Charlotte & Michael
Wedding Party
Caitlin Forsythe
Matron of Honor
It's a friendship so old you don't quite remember how it even began. Charlotte and Caitlin have known each other since before memories were truly sticking. Since those years, Caitlin and Charlotte haven't left each others sides much. Upon both getting into VCU, Caitlin lived 3 floors below Charlotte in their dorms. They moved into their first Richmond home together where they experienced all the joys of young adult life for the first time, including a mouse infestation, landlord chronicles, adopting a dog, and graduating college. Caitlin is a genuine, protective and admirable friend. She wasn't going to let just anyone marry Charlotte, and she completed the first and most thorough vetting of Michael. The bond that Caitlin and Charlotte have would be enough for somebody's lifetime.
Preston Mack
Best Man
Michael met Preston in the fall of 2018. It was nearly love at first sight. Since then, they've lived together, worked together, graduated college and have stood by each other during all the ups and downs. It's been a bromance that some never even see in their lifetimes. A friendship that cuddles for warmth when they find themselves winter camping in the snow, a man who will carry one another through the woods with a broken ankle, a combined sense of humor that leaves everyone in the room a bit jealous and confused. Preston has more kindness in his heart than Michael ever knew could exist. His love for those around him never wavers. He's hilarious, open minded, resilient and one of their absolute favorite humans.
Isabelle Anderson
Maid of Honor
Right before Charlotte began her 8th grade year of middle school, she found out she had been placed in Spanish 1, which she was convinced was going to pretty much ruin in her life. As she made her way to the Spanish room on the first day of 8th grade, she walked in to the realize the class was almost entirely 6th graders, and fellow 8th grader, Isabelle Anderson. When you experience a bond like that, you're connected for life. Isabelle is gracious, adventuristic, brilliant and dependable. Isabelle has seen Charlotte & Michael's relationship and has supported them through every step. Since 8th grade, she has made Charlotte a better, more adventurous, confident, and happier person. She is a soul mate bestie.
Matthew Lepski
Groomsman
When Michael met Charlotte's family, he recalls feeling intimidated and nervous about meeting 'the older brother'. Charlotte reassured him not to feel nervous about it, but Michael wouldn't understand until he met Matt himself. While being a fantastic and protective big brother, Matthew is also accepting, kind and supportive. He could instantly tell how much joy Michael brought to the family, and was one of the first people to make Michael feel welcomed. Matthew introduced Michael to brotherhood. They were always meant to find each other. They can be found spending more time together in an average week than anyone else, meeting weekly at the ice rink for hockey games and most Monday nights for DnD.
Ashley Pinkowski
Bridesmaid
There is a saying that all the best friendships come from girls who hated each other at first. Of course, Charlotte never hated Ashley, or vice versa, but Ashley's presence at the VCU orientation was a bit off-putting. Turns out, Ashley and Charlotte were quite literally bound to be friends. She kept appearing in nearly every college class. And slowly Charlotte realized that Ashley, in all her overwhelming bubbliness, was exactly what she needed in a friend. Ashley is one of the only ones to have known Michael and Charlotte separately before they were dating. She has been giddy seeing this relationship play out, unwavering in support for them. Ashley makes everyone around her feel like you are the most important person in the world, she is a one in a million personality. To know her is to know pure light and luckiness.
Jessee Bowers
Groomsman
During COVID season, Michael got the itch for a little more social interaction. With online college in full swing, he applied for a job at Total Wine. He thought it would be a quick gig, get some wine knowledge, and keep him busy during a otherwise depressing time. He could have never dreamed he'd meet Jessee. Jessee, his first and best total wine friend, took him under his wing instantly. Jessee told Michael all about the cool managers and never let him look stupid in front of the customers. Even though Total Wine is in both of their pasts now, Jessee has become so much more than a coworker. He's family to Michael and Charlotte, one of their biggest supporters and best of friends. They've known to love Jessee for his absolute silliness, the way he cares about his passions, and the way he loves those around him.
Jane Baker
Bridesmaid
Michael didn't know it, but when he mentioned he had a sister, Charlotte gave him instant bonus points. Charlotte didn't grow up with sisters, but it has made her take every opportunity of chosen sisterhood so seriously. Today, Charlotte gains a sister-in-law, something she does not take lightly, and values so dearly to her heart! Jane is a dream sister. She is always ready to be there for somebody, is beyond resilient and looks at life through an optimistic lens. Jane is an extremely strong, generous and sincere human. To have somebody like Jane in your life, as a sister, is such a privilege. The sisterhood between Charlotte and Jane will be so beautiful throughout their lives!
Ryan Baker
Groomsman
The moment Jane brought Ryan home and introduced him to Michael and Charlotte, they were ecstatic that he was around. Not only does Ryan bring kindness and charisma to the family, he's also one of the most passionate and faithful people we know. He's a missionary, an ER nurse, and an avid baseball fan. Ryan is the brother Michael didn't know he needed, but he's so lucky to have. Ryan sees the best in everyone, he's always looking for a way to help and he's always ready to meet somebody where they are. Not only did Ryan come into the family with his sweet love for Jane, but he brought the same love for the rest of her family too. We adore Ryan, and we're so thankful that he's here.
Autumn Davis
Bridesmaid
At the age of 11, Charlotte was handed a brand new baby to hold. It was one of her first times holding a newborn baby, and she instantly fell in love. Since then, Autumn has visited with Charlotte's family more or less monthly since she was only a few months old. When Autumn was around 7 or 8, Charlotte met Michael. She decided she would introduce two of the most important people in her life at Chuck E Cheese, and it went perfectly. After Michael winning her a couple hundred tickets equivalent to a slinky prize, Autumn was sold. She loved him too. To this day, Michael can be found tagging along with them to things like The Barbie Movie, Sephora, and spending more time in Target than Michael ever knew was possible. Autumn is the best teenager. She's easy to love, a joy to watch grow, and the most fun to be around.
Nicholas Lepski
Groomsman
Nick met Michael when he came to shadow a college course that both Michael and Charlotte were taking. She chose Nick as the first family member to meet Michael because she knew Nick would be cool, and because everybody loves him. Nick has never wavered in being the bigger younger brother, he's kinder, more talented and everyone has always likes Nick the most out of the three siblings. Growing up next to him was a privilege. Nick is the perfect brother, he'd do anything to take care of anyone. He can sing, play guitar, act, does some improv stand up comedy, can fix your car and make you cry (in a good way) with his spotify playlists. Nick and Michael already have brotherhood down. Every Monday, Nick can be found playing DnD with Michael (Charlotte is not invited...).
Lauren Alcorn
Bridesmaid
We met Lauren about two years ago when Daniel (our officiant) and her began dating. It's important to know that we love Daniel deeply, but to be honest, the moment we saw Lauren we told him she was out of his league. We're so thankful she doesn't feel like that, and that she stuck around. Lauren is a pure stroke of luck to hit our friend group. She's ready to go do anything at anytime and has a comfort about her that makes everyone around her feel like they’re exactly where they’re supposed to be. Lauren shows up so hard for the people she loves, and we’re so lucky that includes us. She's funny, easygoing, and has this quiet superpower of making everyone around her better—especially Daniel.
Daniel Burdin
Officiant
In June of 2020, Daniel was Charlotte and Caitlin's new roommate in their college house. Daniel moved in mid-Covid shutdown, and all 3 of their lives were honestly at a low point. Convinced to make them all best friends, Charlotte initiated a mandatory 'Bach Night' where the three roommates were to sit together, watch cheesy reality TV, and bond. And so it was, Daniel was one of them. Daniel is one of the best humans you could ever come across. He is fiercely loyal, empathetic and hilarious. He knows both Charlotte & Michael extremely well, and has been one the biggest supporters of the relationship since the beginning. After a bit of a fight over whose side he would stand on, it became clear that his place should be right in the middle.