Janelle & James
Wedding Party
Bethany Beckman
Matron of Honor
Beth is another one of Janelle's sisters, and had a huge part in the surprise of the engagement! I honestly think that Beth knew James was the one for me just as early on as I knew it. Always level headed, available for a good laugh, and welcoming to us just stopping by, Beth is a first choice when I am looking for advice or support. She has built a beautiful life and I admire her so much, blessed to have her standing with me for this day and everyday!
Sean McDermott
Best Man
James's younger brother, Sean was his first friend growing up. I literally can't remember a moment without him. We made up games together, lived in the same room together, jumped from the top bunk onto a mattress on the floor together... We've grown out of our childhood stunts, but haven't grown apart. Sean is exactly who I need next to me on our big day.
Wendy Benson
Matron of Honor
Often mistaken for each other, Wendy is Janelle's older sister; a true role model. Wendy has been there through everything, and we often joke about "back when we were just sisters, and then we became friends". Whether it was when I was little, waking up from surgery, or any time in need, I always ask for 'My Wendy'. I admire Wendy so much, and so honored to have her by my side for our big day!
Andrew Dunkers
Groomsman
James met Andrew in college during his sophomore year, and they basically never left each other's side since. We went to the same internship, lived in the same apartment, ended up working for the same company, and lived together yet again. Andrew was one of the first people to meet Janelle when we started dating. I think seeing how well they got along together made it clear that Janelle was something special! I'm happy to have him with me on our wedding day.
Kayla Mennini
Bridesmaid
Basically inseparable throughout school years, Kayla and Janelle began their play dates way back in '97! Every weekend was a sleepover, rotating between houses, and the summers were more of the same. Many road trips to visit Kayla in college kept us close through the years when many high school friends drift apart, and created some incredible memories. These unforgettable moments of our friendship continue to our house and puppy adventures, and I know I can always turn to Kayla for anything, including supporting us on our wedding day!
Carmen LaMacchia
Groomsman
Carmen, Andrew, and James formed a formidable trio in college. If Andrew and I were walking around, you could guarantee someone was about to ask us: "Where's Carmen?" - we were that inseparable. Carmen brought laughter and a lot of heart to the table, and has shown a ton of compassion whenever I've needed it most. I'm lucky to have him as a groomsman.
Amanda Apa
Bridesmaid
One of Janelle's earliest childhood friends, and closest to this day. Through awkward elementary years, what our mom's may call mischievous high school years, volleyball seasons, visiting friends during college, and making our way through adulthood together, we've been together through it all. Amanda makes me laugh so much, we have so many memories together, and celebrating with us as as we get married is another amazing memory we will be able to add to our lifelong friendship!
Michael DePinto
Groomsman
Mike and James started their friendship... in a weird way. Without even really knowing me, Mike offered to drive me two hours to the airport, and threw in a dinner with his family for good measure. From there, we actually became great friends, moving into the same apartment and recruiting more people into our circle. Mike works tirelessly to keep our friendship as strong as ever, and I can't imagine him not being a part of this day.
Laurie Grolemund
Bridesmaid
Janelle and Laurie met among mutual friends late in elementary school and have been great friends ever since. Going through high school adventures together, and now living just a few miles from each other, our friendship has continued to grow deeper through the years. I am blessed to have the honor of being the godmother to Laurie's oldest child, Jack! Game nights are a staple of our friendship, bonding over our impulsive game play vs. the guys' analytical, long thought out strategy. Couldn't imagine this day without Laurie!
Christopher Dunkers
Groomsman
When Chris and James met, he was initially just Andrew's twin that visited at college a couple times. Fast forward a few years, aaaaand he's still Andrew's twin, but we're much closer as friends now. Chris has helped keep me grounded in the past few years, waiting for Janelle to finally show up in my life. We bonded over long weekends and longer road trips. I'll be happy to have Chris as a groomsman.
Makenzie Deeb
Bridesmaid
Janelle, Makenzie, and Michelle all worked as nurses together and became favorite work friends, and very quickly became best friends outside of work, finding different adventures to discover together. I always describe Makenzie as one of the most genuine, caring people I have ever met; and yet she also had the funniest blunt attitude can make me laugh like no other. She is truly one of my favorite people, and she has made me truly feel that all she wanted is just for me to find happiness. Makenzie knows this is with James, and I would never marry the love of my life without Makenzie by my side.
Matthew Lauzon
Groomsman
Matt and James became friends back in middle school. Even back then, it was clear that Matt was someone you wanted in your corner. He had more than enough self-confidence, and took all of the extra and used it to support and motivate his closest friends. I was lucky to call myself one of those friends, as Matt helped me through plenty of new opportunities. I'm lucky he'll be up there with me on for the big day as well.
Michelle Miller
Bridesmaid
The other piece to the trio of favorite work friends, Janelle and Michelle very quickly became close friends outside of work. I admire Michelle so much for knowing exactly what she wanted- and going out and making it happen. Rumor has it that Janelle once threw a drink on a deserving person to stick up for Michelle and show her love! Developing true, long lasting friendships as an adult can be hard, and I am so lucky to have found these girls and developed this little trio of nurse loves!
Teddy Taggart
Groomsman
Teddy and James's moms were best friends growing up... ...And, as expected, they forced their sons to be best friends as well. Not that it took much to make that happen, Teddy and I got along great. After all, we spent countless hours together every summer in Maine. Teddy was my first best friend, and is as close as family to me today. I'm excited to have him up there with me.