Joy & Daniel
Wedding Party
Lauren Gerard
Maid of Honor
Lauren and Joy met at summer camp when they were 7 years old! They have been best friends ever since, managing to stay incredibly close through years of long distance and many life changes. Throughout their elementary school years, they would consistently write letters to each other, and look forward to the few special times a year they were able to see each other! Lauren is truly a sister to Joy, and a remarkable human. Her kindness, selflessness, and caring demeanor make her shine in any situation. Joy couldn't be more proud to have Lauren by her side as her Maid of Honor. It was a no-brainer, really.
Mack Hamilton
Best Man
Mack and Dan have known each other since elementary school. They played lacrosse together and continued to bond with their interest in fishing, hiking, cars, and lacrosse. They have continued to stay close through their many moves around the country. Despite going to different rival schools and even living on opposite parts of the continent at times, the two have been able to travel together and stay in touch. They have also been able to grow very close with the other's family. Dan was lucky enough to serve as the best man in Mack and Katie's wedding. Mack has been a selfless and caring friend through thick and thin and is always a phone call away. Dan is honored to have Mack return the favor and stand at his side as Best Man.
Liz Burgess
Bridesmaid
Liz and Joy met in medical school at Wake Forest. They quickly became inseparable and bonded over their shared love for travel. Liz is currently a family medicine physician in Chicago, IL. During the last 8 years, they have been each other's support systems through difficult times in their medical careers and multiple life milestones. Liz and Joy also have a tendency to hop on planes and travel to far away places... most notably, they spent a month living in a van together while traveling around Australia. Liz also just so happened to "run into" Dan and Joy in Greece last summer. There is never a shortage of adventure with these two. Joy is ecstatic to have Liz by her side at her wedding!
Dillon Salge
Groomsman
Dillon and Dan have also known each other since elementary school. They went onto be roommates for all four years at Indiana University and then lived just a few blocks away during grad school. They are lovingly referred to as honorary "Robinson" and "Salge" boys by each other's mothers, too. Dillon and Dan have had some amazing trips together and look forward to more adventures together. Dan can always count on Dillon for a good laugh and endless inside jokes. Dan was in Dillon and Shannon's wedding party and now is happy to have Dillon stand with him this time around.
Kassy Smykowski
Bridesmaid
Kassy and Joy were college roommates at Binghamton University. Initially bonding over their shared love for Bon Iver songs and great poetry, they have remained connected throughout the most formative years of their lives, exuding endless love and support. There is nonstop laughter when these two are together, and plenty of reminiscing. Kassy is a beautiful person, both inside and out. Joy cannot wait to see Kassy's contagious smile light up the room at her wedding!
John Schmidt
Groomsman
John and Dan played lacrosse and grew up in Zionsville together. John then moved in with Dillon and Dan at Indiana University and continued to grow in their friendship. Dan helped with the surprise when John got engaged to his wife, Valeria, and also was in their wedding party. After years of staying in contact (with nonstop banter, of course) and living on opposite sides of the country, John helped plan the surprise engagement for Joy and Dan in Indianapolis. Dan is excited to have John as one of his groomsmen and also to be moving closer to the Schmidt family in 2023!
Tobey Ben-Aderet
Bridesmaid
Joy and Tobey were neighborhood friends, and became attached at the hip in high school! They spent every Friday night together, and dubbed it "Joy and Tobes Time". This always encompassed plenty of junk food, board games, movies, and countless laughs. Tobey's house was Joy's second home, and her family became Joy's second family. Tobey is one of those people that you can talk to about literally anything, and she has remained one of Joy's most trustworthy, loving, and thoughtful friends. Joy cannot wait to have Tobey by her side at her wedding - the best Joy and Tobes Time, yet!
Steve App
Groomsman
Steve and Dan initially met in undergrad at Indiana University. Despite his best efforts, Steve could never beat Dan on an organic chemistry quiz (although he was better at FIFA). Steve became an honorary roommate and went on many adventures with the crew. Even in medical school, Dan and Steve stayed in touch. Luckily, Steve (along with his now-wife, Sydney) moved to Chapel Hill for his emergency medicine residency, just minutes down the road from Dan and Joy. It has been a great few years living in the same part of North Carolina. Similar to the above, Dan was a part of Steve and Sydney's wedding and is thrilled to have his large-armed friend stand next to him on his own wedding day.
Rachael Ferreira
Bridesmaid
Rachael is one of Joy's oldest friends. They grew up in the same neighborhood in Bayside, NY, and have been best friends since they were five years old! They played on the same softball and basketball teams, went to the same camp, and even created a band together! Believe it or not, they can still belt out the lyrics to their original songs (written in their elementary school years) about *love and heartbreak*, at the snap of a finger. Joy is so happy to have Rachael by her side at her wedding. Maybe they will break out into a long-awaited duet... for old times' sake.
Joey Montgomery
Groomsman
Joey and Dan fatefully met in undergrad when they lived across the hall from each other at Indiana University. They were often found hanging out and bonding over FIFA or Indiana basketball. They continued to stay in touch through grad school when visiting the midwest or when Joey drove down from Washington. They frequently bond over their shared appreciation for food, bourbon, and shooting. Dan has been lucky enough to travel and embark on many adventures with Joey. Unlike the others, Dan has yet to be in Joey's wedding party, but is excited for that day to come.
Ethan, Isaac, and Justin
Ushers
Ethan, Isaac, and Justin have been Joy's closest guy friends since they all met in kindergarten! During the early years, they all lived in the same building complex. They went to the same elementary and junior high schools. They were then all accepted to the Bronx High School of Science, and attended it together, finally going separate ways for college. They still manage to meet up multiple times a year, and the jokes and laughs continue. Ethan, Isaac, and Justin are the brothers that Joy never had, and Joy truly considers them to be family. Joy's father was always so fond of them, and so happy that she found a group of guys to endlessly make fun of her. Joy could not be more touched and uplifted to have these three in her wedding.
Phil McDowell
Usher
Phil and Dan have also known each other since elementary school. They went on to be roommates at Indiana University and then lived just a few blocks away during grad school. Hours were spent watching IU games, at the gym, playing lacrosse and Fifa together. Now they’re just a quick drive away in Indianapolis. Dan was in Laura and Phils wedding party and now is happy to have Phil be with him this time around!