The High Council
Ali Lawrence
Goddess of Fire
There is only one that is good enough for Lord of Yorktown Heights and that is the Goddess of Fire herself, Ali Lawrence. Ali joined Marissa's family last year and they hit it off right away. Their love for the performing arts, their talks of philosophy, and excitement of ice cream made it easy for them to feel connected. Marissa is so thankful to have this goddess empower her on her day to wed.
Ava Moreno
Water Dancer of Hermosa
Marissa met Ava when she was going through her apprenticeship to become a master of yoga. Ava was a mentor of education, being very patient with Marissa as she asked her many questions of body and movement. Throughout their years of elevating their trade in movement they've explored many layers of life together. Whether they are on the cliffs of Moher, eating their way through Paris, or sending each other animal videos they have grown side by side and had so much fun along the way.
Emily Mack
Professor of Muggle Studies
Young Emily met Marissa when her father was betrothed to her mother. Marissa always wanted a little sister and was so happy when their families combined. Over the years, they've delved into witchcraft and wizardry (Hogwarts) and even had a short stint against some vampires and werewolves (twilight). Whatever they experienced, they did it together and with so much fun. Now, they are getting married side by side and excited for the future adventures that are to come!
Graham Watson
Captain of the Chips
Graham and James grew up together, played sports together, raged against the Fifa gods together, survived college together (well the countertop at 7th street didn't survive but I digress), and even travelled the world together. Though this good sir has the stigma of being late to everything, Graham is never late in his duties as a friend. Even going so far as to visit James while he lived in South America. From their casino wins in Lima, chanting "Vamos, vamos Chilenos," to a Lord of the Rings-esque horseback chase in Cusco, to waking up before the sunrise to hike up to Machu Picchu, their trip and their friendship is one James will never forget. Unless he bets on the Packers in the postseason one more time to jinx them, then James will completely forget Graham's existence.
James Vollmer
Master of Whisperers
The other James. Brothers in name. One of James's (the groom) fondest memories of their relationship is a quiet Indiana night. Having to go to morning soccer practice at 5 a.m. before school, James (the groom) slept over at James's (the groomsman) house so they could carpool. They did not get one minute of sleep; they talked the whole night. And to those that know James (the groom), talking is one of his least favorite activities. From playing sports together to spring break trips, the Jameses have been the best of friends and to this day James (the groomsman) is James's (the groom) favorite person to talk to, aside from Marissa of course.
Jeff Howard
Protector of the Key
The proverbial Gandalf of the group. And not because of his height compared to us hobbits, though Jeff is the only one of the friend group that James is afraid to meet at the volleyball net. Much like Gandalf saved the fellowship at Helm's Deep, Jeff was the one to arrive on the third day and rally the troops during the infamous Florida spring break trip (just ask James the Groomsman). Growing up, Jeff's basement was the spot to be on the east side of the Field. Whether you needed an endless supply of Gardettos and Mountain Dew or just a friend to play Fifa with, Jeff has always been the one to call. And who would have thought one day, a friend of James's would move to Connecticut and be able to corroborate all of his stories of stolen bicycles and bullet riddled cars.
Lotta Rodriguez
Lady of Flowers
Lotta ventured over from Europe and landed at the University of Arizona where she met Marissa's brother, King Marcos, of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. They wed in 2015 and better yet became Marissa's sister. Lotta has graced Marissa's family with lavish parties and sophisticated wines that only the best from Europe can know. Marissa is very grateful for the creativity Lotta has brought into their family.
Meagan Marino
Soothsayer of the Central Valley
Meagan came into Marissa's life at a young age. They spent much of their youth galavanting through the back lands of Garces, swimming cross big waters, and surviving off food from the tavern, Sonic. When the back lands were no longer enough they went to explore the lands of Italy, Greece, Spain, and Mexico together. Many memories of laughter, dancing, dressing up in costumes, and trying food much more sophisticated than Sonic.
Michael Jank
The Dangerous Jarl
James knew when he went off to college that he would meet a lot of people. But he didn't think he'd meet someone that looked so similar, thought so similarly, and was basically the same person. Except Mike is a lot more outgoing. Mike "Danger" Jank just happened to rush the same fraternity as James and by senior year they were roommates and best of friends. Mike is James's go to for the finer things in life: Italian suits, secret bars, and explaining why John Wick is the best movie ever. If there's any nerdy parts of the ceremony you don't understand, feel free to ask Mike, he'll probably know. Or if you just want to hear Chicago's most interesting man tell a story.
Michael Procelli
Master of Ships
James has always looked up to his oldest brother, well not literally and most certainly not on the basketball courts. But definitely during Mike's flyovers in his career as a Navy pilot. While most military assignments usually split families apart, Mike's adopted hometown of Lemoore, CA actually brought him and James closer. From hiking in Yosemite to snowboarding in Lake Tahoe for Christmas, being the only two of the family living on the west coast has provided the chance for them to adventure.
Nate Hartauer
The Wandering Warrior
Bocobo 359. The freshman college dorm room at Indiana University that brought these two together. Sure, they were friends in high school (probably would have been grade school friends if Nate wasn't snobby and had to go to Catholic school) but living together freshman year of college and pledging the same fraternity really enhances a friendship. Their college stories are better meant for reunions, but let's just say these two enjoyed their time together. So much so that Nate was also a member of the Machu Picchu journey and James feels a little sense of pride about helping Nate become a world traveler. Nate and Mar have bonded over becoming certified yoga instructors, much to everyone's surprise in Nate's case. Mar might not realize the fateful tubing accident that is the reason James is afraid of putting on a wedding ring was at Nate's lake house. So, if you see Nate this weekend, feel free to give him the sign. Left hand forward, all fingers up except the ring finger bent straight down at the middle knuckle.
Nigel Spears
Lord of the Spears
When Nigel moved from St. Louis to Westfield in 8th grade, James knew instantly he had a new friend to share two traumatic experiences they both went through: First, moving from a big city to a sleepy hamlet on the north side of Indianapolis. Second, someone who also had a minor speech impediment. They also shared normal things: seemingly being in every honors high school class together. Listening to all of Rihanna's albums during spring break road trips from Indiana to Florida (an experience James the groomsman somehow slept through). Even though Nigel went to Butler University, you could usually find him 2 hours south in Bloomington on the weekends at Pi Kappa Phi with Nate and James. Nigel, along with Graham, is the first person James contacts when he comes back to Indianapolis.
Shaun-Casey Valaski
Lady of Mischief
Shaun Casey and Marissa started running around the fields of Lakeside waiting for their big brothers to face off in basketball. These two girls of raspy voices created so much noise, but also power wherever they went. From student body, to homecoming court, swim meets, and mending young broken hearts they have grown into women who still get into mischief, but of a higher class level. You'll most likely hear the Lady of Mischief before you see her.
Sydney Berger
Grand Duchess of Simi
There are very few people who can make Marissa laugh like the Duchess of Simi. Sydney and Marissa met in college when they were sworn into the same sisterhood. They spent many nights galavanting around the campus of the University of Arizona exploring the desert. After they both ended up in the coastal cities of Los Angeles where they still galavant, but usually in the daylight.
Talia Saville
Enchantress of Chelsea
Talia and Marissa met in an alternate dimension. They were in a place with average people jobs and the world was set in gray. Then they discovered this path to the world they didn't know they were missing. It's full of color, movement, healing, and of course sorcery. They both now live in this new world and try to share the color to all those who remain in the gray.
Thomas Procelli
Septon of Silver Thorne
A true brother relationship. From trying to kill each other with wiffle ball bats after arguing strikes and balls to staying up until 4 a.m that same night to finish a co-op Halo campaign. Their fierce childhood rivalry has transitioned into a close friendship except on those two Sundays every year when they square off in fantasy football. And during the yearly game of Risk. And when playing Mario Kart with their young relatives. But they've definitely matured past physically harming each other when they lose and James is proud to call Tom his brother.
Tomas Rodriguez
Maester of Ceremonies
Lord of Yorktown Heights is Queen Marissa's brother. Growing up he taught her how to fight, but more importantly how to love. As kids they were so competitive growing up always wanting to have the last say and now they are each other's biggest fans. No one is more articulate and sophisticated than Lord Tomas.