Darby & James
Wedding Party
Abigayle Betts
Matron of Honor
Abbey and Darby met working at the infamous Treat Shop in Westminster when they were in high school. All it took was working (surviving) together through the busiest season for any chocolate store, Easter, to bond them for life! When they weren't sneaking samples of candy, they could be found trying on their prom dresses during business hours and anything else that didn't include actually working. Abbey stuck by Darby's side through every high school and college heartbreak that eventually lead to James. We don't know who is more relieved that a guy like James finally entered the picture, Abbey or Darby!
Christopher Landing
Best Man
Chris and James met when James was seven years old. James would not stop asking questions or interrupting the most important Manchester United game on tv that year just to see if Chris wanted to play soccer. Shockingly, he did not. Over the years James grew on Chris like moss, and ever since they have been thick as thieves. Chris taught James so many things over the years like sports, how to talk to people (mainly girls), how to pull out a clutch move when no one expects it, and how to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. James is honored to have Chris be his best man.
Chelsea Driscoll
Maid of Honor
Chelsea has the special role of being both one of the bride's and groom's best friends! She met James forever ago when he showed up at her after-prom party completely uninvited. Darby and Chelsea met when James brought Darby over to Chelsea's place in Baltimore, also semi-uninvited (there's a pattern here with James). Luckily, Darby and Chelsea clicked just as well as James and Chelsea always have! Whether she's quoting Lord of the Rings with the groom or coming up with Real Housewives tag-lines with the bride, Chelsea has been a constant source of love and laughter in their relationship.
Josh Elmore
Groomsman/Officiant
Josh and James met in 2009 when Josh was stretching his legs in government class and "accidentally" kicked James. James seeing through this innocent facade, kicked Josh back. This started the great leg kicking war of 2009. After weeks of not talking or introducing themselves to one another, the teacher moved them to the front of the room because they were disruptive. What a mistake, because they soon became fast friends and even more disruptive. And thank goodness they did become friends because James never would have made it through Spanish 2 without Josh's help. Because of their close friendship, Josh has two jobs during the wedding, a groomsman and the officiant! James and Darby are very excited to share this day with Josh.
Sarah Tiburzi
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Darby know each other from their graduate program at Towson. When they first saw each other, Sarah thought Darby looked mean and Darby thought Sarah was "too cool" for everyone else. Luckily, they actually got to know each other beyond first looks through the 8 hours of classes they took a day. Darby relied on Sarah throughout the (very stressful) program as both a shoulder to cry on and someone to laugh with. She has been Darby's rock through any up or down. Whether it's zodiac signs, real housewives, emo music, or things only a fellow teacher would understand, Sarah is someone Darby can talk about truly anything with and their friendship shows that!
James Donohue
Groomsman
James Donohue and James Barkley first met each other in the 8th grade when a girl told Barkley he just had to see this guy who was his twin. Upon seeing his face, Barkley determined that he was not his twin and that he hated him for sharing the same first name. Barkley would meet his nemesis a few short years later when the girl he was dating dumped him for Donohue. Shortly after that Donohue was also dumped by the same girl and they teamed up to hate her together. Nothing brings boys together like being dumped by the same girl. Donohue and Barkley would go on to spend way too much time with one another and go on far too many adventures to type. Barkley is very excited to spend this day with his friend Donohue.
Jeremy Brown
Bridesman
Jeremy and Darby also met through their grad program at Towson. At first, Darby thought Jeremy was a cocky frat boy and Jeremy thought Darby looked mean (there's a pattern here). However, Jeremy proved to be a great person when he picked Darby up after her car broke down and drove her to class and home. Their friendship only grew from there! Some of Darby's favorite memories with Jeremy include watching Game of Thrones at his family's house (even when the finale was terrible) and being awful at trivia together, but having a great time anyway. Jeremy has been a calming force in Darby's life and whenever anything goes awry he's always there to offer advice and a terrible dad joke or two.
Dominic Rucci
Groomsman
Dominic and James have been friends the longest out of this group. James would regularly call Dominic in elementary school to ask for the homework that he never (always) forgot to write down. Dominic and James would spend their time skateboarding, playing video games, and secretly sneaking down to Dominic's kitchen in the middle of the night to cook taquitos while trying not to wake up Dom's grandma. Without Dom, James would have gotten in far more trouble in his life. Without James, Dominic would have probably hurt himself more, which is saying a lot since he's pretty prone to injury. So it's a good thing they found each other. James is super excited to have Dom be a part of his day and hopes the stairs wont trip his oldest friend up too much.
Annya Surace
Bridesmaid
Annya and Darby met when Darby got hired as a brand new teacher and was placed on the same team as Annya. When you throw in a tornado, a fire, a pandemic, and some especially crazy middle schoolers all in your first year of teaching you're going to need someone to laugh/cry about all of it with! Annya was that person for Darby. She builds Darby up whenever she's doubting herself as a teacher and never hesitates to listen to and laugh at the newest crazy thing that happened at school (or in life in general). Outside of school, Annya and her husband love to invite Darby and James over for game nights. And even if Darby doesn't love games (she's a sore loser), any time spent with Annya is always worth it!
John Willman
Groomsman
John and James first met while also aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. James would regularly ask John if he could borrow his lighter and then "accidentally" pocket it before John would demand it back. They got closer after Cory introduced them and the three of them spent their time enjoying John's cooking while trying to stay out of trouble....which they did not (thanks, John). However, they all made it through with the help of one another. John and James got out of the navy together and left Cory (sucks to be him) to go on the world's most badass road trip to Louisiana where they had all sorts of fun with their newfound freedom. James is super stoked to have John be a part of his day.
Matthew Hudgins
Bridesman
Matt was another friend Darby made through Towson's grad program. Following suit with Jeremy and Sarah, it took a minute for Darby and Matt to get past first impressions before becoming friends. This was helped by Matt unashamedly sporting a puffin shirt in front of the whole class to give a lesson on endangered species. Matt is a science teacher, just like Darby, and was instrumental in her getting through the grad program. Matt would always find a way to make the long hours of night class not only bearable but hilarious. But more than just funny, Matt was always checking in on everyone around him, making sure they were all hanging in there until the end of the program. And he celebrated with everyone at the beach extra hard when it was finally over!
Corydon Donnally
Groomsman
Cory and James met in 2011 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in the reactor training division. The first time they saw each other Cory looked exhausted and was nearly asleep on his feet and James was nervous because he was not even sure if he was in the right place. They got to know one another better and got into all kinds of different shenanigans like gambling away their baby paycheck in casinos, or taking a little nap on the main street of Hawaii because what else would a hungover sailor do? Cory and James have remained friends even though James left the Navy 6 years ago, and he is super excited to have Cory be a part of his party.
Laura Chinboukas
Bridesmaid
Laura and Darby met through their sorority at Towson. Laura was one of the first people to talk to Darby when she joined when they bonded over the fact that they had both chipped their tooth. Chipping your tooth is apparently a good way to bond because Laura ended up becoming Darby's "big" which only led to more adventures like formals and Preakness. Besides sorority things, Laura truly has Darby's back. Any decision Darby makes, Laura supports it and cheers her on. When James and Darby first started dating, Laura was in their corner from day 1. Well, after she interrogated James 2 seconds after meeting him about his "intentions". That's how you know she's a true friend!
David Lesher
Father Of The Bride/Groomsmen
Dave met James when James first starting dating Darby. Dave didn't like James because when he first saw him he sized him up and realized that James was this handsome young bull, and Dave was just an old cow. However after some time, and a handful of bets that James won, they put their differences aside to become best friends. This led to them doing all sorts of things together like fishing, golfing, and even going on vacation together...without Darby or Suzanne. Dave is someone James turns to for advice and knowledge. When they aren't working on a project together you can find them binge watching shows and sneaking ice cream. James is pumped to have Dave be a part of his day, even though his karate is a joke.
Suzanne Lesher
Mother of the Bride
Suzanne Lesher is Darby's mom. She raised Darby and her brother on her own for the majority of their lives and did a pretty incredible job given the circumstances. She is Darby's favorite person to drink wine with and complain about all things teaching to. They often go out to dinner with Dave and James and even though the men are so in love with each other that they ignore the women, Darby and Suzanne don't mind as long as they get sushi out of it. Suzanne was instrumental in the strong, independent woman Darby has become and it will be an honor to share the "father/daughter" dance with her on the wedding day.
Janice Barkley
Mother of the Groom
Janice is James' mom. James and Janice are best friends (yes he is a momma's boy). They call each other numerous times a week to make sure nothing has changed in their lives. They enjoy going to fancy restaurants, checking out little shops, and meeting all the doggos they can. James loves that Jan and Darby get along so well too! From the moment Darby met Jan and the rest of the family, she felt right at home. Janice has always gone out of her way to make Darby feel like part of the family and they enjoy talking about anything and everything together as well as trading recipes. Darby and James are excited to have Janice spend the day with them.
Frank Faughey
Grandfather Of Bride/Bride Escort
Pop, as the whole family refers to him, has been a constant father figure in Darby's life since she was little. From taking her to countless baseball games and entertaining her for hours in the pool, Pop was a staple in her childhood, and the rest of the grandkids' childhoods too. James and Pop have gotten along from day one and enjoy bonding over serious topics like finances and more fun things too, like beer and mac and cheese. Darby and James love going over to Pop and Ree's house for dinner and game nights, and value the relationship they have with them. Darby couldn't imagine anyone else walking her down the aisle and is honored to have Pop fill that role.
Buddy Landing
Father of the Groom
Buddy is James' dad. He has taught James many valuable life lessons. James would be lost with out his guidance and their late night phone calls. He is one of the best men James knows. Buddy also welcomed Darby into the family with open arms (and a glass of whiskey). James and Darby love visiting Buddy knowing it'll always be a good time with great food and a bonfire. They are excited to spend their day with Buddy and are honored to use his last name moving forward.