Wedding Party
Matt Johnson
Officiant
Matt is one of those rare people whose presence instantly makes everything feel a little brighter. He has a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, supported, and truly valued. His kindness, warmth, and contagious positivity have brought so much light into our lives over the years. Matt has a way of lifting our spirits, making us laugh, and gently reminding us to find joy in the moments that matter most. When we imagined who we would want standing with us as we begin our marriage, we kept coming back to Matt. The way he cares for the people in his life and the genuine love he carries into every room are exactly the kind of qualities we hope to carry into our own marriage. We feel incredibly grateful that he will be the one officiating our ceremony and helping us begin this beautiful new chapter together.
Chelsea Reilley
Maid of Honor
Chelsea has been a part of my life since high school, and from the very beginning she has been my constant — my protector, my confidant, and one of the most loyal friends I’ve ever known. Chelsea has a presence you feel. She’s warm, open, and instantly disarming — the kind of person who can walk into a room and somehow end up knowing everyone by the end of the night. She has an infectious laugh, an unmatched sense of humor, and a natural magnetism that pulls people in. Thoughtful to her core and endlessly generous, she is also an absolute riot — equal parts heart and chaos in the very best way. What sets Chelsea apart is her ability to balance depth with joy. She brings levity to heavy moments, laughter to ordinary ones, and light wherever she goes. There is no doubt she will make herself known at this wedding and leave a lasting impression on every single person there. Being in her orbit has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I truly can’t imagine this day — or my life — without her by my side.
Michael Rapp
Best Man
Mike has been a constant presence in my life since we first crossed paths on my very first day at Virginia Tech. We quickly bonded over a shared sense of humor, a reverence for early 2000s live music, and his immediate generosity with an Xbox and Gatorade. Mike is defined by his deep care for his friends and an enthusiastic curiosity about the world around him. Our shared love of music persisted long after college, culminating in countless shows and festivals, like an unforgettable weekend at Symbiosis. It was during those formative years—moving to San Francisco together and navigating our mid-twenties—that Mike’s steady support truly propelled me to become my fullest self. He is a truly intelligent soul, but his brilliance shines brightest in his emotional presence; he is the friend who provides confidence when it's needed most and offers honest direction when I'm wrong. He has enthusiastically welcomed Christina into our shared world, proving to be a constant source of support for both of us, especially during our long-distance period. I could not have imagined a better friend since I was 18, and I am forever grateful that he continues to be a part of my evolution.
Gabriella Jimenez
Bridesmaid
When I was little, I used to pray for a sister — Seven years later, my wish came true. From the moment she arrived, Gabi has filled my life with joy, laughter, and light. Watching her grow up has been one of my greatest blessings. She’s not just my sister — she’s one of my best friends. Even though she’s a true Gen Z, she keeps me young, informed, and occasionally questioning my millennial tendencies. We’ve always shared a special bond that I deeply treasure. Gabi inspires me in more ways than she probably realizes. Her discipline, energy, and commitment to taking care of herself constantly motivates me, especially on the days when the last thing I want to do is go to the gym. She has a way of encouraging me simply by being herself. After college, Gabi moved in with Brian and me while she prepares to enroll in her dental hygienist program, and getting to share everyday life with her again has been such a gift. Spending so much time together has reminded me just how lucky I am to have her close by. Getting to guide her, support her, and now walk alongside her through life has meant the world to me. Having her by my side on my wedding day truly feels like a beautiful full-circle moment.
Ben Sammon
Groomsman
While our friendship began at Virginia Tech, it truly flourished in Washington, D.C., where we spent our early career years chasing rhythms and bright lasers at the 9:30 Club and U Street Music Hall. I have always admired the unique juxtaposition of Ben's personality: he is simultaneously stoic and stoked, possessing a kind heart and an effortless sense of taste. As the organizer of our annual ski trips, Ben leads the charge down snowy mountains across the country, but my favorite moments are always the quiet ones—catching up après-ski or back at the cabin. He has a rare gift for making anyone feel completely at ease in his presence. Ben (along with his wife, Rachel) has been one of Christina's biggest fans from day one, constantly reminding me how lucky I am to have found a partner who complements me so well. Equal parts good times and wise advice, Ben is simply a man who does everything well.
Brandi Leonardo
Bridesmaid
Brandi and I met at Victoria’s Secret, of all places, and somehow that fitting-room friendship turned into one of the greatest gifts of my life. Brandi is honest, fiercely loyal, and effortlessly witty — a true girls’ girl in every sense of the word. She is endlessly supportive, always cheering the women around her on, and she shows up with a burst of positivity that can shift the entire room. She’s the kind of person who can make you laugh no matter what and somehow always knows exactly what to say. She’s my soul sister, my safe place, and the person who tells me the truth especially when it matters most. I’ve looked up to her for years, not only as a friend, but as a devoted wife and an incredible mom. The way she loves her family so deeply and so intentionally is something I admire more than I can put into words, and it’s a love I hope to carry into my own marriage. From lace bras to life’s biggest moments, Brandi has been right there beside me through it all — celebrating the highs, grounding me in the lows, and reminding me to laugh along the way. She is one of my greatest blessings, and I’m so lucky to call her mine.
Mike Lee
Groomsman
Mike was one of my first friends at Oakton High School and quickly became a cornerstone of my life alongside Jackson and Bobby. He is defined by his cheerful spirit and deeply caring nature—traits that were a lifeline for me during our teenage years. Back then, I was painfully shy, but Mike was incredibly generous, making sure I was invited to every social function and group activity. I’ll never forget our late-night poker games, where we would raid his parents' fridge, laugh way too hard at Anchorman quotes, and watch Mike inevitably fall asleep sitting upright in his chair before the game was done. Today, his dedication to family and community is an absolute inspiration. He seizes every opportunity to bring loved ones together, and whenever Christina and I visit D.C., we not only have a place to stay at his home, but a "welcome committee" of old friends ready to catch up.
Rachel Newton
Bridesmaid
I met Rachel through our mutual friend Brittany, and from the very beginning, we just clicked. It didn’t take long before she felt like someone I’d known my whole life. She’s my goofy, full-of-life friend who can turn ordinary moments into memories I’ll always treasure. No matter what’s happening, Rachel has a way of making me laugh when I need it most. Her heart is enormous, and she leads with so much love and genuine care. Rachel has been a constant through so many different seasons of my life, and I’m endlessly grateful for her steady presence and unwavering friendship. She shows up wholeheartedly, celebrates the highs, and brings comfort during the lows. Most recently, I’ve had the joy of watching her step into the roles of wife and mom with incredible grace, warmth, and devotion — roles she was clearly made for. I feel so lucky to have Rachel in my life, in my corner, and by my side on my wedding day.
Jackson Kibler
Groomsman
Jackson and I met on the lacrosse fields of Oakton High, and he quickly became one of my closest friends. His house was essentially my second home, where we fueled up on Costco-sized pallets of Easy Mac and Family Guy box sets before practice. Jackson is humble, cerebral, and family-oriented—the kind of guy who will thoughtfully debate any topic or explore a thought experiment to the nth degree. Some of my most cherished memories are the weekends spent camping at his family’s property in West Virginia. Between fishing, tubing, and conducting "deep research" into the combustible nature of various objects around the campfire, I found a true sense of freedom and wonder there. He is an incredibly talented polymath who seems to master every domain he touches, from economics and woodworking to snowboarding. He is the man who can do it all, and absolutely the person you want in your circle during a zombie apocalypse.
Sophia Jimenez
Bridesmaid
My youngest sister has the biggest heart and the most beautiful way of seeing the world. She brings so much joy and laughter into our family, and her warmth has a way of making everything feel a little brighter. When I was a junior in high school, my parents told me on Halloween that they were pregnant—what I first thought was a joke turned into one of the most beautiful blessings of my life. Getting to witness my little sister grow up has been an incredible gift. I’ve watched her discover who she is with such tenderness, curiosity, and love, and every stage has made me prouder than the last. She loves deeply, cares endlessly, and has a gentle spirit that is truly special. Having her by my side when I picked out my wedding dress—and now on my wedding day—means more to me than she’ll ever know. I am so grateful to share this moment and this chapter of my life with her.
Bobby Davis
Groomsman
Bobby and I met freshman year at Oakton and he quickly became someone I could always count on. We played lacrosse together early on, but we bonded even more over an eclectic taste in music that defined our friendship long after I left the field. Our collaborations peaked in my Acura Integra, clumsily freestyling over MF DOOM beats while sitting in traffic. I’ll never forget camping in West Virginia where were usually the first to bail on fishing to hike up steep shale mountains through summer thickets and laughing at the absurdity of the challenge only to deeply regret the barefoot descent. Bobby is the first to show up whenever Christina and I visit Virginia and no matter how much time passes, it never feels like a moment is lost. He’s a rare mix of stoic and playful: the guy you want in your corner when you need support, and the one you want to stay up with until 2 AM, drinking whiskey and joking about absolutely nothing.
Monica McKinney
Bridesmaid
Monica is one of the most loyal and devoted people in my life. I had the honor of standing by her side as her Maid of Honor, and witnessing her marriage to Wayne is something I will always treasure. I’ve always admired the way she loved him through long distance while he was in the Marine Corps, with such patience, faith, and unwavering commitment. It spoke volumes about the depth of her character and the strength of her heart. Our friendship has been built on honesty, warmth, and a kind of loyalty that never wavers. Monica shows up — she listens, she supports, and she cares in a way that stays with you long after the moment has passed. Most recently, I’ve had the privilege of watching her step into motherhood, welcoming her beautiful baby girl with the same grace, devotion, and love that define everything she does. She has embraced this new chapter so naturally, and it has only deepened my admiration for her. I’m grateful for every chapter of life we’ve shared, and even more grateful to have her standing beside me as I marry the love of my life.
Alex Barker
Groomsman
Alex and I met at Virginia Tech through mutual friends, Hillary and Carolyn. Though we were initially apprehensive of one another, that distance quickly vanished, and he became one of the main reasons I joined our fraternity—not for the Greek life, but simply because I wanted to make memories with him and Mike. Alex is compassionate, resilient, and charming, and became a vital guide for me after college. When we moved to D.C., he welcomed me into his social circle and set the standard for what it meant to become a man, showing me how to balance responsible adulthood with genuine enjoyment. Some of my favorite memories are the legendary theme parties at his apartment, where he proved that growing up doesn't mean slowing down. He has picked me up from my lows and celebrated my highs, acting as the brother I never knew I wanted—always encouraging me to try, holding me accountable, and offering unconditional acceptance.
Noah Bennett
Bridesman
I met Noah in 2020 through a friend of a friend shortly after moving to the city, and from the very beginning our friendship felt easy and fun. The details of that night are a little fuzzy, but one thing is absolutely clear: we tore up the dance floor at Toad Hall under the disco ball in the Castro — a moment that perfectly captures Noah. Equal parts style and silliness, always ready to dance, laugh, and fully commit to the moment. A few years later, Noah invited Brian and me to his family’s home in Spain, where we laughed until our cheeks hurt, stayed up far too late, and celebrated life with good food, great company, and zero shortage of laughter. Noah is kind, sharp, and endlessly witty. He’s undeniably handsome, but it’s his heart, humor, and way of making life feel lighter that mean the most to me. Having him by my side as I step into this next chapter means the world, and I can’t imagine celebrating this moment without him — dancing, laughing, and sharing it all together.
Jonathan Settle
Groomsman
Settle and I met at Virginia Tech, but our bond was truly cemented while living together during a memorable summer in Blacksburg fueled by eclectic music, shared humor, and caffeinated malt liquor. He is a man of many talents and particular tastes, known for his cutting wit and singular opinions that I have always deeply appreciated. One of my core memories is visiting him (along with Rapp) during his "leadership internship" at Keystone Ski Resort right before he began medical school. While skiing fresh powder with my best friends was unforgettable, it was Settle's choice that truly stuck with me. His decision to take that time to explore and align his life with his own interests, rather than simply following the expected script, was a profound inspiration. It showed me that I, too, could pursue what called to me. He is a fierce and patient friend who leads by example.