Jill & Ben
Wedding Party
Katy Giunta
Bridesmaid
I would like to say we are pretty good at the whole "sister" thing. Partners in crime, my mini-me, always having each other's backs despite being 17 years apart. I'm so very lucky that you were born (despite the lack of sleep my senior year and you telling me I wasn't cool because I didn't drive). Thanks for always making me feel like I was a superhero. You're my superhero. Oh, and she beat me at Settlers of Catan, once.
Tim Alander
Groomsman
Tim is my youngest brother, and many may say he is the "nicest" of the three in the Alander family. You can rely on him for everything except keeping your Teva's safe in Turkey. May they rest in peace. Tech wizard, restaurant recommender, and can always rely on him to bring the Jackbox.
Nicasia Jackson
Maid of Honor
Nicasia is much more than a best friend, she's my other sister. Endlessly thoughtful, tons of fun to be around, with a heart of gold (even if she hates to admit it). She plans the BEST dates, always had some advice to share and has been my ride or die for years. Thanks for teaching me what a real hug is (despite my unwillingness), always letting me fall asleep on the car ride home and helping me become a better me throughout the years.
Brendan Duffey
Best Man
The "Jet" of "Bennie and the Jets," easily the fastest, if not the best at singing it in karaoke. From 4 AM heart to hearts, to weddings and babies. The man with the heart of gold, who I can the share same story from college with 100 times. The student has surpassed the master.
Ruxandra Bogaciu
Bridesmaid
Ruxandra is the perfect person to have hours long conversation about all the intricacies of life. Or to go shopping with as she has a superb sense of style. She always listens, understands and shows true kindness. Thanks for always being a great friend, letting me ramble, being willing to go on spur of the moment adventures without a complaint and having such a love of life. Oh and being an original founding member of #TeamBen!
Matt Alander
Groomsman
Easily the most stylish and personable Alander. You can always count on Matt to make others feel comfortable and break the ice. You can also count on him for a smart retort, especially at Mom's expense! Matt is the life of the party. starting with our days creating shows at Becky & Kimmy's house.
Patricia Ajibade
Bridesmaid
My very first marriage, which taught me so much. We even went through counseling together! Thanks for always being by my side through thick and thin, helping me navigate this thing called life, pretty dates, sleepovers, always splitting the Greek lunch special, telling me when I'm being unreasonable, and introducing me to Chai tea. I wouldn't have lasted through my first year of teaching let alone Touro without you.
Matt Meyers
Groomsman
Tech guru extraordinaire and any player's dungeon master of choice. I'll always cherish our married days back at GHS. Thanks for teaching me the meal that sealed the deal with my future wife and putting up with all the bread crumbs on the kitchen counter.
Michelle Louras
Bridesmaid
My cousin, my roommate (and Ben's too I guess lol) and fellow foodie explorer. Thanks for always going on random adventures, being super laid back, teaching me to binge watch TV shows, letting Ben drink all your green tea and grading my student's work (with extremely exacting standards). I can't imagine my wedding day without you! Thanks in advance for being the calm one, likely with a bag full of prepared materials. Is there a wedding day go bag?
Rick Baxley
Groomsman
Lover of Beer, Beards and Board Games. The man who has never uttered a curse word in public. One of the best teachers I know, and the first one to say when a lofty teaching idea simply wont work. One of the founding members of the Fellowship of the Slamming Hammers.