Wedding Party
Julia Hershey
Maid of Honor
Julia is the bride's twin sister. Needless to say, they have been exceptionally close since (before) birth. Julia and Janae have co-conspired in many a shenanigan since childhood, and there's no sign of them stopping anytime soon. Janae and Julia share many things, including: a birthday, a family, and a love for domestic felines. Janae is deeply grateful to have Julia as a twin sister, best friend, and of course, maid of honor on her wedding day.
Vincent Elia
Best Man
Vince is the groom’s uncle, but due to their closeness in age, Matthew considers him to be more like a brother. Matthew and Vince have grown much closer since they began working together, and Matthew views him as a positive role model. These days, you may find Vince and Matt in the paint booth clearing a car, getting chicken wings at the Pike, or shooting dice at the craps table. Vince is intelligent, easygoing, and family-oriented. Matthew knows that Vince is always there for him and is so grateful to have him as his best man.
Laura Cook
Bridesmaid
Laura and the bride have known each other since childhood, but they became very close friends after reconnecting in adulthood. They then went on to become roommates and made many fond memories together; going for walks in the summertime, attending refit (a zumba alternative), and exploring the local Ephrata shops and restaurants. These days, Laura and Janae visit each other often in their new hometowns of Philadelphia and Reading, and they FaceTime frequently to catch up. Janae feels very understood and loved by Laura, and she is honored to have her as a bridemaid on her wedding day.
Nathan Snyder
Groomsman
Nathan and the bride were coworkers in the cell banking department of Eurofins Lancaster Labs from 2021-2025. Nathan and Janae became very close friends pretty much immediately, and the groom got to know Nathan very well throughout the years. Nathan, Janae, and Matt have trampled together all around York, Lancaster, Ephrata and Reading, PA to find the most fun places and activities. Nathan is outgoing, witty, and incredibly fun to be around. The couple feels lucky to have made such a charismatic and devoted friend. They are honored to have him as a groomsmen on their wedding day.
Melodie Garrett
Bridesmaid
Melodie (Mel) is the bride's close friend from the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences program. They graduated together in June of 2025, and now they are coworkers at Reading Hospital. Janae and Mel connected over a shared love for music artists Chappell Roan and Taylor Swift, and also a shared love of science. You may find Janae and Mel attending bingo nights and dance parties themed after their favorite music genres. Janae is very excited to have Mel as a bridesmaid on her wedding day!
Gavin Jacobs
Groomsman
Gavin and the groom became close friends during high school while they were both in the same vocational program for machining. Even though Matthew chose a different career path, he is grateful for the lasting friendship that developed from that time. Matthew and Gavin enjoy shooting sporting clays, trying new restaurants, and staying up late playing video games together. Gavin is truly charismatic, witty, and generous. Matthew is honored to have Gavin as one of his groomsman on his wedding day.
Nina Elia
Bridesmaid
Nina will be the bride's sister-in-law. Janae is very excited to gain Nina as a sister because Nina is just the coolest! She is fun-loving, kind, and has a great sense of humor. Nina always made Janae feel welcomed at Elia family events, and Nina and Janae have invited each other to hang out in each other's friend groups. Janae feels blessed to have gained such a close friend, sister, and to have her as a bridesmaid on her wedding day.
Andrew Kochel
Groomsman
Andrew is the groom’s sister’s fiancé, and they see each other every Tuesday for family dinner at the Elia’s. Matthew is so happy that his sister found someone like Andrew, who is confident, nurturing, and strong. It is a big honor for Matthew to have his future brother-in-law join him on the big stage.
Dr. Julie Nguyen
Bridesmaid
Julie is one of the bride's childhood friends. Janae fondly remembers meeting Julie on the swing set in 4th grade during recess. These days, you may find Janae and Julie getting sushi together, followed by wandering around PetSmart to look at the cats, hamsters, and birds for sale. Julie is incredibly smart and kind. Janae is honored to have Julie as one of her bridesmaids on her wedding day.
Ethan Scolastico
Groomsman
Ethan and the groom have been friends since elementary school, bonding over their shared love of sports, video games, and the outdoors. Their friendship has continued into adulthood, and Matthew enjoys visiting Ethan in West Chester. Ethan is a loyal and kind person with a wonderfully dry sense of humor. Matthew feels incredibly lucky to have such a close friend like Ethan join him on his special day.
Tierra Zimmerman
Bridesmaid
Tierra (Tia) is one of the bride's close friends from high school. They were in the high school marching band together and always sat at the same lunch table. These days, you might find Janae and Tia lounging by the pool in the summertime, or playing a fast-paced card game. Tia is always up for an adventure, has a great sense of humor, and Janae is honored to have her as a bridesmaid on her wedding day.
James Rhoads
Groomsman
James (Jimmy) and the groom grew up within walking distance of one another. Matthew attributes his love of basketball to their time playing together at the local court, and although they didn't share many classes, they have remained close friends throughout the years. Jimmy currently resides in Slippery Rock for his postgraduate education, and the two always make time to catch up whenever he returns home. Known for being genuine, receptive, and humorous, Jimmy is a great addition to the groomsmen party.
Robin
Cat of Honor
Robin was a stray cat that was found by the groom outside of The Pike, a local bar and restaurant, in May of 2025. Robin came right up to Matthew and demanded to be petted. Matthew, knowing Janae desperately wanted a cat, decided to rescue Robin off of the Reading streets and allow her to live in his home. Robin quickly stole both Matthew's and Janae's hearts with her friendly and playful personality. While Robin can sadly not attend the wedding due to her being a cat, the couple would like to celebrate her by declaring her the cat of honor.
