Wedding Party
Brandon Oursler
Best Man
I met Brandon the day I was born, it's kind of what happens when you have an older brother who predates you by a few years. And Brandon had a lot of responsibility in showing me what TO do and what NOT do (it was mostly the latter!). Joking aside, Brandon and I have shared many amazing memories growing up - from our nefarious childhood days of stealing plywood from local job sites to create makeshift forts in the woods behind our childhood home, to the times we lived out our more risk-taking side pretending we were BMX riders in the X-Games while we jumped firepits on our Wal-Mart mountain bikes, or the more pain induced memories of him using me as his practice dummy while he achieved his 2nd degree blackbelt (until I eventually was bigger and put an end to that...). Although I didn't have a choice when meeting Brandon, I couldn't have asked for a greater person to look up to as we grew up. Brandon has grown into amazing man, a great father to his two kids and wonderful friend. I am the luckiest little brother to have him in my life. I am honored to have him stand by me on my wedding day.
Nicolette Felts
Maid of Honor
When writing our Wedding Party bios, I saved Nikki's for last as I knew it would be the most difficult. How do you approach writing a bio for someone you've known your entire (well, most of) life? Let's give it a go - Growing up, Nikki was like a sour patch kid - Sometimes she was sour and other times sweet. Her sour moments include cutting off all of my barbie doll's hair, stealing my clothes, and getting me in trouble - but, in all honesty, she was mostly sweet. We would choreograph dance routines for the neighborhood kids and have recitals in the driveway. If we were in timeout (which never happened) we would pop our heads outside of the door and whisper to each other so our Mom and Dad wouldn't hear us. As we've grown older, we've become closer. I am always in awe of her heart - Nicolette loves deep and wears her heart on her sleeve. She is vulnerable, caring and so good with children. She's always trying to make you laugh whether she's cracking jokes or making a Tik-Tok video (What even is Tik-Tok)? I couldn't imagine having anyone else right next to me on my wedding day. Thank you Mom & Dad for bringing the biggest ray of sunshine I know into my world. I love you!
Luke Hanson
Best Man
Luke and I met in college and quickly realized that we would be best friends long past the eventual break from our respective ex’s who were the reason for our meeting (Least something good came of those relationships!). And despite his love for the University of Alabama (Roll Tide), from the first time we met in the Grove at an Ole Miss (Hotty Toddy) football game, Luke has been a constant in my life. When I moved to Washington D.C. after college, I would find any excuse I could to go back to Birmingham, Alabama where he lived, to visit and play golf. And when my return flight was inevitably cancelled due to the many erratic southern thunderstorms (this has happened multiple times), forcing him to come pick me up from the airport and stay an extra night; we were always happy to have a few more hours to hangout and chat over a good beer! From beers during epic battles of Mario Cart to traveling for golf trips and all the way to San Juan for his bachelor party, the memories we have made throughout the years are ones that I will remember my entire life. Luke is a friend that anyone would be blessed to have in their lives. He is my best friend, and I am proud to have him as my Best Man on the biggest day of my life!
Jessie Ritz
Matron of Honor
Jessie Ritz (aka Wifey... Yes, she is in my phone as this) and I met in high school at a party - Thanks All Time Low. I remember being intimidated by her because she knew everyone and was easily the most popular person at the party. It wasn't until after college where our relationship evolved from 'acquaintances' to 'best friends'. On a whim, we became roommates in Baltimore after college (RIP RitzFeltsterton). Jessie became a second mom to Mister Sirz when she moved with me to Brooklyn, NY where we would have happy hours on our fire escape and watch Ravens games at Cody's. Jessie is one of the most talented people - If you don't know, she is a florist in her free time, and creates the most beautiful arrangements. After living in Austin, TX for almost 4 years, she is moving home to Baltimore and I can not be MORE. FREAKING. EXCITED. to have my best friend back!!! I hope you're ready for all of the scary movie nights, Benny cuddles and sleepovers. Jessie is incredibly loyal, thoughtful, and kind - If you have the opportunity to get to know her, you're lucky. I could not be more excited to have Jessie stand next to me and I can't wait to do the same for her when she gets married this year on September, 23rd!
Hunter Swindle
Groomsman
Hunter and I met on Masters (Golf) Sunday through our mutual friend "Greek", who is also a groomsman. We bonded over our mutual love of golf, Nike sneakers, our southern roots and Bar-B-Que. Hunter's kindness is one of my favorite attributes of his. He and his wife Kristin are always hosting, cooking for others, and doing everything they can to make you feel at home. And when I say Hunter can cook, what I mean is some of the most delicious home cooked meals I have ever had, have come from the Swindle kitchen! From homemade pasta, smoked meats/Bar-B-Que, and countless other amazing dishes, if you have moment ask him about his favorite recipes – I promise you won’t regret it! Although Hunter recently moved to South Carolina from Baltimore, I think it's indicative of our friendship that I have already made multiple trips to visit! I am honored to have him as my groomsman and my friend.
Lauren Brennan
Matron of Honor
Where do I even start with Lauren? I should just copy & paste my Maid of Honor speech from her wedding but that would be too long so let's just try to condense it... I met Lauren at College of Charleston where we were pledging the ADPi sorority (boom boom). Not only do people think we're sisters all the time but we were born only 2 days apart and have matching tattoos, so maybe we are? After college, we were roommates in DC, where Lauren encouraged me to join social sports leagues such as bowling, bocce, and skeeball (yes, skeeball). She is always down for a trip - One of my favorite memories with Lauren was our spontaneous trip to Iceland where we relaxed in the Blue Lagoon, hiked craters, and explored waterfalls. She is always pulling me outside of my comfort zone. Lauren is one of the most thoughtful, kind and generous people I know - never forgetting to celebrate a birthday or special occasion. Lauren is one of the best people I know and I am so fortunate to call her my best friend and have her with us for our wedding day.
Tristan Schnader
Groomsman
Tristan and I met in Washington D.C. and quickly bonded over our love of Arsenal soccer and our favorite bar, Midlands Beer Garden! One of my favorite memories with Tristan was when he gave me the nickname, “Monster Man.” During one of our more intense rec soccer games, it began to get a bit rough and our guys were getting pushed around by some of the larger opponents. One of our smaller strikers got shoved down and as any good 6’5” goalie would do, I ran out of the net in defense of my teammate yelling, “HEY! THAT’S MY FRIEND.” To which Tristan began to laugh and said in his most sarcastic tone, “Ok Monster Man. Go back to goal.” To this day, Tristan still calls me Monster Man and it brings me back to the great times we shared in D.C. The hours we have spent on his porch after rec soccer games talking about life are times I will never forget. I am so happy to have him as one of my groomsmen!
Jennifer Blanche Griffin
Bridesmaid
Back in high school, I met Jen at an All Time Low music video shoot. At the time, my makeup knowledge was dismal, and Jen wore bright red lipstick so naturally she gained the name of 'Red Lipstick Girl' - Fast forward a few concerts, basement parties, and relationships - Jen and I became best friends when I moved back to Baltimore after college where she was there for me during my toughest time. It's hard to put into words how special Jen is to me - She's my biggest cheerleader and best hype woman. My favorite memory is our 'Eat Pray Love' trip to Spain - Jen is always down for a vacation (thanks for third-wheeling Tulum with Brooks & I). She was the first high school friend Brooks met and after meeting him said to me, "You know you're going to marry him, right?" I am beyond ecstatic to have Jen next to me and I can't wait to plan our next trip - perhaps Africa for a buddymoon?
Alex "Greek" Grieco
Groomsman
Alex aka "Greek" was who Alex said, "if he doesn't like you, we probably aren't going to work..." No pressure when you have already fallen in love with the girl… Also, if you read that first sentence and were confused, this is why we call him Greek and not Alex. Kidding aside, from the day I met Greek I knew we were going to be great friends. His sense of humor (see photo), love for his friends and his love/hate relationship with golf is something we can always see eye to eye on. He is one of my favorite humans on this planet and I'm very pleased to call him my friend and honored to have him as a groomsman.
Megan Emdad
Bridesmaid
Megan and I met in 6th grade and I'm so glad we did because she would sit upstairs with me during lunch when I broke my ankle since I couldn't take the stairs to go to the cafeteria. We quickly bonded over our love of childhood possessions - Elaine Mindy (a cabbage patch doll) and Pooh Blanket (a Winnie the Pooh blanket). Throughout the years, we have always been there for each other throughout the highs and the lows. I am in awe of Megan's drive - she was my first friend to buy a home, get her CPA, and most recently became a partner at her accounting firm! Brooks and I love having sleepovers at Megan and her husband, Armon's, home and spending time with their one-year-old, Ellie!
Pat Cummins
Groomsman
Pat and I together look like we could join an NBA team, although neither of us are all that great at basketball. What Pat is great at is being one of the most sincere and kind individuals I know. When he asks, "how are you?" he truly listens and cares about what you have to say. One of my favorite memories with Pat was vacationing in St. Michaels, Maryland and paddleboarding out into the bay one evening. We sat on the boards, had a few beers and let the current take us back into shore while the sun set - from then on, the bromance was real. I am very grateful to call Pat a friend and honored to have him as a groomsman.
Annie Cummins
Bridesmaid
Much like a few of my bridesmaids, Annie also went to Notre Dame Prep. But unlike the others, there is somewhat of a legend as to how I learned who Annie was… something about falling through a window in the cafeteria… You’ll have to ask her! But it wasn't until Annie and I met while going to our friends, All Time Low’s concerts back in high school, that we truly bonded. My favorite memories with Annie almost always include a few glasses of wine, our puppies, and singing musical theatre at the top of our lungs. Annie’s free spirit, infectious personality and kindness are just a few reasons of many why I am so excited she'll be standing next to me on my wedding day.
Wayne Morgan
Groomsman
I met Wayne at my favorite local watering hole, Midlands Beer Garden in Washington D.C. He quickly went fFrom bartender to one of my closest friends, and Wayne has been a mentor and a support through some of my hardest days. Our conversations together about life have been ones that have given me knowledge and a unique perspective that will serve me the rest of my life. Wayne has played the role of mentor and confidant, but most importantly he is an amazing friend. If you get a chance to talk to him during the wedding you will quickly realize what I did, he is genuine and authentic in everything he does. His kindness is something I will forever be thankful for, and I am honored to have him with me on my biggest day!
Sam Kienz
Bridesmaid
Sam and I met at one of her parent’s infamous parties while we were in high school. Like any good highschooler, Sam threw the party while her parents were out of town and the rest is history. Many of my favorite memories of Sam and I’s relationship center around ‘homes’. From the times we spent raging at her parents to the BBQ's she hosted at her home in Towson after college; our times spent talking over a glass of wine, listening to Andrew McMahon, while the dogs ran around the yard are some of my favorite memories we share. Sam is kind, welcoming and will always make you feel at home no matter where you are. She is one of my best friends and I couldn’t imagine having her anywhere but by my side on my wedding day!
Ben Rodabaugh
Groomsman
Ben and I for a longtime were friends simply because of Tristan (also a groomsman), but when I moved to the Shaw neighborhood in Washington D.C., Ben and I's friendship grew fast! He was actually the first person to ever meet Maggie, my German Shephard. Our mutual love for whiskey has led to many late nights on my old apartment's rooftop, having conversations about investing, politics and life. Ben's energy and his laugh are infectious and something I can't wait to have while celebrating the wedding.
Laura Ottenritter Sando
Bridesmaid
When I think of Laura, I immediately go back to middle school at Notre Dame Prep. We were two young pre-teens who only cared about one thing… being sure we could nail the dance moves from every music video on MTV. And thanks to our VHS copy of Daren’s Dance Moves, you can rest assured that our moves were on point. Although her ability to bust out moves like the ‘worm’ are legendary, what I love most about Laura is her infectious energy and personality. She brings so much joy to my life and I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without her!
Magnolia "Maggie' Oursler
Dog of Honor
Maggie and I met one fateful day just outside of Nashville Tennessee. She was barely 7 weeks old and it was love at first sight. Fastforward a few weeks and a few dating app messages to a beautiful blonde named Alex later, Maggie's presence was what sealed the deal on our first date. Honestly, who could say no to a German Shephard Puppy?! Named after the giant Magnolia's that grew in Oxford, Mississippi, Maggie has bloomed into an amazing, beautiful and strong dog who loves Alex and I deeply. She is a protector, a lover and at times an insane person we lovingly call "crackhead" as she does zoomies throughout our home in Baltimore!
Bennett "Mr. Sirz" Felts
Best Pup