Wedding Party
Laura Kellaway
Maid of Honor
Laura and Em are third-generation friends. Their grandmothers are friends, their mums are friends, and even though they ended up at different high schools, they eventually found their way to each other. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the family history that brought these two together—it was working together at a little pub in Killara, The Greengate. Since the day they met, they’ve been inseparable. While they’re known for going out and getting white girl wasted together, what most people don’t know is that they’re each other’s ride or die, all day, every day. Whether they’re attending a pilates class, sipping on matcha (well, at least one of them—Em can’t stand the stuff) or getting their 10k steps in walking the streets of the north shore, they’re always side by side, making memories and laughing along the way. Em is beyond lucky to have Laura by her side on this special day.
Reuben Tunks
Best Man
Reuben and Tom first met back in 2013, and coincidentally they could not stand one another… some might argue that not much has changed! However, their friendship truly bloomed, living 400m away from each other – in line with having similar interests, it really did not take long for the two to become best mates. Reuben, also commonly referred to as Eugene by the Grove family, is virtually considered family – he has been there through it all. From birthdays, last minute ring ins to each other’s footy teams, family Christmas, and of course, the regular rage quitting from a game of Fifa/NBA/Rugby League Live on the Xbox, the two have been virtually inseparable for years, no matter how far outside of Tom's 5km radius Reuben moves. Reuben is genuinely one of the most selfless and caring people in our lives. He constantly goes above and beyond for us, and we could not be prouder to have him in our Wedding Party.
Georgia O'Brien
Bridesmaid
Georgia and Em first met because their mums worked together, and Em was lucky enough that Georgia moved to Roseville College to attend school with her. From the beginning, they bonded over a shared love of dogs and good food, and their friendship has only grown stronger over the years. Georgia has been through some rough times during their friendship—like the time Georgia cracked her chin open at a netball game and ended up fainting in the hospital, or when blood mysteriously ended up all over the floor after her wisdom teeth were removed. Despite all the chaos life has thrown their way, having Georgia by her side through it all has been one of the greatest blessings for Em. She’s incredibly thankful for such a loyal and wonderful friend, and she feels truly honored to have Georgia standing with her on this special day.
Sam Collison
Groomsman
Sam and Tom originally met at Barker College, technically through Rachael Temm. As many would be aware, Tom is an absolute pest – which Sam certainly realised quickly. Regularly, Tom would annoy Sam at lunch, message him about Rugby League news, and ask about his then-blooming relationship with Rachael. In fact, Tom annoyed Sam so much that his first message to Rachael was “Your friend Tom is annoying.” Long story short – Sam and Rachael are now engaged and Tom will absolutely take credit for it. Through many years and many dinners at the Hornsby RSL, Sam has remained a regular receiver of Tom's annoying behaviours, however, he has still somehow managed to remain as patient as he was in 2015. Sam has grown to be an incredible friend to both of us, and we are so grateful for his friendship and kindness always.
Claire Griffin
Bridesmaid
Claire was Em’s first real friend in Sydney, and she honestly doesn’t know what she would have done without her—and still doesn’t, to be honest. Over the years, Claire has been by Em’s side through everything, from school camps and 8am games at Frensham (yikes) to the time Em made her go on the escalator with crutches on day two of a broken foot (sorry Claire!!). Claire is the kind of friend who makes every experience better just by being there, and Em is incredibly thankful to have her in her life. She can’t wait for all the future memories they’ll create together, and having Claire stand by her side on this day means everything.
Ryan Perry
Groomsman
Ryan, who is essentially known only as “Pez” was the first guy to say welcome to Tom at his first North Shore Bombers training in 2016, and has remained as both a teammate and best friend since. Pez has to be one of the most caring and selfless people in Tom's life, with the two continually cracking up over niche movie and TV show references that no one else around them understands. Tom and Pez truly grew closer and stronger as friends in 2023 when returning to play footy at North Shore again. The two got to play footy together again and spend more time chatting about random footy facts and jokes across hours of carpooling to grounds across Sydney. We are so fortunate to have someone as caring and kind as Pez in our lives.
Jess Da Silva
Bridesmaid
Jess is best known for falling off a table at The Sheaf (a moment her friends will never let her live down), but beyond that, she’s always been the one who has Em’s back—no questions asked. Whether Em’s mission was to be home by 8 or to rob a bank (hypothetically, of course), Jess was always ready to be her sidekick. When Em first met Tom, Jess would travel all the way out to Rouse Hill weekend after weekend so they could pretend they were just casually watching the footy (though everyone knew what was really going on). She’s also Em’s ultimate partner in carpool karaoke, and can always be counted on to play the perfect song at the perfect moment. Em feels so lucky to have Jess in her life and is beyond excited for all the memories they’ll make in the years to come.
Matt Lee
Groomsman
Matt and Tom first met in 2021 at Bridesmaid Georgia O’Briens birthday and hit it off immediately, with the two bonding over their love of running, beer and footy. Funny enough, Matt was actually high school friends with Em! Matt and Tom will often be seen running an impromptu half marathon together, having now notched up 3 – including signing up for one the day before whilst out on the beers. Since then, the two have also enjoyed the highs and lows of a social touch footy team – often trying to pull off a magic trick play and completely bottling it. We are so excited to have Matt as our groomsman, and I am so glad our paths crossed – he is such an incredibly thoughtful and generous person who always brings positivity to any event!
Jack Stokes
Usher
Jack being a part of our wedding will come as no surprise to anyone. He is the reason this wedding is happening — without him, we may never have met, and we wouldn’t all be celebrating together today. Back in 2020, Jack introduced us, thinking we’d get along great as friends. Not long after, he fled the country to live in Canada for three years, playing lacrosse (ask him about this — he’d love to tell you!). Finally, he’s back on Aussie soil and we couldn’t be happier. Time to close the borders so he can’t leave us again!
Max Stokes
Usher
Max is a true legend — one of the funniest men you’ll ever meet and always ready with a quick one-liner. Known for rocking cowboy boots like no one else and bringing the good vibes all night long, just wait until you see him on the dance floor. Max delivers the perfect mix of humour, charm, and style… so watch out, ladies! He also proudly claims the title of “favourite child.”