Jessica & Grant
Wedding Party
Tiffany
Maid of Honor
Sister and friend for life, there was no doubt that I would ask Tiffany to be my maid of honor. From adventures in our backyard, to pen wars, to sing-alongs in the car, my sister has brought much joy and laughter into my life. She has seen me at my best and at my worst, and been a blessing through it all. I am so grateful to have her by my side as I start this new adventure.
Ian
Best Man
Ian and I first met as fraternity brothers in college and since then he has become the closest thing I have to a true brother. From mid morning tailgates to late nights (or were they early mornings?) in New York City, there is no adventure too great for us to take on. From the highest highs to the lowest lows, Ian has been an unwavering source of excitement, courage, and support.
Caroline
Bridesmaid
I had the pleasure of meeting Caroline several years ago in NYC. I never thought I would be able to convince this cool Swiss to be my friend, but miracles do happen and I am lucky enough to call her one of my dearest friends. Since that day we have had many adventures, including countless house dance parties, Happy Hours, and two trips to Europe! Though she and her husband have moved to London now we have stayed in touch and plan any sort of celebration to reunite. I am grateful for how much Caroline loves her friends and there is nothing she would not do for the people she loves.
Matthew
Groomsman
Matt (or Dr. Matt, as we now call him) was one of the first people I met in college, and was the reason I joined the fraternity that connected me with so many great friends whom I now call brothers. Shortly after college, Matt was assigned to a hospital system 10 minutes down the road from my first apartment in Stamford, CT. While he has since moved on to a new place and time in his career, I am forever grateful that Matt managed to stake a claim to me as his "little brother" in our fraternity, and for everything that has come to both of us since.
Christine
Bridesmaid
I met Christine through mutual friends at church and it was an invite to my 25th birthday, as we commuted home on the subway, that sealed the deal. Ours is a unique friendship and we dubbed the term "sister friends," because we have traveled and have been through so much together that essentially we function as sisters. It has been a gift to have a sister-friend being so far away from my family all of these years. She even made the trek to CA one spring and got the full family initiation. Her friendship is one I treasure and you'll know it's Christine by her megawatt smile and joy that's contagious.
Malcolm
Groomsman
Malcolm came into my life at the recommendation of someone I am very close to, as in the Summer of 2017, he began dating my sister, Hilary. From when we first met, I knew he was the right kind of man for both her, as well as the rest of my immediate family. Since then, we have become closer than we could have imagined, sharing family holidays, trips around the country, and most recently, a home as quarantine roommates. Watching Malcolm grow in his relationship, education, and professional capacity has been immensely rewarding, and I hope he will be joining our family soon (no pressure, buddy).
Erica
Bridesmaid
Erica was my first friend in NYC. We met on the subway riding back from a dinner at Carrie's house all those years ago. Her kindness drew me in like a magnet and we decided to meet on the Upper West Side for frozen yogurt. We shared our stories over frozen yogurt at 16 Handles and have been doing the same ever since. Walks in the park forged our friendship and I could always count on Erica to soak up the sunshine with me. Erica is also one of the major reasons I first considered staying in NYC. We have dreamed many dreams together and I am grateful to have her by my side for this momentous occasion.
Seth
Groomsman
Another Beta brother, despite living over 800 miles away, Seth is one of about five people that I talk to on a daily basis. Whether we are joking around or intensely debating, Seth always has unique, poignant, and entertaining viewpoints, be it on sports, politics, or the intricacies of the US legal system. Seth is the kind of person who constantly makes me question how hard I am working in all aspects of my life, which is an important type of friend for someone like me.
Hannah Jane
Bridesmaid
Hannah Jane was introduced to me by Christine several years ago in NYC. The running joke has been that I took some winning over but once that was done our friendship was on a fast track. What I learned quickly about Hannah Jane is she has a listening ear like no other. Through the years she has been one I can count on and has spoken much wisdom into my life. She was a friend who just got it for me. I enjoyed all the hours we spent in her Gramercy studio watching Friends and talking about everything under the sun.
Mark
Groomsman
I first met Mark in the Summer of 2012, through a very dear mutual friend, Natasha. In the following years, Mark became my close friend, and permanent AirBnB host. Due to his leaving New York City within weeks of my eventual move here, it has been a joy to be able to return the favor. On top of this, Mark is my go-to reference for bringing quality choices into my life, whether it be a bottle of wine, a group of friends, or a professional conundrum.
Hilary
Bridesmaid
I have the honor of calling Hilary my future sister-in-law. Little did we know that we would have the opportunity to spend so much time with each other, as we were all (Grant, Hilary, and Malcolm) quarantined together for about 2 months. I am grateful that in Hillary I have found a fellow Taylor Swift enthusiast, sushi lover, and someone with an incredible fashion sense. She is so thoughtful and has made me feel welcome and at ease since the day I met her.
Sam
Groomsman
Sam is yet another Beta brother (there's a theme here) who I can always count on to challenge me (there's another theme). On paper, it would be hard to find someone who is more different than I am, but every time we are together, we crumple up that sheet and find new ways to enjoy and appreciate each other. Sam's dedication to his friends and zeal for life are both great examples to me, and help me try to be a better man every day.
Katelyn
Bridesmaid
Katelyn and I met through Erica several years ago when I was in search of a new apartment. After a quick introduction and discussion we thought we'd be good roommates. I can safely say, not only is Katelyn the best roommate but she is also one of my best friends. From Citi biking all over Manhattan, to nights spent at Burke & Wills, to binge watching Love Island in the apartment, we have had some amazing times.
Kevin
Groomsman
Kevin is the youngest of Jessica's two younger brothers, but was quick to remind me (via Jessica) that there were two of them, and that they don't let anyone mess with their sister. Despite my trepidation at such an ominous "introduction", my first in-person meeting with Kevin was friendly, cordial, and frankly, fraternal. After a night out together in San Diego, I realized just how similar Kevin and Jessica are.
Kelly
Bridesmaid
I met Kelly through grad school and had the honor of teaching alongside her in a 2nd grade classroom. She has been an anchor for me in NYC, as she helped me weather grad school and the difficulties of the city. Kelly is an incredible encourager. Our many talks over snacks and bubbles on her roof played a large part in why I ran the NYC marathon and finished my PhD this past February.
Ryan
Groomsman
Ryan is the older of Jessica's two younger brothers, and is an incredible husband and soon-to-be father as well as a world class dessert connoisseur. I knew that Ryan was willing to give me a chance when he tried my lamb at Christmas dinner, even if he did wash the taste down with most of a big gulp soda.