Anne & Philip
Wedding Party
Abby Jones
Maid of Honor
Anne and I met as first years at Wellesley, and our friendship blossomed over the four years! Post-college, Anne and I lived together in Boston for two years, where we primarily excelled at two things: drinking prosecco and dancing to Whitney Houston and S Club 7! I’m so glad that Anne met Phil because he truly brings out the best side of her (and tips the Sissy K’s karaoke DJ to allow us to do two back-to-back songs)! I hope you guys continue to add London as a stop on your European holidays, and I can’t wait to celebrate your love and future together!
Phil Wong
Best Man
Phil (Dearing) wrote me a poem to make the case for us rooming together freshman year, and the rest is history. Between 4 years of sharing a room, various ill-fated athletic endeavors, and the same name, we've had a lot to laugh, smile, and cry about. And now I'm laughing, smiling, and joyfully crying that Phil and Anne are getting married!!
Kelsey Phinney
Maid of Honor
I met Anne through other friends in the bridal party during our first year at Wellesley. We immediately bonded over spending gap years in Ecuador and growing up in nearby towns, but it was in her deeply compassionate nature and contagious enthusiasm for life that I knew I'd met a forever friend. I couldn't be happier that Anne found an equal in Phil. I've had the pleasure of watching their beautiful relationship unfold from the beginning, and I'm so honored to stand up with my favorite couple as they become husband and wife!
Akshay Bhushan
Groomsman
Akshay and Phil knew each other loosely through mutual friends at Georgetown but didn't grow close until one day at Sweetgreen, Phil popped the question to live together in Boston. They ventured into the new city of Boston together, building a community that has remained more than 5 years later. Akshay and Phil continue to enjoy playing tennis, chatting over coffee, and gossiping a little too much.
Alex Gazzolo
Bridesmaid
My friendship with Anne has been full of wonderful memories but there's one moment I've been thinking about recently: we had just graduated college and I was excited but nervous about leaving my friends. Would we be able to hold onto our friendships? In the days after graduation, Anne and I worked as reunion hostesses for the Wellesley Class of 1966. Dancing the night away with these women 50 years after they graduated, I had a peek into my friendship with Anne 50 years down the line: still full of love and laughter and deep connection. I feel the same echoes when I look at Anne and Phil. I'm thrilled to celebrate their love and commitment in the here and now, and all that their love will become in the years ahead. I wish them every happiness!
Albert Scerbo
Groomsman
Albert and Phil met in a 8:40 AM three-person Arabic class freshman year. While neither of them remember much Arabic today, their friendship remains strong. Fortunately for everyone, Albert moved up to Boston shortly after graduation, where he can always be counted on to be the life of the party. Phil and Albert enjoy karaoke, tubing, and talking about the Boston nonprofit scene.
Becca Schwarz
Bridesmaid
I was #blessed to meet Anne during my first week at Wellesley, and we immediately became fast (best) friends. In the years since, Anne has been a constant source of joy, laughs, love, and support to myself, our friends, and pretty much anyone who is lucky enough to cross her path. She lights us all up in a way that no one and nothing else does. Though one of the first rules of best friends might be the strong belief that no one is ever good enough for them, I can happily say that Philip is the exception. He makes Anne shine even brighter - and she him - and I cannot wait to watch their beautiful, sunshiny, Disney musical-filled life together continue to unfold. As Anne would say, “love!”
Ben Weiss
Groomsman
Phil and I fell in love in the earliest days of college and have partaken in wonderful hijinks ever since. Aforementioned hijinks include, but are not limited to, enjoying the most off-Broadway performances the greater New York City region has to offer, taking turns three-day weekending up and down the northeast corridor, and making elaborate plans to change the world. I love Phil, I love Anne, and I love that Phil and Anne love one another. Yay marriage!
Courtney Stacey
Bridesmaid
Since our first book group meeting in first grade, really, it was love at first read : ) Anne (aka, Dick) and I wasted no time tackling life’s chapters together, from age six to now. To watch Anne go from planning a prom to planning to marry the love of her life is a special thing. Love you two and can’t wait to celebrate your love!
Dylan Binnie
Groomsman
Although they went to Georgetown together, Phil and Dylan's friendship really took off once they got to Boston. Phil and Dylan's mutual love of brunch, games, and the TV show "Baggage" brought them together. Dylan is looking forward to extensively sampling and weighing in on the potential wine offerings for the reception.
Gloria Samen
Bridesmaid
I met Anne during my very first week at Wellesley! A junior at the time, she was on campus early serving as a first year mentor. I remember distinctly mentioning to my mom that I had met the nicest, friendliest, bubbliest human being in my RAs bedroom. A few months later I was lucky enough to become her ‘little’ in our college social club and have been so grateful for the way she loves fiercely, champions her friends, and always sees the bright side of every situation!
Henry Fremont
Groomsman
Phil and I met as pre-pubescent boys in 7th grade as we bonded over pretending to be good at basketball. Our friendship blossomed over board games and park gatherings, took a turn for the worse when Phil scored better on every Physics exam, and finally bounced back when his mom made brownies. Through the many musical collaborations, ping pong games, and pranks we’ve been through a lot together and I look forward to many more adventures. I am so proud to be a part of Phil and Anne’s special day, celebrating two of the most incredible, loving people!
Katherine Dearing
Bridesmaid
I am Phil's older (and wittier, and wiser, and prettier) sister, but I am absolutely thrilled to be getting a sister of my own out of this, especially one as supportive, enthusiastic, and caring as Anne. It has been so rewarding watching him grow into and with this relationship as it developed - trust me, he has been taller than me since roughly the year 2000 but he grew in this relationship - and I cannot wait to see the life that the two of them continue to build together.
Jack Welsh
Groomsman
Jack and Phil went up the hill To take some classes at school. And Junior year, it became quite clear That they thought each other was cool They quite loved band, but did not understand What was happening in Latin They passed notes and made little jokes In every class that they sat in Now Jack and Phil are friends but still See room for their friendship to grow To future conquests and every success On quite the adventure we'll go
Kayla Bograd Denton
Bridesmaid
Anne and Kayla met when they were in the same 4th grade class, and immediately bonded over a shared love of purple socks, good books, and struggle with palate expanders. Soon after, Kayla joined the book group with Courtney and Sally and the squad was complete! Now a days, Anne and Kayla bond over their shared love of hiking, being outside, and working in tech.
Jesse Dickinson Meltz
Groomsman
I'm Anne's brother, but I tell myself I'm being included as a groomsman because Phil and I lived together in a 6-person, 1200 sqft apartment through the dark days of quarantine. That experience tested Phil's patience with my refusal to play board games, and I think it's safe to say our relationship is stronger having never competed in Catan. I'm looking forward to welcoming Phil to the family and being the crazy uncle in years to come!
Rae Oakley
Bridesmaid
Anne and I met in a Whole Foods eating area, probably on a Thursday evening around 6pm in Wellesley, MA. Looking back, it's remarkable how unremarkable our meeting was, because ever since then, Anne has brought an incomprehensible amount of joy into my life. She is an extraordinary person, and I wish her and Phil an extraordinary life together!
John Dickinson Meltz
Groomsman
While I haven’t had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Phil, I cherish the moments we have shared—from getting to know one another over a Easter game of catch with a baseball during which I sadly learned that my hand-eye coordination is not unrivaled; to helping him move into his apartment with Anne, which was an important milestone in their relationship that I am glad I was a part of. Now, I am honored that Phil asked me to be a part of another bigger milestone in his journey with Anne in such a special way. I look forward to the big day, having a re-do at a game of catch (I’ve been practicing), and sharing with Phil and Anne in the joy of all their other milestones to come…I can’t wait to be an Uncle!
Sally Waters
Bridesmaid
Sally and Anne became friends during Kindergarten, so their friendship has truly lasted a lifetime! After moving back to the Boston area, Sally and Anne enjoyed many 5am run ins at starbucks and 7pm dinners at Virsa de Punjab. Sally is part of the book group with Anne Courtney and Kayla, and can be counted on to always provide a listening ear and witty sense of humor.
Keaton Armentrout
Groomsman
I’ve counted Phil among my closest friends since 7th grade, when we were bandmates for an exclusive one-show tour across the JBS library. The band faced creative differences, but Phil was still gracious enough to welcome me as a roommate in Boston years later. Phil has always been a loyal, loving friend who embraces any new adventure. It’s been a joy to see those qualities reflected in Anne and to watch their relationship blossom, and I’m so excited to see how they navigate their next adventures together.
Sam Brown
Bridesmaid
I was lucky enough to meet and become close with Anne at Swellesley! During our junior and senior years Flab, Anne and I spent countless nights ordering sushi and talking until the wee hours of the day. Anne is one of the most genuine and hard working people I know. She showed me what true friendship looks like and I am so grateful to be her friend. At Wellesley and beyond we have had many an adventure. Recently Anne and Phil visited and stayed with us in Denver. It was during this time that I was able to get to know Phil and see his and Anne's amazing connection. Anne and Phil challenge and compliment each other in so many ways. I am so happy that I get to be a part of the celebration of their love!
Trevor Gergen
Groomsman
Trevor and Phil met through Akshay when they became roommates in Boston. After three years of living together, their apartment on Fleet Street became legendary. Whether it was playing monopoly deal, losing in pick-up Basketball, or eating some Pauli's, Trevor and Phil always had a blast together. Here's to more good times in the future!
Sammy Marrus
Bridesmaid
Anne and I lived together (with Rae!) sophomore year at Wellesley in what we fondly called Triple Palace. Our year in TP together solidified our friendship - from knowing where to find Anne's beloved purple Victoria's Secret PINK pants that were often lost in the foot of her bed to the late night pillow talks, I don't often wish I could go back to living in a twin bed, but I'd go back to TP in a heartbeat. I've loved watching Anne & Phil's literal real life love story unfold over the past few years and am so excited to celebrate their love and future!
Will Bliss
Groomsman
Will and Phil didn't take any classes together in high school, so their friendship emerged from extracurricular activities. Whether it was playing poker, enjoying stake n' shake, or hanging out in DC, Phil and Will have always had a great time together (usually with Jack, Henry, and Keaton). Will is excited to see Phil marry Anne! He never thought Phil had this much game.