. Tears streaking down my smiling face, I knew everything was going to be okay. Krystin reminded me that life is a series of choices we make. It is so easy to get lost in the moment and forget to live, to smile, to laugh. Krystin is now required to send confetti in all work packages and she delivers every time. Krystin, thank you for your daily reminder that true kindness is selfless, and that you are never too old to be spontaneous.
Amy
Bridesmaid
Amy is sharp, witty, and always gives 110% when you ask 100 of her. I have never met anyone as unapologetically authentic. She entered my life in a powerful time and watching her live her life so earnestly, made gave me comfort in doing same. Jewish, dogs, horses, Type A, mild OCD - our brand of crazy is a little hard to find but I am thankful I have you, Amy, to tell me it’s perfectly normal. Most notably, she inspired my adult amateur equestrian journey, which has come full circle as we board our horses at the same farm. Some family you are born into and others are made, and I am so thankful, Amy, that you ventured from the Midwest to brave the Texas heat to join mine.
Rikki
Bridesmaid
I spent my entire childhood feeling cheated that I had cousins my own age, but we lived continents apart. This feeling stayed close to my heart and, as I contemplated moving back to Dallas, an aspect that excited me was that I finally got my chance to fulfill this childhood dream as both recently immigrated from South Africa. Rikki is optimistic, selfless, and laid back, handling the stressors of moving to a new country with a poise and grace that is inspiring. She can be heard saying her favorite phrase “it’s all going to work out” no less than 10 times on one of our walking dates. And you know what? She’s right every time - it always works out, so no need to stress about it. Rikki, thank you for keeping me sane, caffeinated, and fit - I honestly don’t know what I would do without you!
Eli
Best Man
It was almost inevitable that Eli and I would end up as best friends when we met in 2006, as, as we often joke, we were the only straight, white, male, Jewish dancers in all of Marietta, GA. Eli and I share so many passions, from Oscar-worthy and superhero movies and prestige and nerdy TV to fantasy football and music to dance and musical theater. Every time Eli and I are together, the conversation never ends, and, even when we aren’t, we text each other basically daily. Eli is truly my “everything” friend. Today, one of my favorite things to do is walk out of a movie theater and immediately call Eli to debrief, and, even better, when we are together in-person, we have to complete our time-honored tradition of eating Pub subs and going to a movie theater, one of my very favorite things to do in life. Even outside of all our favorite content, Eli and I wouldn’t have grown into the people we are today without the power and magnitude of our friendship, and he’s has been there for me through the highs and lows of life, plus a few very fun trips together as adults to Chicago and New York. Eli is especially unique in that he’s the most dedicated friend and constantly infuses his passion for life and nerdy enthusiasm into all of his relationships. I treasure our friendship so much, my life is incomplete without him, and I’m so honored to have him as my best man!
Matt L.
Groomsman
Matt is my oldest friend, going back to youth baseball at the JCC in the early 2000’s, and, going on 20 years later, baseball is still an important part of our relationship. Matt is the one person in life who completely shares all of my sports teams (go Red Sox!), and our fandom and identity were crucial parts of forging our friendship. Over the years, Matt and I have created so many memories, from spending hours playing ping pong in his basement, crushing ultimate frisbee, destroying 50 wings at a time at Wild Wing, holding court at KEFTY teen lounge, hustling at weekly trivia and poker, watching our favorite teams compete for titles, jamming out to Justin Timberlake, and, of course, hitting the town in Las Vegas. Matt is a uniquely special person - he is the most loyal friend with an uncommon level of compassion, kindness, and humility. Matt has the unique ability to be the center of the social life - the guy who everyone wants to be friends with - without even realizing it or trying, allowing his good-natured authenticity to flow into everyone around him like the scent of the best bake shop. I owe many of my most treasured friendships (including 4 of my 7 groomsmen!) to him graciously introducing me to his best friends. It’s been so rewarding to watch Matt grow into and excel at becoming the best doctor - I love you so much and am so proud of you!
Christian
Groomsman
I met Christian in high school and immediately he became one of my most important friends. We spent so much time at trivia and poker, playing frisbee, watching sports, and just having a great time hanging together. Christian is a fast friend, displaying an uncommon level of loyalty and care, going above and beyond to make sure you feel loved and cared for. Christian is so special because he’s able to get along with everyone and do so with a soul-deep level of kindness and goodness. I really value his friendship and look forward to so many more years of fun trips (Las Vegas 3.0?) and hang outs together! I cannot wait to celebrate with Christian in November, and I know he’ll find a way to connect with everyone at the party by leaving a lasting impression woven from his goodness and devotion.
Billy
Groomsman
Billy is one of the most genuine and lovable people I know, always finding ways to elicit the best out of every situation and enriching our moments together with levity, jokes, and a plain good time. I’ve known Billy since high school, and we’ve created so many memories hanging with all of our friends, playing video games, getting into shenanigans, and going on fun trips together in Las Vegas and Florida. Whenever we’re together, the day just becomes easier and more fun as Billy imbues a great sense of relaxation and amusement throughout our adventures. I can’t wait to celebrate with him in November and have him, one way or another, be the life of the party!
Matt J.
Groomsman
Matt and I met in college where we bonded over our shared passions for sports, politics, and culture. In recent years, Matt and I have grown very close, talking nearly daily about all sorts of things, but mainly our favorite sports stories of the day. Matt has become one of my go-to sounding boards to talk seriously about the important things in our worlds, and I truly value his perspective on so many things in life - he was one of the first people I told about Justine when he encouraged me to trust my gut, being excited for me all the way. Matt is quite unique in that he has a very clear moral compass, which infuses into every aspect of his life, living righteously and virtuously, serving as an example I look to emulate in my life. It’s been so much fun catching up with Matt when traveling and going to sporting events together, and I can’t wait to celebrate with him in November!
Grace
Groomswoman
Grace was one of the first friends I met when I moved to Dallas after college and, to this day, we remain very close. Over the last 7 years, we’ve had a great time together going to trivia, sporting events, fun vacations, eating great food, and having fun movie nights. Grace is a special person in that she’s the epicenter of social life and relationship building - she has an uncommon ability to be a great, dedicated friend to an ever-growing tapestry of people. Many of the friends I have today in Dallas have come through her and her ability to connect. Grace is also one of the smartest people I know, combining both a level of foresight and maturity throughout her everyday life and a rolodex of trivia and passions into a unique cocktail of intelligence and poise. Grace, very importantly, is also solely responsible for Justine and I meeting, bringing me as her plus-one to the wedding where we met and also orchestrating our phone number swap and eventual reuniting in Dallas. I can’t imagine where my life would be without our friendship, and I am so grateful to have her as my groomswoman!
Parker
Groomsman
Parker and I first met in college and has grown into one of my great friends in recent years. We bond especially over our love for sports and playing video games together, and, in recent years, have spent a good amount of time visiting each other in Dallas, having fun adventures eating our way through the city, watching movies, dipping into furniture stores, playing with pets, and just generally having a good time being together. Parker has become a fast and loyal friend - he is one of the most considerate and caring people I know, channeling his many passions into his relationships and dedicating himself to creating time and space for the people that matter most to him. I really value Parker’s friendship and am extremely grateful to have him and his jovial, caring personality by my side on my wedding day!