Jill & Dennis
BRIDESMAIDS AND BRIDESMAN
Analena Alcabes
Maid of Honor
My dearest sister. I first met Analena when I was 13 and she was 9. One of my first memories of her was when I was putting some thick green acne medicine on my face and Analena said she thought it was so cool. Back then, I never would have predicted that this tiny person would not only be my sister, but one of my best friends. Analena is one of the only people in my life who I can communicate with without words. With just a glance, we often know exactly what each other are thinking. I can list out all the things that I love about her--her generous ear, open heart, natural insight and intuition, but just like our communication, I don't think words can really do justice to our relationship. She's truly a gift, one that I love with all my heart.
Jessica Gerges
Bridesmaid
Ohh man. Anyone knows me knows that Jessica and I are like family. Scratch that--we are family. My oldest friend, we've known each other for over 25 years (yikes!). I am so grateful I rocked up to her in second grade in Ms. Marasco's class. Jessica is always willing to form friendships with people from all walks of life, including myself. We've experienced so much of life together, including running through slip and slides, forming our own Harriet the Spy club, and navigating the woes of acne. She is a true friend and I look forward to the next 25 years of experiencing life with her.
Azelia Ng
Bridesmaid
Azelia is my second oldest friend and a great one at that. I first met Azelia when I was in 7th grade and it took me months to pronounce her name (haha). Azelia and I have experienced a lot of life together including complaining about our AP classes to swapping clothes that no longer fit. Though we don't talk everyday, she is one of those people that I can so effortlessly catch up with. Our conversations are usually filled with smiles and lots of laughter and I look forward to the continuous ease of our friendship that has persisted over the decades.
Jen Na Wing
Bridesmaid
My dearest Jen. I met Jen when I moved to Charlotte, NC right before I started Teach for America. When I first met her, I immediately thought she was gorgeous and couldn't possibly be a down to earth human. Well, 10 years later, I can confidently say I was wrong (about the down to earth part)! Jen is a beautiful soul inside and out. While some may say that the adolescent years are the most formative, I'd argue that your early 20's are too. Jen and I have supported each other through life's challenges, including managing crazy adults (or kids!) in the workplace to navigating the pain of heartbreak. She's helped me discover that you could eat hashbrowns for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and she's my go to for when existential crises strike, which is more often than not. Love you, my friend.
Gail Rosenbaum
Bridesmaid
I was privileged enough to meet Gail when I first started graduate school. We were going to be roommates and I told her I had a small to medium sized dog (which I swear was true at the time!). Story was 60 pounds when Gail met her and I am lucky Gail did not flee for the hills due to my not so small doggie! Gail turned out to be not just a roommate, but one of my best friends. Getting your PhD is not exactly fun and Gail and I shared the burden and joys of that experience. I'll never forget our coffee dates at LaVa, grabbing a slice at Lazarros (yum!), and commiserating over prelim and dissertation stuff. Anyone who knows Gail knows that she has a genuine love for people and approaches life with an open heart. I'm so grateful to know her and I look forward to our continued friendship!
Katie Smith
Bridesmaid
KATIE!! My adventure queen. I don't think many people form life-long friendships towards the tail end of their college experience, but I am so grateful I did. I first met Katie outside of Dr. DeHart's office where I was trying to convince her not to do research because it was boring. Fortunately for me, Katie ignored my advice and we spent the next two years sharing stories while transcribing and having a good old time in Psych Club "get togethers." Not only do Katie and I always have fun together, but she's one of those people that I can talk to about anything. Katie, I'm so happy you ignored my words 13 years ago (yikes!) and I look forward to our continued adventures together.
Brandon Crosdale
Bridesman
I first met Brandon when he was unpacking his clothes the first day of college and I remember thinking I'm never going to see this kid again. At the time, I was more interested in books than forming friendships. For whatever reason, Brandon was interested (and persistent in) getting to know me and I can confidently say that 15 years later, he is one of my best friends. We've shared so much of life together, not only dancing it up at the IB (what what!) to having soul-searching conversations deep into the night. Brandon is one of those people who is always open to learning and evolving to become a better version of himself and encourages others to do the same. He truly inspires me and I look forward to continuing to grow and experience life with him. Love you, friend.