Kelsey & Ryan
Wedding Party
Monique-Alexis Medina
Maid of Honor
While our relationship may have started out rocky (she made me cry in third grade), Monique-Alexis and I somehow ended up best friends. Growing up, we bonded over both being only children and our love of Emo music. Even though we attended different schools after elementary school (including rival universities), we always stayed close. Monique has been there for me for over twenty years: cheering me on at gymnastics meets, driving down from Tallahassee to Gainesville to celebrate my birthday in college, and making multiple trips to visit me in San Diego. I can't imagine anyone else standing beside me as my MOH.
Derek Mason
Officiant
Derek is a mutual friend from college responsible for connecting Ryan and I after our first meeting. Derek worked with Ryan driving the school’s wakeboarding boat at Lake Wauburg and knew me from the UF Surf Club. When Derek made the the move from Florida to San Diego, Ryan accompanied him on his roadtrip across the country so he wouldn't be the only one getting speeding tickets in the middle of New Mexico (actually that was just Ryan). Derek and Ryan have also traveled together in Central and South America. The stories I have heard are pretty wild and I don't want to think about those I haven't been told. Derek is a genuine friend and has known us for years. We are honored he said yes to marrying us.
Chelsea LaBerge
Bridesmaid
I am so excited to no longer be an only child (sort of)! I credit my soon to be sister-in-law for keeping Ryan in line during his formative years and helping shape the man I am so excited to marry. A physical therapist herself, Chelsea inspired me to pursue the profession and guided me as I was applying to grad school. A few years ago, we shared the trip of a lifetime to Iceland and Ireland to celebrate her birthday. I look forward to making many more memories with my new sister. Ryan and I are both thankful to have her stand with us on our special day.
Ryan Poehler
Best Man
There were a few funny coincidences that happened when Ryan first moved to San Diego. After responding to a Craigslist ad, he found himself living with two other guys named Ryan (aka “Tri-Ry"), one of who went to our rival college in Florida. This was RyPo. Despite LaBerge accidentally backing into Poehler's car early on in their friendship, the two went on to live together for five years (RIP "Camp Gnar"). While rooming together, LaBerge enjoyed the perks of RyPo's employee discount on canned tuna and LaBerge taught RyPo about the finer things in life, like arugula. "Dipso facto", LaBerge is stoked to have RyPo as his best man ... and to have wave priority all wedding weekend long.
Lauren Protzer
Bridesmaid
If there was a catalyst for the relationship between Ryan and I, it was probably LP. A mutual friend from college, Lauren was on the wakeboarding team with Ryan and worked as a group fitness instructor with me. She is the one Ryan subtly convinced to invite me around so he could woo me with his wakeboarding skills. One of my fondest college memories is co-teaching "Stadium Stompers" with Lauren, a group fitness class where participants ran up and down the bleachers in “The Swamp”, UF’s ninety-thousand-seat football stadium. Lauren has been there since the beginning of our relationship and we’re excited for her to be there on our wedding day!
David Duncan
Groomsman
It was nice to add more Gators to the household when Dave arrived in San Diego. It was a bonus that Dave is one of the most reliable guys you'll ever meet. Ryan and Dave were on the UF Wakeboarding Team together and remained friends after both moving across the country. The four of us (Ryan, Kelsey, Dave, and Dave's wife Poly) all lived together briefly before Dave and Poly were married and realized they probably didn't want roommates as newly-weds. We share a lot of fun memories with the Duncans and are grateful to have them both along for the ride on our wedding day.
Kelly Stone
Bridesmaid
Kelly and I were inseparable in physical therapy school, winning the class superlative for Best Friends. Having ties to San Diego, Kelly went to college at USD and was preparing to move to Florida for PT school at the same time I was making my first trips to visit Ryan in San Diego. Kelly and I arranged to meet for the first time on one of those trips and we clicked. It helped that I had already stalked her on Facebook and saw how awesome she is. While I don't get to have Kelly by my side everyday like I did in PT school, I'm pumped for her to stand by me on my wedding day.
Conrad Smith
Groomsman
"Conradical" was another roommate and early San Diego friend to LaBerge. Finally, we met a born and raised Californian! Always up for outdoor adventures, Conrad's room resembled more of a "Play It Again Sports" than a bedroom during his Camp Gnar residency. While we don't love playing volleyball against Conrad (see picture above for height comparison), we love how reliable a friend he is. Even though he has grown up and moved to North County, Conrad ensures he gets quality time with Ryan. We're excited for Conrad to stand beside us as we start our own adventure.
Poly Duncan
Bridesmaid
Poly keeps the Gator spirit alive in San Diego and is the only person who can get Ryan to watch football in a downtown bar on a sunny Saturday. Poly has been a big part of our road to the altar. Having caught her husband David helping Ryan with ring shopping, she knew about my upcoming engagement before I did. When Ryan and I returned from Fiji newly engaged, she helped plan a surprise party for me along with my closest girlfriends. She's funny and honest and because of that was a great friend to take wedding dress shopping. We can't wait to celebrate with Poly!
Scott Poehler
Groomsman
Scott "Pop It Up" Poehler is the oldest of three brothers all in our wedding party. Even with two younger brothers affectionately referred to as "The Hyenas" he always makes room for Ryan to feel like part of the family. Scott really gets into celebrations. From decking out his place with Christmas decorations to listening to "America the Beautiful" on repeat under Fourth of July fireworks, he knows how to get into the spirit. In fact, he was the one who made sure we had an engagement party. We're amped to celebrate our big day with Scott!
Alyssa Baron
Bridesmaid
Alyssa is another Florida Gator but we didn't meet until she moved to San Diego in 2018. Always smiling and up for an adventure, Alyssa checked off more San Diego bucket list items in her first few months here than I did in a few years! She lives a short walk away from Ryan and me and we've made lots of fun memories hanging out on her front porch (whether we were invited to stop by or not). When my bachelorette party had to be postponed, Alyssa hosted a brunch for me at her place on the original date we had planned to celebrate. She also helped me find the one ... my wedding dress that is. We’re looking forward to Alyssa bringing her good vibes to our wedding party!
Kevin Poehler
Groomsman
That's right, not one, not two, but three Poehlers! Because it wouldn't be a party without the three-pack. Kevin was the final brother to join us in San Diego and like the majority of our wedding party, was at one point a roommate of ours. Kevin is an awesome home chef and after multiple holidays and BBQs spent together, we know we're in for a treat when Kevin gets in the kitchen or in front of the grill. We're stocking extra red wine for Kevin at our reception and are especially looking forward to seeing him out on the dance floor.