Katie & David
Wedding Party
Lucy Noel
Officiant
David's "Aunt Lucy" is his Godmother. Anyone who has met Aunt Lucy can instantly tell that she is the kindest person on the planet. She has also been commended for her superb public speaking skills. Before retiring, she worked in immigration services, where she was frequently called upon to speak at Naturalization Ceremonies. She officiated the wedding of Kelly Carulli (David's sister) and Ed Bach in April 2018. Aunt Lucy also holds a special role in the initiation of Katie and David's relationship. When David was a wee tike visiting Mommom and Poppop's for family holidays, Aunt Lucy taught him how to play chess; keen readers will recall that Katie and David played a chess match together on their first date. We feel so fortunate to have Aunt Lucy officiate our wedding.
Emily
Maid of Honor
When I first met Emily I was VERY intimidated by her. We met through a club called Circle K when we were both in undergrad, and she seemed to know everything. She was certainly a role model for me, and always inspired me to try my best. Over time, we got to know each other on a more personal level and have had so many good times. Whether it was the Galentine's day weekends full of brunches and pedicures, shamelessly goofing around at Walmart late into the night, trekking our way through Portland in the pouring rain, or cooking a Friendsgiving feast for just us, we always find a way to have a good time. Emily is more than an incredible friend, she is an incredible human. She goes above and beyond in every way. I certainly don't deserve her, but I am so grateful to have her in my life.
Tricia
Bridesmaid
She's always down to proudly belt out "Killing Me Softly" and "No Scrubs" with me in the car (or into a hairbrush...). I may have "borrowed" her clothes and sneakily tried on her makeup when we were growing up, but it was only because I thought she was the absolute coolest person on the planet. My sister Trish and I get each other on another level and I don't think that will ever change. We understand each other's insecurities, even when they relate to something extremely subtle that most other people would not perceive. Trish has always been a model of resilience and was essential to surviving my goober years. She always made me feel safe, and that "Everything, everything will be just fine, Everything, everything will be alright, alright."
Kelly
Bridesmaid
Since we were old enough to know what a bridesmaid was, I promised that she would be one of mine. Kelly was one of my very first friends. We grew up next door to each other and spent many a day staging toy wars, swimming, lawn wrestling, jumping on the trampoline, and complaining about having to sing with Bill before getting to go play. While the days of ketchup sandwiches, getting pummeled with "snow" balls, and Good Charlotte concerts are gone, I will always cherish our friendship. Kelly is ultra fierce and very persistent when she wants something, and that same ferocity applies to her loyalty to friends and family. I am so glad to have her on my team, knowing full well she will always have my back.
Vallery
Bridesmaid
I met Val when I was in 2nd grade. She and her family moved in down the street from me and her brother Kevin was in my class. Soon after they moved in, we were hanging out almost daily, building houses and cars with legos (fighting over the one lego mailbox, of course), watching Dragon Ball Z, playing "college" and walking the mean streets of Elk Grove. We had countless inside jokes and were ALWAYS making each other laugh. We would go to King's Skate almost every week and headbang to Pink Floyd - we were the cool kids. When we got to high school we wrote notes to each other constantly, and she taught me how to navigate a lot of tricky social situations during those years. Regardless of the time passing, any time we meet back up we pick up where we left off, and I hope that never changes.
Ryan
Best Man
Ryan and I have known each other for as long as I can remember. Our mothers have been close friends since their own high school days, so naturally, Ryan and I were placed in the play-pen together back when we were in diapers. Over the years, we've forged our friendship at birthdays, weddings, graduations, and perhaps most importantly, vacations. Ryan's family has been kind enough to invite me to his extended family vacation to Wildwood Beach, NJ, each Summer starting when we were in middle school. Our yearly tradition became building elaborate sand sculptures together, when we weren't getting our butts kicked in Monopoly or Poker. Since moving to California, I haven't been able to attend the yearly vacation, but we still make time to meet and catch up whenever I'm back in town.
Jimmy
Groomsman
Jimmy is my best friend from college. By chance, we lived in adjacent dorm rooms freshman year, and then chose to room together for the following 3. We've shared in countless meals, parties, football games, study sessions, laughs, and heart-to-hearts. Together we survived Chem 110, a riot or two, and many late night runs to McDonalds (aka Ricks). One of the most hard working and intelligent people I know, I can always trust Jimmy to give me a straight forward, well thought-out, and honest answer. Since college, and moving to different cities, we've grown apart a bit, but any time we reconnect, it's always a quick catch up on our lives, then instantly back to old times, "how's your girlfriend? What's she like? She treat you well? You seen the latest Nic Cage flick?"
Eric
Groomsman
Eric and I grew close during our senior year together at Downingtown HS, West Campus. I joined a silly senior tradition game called "Assassin", where the goal is to get your target wet, by any means necessary. Eric became my partner in crime, and we prowled the suburbs hunting our targets, achieving 22 confirmed kills, before losing in the final round. We foolishly fell into a trap set by a friend- a betrayal that we are still bitter about. That was only the beginning. Since then we've only grown closer, sharing a senior week house with "the boys", visiting each other at our respective colleges, and causing a ruckus. Whenever I'm in town, Eric begs me to meet him at Happy Days so he can get me that breakfast sampler he owes me. I'll never collect, because I want an excuse to see him again.
Will
Groomsman
Will is a more recent addition to my group of friends, but that short time has been impactful. Will and Katie grew up next door to each other, have been close since childhood, and he welcomed me warmly when I entered their lives. Together we've enjoyed parties, games, movies, shows, and all kinds of nerd culture. Will has been our wonderful Game Master for several role-playing games, including an ongoing multi-year Star Wars campaign. I'd be lying if I said he didn't make me cry a little during these games (maybe with a little help from some John Williams music). His dedication and talent at crafting and presenting an immersive story makes me feel spoiled. Will has a tiny kitty (whom he rescued from a wheel well), a huge dog, and a bigger heart. I'm so grateful to have him in my party.