Emma & Michael

Wedding Party

Katie Thang

Matron of Honor

Growing up I never could have known how incredibly lucky I would be to have Katie as a younger sister. She is more than just a sister, she is my best friend and someone I know I can call on for any reason. She may not answer the phone the first time but she always checks in to see what I needed and listens to my long dramatic stories and knows I am always there when she calls. Even when she is across the world in Myanmar and there is a scorpion in her room, or when she is in Texas on a mission trip and they decide to stop at an animal reserve and there is a peacock chasing her to the van. I love that Katie knows I will always protect her even if geographically thats not possible. The saying, "Our parents leave us too early; our spouse and our children come along too late. Our siblings are the only ones who are with us for the entire ride," is one that I often think about and makes me feel so blessed to know she will be there for the entire ride. I love you more than you'll ever know little duck, you are an amazing mother, and I am proud to call you my sister.

Melissa Lavoie

Bridesmaid

I met Melissa while working as a therapist for kids with autism and even though she hates when I tell people this, she was my supervisor! In a career where you don't always get to see or know your coworkers, Melissa has always been so inclusive and would host get togethers which is how we became so close. She very quickly became one of my very best friends and although we are very different we share a lot of the same core values such as helping others, being obsessed with our dogs, and being absolutely hilarious (to each other). Melissa was there the day I first saw Michael. We were at a wedding that I was added as a last minute plus one and Michael had recently reconnected with the groom so basically we were both on the B list. As Michael and I got to know each other and obviously I would report everything back to Melissa, she would encourage me by saying, "Emma, you deserve a man who is going to put into a relationship as much as you do and Michael seems to be doing just that, but also dating in you 30s is hard." Lol I am now the Godmother of her daughter, Kyla (flower girl), and know I can always count on this girl for the rest of my life. Thank you for pushing me to make the best decision of my life, I love you Melissa!

Ruth Mayne

Bridesmaid

If I could hand pick my sister-in-law, Ruth is who I would pick again and again. She has become so much more to me than just a girl who married my brother. She is someone I truly consider a sister and a friend. I love and appreciate our private talks and the advice, knowledge, experience, and understanding she always bring. Ruth always brings warmth and genuine kindness to every family gathering and is so much fun to be around. As someone who is always down to get ice cream at any time, she has always fit perfectly into our family. Thank you for making me an Auntie, I love you!

Abby Asbury

Bridesmaid

I met Abby her freshmen year of college when she joined the track team at UMBC. She was part of the jump squad and the throws squad and very shy. I remember gear pick up day and I was asking her a bunch of questions and she would give me one word answers. I told her one day we're going to be friends and you're going to love talking to me. Well its safe to say I got her to crack and we became such close friends and truly one of the best parts of my experience at UMBC. She is one of the most American people I know and celebrating 4th of July is not the same unless I am in Connecticut with the Slonski's. Now she lives in Tennessee and although we are miles apart our friendship remains the same. No matter how long we've been apart its like no time has passed at all, I love you Abby!

Cora Childs

Bridesmaid

Cora is the only bridesmaid who has known me my entire life. As my cousin, Cora has been apart of every celebration and has encouraged me through life's lows. One of my earliest memories is riding with her and my brother Josh to the hospital to meet Katie. At the time we didn't even know she was a girl but I remember the battle between my brother and us chanting if it would be a girl or a boy, obviously the girls were right. Cora is not only my cousin but also a friend and someone I know I can go to for any reason and to talk about the hard things. I remember telling her all about Michael and how happy and encouraging she was and has always been throughout my life. She always greets me with the biggest, most tight hug that lets me know she will never let me go. God knew I needed a cousin like you, I love you so much Cora.

Caitlin Fletcher

Bridesmaid

Caitlin is probably one of the most random friends I've made in my life but truly someone who means so much to me. I met Caitlin one random Halloween evening when her dog Lily Rose ran up on me and Xena while being chased by some wild lady (Caitlin) yelling, "Lily come, I am so sorry!" Not only was this the start of an amazing friendship of people but also the moment Xena met her best friend. Caitlin and I instantly connected on our love for our dogs, our passion for working with kids, that both of our grandmothers have the same first names, Rose and Josephine, and we have the same middle name. I love our endless trips to the dog park and have appreciated every conversation we've had. Thank you for embracing and matching my weird, I love you girlie!

Josh Mayne

Groomsman

Who?.... Josh Mayne! My big brother Josh is someone I have always looked up to (even if he's never heard me admit it). Being 2 grades younger than Josh in school I'd occasionally get a teacher he previously had and would always be told, "You're Josh's sister he was so smart and such a pleasure to have in class." I unfortunately could never live up to the type of student he was but he was always there to help me through high school and even college. He has always been so passionate and a big reason I got into track and field. If you've ever been to a track meet you know they are an all day event and there is a lot of waiting. During those times of waiting, Josh and I would make up games, or just talk and laugh and be weird together. He has always been so protective of me and although sometimes it was annoying I wouldn't change it for anything because I know I forever have someone who has my back. I love seeing you as a Dad and how that love and protection has continued on to Bez and Mara. I love you Brother.

Ben Jack

Best Man

My cousin Ben also know as "Stubby" has been there for me all my life, even my aunt Janet had dreams of a black angel holding a small baby Ben. I grew up with Ben and we ran the streets of Cumberland, he is the one for single handedly getting me into the hobby of Warhammer. We have had so many memories together, which has lead him to becoming my best man. He is such an insightful friend and I'm thankful that he is in my life.

Charlie Scroyer

Groomsman

My friend Charlie, also known as "Chuck". I met Charlie back in college through Tommy and Jorge, and he has become one of my best friends. Charlie is the friend I know I'm going to laugh when I see him and someone I can enjoy playing video games with.

Jorge Marquez

Groomsman

Jorge the mad scientist, a friend that has always cared about his friends and ensure they're having a great time. I met Jorge in Towson through Tommy and we quickly became friends and hung out what it seemed to be everyday. We would get out of our college classes and go through frisbee for hours, until the sun went down.

Tom Zepp

Groomsman

Tommy Boy! I meet Tommy in college at Towson University, through a fellow roommate. Tommy and I quickly became great friends. We have had many laughs throughout the years and he has always been a friend I could reach out to for support. I'm happy to have him as a friend and a groomsman

Mark Jablon

Groomsman

The chillest man there is, Mark. I met Mark at Goucher university when I would come to visit an old friend, little did I know I would be making a new friend. Mark is a caring friend and has always had my back through difficult times. Talking comes easy with Mark, and we are always sharing what was the latest game we played. Our love for dogs, indie video games and the outdoors have made us great friends.