Danielle & Michael
Wedding Party
Nikki Nary
Matron of Honor
Nikki is Danielle’s built-in best friend from day one—not that she had too much choice in the matter, being Danielle’s sister. Nikki is always 10/10 in an emergency (i.e. making sure we called poison control after Danielle thought she was a “bee” and ate an entire hibiscus at age 4). Nikki has also been a historically excellent sharer of Barbies, Polly Pocket, Pound Puppies, and all other collections the Krauthamer sisters had. A quintessential older sibling, Nikki is far more organized than her sister and somehow has an innate instinct where she knows how to do everything…a trait she shares with her brother-in-law to be—and fellow older sibling—Michael.
Nick Zobel
Best Man
Despite being younger, Nick is never happier than when he is mistaken for Michael's older brother. Perpetually wise beyond his years, Nick could be found at the earliest of ages watching the History Channel and re-enacting battles with his miniature figurines, while Michael tried to coax him into one-on-one front-yard basketball and unofficiated wrestling matches. Over the years, their interests grew more aligned and now share their passion for Lakers basketball, Presidential history, and the Michael Scott Paper Company. He is the best baker we know and by far the most patient snowboard instructor (just ask Danielle).
Juliana Stone
Maid of Honor
Juliana is yet another day one, born only a few weeks after Danielle (but definitely wiser than her). Juliana’s parents set up Danielle’s parents on a blind date and the rest is history. Juliana was also Danielle’s first business partner; the two had a thriving handmade jewelry business circa 1998-2000 (DJ’s Dazzling Jewelry). Juliana is also a resident connoisseur of Friends, Joan Rivers, Friday Night Lights, E.R., Fran Drescher, etc. She also happens to be an excellent listener and dispenser of advice, fashion consultant, and political advisor.
Ravi Agarwal
Groomsman
Despite a few obvious physical differences, Michael and Ravi have spent the majority of their 14-year friendship convinced they share common ancestry, a fact substantiated by Grandma Marina's claim that Ravi is in fact her grandson. After living together for nearly a decade, the rumors that their post-prandial naps are synchronized are true. Ravi is the most enthusiastic Taylor Swift singer we know...we just wanted to include that here.
Aliy Melone Kunigonis
Bridesmaid
As Danielle’s cousin, Aliy takes the spelling of her name from the unique way Danielle used to pronounce her name as a kid: “Alleeeeyyyyy.” Aliy knows everything there is to know about Disneyland, so it is fitting that her favorite cousins happened to live mere miles from Anaheim. From family trips to Palm Springs, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disneyland, to now, Aliy has been there through it all.
Raj Yalamanchili
Groomsman
As evidenced by this picture, Raj aka "DJ" is more similar to Michael than either likely realize. His superhero ability is consistently calling to catch-up, a rare talent in today's "text message" era. Raj's Honda Nigel has been the setting of many wonderful, shared adventures, including countless Chipotle runs. He and Ronica (his lovely wife) are solely responsible for stitching up George's lip after he took a Dodger foul ball to the face. He is responsible for 80% of Michael's Spotify play list and 100% of Danielle's culinary knowledge of Inland Empire cuisine.
Lisa Miller
Bridesmaid
Danielle would not have survived the trenches of high school without Lisa by her side. It is also entirely accurate to say that all of Danielle’s sports knowledge exclusively comes from Lisa—how do you think Danielle reeled in Michael, the ultimate Laker fan? Unsurprisingly, Lisa’s die-hard LA sports fandom (Go Dodgers, Lakers, Rams, and Kings!) quickly has bonded her and Michael as well. Lisa is truly one-of-a-kind and is always up for a new adventure, whether it’s trying out a new cuisine, going on a very bizarre triple date (RIP Grouper), or braving the West Hollywood Halloween Parade.
Chelsea Ortega
Groomswoman
Chelsea and Michael first met the summer before starting middle school, in the choir room. Though their first bond was a shared passion for music, they grew to become self-declared "Best Friends since Eighth Grade." On occasion, Chelsea would call Michael at home to tell him to be nice to his mother and do his laundry. She and her husband Kevin have been solely responsible for the physical rehabilitation of Grandpa Yury and Grandma Marina. Most recently serving as the physical therapist for the WNBA Las Vegas Aces, Chelsea is by far the most famous person Michael knows. Yes, she went to UCLA, but Michael still loves her (Danielle: "8 CLAP!")
Izzy Safer
Bridesmaid
Danielle and Izzy met on the Vandy Van during freshman year of college and quickly realized how much they have in common (eating McDonalds and quoting Mean Girls, to name a few). Some fun facts about Izzy that people may not know: she is a steel drum aficionado, is a world traveler, and loves biscuits and sweet potato fries. Izzy and Danielle have kept their friendship going over the years with annual visits between LA and Nashville, and will never forget when they saw Lady Gaga perform Bad Romance live in 2011.
Matt Lin
Groomsman
Matt may have a young soul, but is Michael's older brother or Dai Lo. Initially, they made their acquaintance when Michael was a visiting medical student at UCSF, where Matt was an attending surgeon and the unofficial captain of the Department of Surgery basketball team. Matt still claims Michael's smooth jump shot was really the primary reason he was selected to match at UCSF. Two of the founding members of "DLB," they have played an insane amount of basketball together since 2014 (except from 2018 to 2020 after Matt won a game of one-on-one and refused a rematch for two years) and otherwise enjoy spending their time watching professionals do it better.
Kaitlyn Berman
Bridesmaid
Although it took Kaitlyn a bit to acknowledge the fact that both her and Danielle were one of the few California girls at Vanderbilt (and therefore should have an automatic bond, obviously), once she did the two were fast friends. Kaitlyn is singlehandedly responsible for Danielle’s obsession with the preeminent karaoke bar in Los Angeles: The Gaslite. Danielle and Kaitlyn also took a trip to Hawaii, where they narrowly escaped a hurricane and were the only non-honeymooners or nuclear families at the hotel. Kaitlyn may or may not still regret not buying a turtle charm necklace on said trip.
Brian Civale
Groomsman
Brian and Michael met sometime around 2000 when their moms created a plan that they should be best friends. As usual, their mothers' intuitions were spot-on. Over the summers of the years that followed, they were found together nearly constantly, playing sports they created (e.g. "flat ball" and "baseball-like-sport-played-in-a-racquet-ball-court"), rocking out to Sum 41, or attending CTY (known lovingly as "nerd camp"). Though they have lived more than 3,000 miles away since starting college, they still don't go a few days without talking NBA or sending a fantasy basketball proposal. Brian is Michael's only friend with larger feet than his own.
Caitlin Frederick
Bridesmaid
When Caitlin and Danielle moved in together in college, they knew they were a match made in heaven because both of them had closets overstuffed with dresses. So many dresses. Caitlin and Danielle also realized that every blonde needs a brunette best friend and used that dynamic multiple times to their advantage through college and beyond. Caitlin is a true cheesehead (Go Packers) and her excellent dance skills will be in full force at the wedding - especially if Ricky Martin comes on.
David Nary
Groomsman
David (father of the Ring bearer and husband of the Matron of Honor) was apparently critical in convincing Danielle that Michael was a worthy suitor. An avid rock hound and surf stud, he is by far the coolest nerd in Michael's life and is responsible for introducing Michael to his favorite musical group, Lord Huron. When he married Nikki, it was David's idea to have Michael place the ceremonial glass beneath his foot; on Danielle and Michael's big day, David will have that responsibility. Ask him to sing you "Shallow" and we dare you not to cry.
Noah Nary
Ring Bearer
The youngest guest at the wedding, Noah has been entrusted with the very prestigious role of ferrying the wedding rings directly to Michael and Danielle (he may have a little help). He promises not to get too milk drunk at the wedding, and hopes to show off his walking skills to all of the guests.