Michelle & Paul
Wedding Party
Nuala Purdy
Matron of Honor
Michelle's sister who, although they haven't lived in the same city in many years, is always available on Facetime for a gossip sesh, a catch up on reality TV stars, or updating me on the latest interests of Penelope, my niece! We went from driving our Barbie car together, to arguing over who’s looking out who’s car window, to now sharing the experience of COVID wedding planning together.
Rachel Gibbons
Maid of Honor
Michelle's sister who moved to Seattle in 2019 just so she could become an avid outdoorswoman (right, Rach??). Since moving here, Rachel has taken my place in the family as the annoying one who says "look at the mountains!!!!" all day.
Tim Lawlor
Best Man
Paul first met Tim as an incoming high school freshman playing football together and promptly became best friends. They spent countless nights driving aimlessly in snow storms, pretending to be in a gang called the Pentas, and navigating through many of the milestones that make life an adventure. While we always lived in different cites after high school, we have plenty of shared memories - which Tim always seems to have old photos of the most embarrassing moments.
Patrick Gibbons
Bridesman
Michelle's brother who moved to Seattle in 2020 (the best time to move anywhere) and has found an appreciation for the PNW. He definitely still prefers tall buildings to trees and moss, however!
Jackie Viviano
Groomswoman
Jackie is one of the magnificent people you meet in life who became my best friend during high school. She appreciates all things quirky, Jeep Wranglers, and make sure you always have a smile. She too has been part of my life's journey, supportive and encouraging through all we have encountered. She is the first to hop a plane to visit, throw her suitcase's contents everywhere and make new connections with everyone she meets!
Heather Aufderheide
Bridesmaid
Michelle's best friend through college at (WE ARE!) Marquette! Thank god she moved to Seattle so they can continue their friendship together as adventure buddies in the PNW!
Ali LaBella
Groomswoman
Ali will always be my younger sister who I remember hiding leaves in her bedroom but now has become a wonderful, functioning ;) adult. She will always tell you how it is and is an amazing friend to have late night chats about what is going on in each others' lives - even if separated by different coastlines. She bakes delicious sweets every time I come home and keeps me up on the latest trends (or at least tries to help me).
Penelope Purdy
Flower Girl
Michelle's niece who, thanks to iPhones and a pandemic, has become very good at Facetiming as a 2 year old. One of her first words was "Paul," strangely enough, so we knew she had taken a liking to him (or maybe it was just the beard).
Lily Bruno
Flower Girl
Lily is my beautiful niece who reminds me of her mom. She combines a cunning intelligence and sweet smile to make you question which one of you is the adult in the room. She makes sure to teach her younger brother all the necessary skills but always sure to keep a leg up - just in case.
Teddy Bruno
Ring Bearer
Teddy is a sweetheart who enjoys the world around him, loves his family and isn't afraid to argue if you saw a crow or a seagull.
Nikki Bruno
Officiant
Paul's elder sister quickly taught him lessons of life that have served him well throughout time. It started when she'd step on my Legos showing no pain, but then quickly making sure I knew how to deal with chicken pox. She later was a role model through the combination of professionally kicking ass and maximize fun as maturing adults in this life.