Grace & Zane
Wedding Party
Annie Lynch
Maid of Honor - Sister of the Bride
As Grace's older sister, Annie has been there from the start. Annie has imparted all the knowledge that she could onto Grace (often times unsolicited) about the important things in life - trends in fashion and pop culture, all things Taylor Swift, and a love for cinematic classics, to name a few. She's never steered Grace wrong, and Grace is beyond grateful to have Annie by her side.
Tomás Palma
Best Man
Tom and Zane have been inseparable since their freshman year at W&M - and for too many of those years they had the bunkbeds to match! Few are so fortunate as to have had a friend with whom they feel so utterly familiar as Zane has in Tom. There is no one the Groom would rather have standing by him on the most important day of his life.
Bella Ross
Bridesmaid
From the moment Bella moved to their street in Wilton, it was obvious she and Grace were going to be fast friends. Throughout their childhood, Grace could almost always be found at Bella's. It was at Bella's house that Grace learned her love for dance, indulged in hot dogs, and entered into her Twilight phase, which are all very significant. Grace knows that even when they live across the world from each other, they can always pick up exactly where they left off before.
David Watkins
Groomsman
While the groom has always had a role model in David (familiarly Dwat or Deez), Zane and David got even closer after Zane moved to Richmond for unknown reasons. Always there to help install a window, grab a beer, or put the fear of God into the fish of the James River, David has become one of the groom's most cherished companions.
Penelope Benkard
Bridesmaid
Penelope and Grace's friendship started off as all great friendships should - with sushi and whiskey. The pair managed to not only get a great deal on an apartment together but also a valuable friendship out of their decision to become roommates. Over the years Penelope has been Grace's sounding board, hype-woman, and art dealer. She’s even earned the title of match-maker by introducing Grace and Zane to each other.
Jordan Kula
Groomsman
Every time Jordan and Zane hang out past midnight, they solve another world problem. Whether it's conflict in the Middle East or how to put Tribe Men's Gymnastics on top of the NCAA rankings, Kula and Zane have figured it all out. If only they could remember their solutions by the next morning, they truly would be a force to reckon with!
Jackie Yee
Bridesmaid
Since day one, Jackie has always been the kindest and most genuine friend Grace could ask for. For 23 years, Grace has had a go-to dress-shopping buddy, gossip sharer, and High School Musical enthusiast; she is the Bubbles to Grace's Blossom. Lifelong friendships are rare, and a friend as great as Jackie is even rarer. Grace counts herself extremely lucky.
Nate Winneg
Groomsman
Nate and the groom have shared much over the years - from math classes, to the dog pound, to their place in vault line up. But most of all, they've shared some truly great conversation. Something about talking to Nate always makes Zane feel heard, and there isn’t a topic that Nate can’t make into a riveting discussion. The only problem they have is there’s never enough time to cover it all.
Lexi Hutchinson
Bridesmaid
Grace has always admired Lexi’s ability to brighten any room and bring life to any party (and always in the cutest shoes). Between Richmond and Chicago, the pair have never found a brunch they didn't like or an elevated surface they couldn't conquer. Grace is so grateful to have Lexi as a source of unwavering kindness and endless support.
Jake Feldmann
Groomsman
Always supportive of the Groom no matter what, Jake (and his husband Zach) is the reason Zane and Grace felt comfortable enough to move out of their comfort zone to West Virginia. Since their relocation, Jake has made Morgantown home for the soon-to-be newlyweds by taking them on hikes, introducing them to new friends (and birds), and generally being as supportive as you could ask for in a friend - all while working towards a PhD and maintaining his status as the second-best server at Tropics.
Rosie Armstrong
Bridesmaid
There's trauma-bonding, then there's bonding over a trauma-focused Psychology research lab. From academic interests and school extracurriculars to hometowns, Grace and Rosie have found so much in common. Rosie has been one of Grace's closest friends, trusted confidants, and one of the few to appreciate and reciprocate Grace's (objectively hilarious) sense of humor. Grace knows she can count on Rosie for pretty much anything.
Tim O'Neill
Groomsman
Tim and Zane’s friendship has come easily since day one. From hurricane parties to homeownership, Tim has been through it all with the groom to lend an ear, give reassurance or invaluable advice, or just have a great time. They say time flies when you’re having fun - when you’re with Tim, blink and you’ll have stayed up to watch the sun rise.
Carmen Petras
Bridesmaid - Sister of the Groom
In a family entirely consisting of cool, well-traveled people, Carmen manages to stand out. Grace is constantly amazed by Carmen's endless adventures, and enjoys living vicariously through them. Carmen embraces the world with so much energy all while doing her part to save it. Grace has always been so thankful to Carmen for making Grace feel so welcome into the Petras family with those same open arms.
Max Kooistra
Groomsman
Friends since the moment Zane was introduced to the team at Turnz Gymnastics, Max and Zane have shared a special bond for nearly 15 years. Max has seen the groom through the best, worst, and most awkward years of his life - not to mention three international moves. While they may not always see eye to eye on the value of certain Canadian self-help authors, the groom will forever be grateful for their friendship; storied past, long-distant present, and certain future.
Alma Benka
Bridesmaid - Sister of the Groom
It's lucky Grace met Alma during her poor law student phase, because she would be far too intimidating now as a big time lawyer. Grace has never met someone so dedicated, and she's always impressed by the work that Alma's done. Grace has spent time getting to know Alma through her home-made meals, entertaining Quips, and screenings of Lord of the Rings. Grace is grateful for both Alma's acceptance into her family, and her future legal advice.
Michael Lynch
Groomsman - Brother of the Bride
There's little as nerve-wracking as meeting your girlfriend's older brother for the first time. But since their first double date at Edo's Squid, no one has made the groom feel quite as much like part of the Lynch family like Michael. Always down to lend a hand, go climbing, or grab Kuba Kuba, Michael has already become a good friend. And while he may not be as tall as the other brother Zane is adding in 2025, Michael is (more importantly) much better for the groom’s golf game.
Patrick Benka
Officiant
Rarely do you gain both a brother and six inches to your average wedding party height in the same year; but then again, rarely does your sister meet a partner quite like Patrick. Since their first encounter in the 19th ward, the groom has had the privilege of calling Patrick Alma's tall boyfriend, a great roommate, a wonderful friend, and, as of June 7th, 2025, a brother. Grace has also been so glad to have Patrick around as she's met and gotten to know the Petrases. From Nats games in DC to ski lodges in New Mexico, Patrick has always provided a reassuring presence and easy conversation. Grace is so excited to share with Patrick the experience of marriage into the Petras family! Grace and Zane are so honored to have Patrick officiate their ceremony, and hope that it helps launch his stand-up career!