Wedding Party
Zach Howard
Best Man
Zach has been my best friend and role model since day one. I’ve learned from almost every one of his mistakes and tried to emulate his successes (which, to be fair, has been a pretty solid strategy so far). He’s a jack of all trades—the kind of guy who can accomplish anything he sets his mind to. On top of that, he made me a proud uncle, which might be his greatest achievement yet. I couldn’t imagine this big day without him by my side. -Ryan
Carly Waddington
Maid of Honor
As my baby sister, Carly has always been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. I feel so grateful and fortunate to have someone who has looked up to me and pushed me to be a better person and role model for her. However, as time has gone on, she has also grown to be an excellent role model for me as well. Though we have a large age gap between us, that has not stopped us from bonding and connecting more and more as the years went on. Carly knows me better than anyone, and is one of the most thoughtful people that I know. She is constantly thinking about those around her and how to show them she cares. Built on years of laughter, shared memories, and a deep understanding of one another, it is undeniable that we are so lucky to have one another. I am beyond blessed to have my only sister directly by my side on my special day as my Maid of Honor. -Emily
Cassie DeMeo
Matron of Honor
Cassie and I have been inseparable from the very beginning of our lives. As cousins and best friends with an age gap of only four months, we have shared so many parallel lifetime adventures together. From our involvement in dance (and choreographing performances for many special occasions), to high school drama, college applications, college survival, paying bills, planning weddings... you name it. We have shared in all of the experiences of life simultaneously. I can always count on Cass to give me open and honest advice and feedback (whether it's what I want to hear or not), laugh at my jokes, support my ultimate decisions no matter what, and be my biggest hype girl. From family gatherings, countless belly laughs, to tough life decisions, Cassie's love and support has never wavered. There are not many people in life who share the privilege to say they have a built in best friend who is also family. Lucky doesn't even begin to describe it, and there are very few words that can capture how grateful I feel to have Cassie in my life. There is no one better to share in this day as my Matron of Honor. -Emily
Creighton Farrell
Groomsman
Chuck is the Huckleberry to my Finn—my partner in crime in the great outdoors. We grew up playing ball together, but when we weren’t on the diamond or the football field, we were usually in his backyard, attempting (and often failing) to start campfires with way too much newspaper. Later, when we became roommates while I was in grad school, he decided it was time to turn me into a hunter, too. He’s always up for an adventure, whether it’s a low-water Monocacy River duck hunt or a grueling 10-mile kayak fishing trek on Lake Linganore with absolutely nothing to show for it. I couldn’t ask for a better lifelong friend to stand with me on the big day. -Ryan
Erin Wendel
Bridesmaid
Erin and I grew up as next door neighbors and have been inseparable for most of our lives. From sleepovers watching endless hours of Family Guy, making ridiculous home videos, and playing Barbies until we were way too old, I have enjoyed every moment I have ever been with Erin. Though we are three years apart, the age gap never impacted our friendship for a second. We grew together with every passing day. Erin has genuinely been a huge part of shaping me into the person I am today. I have looked up to her since the day I met her, and while we don't talk all the time, we reunite like no time has passed. I cannot imagine her being anywhere but by my side on this special day. -Emily
Nick Yoingco
Groomsman
Nick and I grew up playing baseball together all the way through school—he was the pitcher, and I was the catcher, which means I spent years bailing him out when he missed his spots (to this day he still asks me to throw a bullpen). Nick has a dark sense of humor that I love, even if it occasionally makes me wonder if I should be concerned. Off the field, Nick was just as consistent—at forgetting things. His glove, his belt, random things at my house… if it wasn’t attached to him, there was a good chance he’d leave it behind. My favorite is dragging Nick along into the outdoors and watching him try to adjust to the wild—usually without some crucial piece of gear he forgot (sleeping bag at Rocky Gap)—is always a highlight. Despite his questionable packing skills, there’s no one else I’d rather have standing with me on the big day. -Ryan
Michaela Vernon
Bridesmaid
I met Michaela on my first day of undergrad at The University of Maryland in 2015, where fate assigned her conveniently to the room directly next to mine. We quickly bonded over our shared love of pop punk music and many other similarities that quickly became very clear. From nights of watching Donnie Darko and googling conspiracy theories until the sun rose, to waiting in line for 17 hours to see our favorite band, Michaela was down for anything at any time. I share some of my most favorite life memories with her. Michaela was by my side during some of the toughest days I have ever experienced and she has since remained in my heart as one of the most caring, selfless, accepting, and genuine people I have ever met. I am beyond grateful to have her in my life, and by my side on my wedding day. -Emily
Colin Waddington
Groomsman
Colin is one of the smartest and most creative people I know. Since dating Emily, he’s given me a completely different perspective on life—one that challenges me to think deeper and consider things from angles I hadn’t before. At family gatherings, we often find ourselves diving into some pretty deep conversations, and I always leave with a fresh outlook. Beyond his intellect, Colin is an incredibly loving and kind individual. He welcomed me into the family with open arms, and I’ve always appreciated how easy it was to feel like I truly belong. I’m grateful to have him by my side on this special day. -Ryan
Jaira Billups
Bridesmaid
Jaira and I met in our early semesters at The University of Maryland about 9 years ago, where we were both studying to be Speech-Language Pathologists. We were introduced through a mutual friend, and though we started as study buddies, our relationship quickly grew into so much more than that. Jaira is the definition of dependable. She is selfless, strong, hard-working, disciplined, and admirably independent. Everything I have ever aspired to be, which is probably why I felt so drawn to her. Calling Jaira an amazing friend doesn't even begin to capture it. She is always putting in 110% for the people who she cares about . She has inspired me to be a stronger person, and has carried me through some of the toughest days I've ever experienced. She shows her love through her thoughtfulness, selflessness, and ability to remember every small detail about her friends. Jaira has truly inspired me every day I have known her, and I cannot wait to say "I do" with her by my side. -Emily
Jordan Poole
Groomsman
Jordan is a certified super nerd and one of my best friends since middle school. Back then, he practically lived at my house—we spent our days playing sports outside and our nights playing way too many video games. Jordan is the kind of friend who would do anything for me at any time, no questions asked. Whether it was some dumb idea we cooked up as kids or something I needed as an adult, he’s always been there. I couldn’t imagine this day without him—though I wouldn’t be surprised if he tries to sneak in a quick DnD session between the ceremony and the reception. -Ryan
Lauren Pankow
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met in graduate school at the University of South Florida in 2018, and we have talked almost every single day since. Lauren is one of those people who will leave you in awe when you meet her. She is so easy to get along with, is extremely down to earth, and she puts her all into everything that she does. She has a way of making you feel special. When I moved to Tampa for graduate school, I knew no one and felt so incredibly lonely and anxious about making friends. I met Lauren on day one of the program, and she immediately made me feel safe and comfortable. Our friendship grew in a matter of days. One of my favorite things to do is drive around with Lauren and run errands while we yap. In fact, Lauren and I could sit in a room surrounded by white walls and talk for hours about nothing, laughing until we cry. It takes very little to entertain us. I can trust Lauren with absolutely anything and know that no matter what I tell her, I will not be judged. She will always give me her honest opinion, but also offer her love and support in the end. I don't know what I would do without her, and I can't wait to have her by my side on my wedding day. -Emily
Jonathan Suriano (Soriano)
Groomsman
Jon is one of the great gaming friends I’ve made in my adult years, and despite not drinking, he’s always the life of the party. He’s got this perfect blend of kindness, logic, and a sense of humor that makes him one of the easiest people to be around. Back in high school, Jon was the Scottie Pippen to my Michael Jordan during my run to team sports champion. While I was racking up the accolades, Jon was the steady force behind the scenes, doing everything that needed to be done without expecting the spotlight. But there was that one time I almost ended his life with a full-court handball goal in team sports. I took a shot from across the court, and Jon, who unexpectedly turned right into the line of fire, found himself directly in the path of what can only be described as a nuclear piss missile. Fortunately, he survived the near-death experience and lived to laugh about it. Jon is the kind of friend who always shows up when it matters most, and I’m honored to have him by my side on the big day. -Ryan
Hannah Taheri
Bridesmaid
Hannah and I went to high school together; however, we didn't discover our similarities and potential for friendship until after graduation at senior week in 2014. We love kicking ourselves for the four years we missed out on knowing each other. However, I am so beyond grateful that we ultimately connected. Hannah is someone who can make me laugh until my stomach hurts, and who I can cry with safely. She is one of the funniest, most clever people I have ever known, and probably ever will know. We have experienced some tough moments together, but getting through those times with each other by our side has made our bond and friendship so much stronger. Hannah is the definition of a supportive and caring friend. Even from across the country in Seattle, Hannah makes me feel heard and valued. She is always there to hype up her friends and make an effort to stay connected with them. It's no wonder that she has more friends than I can even count. I can always count on Hannah's honesty, dependability, and support no matter where life takes me. She will always hold an extremely special place in my heart and in my life. I cannot wait to have her by my side on my wedding day. -Emily
Curtis Collins
Groomsman
Curtis and I met at orientation at Mansfield University, and from there, it was nonstop adventure. We played baseball together, skipped class to go smallmouth fishing more than we care to admit, and spent countless hours lifting weights in grueling workouts—because, obviously, we were on a mission to get massive. We partied hard, but studied harder. Curtis made college the most fun, and honestly, if he had invested all the money he spent on Shamrock Shakes and General Tso’s chicken over the four years, he’d probably be a millionaire by now. That said, I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything, and I’m lucky to have him standing by my side on the big day. -Ryan
Maylee Howard
Flower Girl
We are so excited to have our amazing niece, Maylee, as our adorable flower girl! -Em & Ry
Mack Howard
Ring Bearer
We are so excited to have our amazing nephew, Mack, as our adorable ring bearer! -Em & Ry