Kate & Freddy
Wedding Party
Abi Kerns
Bridesmaid
How long we've known each other: 8 years How we met: A story for the ages! One of the first nights of the semester abroad in Spain, confusion at the table led to a shared bottle of wine for just the two of us. It was love at first sip. Where they live: New York, New York Fun fact: A dancer, a designer, a Seahawks fan, and can kick your butt on the slopes
Conor Hynes
Best Man
How long we've known each other: 22 years How we met: During a high school field trip, Conor was practicing his drumming skills (with sticks and all) at the back of the bus and caught my attention. He laid down a beat and looked at me. Undeterred, I used my hands and responded in kind. This battle went on for at least 10 minutes and the rest is history. I'll say I won because it's my wedding. Where they live: Bethesda, MD Fun fact: Conor is a thoracic surgeon specializing in heart and chest medical conditions. Unfortunately, Conor will not be able to attend our wedding in person, as he is currently serving our country overseas in Iraq. Love and miss you, Doc!
Amy Templin
Bridesmaid
How long we've known each other: Since elementary school How we met: Funny enough it was playing basketball in elementary school, and our friendship only got stronger through middle and high school. Where they live: Tenerife, Spain (Canary Islands) Fun fact: Has lived in Italy for the last six years, and is getting married in Sicily this August. Has a Masters degree in translation & interpretation and speaks three languages!
Patrick Dernulc
Groomsman
How long we've known each other: 22 years How we met: It could be from the golf team in high school. It could be from living down the street from one another. Regardless, Patrick has been a fixture in my life, with too many stories to remember but all the feelings I won't forget. Where they live: Austin, TX Fun fact: Patrick, myself, and Conor lived together in a house we dubbed the "IC Mansion." During that time, Patrick and I developed a routine where we would "pre game" before going to bars by watching Beyonce music videos. More often than not, we would not make it out to the bar.
Anna Schaffner
Bridesmaid
How long we've known each other: Since 5th grade How we met: Anna defected from Catholic school and we were fast friends - the memories of how we met have been supplanted by years of sleepovers, travels, long dinners, and late nights. Where they live: Washington, DC Fun fact: A dual citizen of Ireland and the US, and spends most of her weekends hiking with her two corgis
Jimmy Kelly
Groomsman
How long we've known each other: 18 years How we met: Jimmy was the guy who had the 50 cent CD stuck in his car's system during fraternity recruitment at college. It was shortly after I joined the fraternity that we turned down the music, and it quickly evolved into one of the best friendships I've ever had. Where they live: Arlington, VA Fun fact: Before he and his wife Danielle gave birth to their son Wes, Jimmy was an absolute crazy person and took his dog Jemma (my first girlfriend) on 5 mile runs. Every. Single. Day.
Emma Werley
Bridesmaid
How long we've known each other: A lifetime! How we met: We simply did not have a choice - she's my cousin! Arguably the coolest Werley Where they live: Cleveland, Ohio Fun fact: An amazing artist, we have multiple pieces by Emma hanging in our home, including the famous 'Bunny Butts'.
Jonathan Huddleston
Groomsman
How long we've known each other: 24 years How we met: Middle School. I forget how Jon and I met, but I cannot and will not forget the millions of memories we've shared since. From Sunday ballers to his bachelor party, the Huddleston household served as HQ for our high school foolishness and thank God those walls cannot talk. Where they live: Baltimore, MD Fun fact: Jon is an avid golfer, accomplished lawyer, and a fan of day-old Filet-o-Fish sandwiches at McDonalds.
Gillian Spolarich
Bridesmaid
How long we've known each other: 11 years How we met: During orientation for the College of Charleston, at a coloring table of all things. We lived down the hall from each other, and were roommates in DC for years Where they live: Washington, DC Fun fact: She's been to five of the six Disney parks in the world - just Tokyo left!
James Handley
Groomsman
How long we've known each other: 24 years How we met: Middle School. James was an overachiever before we even knew what that word was. Jim declared he would serve in the Army, become a lawyer, and serve in Congress (or was it President) while we were just learning how to talk to girls. So far, he's 2-for-2. Stay tuned. Where they live: Baltimore, MD Fun fact: Jim is an avid historian, which has led to many lengthy debates and battles over who has a better knowledge of history.
Maegan Cross
Bridesmaid
How long we've known each other: A lifetime! How we met: Believe it or not, she was one of my first babysitters during the summers when our parents were sailing! As I grew up, we grew closer & now we look out for each other (mostly to our detriment) Where they live: Cleveland, Ohio Fun fact: A bigger Cleveland sports fan you won't meet and a World Champion sailor
Dan Harder
Groomsman
How long we've known each other: 7 years How we met: Playing softball for the Ways and Means softball team while both of us worked for the US House of Representatives. Dan initially thought my name was Frankie until he saw me play. We went undefeated that year. Where they live: Alexandria, VA Fun fact: Dan's an avid wine enthusiast, so don't go to dinner with him and his wife Caitlin if your pallet is only used to Sutter Home - you will get embarrassed. I learned this the hard way.
Samantha Maras
Bridesmaid
How long we've known each other: A lifetime! How we met: In diapers at the lake - and we've been together every step of the way since. More like family than friends, and more like friends than family. Where they live: Cleveland, Ohio Fun fact: An 8th grade teacher, and was also with Freddy his first time sailing - I'll let you ask her how those skills translated.
Hunter Hall
Groomsman
How long we've known each other: 5 years How we met: During a very liquid-filled golf tournament. We reconnected months later on the way to separate meetings on Capitol Hill and have been inseparable ever since. Where they live: Washington, DC Fun fact: Born and raised in Louisiana, there is no bigger LSU fan. Fingers crossed the Tigers don't play during our wedding, otherwise you'll find Hunter at the bar checking bets. He's an easy mark so bet the over.
Samantha Kaufman
Reader
How long we've known each other: 10 years (Freddy) and 6 years (Kate) How we met: Freddy met Sam through Olivia at party - she was a Nelly lovin' soccer star with Salisbury credentials, so the two were obviously fast friends. Sam was also one of the first friends of Freddy's that Kate met, who immediately felt at ease and recognized she had also made a new friend for life. Sam also has the distinction of First Mate on the boat. Where they live: Arlington, VA Fun fact: Sam had a goal of visiting 30 National Parks by the time she was 30 - her instagram is proof that this was the coolest goal ever (and she did it).
Olivia Bedwell
Reader
How long we've known each other: We've known "of" each other for 20 years, but have been best friends for the last 13 (Freddy). Six years - thanks to Freddy! (Kate) How we met: We don't really remember how we became best friends, but both of has been better humans for it. We've supported each other through our best of times and worst of times (Freddy). Olivia and Jimmy were the VERY first of Freddy's friends that I met - and we had a Sunday night movie night watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. I knew we'd be friends after that, and have rarely felt more welcomed or at home with two people than with them (Kate). Where they live: Salisbury, MD Fun fact: Olivia and Jimmy got to travel the country as travel-PTs for a few years - their favorite place they lived was Bend, Oregon. After our families, Olivia was the first person we called after we got engaged.