Nearlywed
Nearlywed
Woman of Honor
My parents always like to tell the story of how when I was first born and came home from the hospital Kelly did not like other people holding me. "My baby! My baby!" Well 30 years later I know she still has my back. Its tough having your sister live internationally, but we have made incredible memories meeting up around the globe including in Switzerland, Italy, Iceland, Greece, Uganda, Malaysia, and Singapore and whenever we get the chance to see one another its like no time has passed. I can't wait for this next part of life making memories in new places around the world with our new spouses starting with India for her wedding this winter!
Best Man
Several days after Wyatt was born I asked my parents to please return him to the hospital because I no longer wanted a brother in my life. After recovering from the disappointment of being stuck with him forever, Wyatt has been my best friend in life. We have been close since childhood and have been able to continue that closeness into adulthood since he followed me to the Philadelphia area. Wyatt has always provided me with constant support, tons of laughter, and unconditional love. I know I can always count on him to share too much dim sum, belly laugh to Netflix comedians, and have Lord of the Rings movie marathon days with me. Even though I wanted to return him, I could not have ended up with a better brother and I am proud to have him with me as my Best Man!
Woman of Honor
From Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts to traveling the world together as adults, Amanda has been with me every step of the way in life. Looking back at old family videos, there was no surprise to see Amanda and her family at some of our earliest birthday parties. Growing up together, we played on the same sports teams, we graced the AHS stage in many riveting high school musicals, took nearly all of the same classes, spent years as workout buddies using our gym time as equal parts social hour as exercise, hit the bars most Friday and Saturday nights in our early 20s, and were even roommates for many years including during Covid lockdown. When I think of the various milestones of my life, Amanda has always been there alongside me, a lifelong friend.
Wedding Party
Growing up Mic probably assumed that he would end up with two brother-in-laws with whom he could share a beer, watch Philly sports teams with, or crush in Fantasy Football. While he may not be getting this scenario exactly...he is still getting a sister who will drink a Miller Lite, occasionally cheer on the Eagles (as long as they aren't playing the Broncos), and who can crush him in the family Fantasy Football league. Mic has always made me feel welcomed, accepted, and loved in the Mannion family. I am lucky to be gaining such a wonderful brother and am honored to have him be part of our special day.
Wedding Party
They say you meet forever friends in college and Gabby always reminds me how lucky we are to have met each other on the first day! A neighbor on my freshman floor at TCNJ became roommates the next few years in college. We spent countless days grabbing late night snacks, watching movies, and being each others support system through those college years. Life after college left us a couple hours drive apart, but that never stops us from showing up for one another. Being a maid of honor at Gabby's wedding day was one of the greatest honors of my life thus far and my wedding day wouldn't be complete without her there with me.
Wedding Party
I met Ciara in 2017 when I first joined the Notre Dames Ladies Gaelic Football team. Even though I knew immediately that we would be friends, Ciara took some convincing...Fast-forward 6 years and Ciara has become one of my best friends. I know that Ciara will always be there to support me, cheer me on both on and off the field, and ensure that my life is never missing laughter. I am thankful that the Dames introduced such a truly wonderful individual into my life and am proud to have her share in my special day.
Wedding Party
There aren't many people I can remember becoming as fast friends with as Dana Joy. Sophomore year of college I was so, so lucky to have a class with her. I remember having to share the dreaded "fun fact" about myself and I am so glad I mentioned musical theatre because nothing would grab Dana's attention quicker. Fast forward 10 years and we've spent endless hours seeing, listening to, discussing, and bonding over showtunes and love for theater. Dana is one of the kindest, more thoughtful, and generous people I have ever had the pleasure of not only knowing, but being such an important part of my life. Sometimes I don't know if I deserve a friend like her, but I sure am thankful. Dana has always been one of my biggest supporters and I am so lucky to have her radiating her joy (and probably tears) with me at the wedding.
Wedding Party
Ashley and I met in college when I joined the rowing team. Our friendship really started when she found a kitten near her dorm and I visited her room many times to see the cat. Since then, Ashley and I have become like family. I have spent numerous Thanksgivings and Easter's with the Myles family and they have always treated me like one of their own. My friendship with Ashley is a blessing because Ashley is truly one of the kindest and most empathetic humans I have ever met. She has been there to cook me cinnamon rolls when I needed a pick-me-up, hype me up when I needed a boost, and talk through some of life's toughest problems. Even though we aren't able to see each other as much as we would like, I know that a friendship like ours will last forever and I could not imagine this day without her by my side.
Wedding Party
You ever have someone in your life that you know the universe had a hand in putting there? That's Jess. In 2016 the two of us got placed together as co-teachers in a 4th grade classroom. Over the years we spent eights hours a day sitting approximately three feet apart. Needless-to-say we became very close friends. Not only do Jess and I share the same name and for many years the same classroom, we quickly bonded over our many shared interests including theatre and Survivor. As if we weren't similar enough, we both came out to each other at the same time. It went a little something like, "I went on a date....with a woman." "Wait, oh my god, I am dating women too." Oh yea, AND then our partners wind up being two people who were already friends?! Too good to be true. Thanks to the universe (and I guess maybe partially the principal who put us together) I have a work friend that became a best friend and a best friend that led me to Maggie.
Wedding Party
Lauren and I met in in 2012 as freshmen at Washington College. While there we got to know each other as teammates on the rowing team and as roommates. Our friendship really blossomed while we shared a triple on the 4th floor of an elevator-less building with our friend Jocelyn. During this time, we had the chance to share countless laughs over poorly executed pranks and scare attempts. While life took us separate ways for a while after college, life brought us back together when Lauren moved to Philly in 2019. Since then, we have been able to share many beers at breweries, had competitive game nights, and made lifelong memories with our partners on our double dates. Lauren has been present for every part of my relationship with Jess from the very first awkward interaction at Halloween trivia to standing by my side at our wedding!
Wedding Party
When I think back on all of my memories with Nikki two things come to mind: laughter and the biggest smile. Oh, and her incredible ability to find famous people on the streets of NYC. Nikki has been bringing energy and smiles for as far back as I can remember, but some of my favorite memories are our times enjoying theatre from being in productions together, our many trips to NYC for the Broadway flea market and a matinee, or hanging out with some take-out watching bootlegs of musicals. If you hear someone beautifully belting a showtune on the dance floor, its probably Nikki! I look forward to the energy I know she will bring to the wedding day.
Wedding Party
Ashley (AKA Prin) and I met through the Notre Dames playing gaelic football. On the field, Prin is tenacious, passionate, and supportive. She is all of those things and more as a friend off the field. Some of my favorite memories with Prin include traveling together in Ireland, eating our way through all of Conshohocken's taco offerings, sharing many laughs together at football trainings, and getting to share some of our greatest team victories together. Having her be by my side for my big day will be just another great memory in our friendship!
Officiant
My mom and aunt couldn't have planned it any better if they tried, having four girls between them each one year apart from another, Allison being just a year older than me. The four of us grew up like sisters. We did everything together from holiday traditions, sleepovers, and summers at the lake and down the shore. Allison even came to my high school's Prom as a friend's date! I am so thrilled she said yes to officiating our ceremony so she can be a special part of our wedding day.
Wedding Party
I never pictured my life with more than one brother but as life would have it, marrying into the Mannion family has given me two more. Nisheet is one of the smartest, goofiest, and kindest people I know. While we do not get to see Kelly and Nisheet that often due to the minor obstacle of the Atlantic Ocean, I love every opportunity we get to see them. I have loved getting to know Nisheet while he was being introduced to all the meals, traditions, and holidays being celebrated by the Mannion's here in the states. I look forward to making more memories with my new brother both in the US and globally. And I am happy to have him here today to celebrate officially being family.