Gabi & Elan
Wedding Party
Olivia Simon
Maid of Honor
The first time I ever met Olivia we were two and three respectively. With an affinity for wearing our mother's high heels, our "meet cute" was slipping into a pair of very 90s stilettos and slow dancing in my living room (of which we have VCR evidence). Olivia has been the sister I never had, condoning reckless teenager behavior, giving sage best-friend advice, and supporting my sometimes over-ambitious goals. To me she is everything, and I can imagine no other soul filling the (somewhat antiquated, but...) crucially important role of Maid of Honor.
Phillip Zunshine
Best Man
We started as kindergarten friends based on size (Phillip was the tallest kid, and I was on the smaller side) and never looked back. While we never went to the same school, until our last year of college Phillip has been my best friend since day one. We may both be "only children" but it never felt like that growing up, by every definition he is a brother to me and while he is still quite tall, he has the heart of a teddy bear and is one of the kindest and most caring souls I have ever met.
Cassidy Mershon
Bridesmaid
Cassidy and I have a remarkable ability to "out therapy" each other. And by that I mean when we hop on the phone after work, we go deep. Cass and I met in college, where we bonded over our initial shared major -- Sociology. It wasn't long after I declared Sociology that I realized I don't really like people and switched to the comfort and solitude of books instead (English majors where you at?). Remarkably, we stayed close and she's helped me navigate the murky waters of adult-hood. Her love and support mean the world, and the fact that Penny and Elvis are girlfriend and boyfriend helps too.
Will Murch
Groomsman
Will and I met in the halls of Halloran House during my freshman year at The Ohio State University. Through countless games of nerf basketball, NBA Jam, and endless life discussions that lasted through late nights we became thick as thieves. Will is one of the most intelligent, thoughtful, and humble people I have ever met and if you ever need to have a heart-to-heart conversation, he's the man.
Gina Trueba
Bridesmaid
Gig and I go back all the way to the fond memories of high school. She was the first friend I made after transferring to a new school Junior year (talk about traumatizing). I remember walking into AP English Comp, like a deer in the headlights, knowing no one. Mr. Blaber put me at her table and I remember feeling like a forklift had removed 20 pounds of cement bricks from my chest when she gleefully introduced herself and asked me my name. She invited me to walk with her to the parking lot at break, and in that moment I felt saved. Everyone deserves a Gig in their life, and I feel so lucky to have her in mine. It's no wonder I went on to major in English.
Keith Yanov
Groomsman
Keith and I met on the wide and wonderful trails of the Santa Monica mountains during my four years living in Los Angeles. We quickly became thick as thieves with endless inside jokes, and a bond over two of the dryest senses of humor you can find. We stepped up our friendship and became roommates during our time in LA and while we don't live together anymore the bond is as strong as ever. Keith is as loyal, kind, and a caring friend could ever ask for. He is always there to chat, lend wisdom or just listen when that's what you need the most. With an encyclopedic knowledge of both films and the law, I couldn't ask for a better friend.
Chloe Lewis
Bridesmaid
Chloe lives, in the truest version of the word, unapologetically. Her attitude towards life is one that is fiercely loyal and protective of her family and friends, which is why when she met Elan for the first time (and they hit it off immediately) I knew he was special...because she would have told me if he wasn't! Chloe's the rare kind of gem that makes you feel (and shine) just a little brighter being around her, and having her as a bridesmaid feels like the weight of the world is somehow easier to carry, and I couldn't be more grateful to have her by my side at the wedding.
Ellis Dobkin
Officiant + Grossman
One of Elan's oldest friends, and the first friend he introduced Gabi to. Over the last four years, one could argue Ellis and Gabi are closer, but fortunately, Ellis has a gift of making everyone in his life feel as if they have a best friend in him. Blessed with the gift of gab and one of the most thoughtful thinkers since Aristotle we can't imagine anyone else bringing us together forever on our wedding day.