Wedding Party
Geri E Gallas
Bride
Geri Gallas is a graphic novelist, bean-to-bar chocolate maker, and vinyl record enthusiast with a flair for the whimsical and the literary. From her cozy home base in Frederick, she runs Open Book Chocolates, a small business where each handcrafted bar is inspired by a classic novel and sold in indie bookstores and charming boutiques across the land. A proud alum of the local zine-fest scene, Geri has shared her illustrated stories with fellow creators, dreamers, and lovers of stapled paper narratives. When she’s not crafting new flavors of chocolate or doodling in the margins of her sketchbook, she’s likely spinning a Sparks record or hunting for forgotten gems in the vinyl bins of the world. Her favorite Wes Anderson film is The Darjeeling Limited, which she describes as “a visual poem with impeccable luggage.” She is deeply in love with the groom, and firmly believes books and chocolate are two of life’s finest inventions.
Philip J Brando
Groom
Philip Brando is a science teacher, rollercoaster enthusiast, and passionate NEA union advocate who believes that life’s greatest experiments happen outside the classroom. By weekday, he educates seventh graders in the mysteries of atoms and ecosystems; by weekend, he can be found riding antique wooden coasters at Knoebels Grove or replaying classic strategy games on his computer (with snacks, of course). A connoisseur of vinyl records, Phil is particularly fond of The Bad Suns, though he’ll happily chat about sound quality for hours with the right turntable. He resides in Germantown but is often on the move with his beloved Geri — together they collect moments, train tickets, and charming anecdotes from across the eastern seaboard. His favorite Wes Anderson film is The Grand Budapest Hotel, which he’s seen no fewer than five times (in a row). He is deeply in love with the bride, and mildly obsessed with theme park maps.
Kerri Wills
Maid of Honor
Kerri and Geri met four years ago and became fast friends almost instantly—the kind of connection forged over shared laughter, film critiques, and the occasional existential conversation at happy hour over something fizzy and strong. A recovering Floridian turned proud Marylander, Kerri now lives in Montgomery Village with her wonderful fiancé, Jason, and their five cats, who together form a miniature, purring parliament. Each cat has a distinct personality, and Kerri is on excellent terms with all of them. Though she has (somehow) never seen a Wes Anderson film, Kerri and Geri share a deep love of cinema. She’s promised that if Wes ever dips into the slasher genre, she’ll be first in line. Until then, they bond over thrillers, cult classics, and their ever-expanding watchlists. When she’s not reading, discovering new music, or setting off on spontaneous day trips with Jason, Kerri can be found curating cozy moments, offering sage advice, or winning hypothetical debates with alarming grace. She is a loyal friend, a thoughtful listener, and the kind of Maid of Honor who brings snacks, solutions, and a playlist for every possible wedding emergency. Geri is endlessly grateful to have her by her side—for this day, and all the days after.
Jesse McMahon
Best Man
Jesse met Philip at a ninth-grade pep rally, where they bonded over shared sarcasm and a mutual disinterest in pep. That fateful encounter marked the beginning of a twenty-year (and counting) friendship, one paved with digital dragons, critical dice rolls, and road trips to far-off lands like Cleveland, Orlando, and more than a few exceptionally well-stocked gaming shops. Now a devoted husband to his marvelous wife, Shareka, Jesse expertly divides his time between commanding miniature armies in the world of Warhammer 40K, navigating complex digital quests with friends, and delivering perfectly timed one-liners with the precision of a Swiss train schedule. A strategist at heart and a steadfast ally in any campaign—be it fantasy, sci-fi, or real life—Jesse’s favorite Wes Anderson film is The Grand Budapest Hotel, which he admires for its intricate plot, dry wit, and excellent use of pastel luggage. He is honored to stand beside Phil, his oldest and nerdiest companion, on this most extraordinary day.
Crystal Brando
Bridesmaid
Phil first met Crystal on the set of Hushed, a short film directed by his brother Vince. At the time, they were simply colleagues—both committed professionals, trading storyboards and good-natured sarcasm. What stood out even then was Crystal’s sharp wit, boundless empathy, and ability to keep a shoot on track with nothing but a clipboard and a raised eyebrow. Years later, life, timing, and a shared newsroom eventually brought Crystal and Vince together—not just as co-workers, but as creative collaborators and now partners in marriage and cat co-parenting (see: Bean, large and friendly). Crystal has spent her career turning chaos into clarity, from directing local newscasts to crafting compelling true crime stories for a news app. She’s always up for a board game, a perfectly timed joke, or lending an ear to anyone who needs one. She is the kind of person who makes people feel heard, seen, and occasionally roasted—in the most affectionate way possible. She and Geri have quickly become fast friends and new sisters, bonding over late-night heart-to-hearts, post-concert recaps (most recently The Hives), and joyful dinners at Kura’s rotating sushi bar, where their chopstick reflexes are swift and their shared laughter is plentiful. Her favorite Wes Anderson film is The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou—a fitting choice for someone who thrives in the deep end, navigates chaos with flair, and always remembers to bring snacks for the ride.
Vince Brando
Groomsman
Older brother by nearly a decade and childhood co-conspirator, Vince was Phil’s first adventure partner—backyard digger of “tunnels to China,” fearless forest explorer, and unofficial commissioner of make-believe missions in the woods of Northeast Pennsylvania. Vince has long been fascinated by things that fly—be they aircraft, television scripts, or the occasional toy rocket. His professional life has soared between two runways: one in television, where he worked as a news editor (and Emmy winner, no less), and one in aviation, with past roles at America West, Continental, and currently Delta Airlines, where he still finds magic in metal birds and jet fuel. Among his creative triumphs is Hushed, a short film he directed that earned a coveted spot at the Cannes Film Festival—proof that backyard daydreams can, in fact, take off internationally. Now based in Richmond, Virginia, he lives with his amazing wife (and Phil’s equally amazing sister-in-law), Crystal, and their large, very friendly cat named Bean, who greets guests like an old friend and considers lap-sitting a full-time job. Vince remains a devoted cinephile, a skilled storyteller, and the kind of brother who always knew how to turn a backyard into a whole other world. His favorite Wes Anderson film is Fantastic Mr. Fox—a fitting choice for someone who’s clever, loyal, a bit mischievous, and forever fantastic in his own right.
Raven Lee
Bridesmaid
Raven is a fantasy photographer with a background in archaeology, which is to say she has both unearthed ancient relics and conjured enchanted worlds—sometimes in the same week. Raised among the windmills of the Netherlands and the storybook forests of Germany, she now resides in Maryland with her brilliant husband Michael and their three delightfully curious children. Her days are filled with fairytales and camera lenses, while her evenings are reserved for epic board game battles, cozy walks, and rewatching The Lord of the Rings for “research purposes.” A noted enthusiast of all things Hobbit-adjacent, Raven is always game for a quest—especially if it involves an escape room, second breakfast, or the occasional elvish riddle. She brings a touch of magic to everything she does, and we’re delighted she’s part of our fellowship.
Evan Murray
Groomsman
A longtime resident of Middletown, Maryland (population: cozy), Evan is the kind of friend you call when your car won’t start, your bookshelf collapses, or you find yourself in the throes of a sudden parfait emergency—a situation he takes extremely seriously. Like a good neighbor, Evan is there. (And probably already fixing it.) He met Phil in the 8th grade, and they became fast friends, united by a shared curiosity, a love of animated storytelling, and a commitment to increasingly large and chaotic Super Smash Bros. tournaments. It was Evan who first handed Phil a manga, setting in motion a lifelong appreciation for strange adventures and thoughtful protagonists. Once a farmer, now a protector of homes, cars, and possibly hearts (he’s quite modest about it), Evan lives with his brilliant and lovely wife, Chantel. When he’s not working or gaming, you can often find him on a quiet nature walk, contemplating clouds and casually identifying birds with suspicious accuracy. His favorite Wes Anderson film is Moonrise Kingdom, which he calls “the perfect blend of khaki, chaos, and childhood ambition.”
Aryan Ghafourian
Bridesman
Aryan is a certified life and success coach, but I like to think of him more as a velvet-voiced lighthouse keeper of the soul. A Towson University psychology graduate with a heart full of empathy and a wardrobe that honors the full pastel spectrum (baby pink, in particular, gets top billing), Aryan approaches life like a well-loved record: intentional, gentle, and always spinning toward joy. We met as neighbors — the kind of serendipitous proximity that feels ripped from the opening chapter of a very stylish novel. Over time (and more than one doorstep heart-to-heart), he became not just a trusted friend but a vital presence in the ensemble cast of my life. He’s a steadfast advocate for mental health, LGBTQIA+ empowerment, and the art of showing up — whether you're facing a professional crisis or just need someone to remind you how great you are (which he does better than most therapists and every talking raccoon I’ve met). Aryan may not have a favorite Wes Anderson film (yet), but trust me — he is one.
Craig Rowe
Groomsman
Craig and Phil have been friends since middle school—a bond built on video games, inside jokes, and a mutual understanding that vegetables are best ignored when there are boss battles to be fought. Craig is a programmer by trade and a thinker by nature. He spends his days solving complex problems with quiet precision, though he’s far too modest to elaborate on the details (and far too professional to disclose much, anyway). What we do know: his code is elegant, his sushi orders are confident, and his Wi-Fi is impeccable. He was the first in their friend group to own real estate—a sleek, minimalist condo with the kind of lighting that says, “Yes, I’ve thought this through.” He owns most of the Steam library, plays games with one hand while eating with the other, and is always ready to chat about pixel art, philosophy, or the nuanced brilliance of Sharknado—a film he insists “has unexpected depth, once you stop laughing.” While he hasn’t committed to a favorite Wes Anderson film just yet, Craig remains a loyal companion and a steadfast presence—the kind of friend who shows up without fanfare, listens without judgment, and always knows where the charger is during a blackout.
Irene Gallas
Mother of the Bride
Irene Gallas is an original—equal parts elegance, mischief, and mystery. Born in Yonkers, New York, she spent her childhood with a pet armadillo (yes, really), which tells you everything you need to know about her particular brand of charm. She is the proud mother of two daughters: Sydney, the oldest, and Geri, her slightly younger and notably taller second act. Irene has always approached motherhood the same way she approaches her art—with intention, passion, and a well-organized set of supplies. Now a professional artist living in Frederick, Maryland with her husband Phil (not the groom—another distinguished Phil entirely), she spends her days painting, drawing, and knitting at impressive speeds. Scarves, shawls, and cozy essentials fly off her needles in a blur of soft color and quiet determination. On Saturday nights, she can often be found curled up for Noir Alley with a blanket she likely made herself, watching alongside her favorite Phils. Her favorite Wes Anderson film is Fantastic Mr. Fox, which makes perfect sense: clever, creative, and just a little wild underground. She is an inspiration, a fiercely loving mother, and a woman who has shown her daughters—stitch by stitch—how to find the color in every moment.
Gwen Brando
Mother of the Groom
Gwen is a quiet curator of comfort, creativity, and cat hair (the charming kind). She finds her greatest joy in time spent with family, whether gathered around a dinner table, a holiday tree, or an elaborate LEGO castle-in-progress. A devoted yogi with a library card that sees regular action, Gwen moves through the world with gentle elegance and a playlist that’s always just right. In between designing jewelry that sparkles with personality and petting her feline companions (who graciously permit her affection), she keeps a close and loving eye on her family. She is immensely proud of her sons, Vince and Phil, and overjoyed to welcome their extraordinary wives, Crystal and Geri, into her heart. She believes in laughter, balance, and the beauty of a well-made bracelet. Her favorite Wes Anderson film is The Grand Budapest Hotel—a choice that reflects her appreciation for elegance, whimsy, and the occasional pastel-colored pastry.
Philip [Phil] Gallas
Father of the Bride
Phil Gallas does nothing by halves—especially not fatherhood. A spirited presence with a booming laugh and a deep love for the arts, he is the kind of dad who can discuss international trade policy one moment and burst into a Sondheim lyric the next (on key, no less). As a well-traveled tariff lawyer, Phil spent decades circling the globe, collecting both stories and souvenirs. From Pokémon treasures in Japan to specialty cookies in Germany, he never returned home without something delightful in his suitcase for his daughters. Each item was a reminder that even halfway across the world, he was thinking of his family—his proudest accomplishment by far. Now based in Frederick, Maryland with his endlessly creative wife Irene, Phil enjoys a good gym session, a great opera, and a perfect seat at the theater. He is an enthusiastic supporter of local productions, college musicals, and any opportunity to clap emphatically during a curtain call. A proud dog lover, he still carries the memory of his beloved pup Nikki in his heart (and, often, in his stories). His favorite Wes Anderson film is The Darjeeling Limited—a tale of travel, brotherhood, and emotional baggage, which feels just dramatic enough to suit him. Phil is the kind of father who brings warmth to every room, wisdom to every conversation, and the unmistakable joy of someone who genuinely loves being part of the show.
Stephan [Steve] Brando
Father of the Groom
Steve is a gentleman explorer with a camera in one hand and a passport in the other. A lover of landscapes both lush and aquatic, he’s been known to hike a mountain trail at dawn, snorkel with parrotfish by noon, and cast a fishing line into the deep blue sea by sunset—all while capturing it on film with the precision of a National Geographic contributor (self-appointed). When he's not out in nature, Steve retreats to his workshop, where he shapes clay into vessels, carves wood into something functional, and occasionally dabbles in art for art’s sake. He is the proud father of two sons—Vince, the eldest, and Phil, the groom—and shares his home with a noble and mysterious cat named Storm. His late cat, Serendipity, is remembered fondly for her dignified presence and impeccable taste in sunbeams. Though he doesn’t have a favorite Wes Anderson movie, Steve is always up for rewatching Galaxy Quest—a cult classic that combines adventure, humor, and a bit of heartfelt nostalgia. He finds joy in quiet moments, curious trails, and watching his children grow into remarkable men.
Mystery Man/woman?
Officiant
John Cena?!?!