Elyse & Jim
The Wedding Party
Claire Gellert
Person of Honor
The younger, more talented, brilliant and beautiful sibling of the bride. An actor, teacher, cellist, vocalist, therapist and impressionist, they have been performing on stage since birth, originally starring in the Gellert Home Living Room Productions directed by Elyse and paying serious dues before joining an actual actor's union. As stated in the Irving Berlin classic song, Sisters: "....there were never such devoted sisters..." Elyse continues to "keep an eye on them...in all types of weather, they stick together.....they think and they act as one....and those who've seen us, know that not a thing could come between us." We'll just sing the whole song for everyone, you'll get the point.
Julia Snowden
Bridesmaid
Speaking of sisters, here is an extremely important woman that Elyse is honored to call family. West Newbury, Massachusetts native Julia Snowden is the gorgeous best friend that Elyse met freshman year at Indiana University. The two (three, counting Sally) quickly became inseparable as they bonded over musical theater, movies, food, coffee, a love for Julie Andrews and everything in between. Julia is a professional opera singer and incredibly talented musician, a skilled writer, world traveller and continues to be the funniest one of the group.
Gavin Mullen
Best Man
Brother to the groom, Gavin is “best man” in every sense of the phrase. When he is not closing business deals or carefully navigating championship golf courses Gavin can usually be found celebrating his beautiful wife Laura and adorable two kids Jack & Ava. Jim was Gavin’s best man over ten years ago and is honored to have his brother trade places and be by his side for this special day.
Laura Klein Mullen
Bridesmaid
Lovely Laura Klein Mullen is a native of Pittsburgh, PA where she currently practices law. She officially joined the Mullen clan 10 years ago when she and Gavin tied the knot! Laura is a huge fan of musical theater, Disney movies, cooking, reading, the beach, travel and is an incredible Mom to Jack and Ava.
Sally Ronald
Bridesmaid
Sally is from Portland, IN and met Elyse on their first day at Indiana University as randomly assigned roommates majoring in Slavic Language and Literature and Music, respectively. It took a second to realize that they were kindred spirits and the rest is history. After making too many memories to count they continue to talk every day though state apart. Sally is brilliant, has appeared on Jeopardy, and is one of the nicest, funniest and most caring people in the world. An avid reader, she (and Julia) continue to be very forgiving of Elyse for not reading any of the Harry Potter books and still enjoys discussing the movies and shows that they love to watch together. Sally received her Law Degree from IU and currently resides in Bloomington, IN with Ben and beautiful daughter, Beatrice.
Matt Hilgenberg
Groomsman
Jim and Elyse have had the pleasure of working and performing with Matt and are proud to call him a close friend. Matt can be seen all over NYC in Broadway pits, jazz clubs, gigging and playing his heart out. His talents extend well beyond his trumpet playing as he is also phenomenal at doing impressions, singing, movie trivia, quoting the most random Simpsons episodes and cooking! Matt is one of the kindest souls with the best sense of humor and also loves European football (Go, Germany).
Katie King-McDonough
Bridesmaid
Katie is the lovely sister of the groom, wife to groomsmen Ed and Mom to bridesmaids Devlynn and Addison! As a guidance counselor she possesses a very positive, loving and kind personality, attitude and is also extremely fun and outgoing. Katie loves to go on adventures with her family, ski, hike, complete puzzles in record time, and is the most supportive Mom and sister! You’ll find Katie cheering for her daughters (and everyone!) at any game, Irish dance fest, musical and hosting many parties and celebrations for her family and friends! She's an exceptional educator and human.
Ed McDonough
Groomsman
Brother-in-law Ed is one of the most likable people you will ever meet. He is husband to Jim’s sister Katie and father to nieces Devlynn & Addison. Ed loves music (vinyl 🤟), movies, the New York Yankees & Giants. He is an authority on Seinfeld episodes and does a great “spider” impression from Goodfellas. Like the groom he promises this is the year to get better at golf!
Rebecca Mullen
Bridesmaid
Becky is the beautiful, brilliant and stylish twin of the groom. Head of the guidance department at Horace Greely HS, she excels in supporting, loving, mentoring and inspiring everyone who knows her. Becky is one of the most dependable and generous people. In her spare time, Becky is an avid golfer, gardener, reader and loves being an Aunt to Jack, Ava, Devlynn and Addie more than anything. She values her family and friends the most and is the greatest sister, daughter and aunt.
Steph Chinn
Groomsman
Steph Chinn is a wise and gentle soul who never seems to age despite what decade it is. Whether he is armed with a frisbee or his trumpet Steph is a force to be reckoned with. A veteran Mamk music teacher and venerable renaissance man, Steph is known as the “pied piper” of Mamaroneck Avenue school. Steph and Jim have played in countless groups together over the years. They currently make up the horn section of the popular cover band 8 Track. When he is not tending to his three wonderful children Steph can be found on his boat sailing through Mamaroneck harbor.
Bill Derby
Groomsman
Bill has known Jim ever since he started teaching in Mamaroneck in 2006. During those first seven years Jim lived just down the street from Bill in Port Chester. Bill has been Jim’s sidekick through countless adventures ranging in everything from catching and transporting large South American tropical fish to tracking down many of the treasures in Jim’s collections. Whether it was a sarcophagus, giant Amazonian catfish, 250lb anchor, antique cash register or vintage slot machine, Bill has literally thrown his back out supporting Jim in his lifelong pursuit of cool “Mantiques.”
Devlynn King-McDonough
Bridesmaid
Devlynn is a multi-talented performer, athlete, musician, artist and student. She is currently in 8th grade and looking forward to her first year in high school in the fall! As the eldest Mullen grandkid, Devlynn is a wise, old soul and is always happy to play and spend time with her family! When she isn't on the pitchers' mound, she's rooting for the Yankees (as all Mullens and Gellerts do!)
Addison McDonough
Bridesmaid
Addison is an extremely creative, athletic, talented, musical and fun niece! She loves spending time with her cousins, playing softball (coached by her Dad!), making crafts, dancing, doing puzzles, raising her hermit crab Daisy, playing with her dog Mia, and has the greatest smile and laugh!
Jack Mullen
Ring Bearer
Jack is very excited to make his debut as ring bearer! A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Jack is a big fan of dinosaurs, firemen and fire trucks, singing and entertaining his family and being the best big brother to his sister, Ava.
Ava Mullen
Flower Girl
Ava is the adorable daughter of Gavin and Laura Mullen, and is very excited to be the flower girl! She loves to sing, dance, ride her bike and spend time with her favorite brother, Jack and cousins Devlynn and Addison.