Shanna & Kyle
Our Wedding Party
Logan Swaim
Best Man
The first of two best men in Kyle's wedding party: "L.A." Swaim has immeasurably shaped the man that Kyle is today. Creative & calculated - the two have been cooking up schemes since the early days of CD burners and fake IDs. Early on, Logan and Kyle's friendship centered around their shared affection for reverse layups and a perfectly-placed double entendre. They have always given each other words of encouragement and more importantly, they have always told each other the truth. "This...is the most important day of our time."
Lizzy Friedman
Best Woman
Lizzy and Shanna met when they were both managers for USC basketball. You know that Wedding Crashers speech about true love being about finding your soul's counterpart in another person? Ya, that's how it felt. They quickly bonded over a strong love for good food and bad TV. Lizzy is an incredible resource. She can find anything on the internet and knows more about basketball than anybody... except maybe Kyle Petrie. Keep an eye out for Lizzy on the dance floor -- she's been known to instigate a dance battle or two.
Antwan Phillips
Best Man
Kyle and Antwan met as freshman at Bowdoin College. A proud native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Antwan has always provided insight on the ways of the "southern gentleman." Antwan and Kyle have always been connected by their common interests: everything from David Hume to David Banner. While in college, the pair spent the majority of their time playing basketball for the Polar Bears, DJ'ing at parities, and hosting a variety of media programs on campus. Forever Kyle's spiritual advisor - Juris Doctor Phillips continues to bring an unparalleled positivity and energy to all his life's endeavors. "R squared plus L!"
Apphia Gomes
Best Woman
Apphia and Shanna became best friends on the first day of kindergarten and never looked back. Shanna quickly became one of the Kline family's pseudo-siblings. Countless hours were spent camping out in the backyard, taking trips to the beach, and raising as much hell as a pair of bike riding ten year olds could manage. The pinnacle of this duo's success came in sixth grade when they DOMINATED a 1990s gameshow hosted by Mario Lopez called Masters of the Maze. Count on Apphia to tell you how it is. She keeps it real, no matter what.
Nate Raaz
Groomsman
The second Iowa City Little Hawk in the wedding party, Nate Raaz has been a positive influence Kyle's life for more than 20 years. Rational, energetic, and with an insatiable thirst for knowledge - Nate ignites the spark that makes life worth living. A loving brother and son, Nate's perspective on life has always been a welcome source of inspiration for Kyle. Forever willing to hop on a plane at a moment's notice; Nate is the type of friend that every man needs in his corner. "We're all Top City!"
Maggie Culhane
Bridesmaid
Maggie and Shanna met while teaching in Chicago. For a whole month, Maggie couldn't tell the difference between Shanna and the other blonde girl that was hired the same year. This awkward start would not detract from what would become a powerhouse friendship. Luckily for Maggie, Shanna was invited to move into her apartment while she was away on an international field trip. Count on the pair to quote movies until they've annoyed anyone within earshot. Maggie is the queen of cross fit... and the proper use of commas. She can give Ina Garten a run for her money on any day of the week.
Jesse Nesper
Groomsman
Jesse Nesper has been in Kyle's life from the beginning...well almost. Kyle's cousin is his junior by a mere 22 months. Jesse has seen Kyle through everything: from MonDak & Iowa City through New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Forever a beacon of unrelenting positivity, "The Mayor" of Sidney, Montana, is equal parts welcoming and creative. Whether you desire a rendition of your favorite karaoke track, or need help repairing a broken lawnmower - Jesse is your man. "Here's to the breezes...!"
Erin Estrada
Bridesmaid
Another Chicago teaching superstar, Erin and Shanna bonded during a professional development trip to Washington DC. An unfortunate skin reaction could have derailed the whole friendship, but fate had other plans for these ladies. They share a love for dinosaurs, a passion for helping kids, and an unspoken understanding to never bring up the results of the 2006 Rose Bowl. Erin has become a permanent summer fixture in Southern California. The two have such a strong vibe that Chandler's vet once mistook them for a couple. Erin's incredibly crafty - literally, she can make anything.
Pablo Villavicencio
Officiant
The 2006 Teach For America Summer Institute at St. John's University was a transformational experience for everyone involved. In addition to finding her Urban Family and her soon-to-be husband, Shanna found Pablo Villavicencio. It was not love at first sight. In fact, upon meeting Shanna, Pablo urged their principal to re-think her hiring. Over time, Shanna was able to win him over with her sparkling personality, persistence, and tremendous work ethic. The pair spent two glorious years as roommates in the West Village. Pablo has been described as a "moral compass" by many. He is the most wonderful educator, advisor, and all-around sage.