Kaitlyn & Race
Wedding Party
Betsy Snyder Shearer
Matron of Honor
Betsy has often been described as Kaitlyn's sister from another mister! They became best friends in 8th grade at Noe Middle School. Unfortunately, they grew apart when they went to different high schools and, as one does in high school, became awkward teenagers. However, their parents knew this friendship was special and arranged many movie dates, sleepovers, and beach trips between the girls. Thank goodness because Betsy and Kaitlyn have been inseparable ever since! Betsy has continued to support Kaitlyn in her dreams by giving her words of encouragement, nights to remember, and opening up her home in Baltimore whenever Kaitlyn needed. Betsy has taught her invaluable life lessons like the importance of a good road trip soundtrack, never taking life too seriously, and how to keep good eyebrow care.
Ricky Bottini, III
Co-Best Man
As Race's big brother, Ricky has been the North Star for many of Race's current tastes in food, movies, TV, and other cultural cornerstones. When Race finally wanted to move to NYC to start a new life in the big city, Ricky offered his apartment as a place to stay with no questions asked, no rent owed, and no deadline on when to leave. He was also super kind to Kaitlyn upon first meeting her, teaching her the ropes on how to pick on his little brother with lessons Kaitlyn still utilizes today. Even while he is hard to get in contact with at times with excuses ranging from work, parental duties, as well as TV show binges, Ricky continues to be the rock to the Bottini family and will certainly continue to be the cornerstone in supporting Race and Kaitlyn as they enter this next phase of their lifelong journey together.
Lily Simmons
Maid of Honor
Lily and Kaitlyn first met on their middle school dance team! 14 years later they still dancing, only now they save their talents for the dance floor! Seriously, she and Kaitlyn have been known to have some wild nights at Tin Roof Louisville. However, they don't let their good times get in the way of their goals. Lily can only be described as one of the most hardworking and dedicated people. She has constantly taken on her dreams head first, even earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy. But don't worry, Dr. Simmons still knows how to cut loose and let her hair down! (But really, she has amazing Megan Fox hair). She and Kaitlyn have remained close over years over their mutual love of girls' trips to new places, The Hills and Lauren Conrad in general, and ensuring to never miss a meal. Be sure to say hi to her out on the dance floor during the reception!
Connor Flynn
Co-Best Man
Race may have ruined high school for his little sister, Summer. As President of the Student Council, Prefect, Captain of the Baseball Team, and just overall upperclassmen, Race let it be known to the world that no boy is deserving of his sister. Race's plan was to continue this tradition throughout the rest of Summer's life however Summer managed to find the one man in the world that not only could win her heart, but also the hearts of the rest of the Bottini family by bringing home Connor. Connor is a fan of the finer things that only a true Bottini could love, like light beer, al dente pasta, and every B-list action movie ever. Connor, with his incredible ability to grow facial hair, has become not only Race's brother-in-law, but one of Race's closest and reliable friends. As maybe the friendliest person ever, you will definitely find a moment during the special weekend where Connor will introduce himself to you, win your heart over in conversation, and include you in every festivity for the rest of your life.
Alex Alvey
Bridesmaid
Alex is another Noe Middle School Alum! She and Kaitlyn met when they were in the 6th grade and had every class together. They then spent the next seven years at school without any classes together but their friendship remained! Alex is one of the kindest people you will be fortunate enough to meet. She is incredibly compassionate and will bend over backward to try and help others. But don't mess with Alex! She is Nelson's favorite- probably even more than Kaitlyn! Challenge her to a dance-off and see the competitive Alex come out!
Dave Robbins
Groomsman
Dave is a college friend of Race's. He did not enter the groom's life until later in the year when Race only had a few months left to use his fake ID to supply half the college with the finest domestic blend available, bud light. While there were many rumors Race was only using Dave as a friend, Dave has stuck out the long con for almost 10 years and continues to be a most reliable friend in all of Race's life events.
Summer Bottini
Bridesmaid
For those of you who don't know, Summer is Race's Sister! Kaitlyn and Summer grew close with their mutual love of themed parties - ranging from Halloween nights to 60's Night for Rick's 60th Birthday to Dad Day where everyone has to dress up like a dad (see the above photo). Although she lives in Atlanta, Summer and Kaitlyn consistently facetime weekly to catch up on all things food-related, tv and movies, and any gossip they can think of! And as the smartest person Race and Kaitlyn know, Summer was the master of ceremony and keynote speaker at Race and Kaitlyn's private graduation ceremony. Summer's address to the graduates was a perfect combination of the prestige of a presidential address as well as the warm wishes of a Tom Hanks performance. Kaitlyn and Race are very lucky to have Summer all year round.
Alejandro Montoya
Groomsman
Alejandro and Race share a special bond of finding every opportunity to raise a little more cain than what is allowed in any situation. Another college friend of Race's, Alejandro has been a cornerstone of Race's life for over 10 years. Whether it be beer league softball, a sushi restaurant, or just a night of beer and sports, Alejandro and Race are always inseparable when together, and usually looking to stir it up a bit. Race has seen high highs, and low lows throughout his early adult life, and one of the constants that he can always count on has been his close buddy from Queens.
Aishlinn Bottini
Bridesmaid
Before Aishlinn, Kaitlyn only saw Race as the serious, work-first personal trainer he presented to the world. However, upon first meeting Kaitlyn, Aishlinn made sure to show the soon-to-be bride exactly how to get Race to let down his hair, as well as how to annoy Race just enough to get him to turn the channel off of ESPN. This was a life-changing meeting for Kaitlyn. It led to a strong foundation for a true and honest friendship ranging from Bravo to rosé. Aishlinn has been nothing short of a big NYC sister for Kaitlyn. She has been the perfect mentor for Kaitlyn as someone who has been through it and knows how to aim for the finer things in life. Now, Aishlinn is showing Kaitlyn how to be the best mother to the two cutest nibblings a girl could have. If you see Aishlinn around the reception, say hi and be sure to be caught up on your Real Housewives drama.
Eli Stein
Groomsman
Eli was Race's very first friend in college. Race's says he could have been his last and college would have still been great. Others say Eli was, in fact, Race's only friend and still don't believe anyone else knew Race. Eli has been an invaluable friend to Race since they first met in the Vassar Dining Hall trying to survive the bile that was served there. While Eli and Race have remained best friends with a shared love of Marvel, BBQ, beer, and the combination of all three, Eli has always offered to lend a hand in every endeavor Race has looked to achieve. Eli single-handedly got Race into grad school, a job (a startup that folded within 6 months, but still a job!), an appreciation of tequila (very small appreciation, but it's there), and many other huge milestones in Race's life. While most people would kill to have a friend like Eli, Race was lucky enough to be there to share a meal freshmen year.
Birdie Bottini
Flower Girl
Birdie is the first of the next generation of Bottini's. As such, she demands the room's attention accordingly and has totally stolen the hearts of both Aunt Kaitlyn and Muncle Race. Exuberant and full of energy, this nibling has a finer appreciation of the aesthetics of life that she mainly expresses through her coloring and art projects in daycare. We could think of no finer soul to unfurl an array of blossoms to help make our day that much more beautiful.
Dickie Bottini
Ring Bearer
As Race and Kaitlyn's godson, this little fella is the cutest thing to happen to the Bottini's since Summer got a baby pig. We sincerely hope he enjoys his last victory lap coming down the aisle with the rings as the new cutest Bottini is indoctrinated into the family.