Mike & Isabelle's Wedding Party

Mike

Groom

Isabelle

Bride

Howard

Best Man

Mike met Howard in the 4th grade when they had to line up in size order. One thing led to another and after a joint comic book venture, riding their first roller-coasters, and traveling Colombia together, they've continued to be close friends to this day (despite some close calls after some particularly heated games of Super Smash). It's hard to summarize a 20 year friendship in 800 characters, but Howard has been a constant presence in Mike’s life despite often being hours apart. Mike’s excited to have Howard by his side on the wedding day (and to help plan the bachelor party fun obviously). Fun fact: Howard's played piano at Carnegie Hall. Howard has also been referred to as the "Chinese Sniper"...(by himself...in Mike's 8th grade yearbook).

Janno

Man of Honor

"A sibling may be the sole keeper of one's core identity, the only person with the keys to one's unfettered, more fundamental self." - Original Kin, Marie Sandmaier Janno is undeniably Isabelle's best friend who, lucky for her, also happens to be her brother. His birth is her birth, his death is her death. The siblings share an unwavering bond rooted in dark comedy, dry humor, music, JRPGs, and love. You can often find the two cry-laughing at each other's jokes at the smoky side of a BBQ. Janno is known for being the understated life of the party. As such, Isabelle has forced him to become a wedding officiant and he will be ordinating her and Mike's wedding! Fun fact: Janno was a millionaire on Neopets. He had a pea chia!

Andrew

Best Man

Nacca Flocka Flame. Big Gucci Sosa. Twinkle toes. The Huggernaut. Andrew is a man that goes by a lot of names...except Andrew actually. Nacca and Mike met as fraternity brothers. Living together in a fraternity house that was in violation of a number of city ordinances, they really bonded. And by bonded, Mike means he targeted Nacca with most of his pranks. Nacca and Mike also bonded over law school in NYC, before Nacca left to manage his real estate empire in the Great White North. Nacca's always been a generous & reliable friend, whether helping build a PC or staking Mike in blackjack. No matter what you call him, know that Nacca's "just weird" (his words, not Mike’s). Fun fact: When not representing the sovereign citizens of the universe, he struggles to understand time travel.

Samantha

Maid of Honor

Isabelle's first love and first wife, Samii was a blessing given to her in high school. It is safe to say she knows all of Isabelle's secrets. That's why her hair is so pink. A defining member of Isabelle's TEAM, Samii has held her and the girls steady since her very first D'D'em at Lincoln Center. Samii and Isabelle got married during their senior year of Relay for Life, where they took a pie to the face to legitimize their marriage. Since then, regardless of how many states Samii's ballet husband, Danny, whisks her away to, they have remained best friends and forever wives. Fun fact: Samii is an advocate of animal rights. She is the founding father of "What About Possums", otherwise known as "WAP". Please, ask her about it.

Evan

Groomsman

Evan and Mike became friends in Bing through the fraternity and haven't been able to escape each other since. Something to appreciate about Evan is that he's always down for anything. Whether it's a late night food run, roadtripping to Philly for a concert, or doing the blackout haunted house, Evan's a great sport and it's why Mike and Evan lived together during their grad programs. Evan wasn't just a good friend, he was also a great roommate to Mike and Bane! It was sad to part ways after law school, but it's no accident that Mike and Evan are living in the same building again. Whether walking down the hall to each other’s apartments or walking down the aisle with us, Mike’s glad to know Evan will be involved. Fun fact: Evan's a physicist, so you can talk time travel with him instead.

Adiza

Bridesmaid

Adiza and Isabelle met in high school during a commute home when Isabelle realized other kids at Laguardia H.S. lived in Staten Island too and it was probably a good idea to take the train and ferry home together. Thenceforth, the girls have shared an endless amount of butter on their rolls, b-butter on their D, half a lunch-special of Chinese food, pumpkin donuts, and 'tussin. A TEAM Kapn, Diz is a driving force of love, tomfoolery, and fun. She can always convince Isabelle to stop thinking so hard and let loose. After so many TEAM punches to the head, Isabelle has learned it's better to stop worrying and enjoy the ride because if Adiza is steering, they are guaranteed an unforgettable adventure. Fun fact: Adiza is a tried and true Hufflepuff who needs a nap when overwhelmed.

Gilbert

Groomsman

Gilbert and Mike met during their first year of law school. Mike will never forget Gilbert walking up to him with a random picture of Mike from college while asking, "do you recognize this man?" Throughout law school, despite different career paths, Gilbert quickly became a close friend as they bonded over a shared appreciation for hip hop, reddit, and debating the age old "is a hot dog a sandwich" question. Whether it's hitting up a last-minute rap concert or hanging at the park, it's a textbook fact that Gilbert's a good time. Mike looks forward to Gilbert being a groomsman especially because, if things get too crazy, Mike will have his criminal defense attorney nearby. Fun fact: In his spare time, Gilbert enjoys partaking in MMA and is an amateur bathroom art critic.

Jon M.

Bridesman

Jon and Isabelle met through Mike in college and there was an instant connection. Between Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Victoria Monet, Mariah Carey, and other iconic queens, the two have yet to run out of repertoire. Both artists of their own accord, the two can often be found socially-distant-dancing at the forefront of protests for racial and social justice or trying the latest vegan empanadas. Jon exudes Virgo energy: loyal, analytical, and governed by Mercury: the messenger planet of communication. Jon is one of those rare humans that "just gets it" and thrives on deep, intellectual connections. Jon has helped Isabelle learn how to make "good trouble", and she is forever grateful to have him as a guiding light in her life. Fun fact: It is not a coincidence that Beyonce is also a Virgo.

Mark

Groomsman

Mike has known Mark for all but 5 years of his life...and that's because Mark's his youngest (and tallest) brother. Despite having been obsessed with "Like Mike", Mark was actually not too much like this Mike. Whereas Mike just did what he had to, Mark was always the overachiever whether in class, band, or in sports. Nowadays Mike and Mark are usually catching up on Xbox Live (assuming Mark's not putting in his mandatory FIFA time) and sharing music recommendations. Mike is excited for Mark to be a groomsman and help get the reception going with the dance skills he’s cultivated via Dance Central. Fun fact: Mark once bounced a basketball off Adam Sandler’s head globetrotter-style. Ok, not actually, but he really did play him in basketball.

Jane "Trini"

Bridesmaid

Jane is Mike's cousin, but really, she's Isabelle's cousin. Jane officially joined the family in 2016 but as musical theatre lovers, bookworms, yentas, science-aficionados--Isabelle has always felt like Jane was her family. They love to love and it shows through their non-stop texting, DMing, duo, and phone calls. They have only known each other for a few years but for Isabelle, it's almost as if she's known Jane in another life. She considers Jane her soul-sister and is so incredibly grateful she will be blessing her bridal party with her infamous TJ energy. Isabelle cannot wait to dance with her and Baby V at her wedding! Fun fact: Jane's an enneagram 6!

Matt

Groomsman

Matt is Mike's younger brother and, whereas Mike is not an artsy or creative type, Matt is very much someone with an artistic and creative bent. As with most artistic types, Matt's a free-spirit who's traveled quite a bit and lived on both coasts. Whether it's talking books, cocktails, food, music, or whatever you might fancy, chances are Matt's got some esoteric knowledge to drop. Now that Matt's returned to NYC, him and Mike have been able to see each other more and bond over their interests in politics and philosophical views. While Mike is happy that Matt will be standing with him at the altar, Mike also knows Matt will make sure that the drink selection is on point. Fun fact: Coffee competitions are totally a thing and, yes, Matt has competed.

Juan

Bridesman

Juan Skittlez Ortiz. @TheRealSkittlez An icon of social media since the days of "Shit Spanish Girls Say", Juan a.k.a. Skittlez and Isabelle met back in high school. Since then, Isabelle's life has been blessed with Britney Spears choreography, laughter, Beyonce concerts, selfies, brunch, Nicki Minaj rap battles, karaoke birthdays, make-up, and faux fur. Juan and Isabelle have built each other up to be the absolute baddest in the game. Ever the optimist, Juan can bring her out of her darkest days with his unique ability as a genuine entertainer. He used to surprise Isabelle on her birthdays with Mike when the couple was long-distance in college! Fun fact: Juan is Bane's favorite Tito.

Jon T.

Groomsman

Mike and Jon Tadros, or Tadros, met in 9th grade when they realized they lived on the same street and both enjoyed playing Halo. Mike considers Tadros one of his oldest but most unique friends and if you've met him, you would know exactly what that means--Tadros is "hype" in human form. While Mike distinctly remembers sweeping Tadros in Halo 1v1 back in the day, Jon definitely had his own strengths, including breakdancing, billiards, and literally being a competitive bodybuilder. When he's not mentoring Big Ramy, Jon is known for reading textbooks for fun and yelling at others to get their acts together in Overcooked. Still, regardless of what his current passion may be, Jon is always down for an adventure whether it be airsoft gun shootouts, playing Elden Ring for 7 hours straight, hanging out at the gazebo, or standing by Mike's side on his big day. Textbook fact: Tadros has a strong aversion to sitting.

Julia

Bridesmaid

Princess, Joojah, Julia Madden, Madden. This legend goes by many names. Isabelle met Julia Madden in high school and since then, has been through an incredible amount of shenanigans together. Although Julia is TEAM-adjacent, Isabelle, Samii, Adiza, and Julia together make up the "International Superstars of Love". The pair of Slytherin girls share a deep endearment for superhero movies, comic books, horror, sci-fi, true-crime documentaries, and each other. The Spider-Gwen to her Deadpool, Julia Madden has always been the much needed "only sane woman" in Isabelle's group of friends. She is Isabelle's most cherished saving grace. Fun fact: Julia Madden LOVES wrestling, specifically women's wrestling.

Wyoma

Groomswoman

Mike and Wyoma met when she hustled him in Yugioh and then somehow turned that hustle into a decades-long friendship. More seriously, Wyo’s basically the older (but physically smaller) sister Mike never had. From their middle school era, she’s always been somewhat protective of her friends and looking out for Mike was no exception. No matter the physical distance between them, Mike and Wyo have a friendship that they pick up effortlessly when they reunite for karaoke or Korean barbecue. Wyo's the quintessential ride-or-die friend and Mike's glad she'll be rolling with the wedding party as a groomswoman on the big day. Fun fact: Wyo is a powerlifter and some say it was Wyo that initially inspired Arnold Schwarznegger himself to lift his first dumbbell.

Rolando

Bridesman

Rolando Chusan is half of Isabelle's sacred wolfpack. They knew of each other in high school but got insanely close in college when Isabelle decided to do a B.A. in both History and Theatre. He picked her up off the floor of the theatre department and they've been inseparable ever since. Isabelle is adamant we will all see Rolando's face on the big screen one day and she is relentless in her hope for his dreams to turn into reality. As a director, playwright, actor, model, and absolute weeb, Rolando can be found asking Isabelle to read screenplays and talking about how they can weave in more social justice issues into his works while also catching Pokemon. Rolando is Isabelle's tooth: much more to be prized than a diamond. Fun fact: One of Rolando's dreams is to play the Blue Beetle!

Bane

Dog

Mike wanted a dog for most of his life and determined to get one once he graduated college. Now, 7 years later, Bane still keeps Mike & Isabelle on their toes with his puppy-like bursts of energy and works a part-time job as a watchdog for any apartment building ne'er-do-wells. From Mike's first post-college job, through law school, first lawyer job, and now marriage, Bane's been through it all! While Mike & Isabelle may joke that Bane's the bane of their existence, Bane's been a source of comfort and companionship over the years with all of life's ups and downs. Fun fact: When Mike returned to the country after a month long trip to India, he may have, sort of, accidentally embraced Bane for a few minutes before also remembering he should acknowledge and greet Isabelle.

Grundy

Dog of Honor

Bane chose Grundy six years ago to be part of the family. Grundy's formative year resided with only cats for the majority of the day in a basement apartment so when the two adopted him, they lovingly called him a "Cat-Dog". Bane taught him to bark, to pee standing up, and to not be so scared of humans. Grundy's truly weird behavior is a constant source of joy for Isabelle and Mike. Whether he is smacking the tub of coconut oil onto the floor, resting his head on Mike's head for a nap, or walking on the windowsill, Grundy has a talent for making a serious day feel so silly. He is Isabelle's lemon--epileptic, anemic, and faking limps for attention, but, he is also the love of her life. Fun fact: Grundy thinks Mike is his roommate and absolutely runs the Kumar house.