Dorian & Joe
Wedding Party
Noël Mzese
Matron of Honor
Older sister of the bride - A true representation of sisterly love, Noël has been a loving support their entire lives, giving kindness even when it wasn't reciprocated, exposing Dorian to experiences and adventures not possible otherwise, inspiring her, especially with her management and communication skills. Noël's leadership, deep care, and lifelong knowing of the bride makes her the perfect Matron of honor. Noël is currently the Dean of students and teachers for Northwood School in Lake Placid, NY where she resides with her Daughter Monica(18) and Taika(8) and her husband Chisondi.
Justine Beauregard
Bridesmaid
Dorian met Justine online through similar interest FB groups. After regularly, seeing her comments and posts with such energy and positivity, Dorian decided she needed to be friends with her and reach out to do a virtual chat. Since then they talked regularly and have had months where a day doesn't go by without them talking. For anyone that knows Dorian well, she's painfully blunt sometimes and in Justine she found her kindred spirit. Someone who can dish out and take blunt statements as well as the bride. Perfect pairing! Justine runs her own very successful marketing business and lives in Hooksett, NH with her husband Josh and two kids, Evan(6) and Tyler(3).
Kait Rogers
Bridesmaid
The most wonderful pain in the a** the bride has ever had the pleasure of working with! Her practical jokes and intense ambition made for constant excitement! Whether it was Kait tying Dorian's apron string to a cabinet just for her to get yanked back as she went to grab something or being the most incredible assistant manager anyone could ask for! Over the years Dorian has had the honor of going from being her boss, to mentor, to ultimately dear friend. Kait has continued to climb ladders and kill it at Starbucks where she is now a Senior Management Recruiter, Licensed Stores-US/LAC. She lives in Buffalo, NY with her fur babies and her boyfriend Jake.
Alyssa Rubinstein
Bridesmaid
In 2009 Alyssa started working at Starbucks and soon became the bride's closest friend. One of Dorian's favorite things bout Alyssa is how thoughtful she is. She remembers details about people, their likes, interests and always has them on hand when needed for a kind gesture or a gift. On the flip side of her kindness is her incredibly dark sense of humor which makes things fun. Dorian and Alyssa are just like sisters, they pick back up no matter how much time has passed. She lives in Castleton-On-Hudson with her husband Jason, step-daughter Sadie(18), and step-son Tucker(15).
Leigh Schroder
Bridesmaid
Leigh's another Alabamian transplant who moved here 5 years ago with her husband, Cody (also in the wedding party). Dorian knew what it was like to move to a state where you have no roots, so when Joe asked Dorian if she would spend some time with Leigh she was more than willing. Dorian is so glad she did! Her mix of southern hospitality with a NY attitude makes for the best times! Leigh is incredibly crafty with a love for decor and design. It's so fun to go to antique fairs and estate sales and see the things she creates. In one quick trip to Homegoods Leigh redecorated Dorian & Joe's room by simply having Dorian pick a few items she liked. Leigh’s strength for planning, decision making, and all things wedding makes her an amazing bridesmaid, giving Dorian support from day one on how to easily move through the process (even while D was kicking and screaming!). Leigh lives in Glenmont, NY with her husband Cody, their 2 dogs, and their newest addition, their son Elijah.
Briegé Carmichael
Junior Bridesmaid
Daughter of the bride & soon to be step-daughter of the groom. The life of our household, Briegé is always so engaged in life and brings us along with her. She's in the second half of her junior year and on top of her incredible academic performance she's on the track team (this is her 7th season), dance classes, preparing for SATs, working on getting her license in April, all while visiting colleges and deciding her next steps in life. She has never been a child who got bored. When she was little she'd play for hours and had a wild imagination and creativity - everything in the house was a part of her play! As a sixteen-year-old she is constantly filling her time, and ours , with things to do. Whether it's going for walks or bike rides, doing a craft or painting something, exploring new things in the kitchen, especially baked yummy treats, planning a family game night, life is never dull with her around!
George Nelson
Best Man
Groom’s brother and best man since 1988. Their personalities clashed when George was the introverted nerd growing up and Joe was the headstrong, social, freight train of a personality. In college Joe miraculously became the nerd and George grew to be well-rounded, and since then their paths have merged to become very much alike. Currently resides in Miami, FL with his husband (and wedding officiant) Alfie, enjoying the vibrant culture and warm weather.
Nick Adger
Groomsman
Grew up together. Being 2 out of 3 total boys in their kindergarten class, they had no choice but to become best friends. Even though they went through different paths after elementary school, they stayed in touch and have supported each other through life's many ups and downs through the years. Currently resides near Greenville, SC, making Joe jealous with his access to great beer, hiking around him, and lack of taxes.
Chris Bove
Groomsman
Chris and Joe met in 2012 when Joe moved to Albany. Chris introduced Joe to real hiking and camping in the Adirondacks around then, and Joe introduced Chris to real beer around 2013. Since then they have been hanging out together in lean-tos, tents, and campfires with a good beer in hand for much of the time. Need only 3 more peaks to become official 46ers, which Joe continuously reminds the excuse-ridden Chris of. Currently resides in East Greenbush, NY with a very busy family of 5.
Chris Cadwell
Groomsman
Met in middle school, have been talking absolute trash to each other since then. They once played against each other in a high school baseball game - Chris struck out, going down valiantly to Joe's elusive curveball. Got dominated frequently by Joe at ping-pong in high school, so bad that he decided to join the losing team and attend Auburn University. Nevertheless he picked himself up by his bootstraps and has made quite the career for himself, and even convinced his wife to marry him and start a family. He currently is living the dream in Gulf Shores, AL, kicking back with a good beer on the beach whenever he can.
Ben Dausman
Groomsman
Met while in ODP rotational program in 2011 after college (along with Cody). Ben and Joe were randomly assigned to room together on their first training trip, and as luck would have it they matched each other in their high energy and approach to having a good time. Briefly worked together in Albany before Ben moved back home in 2013. Joe and Ben continue to support each other at SABIC professionally and personally, and whenever they are able to get together they still know how to have a great time. Currently resides in Naperville, IL with his wife and 2 kids.
Cody Schroder
Groomsman
Met while in ODP rotational program in 2011 after college (along with Ben). Cody grew up in upstate NY and moved to Alabama, living the alter-ego life of Joe for about 5 years. When he moved back to Albany, he and Joe hit it off again and have been strongly supporting each other since then. They have had the opportunity to live through many an organizational challenge at SABIC, shared over countless happy hours at Swifty's and around fire pits. Since Cody was indoctrinated by his time in Alabama and even married an Alabama gal (Leigh - also in wedding party), he became just as entrenched in Alabama Football obsession as Joe. Cody currently resides in Glenmont, NY with his wife, child, and 2 dogs.
Bryan Simpler
Groomsman
Best friends since 1st grade. Convinced Joe to play soccer for a while, until Joe decided to take the lazier option to play baseball. Hung out together pretty much constantly, going to movies (most memorable one was Armageddon), birthday parties, playing video games, soccer, frisbee, etc. Constantly tried to get people to wrestle with him, nobody really liked that to be honest. Eventually took his insatiable energy and drive to his current job as a Project Manager that fits his personality well. Whenever they get together, great things happen. Joe and Bryan share a love of comedy and constantly roast each other. Joe hopes that Bryan does not rip his pants this wedding, and suggests that Bryan buy a spare just in case. Currently resides in Tampa with his soon-to-be wife Corey.
Daegan Swasey
Junior groomsman
Son of the bride and soon to be official step-son of the groom. The heart of our household, Daegan has always been the kindest soul with others and with animals. Daegan learned that he loved parkour years ago, and figured out how to turn that love into a job by combining it with his strength in teaching. He received his head coaching certification recently, enabling him to develop his leadership traits. He also enjoys challenging himself physically and has been learning through experience how to take care of his car.
Ashley & Nicolas Carmichael
Family Honoree
Sister(in-law) & brother of the bride. In our family we say Ashely brought Nic back to us. From their early days together it was obvious Nic had really found himself through their love. Dorian's brother has always been the kindest to her and from day one Ashley cared for Dorian as a sister, giving support, advice, and helping tons when Briegé was first born. From there they had their 3 boys and have held strong no matter what has come their way.
Naomi & Jim Colton
Family Honoree
Sister & brother-in-law of the bride. Naomi's always there for a good time, bringing joy into the room and spreading her contagious laughter. Jim will always join in if there's some tea to share. They have an incredible marriage role modeling accepting each other for who they are, truly accepting each other, and bringing out the best in each other as they grow.
Chis Mzese
Family Honoree
Chis has spent his entire life in Tanzania, so this will be his first American wedding. Four years ago he and Noël moved from the savannas of southeast Africa to the north country of Lake Placid. Chis showed a remarkable ability to adapt to the markedly different culture and climate. He highly values community and family and fit right into the structure here. Joe loves hanging out with Chis in hammocks and around campfires on the family island property in Raquette Lake, ADK, as well as during Christmas break and any time they can see each other. They enjoy each other's company while working on puzzles and solving problems together. Chis also quickly adapted from homemade and questionable QA Tanzanian "beer" to the Northeast high quality IPAs that the area is known for. Husband of matron of honor - Noël Mzese and father to two very creative daughters.
Rev. Alfonso Santillana
Officiant & Family Honoree
Husband to George since 2013, Alfie brings life, vibrancy, and style to the family. If it weren't for Alfie, George would be living in a cardboard box and wearing the same stained, hole-ridden t-shirts that he wore in high school. Alfie is spiritually in tune and constantly focuses on bettering himself. His joy for living has made a great impact on keeping the family grounded. Alfie is a wonderful cook, loves time in the kitchen with family, and teaching his techniques and recipes to those around him. Currently resides in Miami and enjoys showing off his newly renovated kitchen.
Denise Nelson
Mother of the Groom
Joe loves his mom and credits her for keeping his priorities on track throughout school. He recognizes that he must have been an absolute terror of a child, especially now that he sees how mature Daegan and Briege are. He thinks back to all of the bad decisions he made growing up and thanks her and his dad Rob, that they were there to guide him, most of the time with consequences. They stuck with him nonetheless and he finally turned a corner in college. When Joe came back from Albany and shared his new relationship with Dorian, Denise had a million questions but was immediately supportive. She could see how serious he was about this relationship, and therefore so was she. The constant support she has given has been a huge boost for their relationship. She currently lives in Montgomery, AL and continues to tutor students after retirement.
Paulette Stoddard
Mother of the Bride
She raised one spit-fire of a girl who did not make it easy. Her strength and incredible work ethic, especially in serving her children as they grew, has always been an inspiration for Dorian. One of her best qualities is her great sense of humor, though some might say it's too good as she laughs at all of Joe's cheesy jokes. A retired nurse, she has provided a guiding voice through many an illness and "oopsie" over the years. She loves her family more than anything, driving up from her home Florida to visit every year, carrying boxes full of gifts for her grandkids (don't people move to Florida to get away from the cold??). She currently resides in Sun City with her adorable 2 cats.
John Carmichael
Father of the Bride
Light hearted fun is what Dorian thinks of when she thinks of her "Father-o". Dance parties in the living room, playing video games, movie nights, and mental math problems in the car. When we were growing up he always encouraged a positive attitude, like when he called for "Attitude checks," to which we were supposed to respond, "I feel great!" The best life lesson of all, he is willing to laugh at himself, keeping life light and fun.