Wedding Party
Christina Prospero
Maid of Honor
Christina is a tall glass of water with personality to spare, which is precisely why Julia didn’t like her when they first met. There could only be one tall, loud person in an office. After finding common ground over an annoying colleague, they soon made impromptu plans over their cubicle wall for a weekend in Miami, and inadvertently found themselves at Art Basel. It was there that they had their first and only fight, over their vastly different styles of sneaking into a Vogue party. The rest is history and they have been tall and loud together ever since, with Christina slightly outpacing in each category.
Andy Lorber
"ATTICUS MENSCH"
Andy is not just Harding's best man, he's his best friend. They met in 3rd grade in Atlanta and never looked back. A constant partner in fun, they had several raucous and highly enjoyable years in NYC before Andy made the move back to Atlanta. Harding could fill 100 websites with all the great things he knows and loves about Andy. A proud entrepreneur, he opened Orpheus Brewing in Atlanta and is now becoming a restauranteur. He's always kept Harding on the straight and narrow, he is an unbelievable cook, and his beard is legendary.
Milena Garber
Maid of Sisterhood
The Farber Garbers are a true modern dynasty and Milena and Julia are the Kendall and Kylie of Brooklyn, by way of Odessa. Milena is fashionable, poised, self-possessed, and did we mention fashionable? Both an older cousin-but-feels-like-a-sister and her once-manager, Milena has the authority of Anna Wintour with a dash of Soviet leader. If she ever gives you a directive, at the wedding or otherwise, it’s in your best interest to follow.
Joe Chacon
"THE GENTEEL PROFESSOR"
If Harding wasn't marrying Julia, he'd probably just wind up living with Joe for the rest of his life - though his BF Bobby might have some reservations. He was the best roommate Harding ever had - always up for a good time, similar food preferences (Taco Bell Sundays ftw), and a fellow believer that fantastic pants make all the difference. He's an avid Don Draper enthusiast and owns a dresser that used to belong to his fellow Bay Ridge resident Peggy Olson. He also probably knows more about true crime than any normal person should.
Priti Punjabi
Maid of Adventure
Priti and Julia met right before Julia’s roaring 20s. Fast friends, they mingled at Priti’s epic Brooklyn BBQs and traveled countless miles and countless years to the farthest reaches of the world and friendship. Now married with a baby (!!) and living in Spain (!!!), Priti continues their traditions abroad, while encouraging anyone who wants to escape the US that Madrid has no rats. And the best jamon on either side of the Atlantic. (That one, she's right about.)
Kate Coley
"DOLLY GOLIGHTLY"
More than a little sister, she's been a confidant, sidekick, and friend to Harding. They've been there for each other through thick and thin, to make each other laugh, and to share in their love of the fantastic movie version of "Josie and the Pussycats." She can also tell you all about their adventures of Harding driving her to school. She has a fantastically forthright fashion sense, and wears big earrings better than almost anyone. Dolly Parton is a major inspiration in her life, though it's arguable if Ke$ha is a bigger one.
Susanna Swartley
Maid of Mischief
Julia was pleasantly bewildered to learn that Susanna’s first name was also Julia, but she did not yet realize the power of two Julias combined. Soon #juliasdo was born, with the two unapologetically feeding the other’s whims. A power couple not to be contended with, both personally and professionally, the Julias have not met a dance battle they have shied away from, nor a Domino’s slice they have not devoured the day after the holiday party...with plenty of ranch. #thejuliasdoweddings
Ian Baker
"PARTY GHOST", AKA "EL VIEJO", AKA "T-BONE"
Have you ever met someone and thought "wow, we have some weirdly specific things in common"? A wry and dark sense of humor, a curmudgeonly spirit, and a fondness for colorful and interesting shirts are just some of what Ian and Harding share. But what makes Ian truly unique is his understated wisdom, which most likely comes from his constant worldly escapades. Working at an airline allows him to constantly travel the world, and it makes for a constant stream of enviable stories and photos. He also has fantastic taste in champagne.
Noopur Shukla
Maid of Panache
Noopur aka Noop a Loop aka Noopac Shakur aka aka aka came into Julia’s life like a beautiful wrecking ball. Willful, hilarious, and always coming in hot, Noop gets the whole gang into the club and does so while carrying her world-famous Boobie Cake. Together Julia and Noopur always started the party in the East Village and then brought it to Oktoberfest not once, but twice. Because warum nicht. No matter what coast she’s on, and that truly depends on the day of the week, the two are boos for life.
Phillip Jones
"THE VELVET METRONOME"
Phil is the guy you always want to bring on a trip. He'll help you knock back beers, enjoy an awesome meal, but also help you navigate miles of mountainous terrain after getting lost escaping from ravenous wolves (that hasn't happened) or identify a copperhead snake nest (that definitely happened). He's also a founding member of the yearly Asheville beer trip along with Harding and Andy, one of their most sacrosanct traditions. He's responsible for some of the best laughs ever (usually at the expense of Andy), and is renowned for his handsomeness (especially the hair). He has also coined a key life motto - when faced with two equally desirable choices like which entree to order, just ask yourself: "Why choose?"
Fred Fridman
Officiant
It is hotly debated how long Fred and Julia have been friends. Was it since they were toddlers and their parents stuck them together to play in Odessa (Ukraine, not Texas)? Or was it years later, when Julia’s dad visited Fred’s dad in Maine and the two re-met as teenagers? Whatever side of the aisle you’re on, there is no arguing the strength of the friendship, as they stayed in touch across the many years, travels shared, and states that Fred has lived in. In recent years, Julia served as Fred’s Best (Wo)Man at his wedding to Bethany. And since Fred and Julia are both Leos, their competitive natures extend to weddings: not to be outdone, Harding and Julia chose to ask Fred to officiate their marriage and to serve on both the bride and groom’s parties. Take that, Fred.