Robin & William
Wedding Party
Kristen Hackett
Matron of Honor
In Her Words: Alexandria. August 1989. It was a dark and stormy night. A baby was born into this world. I was 4 years old and already wise beyond my years. I gazed at this newborn baby, small, fragile and weak. As the storm raged on outside, I decided to accept this child into my life and raise her as my own sister. She would need all the help she could get. Fun Fact: Kristen moved to Colorado a few years ago and has never looked back. She and her tribe enjoy taking full advantage of hiking the mountains, going on camping trips, and even taking in a casual weekday concert at Red Rocks. Most Likely to... take you to a brewery. Most likely to start coordinating Halloween costumes with you in April. Most likely to restore antique furniture.
Andy Kettler
Best Man
In His Words: William is so much more than my older brother--he's my best friend. It fills me with joy to see him find happiness with such a perfect companion. I hope the memories they create together are everlasting! Fun Fact: One summer, Andy and William combined to build a medieval empire out of Lego spanning the floor of their bedroom. That was really cool. Most Likely to... see an independent film. Most likely to paint the scene with a split complimentary palette. Most likely to be "down for whatever."
Shereen Demarais
Matron of Honor
In Her Words: I’m so thrilled to celebrate 15 years of friendship with Robin and I am more than grateful to be her maid of honor! We’ve come a long way, from hanging out in Tuckahoe Park to vacationing in the Amalfi Coast. I couldn’t be happier that she's found her soulmate and is loving life in San Diego. Let the wedding festivities begin! Fun Fact: Shereen currently lives in Dallas, Texas with her other half, Brian, but she has previously lived in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, when her parents were working for the Department of State. Needless to say, she is a great go-to for travel advice! Most Likely to... party with stars from The Bachelor. Most likely to have her family photos printed in calendar-form. Most likely to take you to a piano bar.
Ben Kuna
Groomsman
In His Words: Will and I have known each other half of our collective lives. He is my oldest and closest friend, and we have seen each other through many movements along the path to where we are now. He has found a lifelong friendship with Robin, and it is wonderful to see the way William has grown and the strength of that growth reflected in his love for Robin. Congratulations! Fun Fact: While the rest of the high school was at chapel on Wednesday mornings, William and Ben were engaging in rudimentary philosophical discussions at Phở Kim. We think we came out ahead. Most Likely to... order wine for the whole table. Most likely to buy it on vinyl. Most likely to break his mobile phone.
Laura Catania
Bridesmaid
In Her Words: Robin and I met in 2006 in Arlington, Virginia. We instantaneously became best friends, in fact on the spot. Soon we were talking on the phone for hours, sneaking out of our houses to hang out, and eventually living together in Richmond, Virginia. We have always said that husbands or no husbands, we'll end up in our 80's rocking together on a porch! Fun Fact: Laura spent a couple of years living in Guatemala helping to build sustainable, clean-air stoves in the unventilated homes of indigenous communities. Most Likely to... attend a protest. Most likely to talk on the phone with you for 3+ hours. Most likely to DJ at a bar on a weeknight and still keep her day job.
James Pepe
Groomsman
In His Words: To quote Edward Bulwer-Lytton, it was a dark and stormy night at State College when I first met William. To be fair, it was actually mid-afternoon...and not particularly dark nor stormy. An A-one, high-quality human, I am thankful for all the memories we have (save for that one time you dinged me in the head with a racquetball) and I look forward to the ones yet to be created. Fun Fact: William and James served as teaching assistants in a biological sciences course at Penn State. For one T.A. get-together, William and James cooked and transported eight gallons of phở across campus. Most Likely to... grow his hair out. Most likely to fall out a window. Most likely to have his own IMDB page.
Anna Tilley
Bridesmaid
In Her Words: 12 years ago, Robin and I stumbled into one another's lives. The most rock-solid friend I have, Robin has housed me when I was homeless, given me advice when I was lost, been my partner in crime, a shoulder to cry on and stood by my side at my own wedding. I love this girl to death and think William is the luckiest man in the world to become her husband. Fun Fact: Anna travels all over the country for her job; and because of these travel opportunities, she has been able to visit National Parks, museums, and other sites on all of our bucket lists! Most Likely to... be the first on the dance floor. Most likely to take you out for a Carolina BBQ (more specifically, mac & cheese!). Most likely to play on one or more social sports league teams.
Mark Lentz
Groomsman
In His Words: William and I met at Penn State as freshman year roommates, and lived together three of four years. Surely he has picked me to be in his wedding party in order to mine some of my fantasy baseball knowledge as I have won four titles to his one in our league. Fun Fact: Mark is very passionate about black raspberry-flavored ice cream which is ironic because as a dentist, Mark should know best of all that sugar rots your teeth. Most Likely to... know the answer on Jeopardy before you finish reading the question. Most likely to pull a home run down the right-field line. Most likely to aggressively gamble with underclassmen on the pool table.
Caroline Brown
Bridesmaid
In Her Words: I met Robin 11 years ago. We became fast friends and quickly found ourselves inseparable (especially one special summer that will remain nameless). Our journeys took us to different places physically but when we get together, it's like no time has passed and we pick up right where we left off. I have so enjoyed getting to know William and see their love grow over these last couple of years. I am honored to stand by one of my best friends as she marries her perfect match! Fun Fact: Caroline has a master's degree in social work and is, therefore, a great listener. Most Likely to... say "bad news bears" in response to something unpleasant. Most likely to take you to a country concert. Most likely to attend multiple parties in one evening.
Mike McGuire
Groomsman
In His Words: I have known William since freshman year at Penn State. We have shared a lot of good times over the years (many of which I was not allowed to tell Robin about upon meeting her at William's request). Ever since then it was always apparent how well William and Robin complement each other, and I'm honored to be a part of their wedding day. Fun Fact: His palate may be a little more advanced now, but Mike may have finished four years at college without eating a single vegetable. Most Likely to... remember your embarrassing stories. Most likely to drop the timeliest, most unexpectedly perfect, one-liners. Most likely to order a Miller Lite at a soirée.
Carolyn Eby
Bridesmaid
In Her Words: I met Robin Hackett in the winter of 2007 when she moved down to Richmond, Virginia to continue her studies. Our wonderful friend, and fellow bridesmaid, Laura Catania introduced us and we became fast friends and eventually roommates the following year. Robin and I immediately bonded over our strong love for red wine, cats, and pancakes. I am so excited and honored to be part of the next chapter of her life! Fun Fact: After college, Carolyn spent over a year traveling around the Mediterranean and Turkey as an au pair. Most Likely to... be at one of the Smithsonian Institute museums. Most likely to host a fabulous Seder. Most likely to DIY (like our dresses in the photo of us at a jungle-themed party circa 2008)
Luke Turner
Groomsman
In His Words: The first time I met Robin, she absolutely stunned me....with the fact she made William truly care about another person. Both William and Robin are special and I am so happy that they have asked me to be a part of their big day! Fun Fact: Luke has served the unenviable position of our Fantasy Baseball Commissioner since college; however, he has never brought home the trophy. Maybe 2019 is his year? Most Likely to... give an unforgettable handshake. Most likely to use a spoonerism. Most likely to close a George Foreman grill after putting cheese on his burger.
Lori McDonald
Bridesmaid
In Her Words: Robin was my first friend at Laporta's Restaurant. After a rocky start (she thought I didn't like her, when in reality I'm just really NOT a morning person) we became extremely close. During a time when we had no idea what we wanted to do next in our lives she was a constant friend who helped me gain more confidence in myself. I'm so happy to be a part of this next big step in her life! Fun Fact: Lori is an island girl from St. Thomas. Her birthday is always a party since it falls on New Year's Day; we celebrate her midnight birthday in style every year! Most Likely to... own more Disney movies than you. Most likely to have a rum drink in her hand. Most likely to dye her hair purple, blue, or some other super fun color.
Mick Benvenuto
Groomsman
In His Words: William is not a simple man, and I mean that in the most wonderful way. But no matter the situation, he is generous, thoughtful, and in-the-moment with you. I am ecstatic William and Robin have chosen to be together and hope they continue to find happiness the rest of their lives. Fun Fact: Mick moved from Philadelphia to California, making the cross-country motorcycle trip in late 2014. His going-away party in Philadelphia was the first trip Robin and William took together. Most Likely to... serve as an affable tour guide. Most likely to suggest a midnight trip to Centralia. Most likely to engage in political discourse.
Maneesha Chaudhary
Bridesmaid
In Her Words: When I was first introduced to Robin 6 years ago, she had that untouchable air about her and I was intimidated...until one day, while taking a menu test to get hired at the restaurant. I look up and there is Robin, sitting across from me and ready to start whispering answers. What a way to start a friendship. It didn’t take long afterwards to find out she is one of the wittiest and down-to-earth people out there who can also eat more Domino’s pizza than anyone I know. Fun Fact: In 2008, Maneesha and Robin worked at another restaurant together in Richmond, Virginia, but have no memory of ever meeting. Most Likely to... take a months-long, international, Eat-Pray-Love-style trip - solo. Most likely to redesign your website. Most likely to know more about ramen than you.
Bill Cadamore
Groomsman
In His Words: The first time I met Robin, I knew she was the perfect fit for William. William and I have had a lot of fun, but I never saw him as happy as he was when he first introduced us to Robin. I am so happy for you guys and wish you two a lifetime of love and happiness! Fun Fact: After a trip to Cedar Point in Ohio, Bill, his (now-)wife and his sister kept William alive after a bout of sun poisoning. The roller-coasters were worth it. Most Likely to... take you fishing. Most likely to build it himself. Most likely to quit our Fantasy Baseball League to spend time with his family.
Elizabeth Kettler
Bridesmaid - Sister of the Groom
In Her Words: Growing up having only brothers was such a bummer. I always wanted a sister and now it’s finally coming true! Robin is my book club buddy and is better at responding to my texts than William. I’m very excited to officially welcome her into the family next August. :) Fun Fact: What's in a name? While Liz, Beth, and Betty are all common nicknames for Elizabeth, she actually has held the nickname "Chuck" since seventh grade. Most Likely to... bake you a cake from scratch. Most likely to own a chinchilla. Most likely to not have a gallbladder.
Patrick "Chip" Finn
Groomsman
In His Words: William, Robin and I shared an employer years ago, and later, William and I shared a second employer together. Over the years, I have depended on William’s opinion and analysis for important life decisions from accepting new jobs to what variety of sushi burrito to enjoy during lunch. I am so happy for William and Robin and honored to be part of their big day. Fun Fact: Enjoy golfing? Appreciate good causes? Chip founded the Laura Winn Smith Foundation, which hosts a yearly golf tournament outside of Washington, D.C. raising money for cancer research. Most Likely to... "shotgun" a Budweiser. Most likely to think he is getting fired, then get a promotion. Most likely to "put $5 on it."
Calliope Lester
Flower Girl
In Her Words: Robin is the best aunt! She likes to buy me anything I want, even if I want two of the same item. She also makes bath time super fun. I am so happy she is marrying Uncle William! Fun Fact: Calliope is named after the Greek muse of epic/heroic poetry and means "beautiful voice". Most Likely to... be the star of the dance floor. Most likely to eat your dessert. Most likely to call you "mama."
Cassiopeia "Cassie" Kettler
Ring Bearer
In Her Words: Let's face it, William hit the jackpot when he picked me up from the shelter in Alexandria, Virginia. We've been side-by-side ever since. I like Robin too--she gives me larger dinner portions and is good at snuggling. I just wish she'd let me eat the cats...I just want William to be happy. Fun Fact: She is a good dog. Most likely to... be the star of the show. Most likely to receive the most belly rubs. Most likely to urinate outdoors.