Eliana & Boston
Our People
Larry Yellin
Father of the Bride
An incredible father with the jokes to back it up. My dad and I have always had a special relationship, cemented by long car rides to sporting events and long phone calls from Texas. He’s always my first call and number one teammate. No one can hear me, see me, and love me quite like him. I will always be thankfully seeking your advice. I love you forever, Dad.
Kris Yellin
Mother of the Bride
Let’s be honest, everyone wants to be just like her. With tenderness and compassion, backed by strength and confidence, she’s the mom all Yellin girls want to be one day. I pray I can balance life and its complexities the way that she does so gracefully. Let us continue to remind you of who you are, Momma. I love you beyond words.
Troy Gilbert
Father of the Groom
A man of mythic proportions, my dad is my hero. I only knew him for nine short years, but as I age, it feels like I continue to know him in new ways. It is as if he is active in some way in the unfolding of my life. I know I stand on the shoulder of a giant. I only hope I am blessed enough to continue to experience him afresh in my life during those magical moments when I feel him.
Ginger Gilbert Ravella
Mother of the Groom
She is steadfast. She is so unbelievably loving. I am grateful one million times over she is my mom. I know she wants my good even more than I could ever imagine. I am always floored by her capacity to love and connect. She just genuinely loves people, and with a force that is unmatched. If I could care for people with a fraction of the vigor she does, I would be satisfied. Resilient through some of life’s toughest challenges, she has remained soft. Her ability to turn bad into not only good, but better, is a testament to what an incredibly strong mother, wife and friend she is. I love you, Mom.
Jim Ravella
Father of the Groom
My father for the majority of my life now, Jim is a true gift to me and to everyone he is around. Although not apt to capture the entirety of Jim’s broad range of qualities, servant leader is a fitting description for Jim. Exponentially more comfortable backstage than in the limelight, Jim has a heart to serve others that is extraordinary in measure. Never asking for anything in return, he tirelessly pours himself out for those he loves, never sparing his best. That deep laugh of his is enough to make my day. I’m so thankful he’s my dad.
Mike DeFrees
Officiant / Groomsman
Mike is a giant. There’s just no other way to put it. I don’t understand how so many good things can be packaged in a single person. For the sake of brevity, a difficult task when writing about Mike DeFrees, the best word I can employ to describe what Mike means to me is “kin”. From holding each other and crying in the movie theater parking lot after watching American Sniper (definitely got looks, but whatever), to lengthy phone calls comprised of topics with range; containing but not contained to: God, the universe, dirty diapers, Mike is a soulmate by definition.
Kit Yellin
Maid of Honor
The queen of adventure and mood board planning. The past 4 years have brought Kit and me closer than we could’ve asked. There is no one else I could imagine leading the bridal team through this season. She has the brains, the beauty, and the unmatched brilliance that she often fails to see in herself, but the world is treasured to have. I love and value you more than you could ever understand. I want to grow up to make waves like you do, Kit.
Sami Yellin
Maid of Honor
She’s been making everyone laugh since she arrived on my 6th birthday. The past few years have also brought Sami + me so close that I wouldn’t want anyone else standing by my side…or making playlists for wedding season. She has an incredible capacity to learn and often stumbles into her natural talent, impressing everyone along the way. Not to mention, we all think she needs to model...and always have. Sam, I long for the day that you are able to see what everyone else sees in you - unwavering empathy, natural talent, and brilliance. I sure do love ya.
Greyson Gilbert
Best Man
I saved Greyson’s piece for last. I knew he’d be difficult to write about. I understand all of my close relationships as being their own unfolding, in a sense. I perceive them for what they are; dynamic, ever-developing, evolving entities. Although, I feel slightly different about myself and Greyson; it feels like I might not ever be gifted with the capacity to understand fully the scope of our relationship, in all its overwhelming depth and breadth. I just consider myself lucky to be in a position to explore, and enjoy, such a relationship as we continually test the bounds of our understanding of who we truly are. May we continue on: sharing, adventuring, bleeding, learning and grappling with the inertia of life together, until Valhalla.
Bella Ravella
Bridesmaid
You cannot help but feel like the most special person in the world when you spend time with Bella. She has a way of speaking compassion and truth unlike anyone I have ever known. I am sure everyone in attendance will get to experience her heart of gold, because she will make sure every single one of you feels seen and loved. I am so excited to be your sister, Bell, and I won’t stop reminding you of who you are.
Matt Gold
Groomsman
Tears are tempting when writing about Matt, honestly. In so many ways, it feels like he’s been there since the beginning. The beginning of me becoming (discovering) who I am, at least. He’s known me since I was a meager middle schooler and was undoubtedly my idol during formative high school years (nothing’s changed there though). 10 years my senior, Matt’s rock solid life advice, palpable humility and wonderful way around a whiskey glass and good conversation make him someone I’d be lucky to emulate.
Aspen Ravella
Bridesmaid
She reminds me so much of her big brother. It is so very fun to have our walks and talk about all the things she is experiencing as she journeys and grows into her strength and beauty. Aspen Grace, your heart is tender and pure. I am so thankful to have shared so many special moments with you these past few years, and I thank The Lord that it’s only the beginning of our sisterhood. I want to be like you, Aspen.
Tony Kwiatkowski
Groomsman
Yes, the tall, savvy, cultured lad with olive skin entertaining a crowd in the corner is Tony Kwiatkowski. A heavyweight in the numerous communities he’s found himself in throughout his life, Tony is a stalwart in mine. With every reason to flaunt his seemingly endless array of personal qualities and pedigree, he’s the first on the scene when it comes to being an undying and steadfast friend, asking about 1% for every 100 that he earnestly and gleefully gives. We “get each other” on levels that are hard to explain.
Annalise Ravella
Bridesmaid
AK has one of the most magical ways of inspiring and making you laugh. She is stunning and real, funny and honest, adventurous and comforting… all qualities I am so thankful to have in my new sister. Hopefully she will continue to have the patience she has always had with me as I consult her for hair and fashion advice ... you all can clearly see why. Stay you, Annalise, I love you big time.
Luke Thompson
Groomsman
Picture Johnny Bravo. Underneath his impressive physique and blonde lettuce is loyalty unmatched by a German Shepherd. Luke would literally do anything for his friends and I've proved beneficiary of that many times over. One of the most "down for any vibe" kind of cats I know. From club soccer rivals to college soccer mates to post-grad beer date frequenters, Luke and I share a bond I feel unworthy of sometimes.
Casey Rose
Bridesmaid
Truly inseparable since we walked on to SMU’s swim team. The memories are endless - from every 6AM swim to earning our full rides together, from leading SAAC to traveling the world, I cannot wait for the rest of this life with Case. I continue to experience and understand just how powerful her friendship is in my life, and I truly don't ever see that trajectory changing. Stay with me for the rest of it, Chandler.
Phil Ponder
Groomsman
There is only one Phil. Any attempt to adequately articulate the always hilarious self-deprecating humor we incessantly share, the number of times we can accumulate the word “bro” in a text thread, or the way Phil has faithfully walked alongside me in truly some of my lowest and highest moments in life, would be entirely inadequate. Phil’s immoral commitment and dedication, evident in his own life, is felt no different on the other end. To be Phil’s friend is to lock arms with a true companion, and I’m forever grateful for that honor. I’m not sure where I’d be without Phil, truthfully.
Kaylee Karsh
Bridesmaid
The longest standing friend - go ahead and throw it back circa year 2000 in preschool. Ever since, Kaylee and I have had no problem maintaining a special friendship - from living across the street to living across the country. We have shared some of life's deepest lessons together, on our front porches at 5AM as well as in the dirt roads of Namibia. Kaylee is hands down one of the most impressive, badass women I know. Here’s to the rest of it, Kaylee - still dreaming of changing the world with you.
Tosh Yasuda
Groomsman
Toshiki Yasuda. I can assure you he is as cool and mysterious as his name reads. Well, I guess the only real mystery with Tosh is how he manages to be such a constantly phenomenal friend. Our personalities matched early on during our freshman year SMU Soccer preseason, and our relationship has grown ever tighter since. It always feels easy hanging with Tosh, like a breath of fresh air; and that’s not to say we haven’t gone through some serious sh*t together. In some ways, I think the latter bred the former. I count his presence in my life as a great gift.
Nikki Pica
Bridesmaid
I honestly think Nic knows ALL of my crazy stories and deepest secrets. Something about her presence lends unfailing comfort and trust. From 8 year olds on the softball fields to laughing our way through family Pittsburgh Thanksgiving, I trust her to be around for every high and low, forever. Not to mention, she somehow can balance being absolutely stunning and being an absolute fool that makes me cry from laughing at her Austin Powers impersonations. Thank you for doing life with me, Nic.
Dom Hernandez
Groomsman
Dom and I forged a quick and seemingly unlikely friendship a couple of years ago, and one I am tremendously grateful for. I think we found each other at a time when we had a lot to give one another, laying the groundwork for a special relationship. Dom’s selflessness and genuine love for people stand out to me. I’ve witnessed it and personally experienced it countless times. A memorable night initiated by a bison ribeye and a tall IPA for each comes to mind when I think of Dom.
Molly Hernandez
Bridesmaid
Yes, she really is that joyful and kind. I thought it was too good to be true too, but found out it quickly wasn’t. Somehow she balances this truth with being one of the most real, honest girls I know. Here's to running and traveling all over this planet together - you inspire me. Walking through trials and triumphs alongside each other in our relationships with Dom + Bos, I couldn’t have done it without you, Molls.
Trent DeFrees
Groomsman
Trent is the raddest. Trent is the coolest. Trent is, for sure, the funniest. Trent is…Trent. Undeniably himself and unwavering in his commitment to the people he loves, don’t let Trent’s smooth operating and great character mask his ridiculous sense of humor. You get all of Trent when you get Trent and it’s that exact authenticity that has made me feel so known by him for so many years.
Kendall Patterson
Bridesmaid
From when we each thought the other was too perfect to be friends with…now standing beside me as a bride. Few people can make me laugh (or spin) as hard as KP. Her voice of reason and honesty inspires me to grow unlike anything else. She cannot comprehend the effect she has on those in her inner circle - and she is surely unaware of just how special she is to me. I cannot imagine this life without you, Ken.
David DeFrees
Groomsman
A unique triad of brotherhood and commitment to each another, one of the coolest aspects of my friendship with Dave is how he’s situated so seamlessly alongside both me and Greyson alike. As a result, I’ve been able to share much with Dave, both in word and in experience, that is incredibly deep and mutually fulfilling. I also try and share style with Dave, for obvious reasons; namely, the velcro Vans. Simply, Dave is a lifelong friend for more reasons than I could amply write here.
Montana Watts
Bridesmaid
The life of the party. Montee is always game for a girls night with wine on the couch or cocktails in hand out in Dallas. Along with Kendall, we three still laugh about our friendship avoidance. There is no one that exemplifies “fun-loving” more than Mont. Somehow, she still doesn't realize what she deserves out of this life, but I will continue to remind her just how much she kicks ass in this life. You’ll never know how thankful I am for you, Montana.
Tatum Joy
Bridesmaid
An angel on earth to everyone she encounters. Tatum is one of few who I can say truly loves and stands by her words. I’ll never forget our first coffee date and every phone call after…all of which usually end in tears for one or both of us. I won't ever stop fighting for this friendship because I know what a gift it is - and I am so lucky to know that she will do the same. Tates, you really are JOY.
Morgan Laurence
Bridesmaid
She is a special gift. We met years ago on my first trip home with Boston, and our friendship has never failed since. She’s the easiest person to call after a bad day or talk to for five hours about the mysteries and challenges of this life. Morgan, I won’t ever stop reminding you of just how golden you are. I love you and your heart for God's people more than you will ever know.