Wedding Party
Cooper Lawson
Best Man
I first met him in the hospital, according to pictures. One of my earliest memories is tying him to a tree thick with cicada skins. Some tell me that he is only as talented as he is because of how hard I was on him when we were children; I think he is talented in spite of it. I'm proud to have turned the past around so I can now call him simultaneously a brother and a best friend.
Sebastian Calderon
Groomsman
We met as 6-year-olds and departed as neighborhood mischief-makers in kind at 13. We reunited at 19, where he reminded me of my long-buried boyhood sensibilities through his friendship. In the 6th grade, he showed me Pan's Labyrinth on the way to a mall and sent me down an existentialist hole I have not yet recovered from.
Ethan Ksiazk
Groomsman
We first crossed paths in the driftless region of northeastern Iowa, a weekend defined by talks of cactus and cadavers. He is the only man to ever regularly get the better of me when it comes to esoteric and idiosyncratic wordplay. A linguistic rival whose intellectual challenges I relish.
Kit Garlet
Groomsman
Kit's entrance into my life solidified Richmond as an unequivocal new home. My first impression of them was one of intimidation; it was clear that they were unafraid to embody not only who they are, but who they want to be-- a rare thing for those of us who succumb to social pressures on the daily. A love for transgressive humor, abstract 3-hour films shot on handheld cameras, and me making a fool out of myself whenever I smoke cigs around them continues to bring us together.
Olivia Nelson
Maid of Honor
Finding out I was getting a baby sister after surviving the first years of my life with two brothers was one of the most memorable moments of my childhood. Finally, someone I could pick on the way my brothers had picked on me. Despite all my relentless teasing, Olivia has grown into one of the most patient, kind, and loving people I know. I am endlessly grateful for her presence in my life, and couldn’t imagine not having her by my side for this special day.
Lauren Nelson
Maid of Honor
Sassy yet sweet, that’s the perfect way to describe the youngest member of our sister trio. She’s always quick with a joke and can out-bake the best of them. Watching her grow into the incredible woman she is today has been one of the greatest joys of being a big sister. And even though she’s all grown up and absolutely stunning, in my heart she’ll always be that spirited 4-year-old, twirling around in a princess dress, laughing with her friends.
Nyesha Washington
Bridesmaid
A decade of friendship is filled with a lifetime of memories. From endless sleepovers and parties to late-night gossip sessions, we’ve built a bond that’s stronger with each passing year. I know that one day, when we’re old and gray, she’ll be the one racing me in wheelchairs down the halls of the nursing home, laughing at the memories we’ve created together. Forever my first "wife" and best friend.
Kenny Law
Bridesmaid
Kenny and I met back in middle school, arguably the worst stage in life. Between the horrid clothing choices and the unfortunate first makeup trials, we really did see each other at our most hideous. But through all of that awkwardness, Kenny became one of my best and dearest friends. They’re one of the few people I would fly across the country to see, or even get matching sardine tattoos with, and that pretty much says it all.
