Wedding Party
Chelsee Settle
Matron of Honor
Erica and Chelsee met in middle school and have been best friends ever since. One of their more notable adventures: after attending prom the two years prior, they skipped senior prom for a beach trip instead. Erica had the honor of being Chelsee’s maid of honor and has been waiting ever since to close the loop. Chelsee also planned Erica’s incredible bachelorette weekend in Fort Lauderdale.
Chase Disher
Co-Bestman
Chase & Phounsouk became best friends instantly for no reason at all as summer interns at Stanford. At Chase’s wedding, Phounsouk said he’s “the greatest man currently walking the earth”. We’ll all be judging if Chase can top that for his speech. When the song “Cat Daddy” plays, be sure to keep your eyes on Chase.
Laura Smith
Bridesmaid
Erica and Laura first met in college on a Gamma Phi Beta “pledge daughter” date, and while they didn’t end up as pledge mother and daughter (or pledge big and little), they stayed close in college and beyond– due in part to their shared birthday. Their love languages: margaritas, silly horoscopes, and fantasy romance book recommendations.
Daniel Nguyen
Co-Bestman
Phounsouk met Daniel in the 6th grade and bonded deeply about their dreams of traveling the world. Since then they've been to Tokyo, Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, Columbia, and Peru together. Daniel is well on his way to over 100+ countries. And they have more trips together planned. Daniel always answers the phone by saying "Sup Twinnn".
Elise Haybron
Bridesmaid
Elise and Erica grew up sharing a room until Erica was 11, which meant growing up side by side. As the younger sister, Elise followed in Erica’s footsteps—including eventually moving to Chicago—but has since firmly outlasted her, establishing herself as a true Chicagoan (complete with an impressive knowledge of Prohibition-era crime bosses and the best comedy clubs).
Anthony Balfour
Co-Bestman
Anthony and Daniel were best friends first in the 6th grade. Phounsouk forced himself into the group and became the 3rd leg of the stool. They are now forever known as the "Triumvirate". Anthony is the only one who can keep up with Phounsouk talking about Anime. He calls Anthony after every episode everyday. Anthony also helped Phounsouk get fit for the wedding.
Phonetip Sivilay
Bridesmaid
Phounsouk’s older sister by 6 years, she basically raised him as a second Mom. From late night school project supply runs at Walmart to late night bubble tea runs to bond, she’s always had his back. She taught him so much and now teaches even more kids Lao traditional dance as a director of programming.
Benjamin Haybron
Groomsman
Growing up together, Ben and Erica developed a shared sense of humor, shaped by shows like “Scrubs.” As the younger brother, Ben followed in Erica’s footsteps— moving abroad to teach English in China (where Erica studied abroad), where he ultimately outlasted her time there. They also share a love of escape rooms, recruiting the family over Christmas—much to Phounsouk’s horror, as he hates being trapped in a room. Phounsouk finally has a brother!
Evelyn Atwater
Bridesmaid
Erica and Evie met in college through Gamma Phi Beta. They later lived together in Chicago, where they spent many nights at their favorite Chicago haunts: Hangge Uppe, Slippery Slope and Whole Foods’ $5 wine night. Erica had the honor of being a bridesmaid in Evie’s wedding last year.
Michael Nehmad
Groomsman
Michael lived down the hall in the Sigma Nu fraternity. They bonded over their shared love of fine dining and EDM. They frequently use each other as a “party bat-signal”. When Michael needed a date to his GSB party, in Bali, Indonesia, Phounsouk said yes 2 weeks before. Michael has also helped plan every boyz trip we’ve ever done. Ask him about it.
Kelsey Fahey
Bridesmaid
Erica and Kelsey met in college through Gamma Phi Beta. They later overlapped in New York, where they shared many memorable nights out. They also share a love of fantasy romance books, and Erica had the honor of being a bridesmaid in Kelsey’s beautiful Sayulita wedding last year.
Tyler Strand
Groomsman
Tyler & Phounsouk started their love affair when they hosted fancy “Cocktail Nights” as a rebellion against the frat for constantly drinking beers-only. Once Phounsouk moved to New York, they continued that love affair across every speakeasy in town. Tyler is a shameless dancer when he’s drunk. Buy him a drink and find out.
Maya Biermann
Bridesmaid
Erica and Maya met in college through Gamma Phi Beta. They now both live in Seattle and have explored many of the city’s wine bars and pasta spots together. Maya and Henry’s wedding was the first time many of their Stanford and Northwestern friends came together—something Phounsouk and Erica are excited to recreate again.
Travis Edwards
Groomsman
Travis & Phounsouk grew ever-closer one music festival at a time. Travis has incredible taste, so Phounsouk has followed Travis to every random artist set at Sasquatch & Coachella (Twice). He’s a sweetheart and has never left Phounsouk behind in the crowds (he’s tall). He is now a converted Seattleite (previously from LA) which Phounsouk thinks is a dream come true.
Lawrence Neil
Officiant & Groomsmen
Lawrence was Phounsouk’s sophomore roommate in the frat and connected instantly over their love of rap music. Lawrence moved to Philadelphia in 2018 while Erica and Phounsouk also lived there. He saw their relationship grow from the very start. He’s an incredible writer and a better human. We’re grateful to have Lawrence officiate!