Wedding Party
Angela Kay
Maid of Honor
Angela (my 'second cousin once removed') and I have been related so long that there is a great picture of Angela as a baby where I am holding her! What is amazing is that now, as full grown adults who get to choose who we have in our lives, we choose to be close, and I am so grateful for the beautiful friendship we have. I don't hold her anymore like when we were babies - we hold each other. I had the best view at her wedding to the love of her life and I'm so glad to have her with a wonderful view at my wedding to the love of my life.
Ryan Abel
Best Man
Who’s that lucky reader about to read this bio about the best man in the world? It’s you! Also the best man is Ryan! Wow, what can I say about Ryan that hasn’t already been said in the last forty two words? The following sentences, that’s what! Ryan is the kind of person who just makes the world brighter and funnier. Wherever he goes – laughter and happiness follows. Nobody could stop themselves from loving him even if they wanted to, which they don’t because he is so great!
Ellen Lembke
Maid of Honor
Where do I even begin to describe my friendship with Ellen? It could be in the front row of our first ever high school class, it could be any of the exotic places we've traveled to together, or it could be the fact that our friendship extends beyond any of the places in the world. While Ellen is that friend that I can call to go on a last minute trip to Moscow, Russia without question, she is also the friend that I can sit and do absolutely nothing with and still have a the time of my life. It was an honor to stand by her for her wedding and a privilege to have her next to me for mine.
JG Hori
Groomswoman
Jeungri, or “Johnny G” as she prefers to be called, is in fact several geese stacked upon one another under a trench coat. I can’t prove it, but I’ve never seen multiple geese stacked up in a trench coat and her at the same time. The times I do get to see her, however, she is fiercely loyal and wise beyond her years, of which she has many. Her advice has raised my emotional IQ from 1 to 4. That’s roughly a 4 times increase of my emotional intelligence quotient! What a bargain! She even gave me the idea to propose to my beautiful wife during our holiday party. In most countries, that actually gives her legal rights (or “dibs”) on the first slice of wedding cake. Luckily, America does not have this law and also there won’t be a wedding cake.
Katie Rutenbar
Bridesmaid
I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly Katie and I found enough commonality to form an amazing friendship. It wasn't long before we learned we both played the French Horn and we decided to go to the work-sponsored yoga class. Eventually, we both DIDN'T go to yoga, but we still found joy in random adventures like coloring, wine, trips to JPL, Michigan, and getting lost on the way to Vegas. While getting lost with Katie is a hilarious experience, I know I've found a true friendship with her, and I'm thrilled to have her join me on my special day.
Markandeya Gohil
Groomsman
Despite popular belief, Markandeya is actually one person and not two. But boy howdy he’s so cool that he might as well be five, five cool guys! His overall kindness and pleasant nature make him a wonder to be around; it also serves as an emotional rollercoaster when you get to hear him rip on the guitar. MkD showed me like half of my favorite bands, and playing our ludicrous progressive metal songs back in our band days was some of the happiest times I had playing music. I couldn't imagine getting married without Markandeya by my side.
Robert Glick
Bridesman
If you told me back in 2011 when Rob was sitting next to me at our ASU graduation that he'd eventually be next to me at my wedding, I'd have thought you were insane. Our friendship has grown so much through the years into one I can't imagine my life without. We've been there for each other through thick and thin, and Rob will always be my BFF, FL.
Andrew Heath
Groomsman
Andrew is one such fast kicking, karate chop master with a heart of gold. This gilded cardiovascular super organ grants him the strength to withstand one million fists of fury. This works out perfectly since our wedding budget cops out at nine hundred thousand nine hundred and ninety seven fists of mild fury levels, leaving us with a fair bit of margin. His karate chops are matched only by his bass guitar chops, which are smoother than the honey of a wild grizzly bear that he fended off in the summer of 69’. This, coincidentally, is also how we became friends and how the name of his band was chosen. However, that is story for another time. Where was I, ah yes: Andrew is a great friend with integrity, cleverness, and wisdom beyond his years.
Doha Faied
Bridesmaid
We may not have been friends as long, but Doha has rapidly become a friend I can safely say I'll have forever. From when she dubbed me her work-wife at Masten to the random panicked calls at Blue Origin wondering how in the world we will land on the moon, I know Doha and I will always understand each other's work woes. Wherever our careers take us, though, I know it'll all be better with Doha adding both fun and reason into late night wine chats by the fire.
Tyler Talbot
Groomsman
From out of the shadows and into your hearts, Tyler comes a swingin’. His soft, suave tude and crooner level chill vibes leaves a wake of swoons and ahhs wherever he goes, but don’t let that intimidate you: this boi is a total nerd and can have a great time with anybody. Tyler is simultaneously both the dweeb and the cool guy, and makes him one of my favorite people to hang with ever. He also told me that my favorite drink is a Tom Collins, which I’m still not sure how to make or what even goes in it.