Wedding Party

Kristian Smith

Maid of Honor

Kristian and Candace have been best friends since middle school. But, it wasn't always that way. They actually met in Elementary School, but, that meeting didn't result in positive feelings. It took a few years but by 7th grade, these two were able to have civil conversations and by 8th grade, they were inseparable. 20 years in, and they are still going strong! Candace was honored to serve as Kristian's maid of honor when she married the love of her life, Jason, and quickly hopped on a plane when baby K was born and Jason had to go back to work. Candace moved in for a week, cooked, cleaned, did laundry, helped with the baby, and cared for mom and dad. When she finally had to fly back to Boston, she was devastated to leave. But, they see each other at least once a year in October for bes fran time like: going to RuPaul Drag Race shows way too lit, getting Candace married during the quick hitch, flying to San Francisco and getting up to some fun shenanigans over there, and now they're together again for a grand October celebration.

Brian Lapish

Best Man

It all started at this tiny restaurant in the one light town of Honey Brook PA. This is where these two would begin their journey of friendship that would last for decades. Brian and Michael both worked at Grady David's, a small family restaurant, when it first opened back in 07'.

Jasmine Garnes

Bridesmaid

Jasmine is Candace's little sister. The two of them are so similar and yet so different at the same time! There's a 7 year age difference so now that they are both adults, it's been so fun to see how similar they really are, and laugh at all the differences between them (ex: Candace is a raging extrovert and Jasmine is very much...not). It's also fun to involve their little brother, TJ, and talk about how they all truly live the roles of oldest child, middle, child, and youngest. Jasmine is very much the middle child in all the best ways. She really does look out for all of us, protecting our peace and emotions. When we're overly worried about hurting someone else's feelings at our own expense, she stands up for us. Jasmine is now a licensed social worker living in Maryland and working with youth. She was also the DJ at the quick hitch! She's multi-talented and one of the best friends to have. She's got your back, she follows through, and she's going to be real and honest with you when you need it most.

Matt Lindenlauf

Groomsman

LaQuisha King-Myers

Bridesmaid

LaQuisha is Candace's older cousin but Candace has only ever seen LaQuisha as her big sister. LaQuisha is older by a few years so she really went through everything first. First to get her license, get a car, graduate high school, go to college, move away from home, and so many more, all things that led to their relationship strengthened once Candace was in high school. Because LaQuisha got her licensed and drove first, she helped teach Candace how to drive when others were too afraid to start! She was there on Candace's first day of work ever, taking pictures as Candace drove off to her first day at Cracker Barrel at 17 years old. When Candace got her license at 16, she would drive 3+ hours to spend the weekend at LaQuisha's for the rest of high school and they would get up to all kinds of shenanigans. Then, LaQuisha helped Candace navigate the world of college applications and took her on college visits. Candace then got accepted into a school on the other side of the state, so, LaQuisha moved over to that side of the state and was only 45 minutes from Candace for most of her college career. All of those moments and so many more just solidified the bond shared, the kind that can only be shared by sisters.

David Marconis

Groomsman

Aileen Pangan Christian

Bridesmaid

Aileen has been friends with Candace since they met at Encore Stage and Studio in 2012. Candace was hired to be Aileen's intern, and little did they know that they would become tight friends, sisters. When Candace graduated college in 2013, she knew that DC was her next stop. She got a couple of part time jobs and reached out to Aileen to see if she knew anyone looking for a roommate. Turns out, her family had a basement suite that they would get ready for Candace so that she could move in and start her career and new adult life! It was such a blessing and the Pangan family accepted Candace with open arms and she quickly became part of the family, an honorary Filipina! Candace and Aileen created many traditions together and continue to celebrate each others' highs, and provide comfort and support during the lows. Friends turned sisters for life!

Andy Gregory

Groomsman

Keyvious Avery

Bridesman

Keyvious and Candace met in 2018 when she hired him to work with her at a summer program. They instantly became buddies, passing the vibe checks! Fast forward a couple of years and Keyvious moves to Providence, RI and he and Candace are inseparable. They got each other through some tough times during that year and their bond strengthened so much so that is is now unbreakable. Keyvious and Candace became business partners in 2020 and still work side by side on a daily hoping to create meaningful and lasting change in people's lives. Keyvious just gets Candace, can always make her laugh, and is constantly looking out for her best interest. Friends like these aren't easy to come by so Candace knows exactly how lucky she is to have him in her life.

Melissa Lapish

Groomswoman