Wedding Party
Francesca Chiarello
Maid of Honor
Francesca, my maid of honor, has been my best friend since middle school but we've known each other for even longer than that. My parents were frequent visitors of her family's Italian restaurant, Luigis and they became friends before we were even born. Most of our friends know the story of our earliest interaction where our parents forced us to play together and she colored the skin on my Barbie poster with pink instead of flesh color. We needed a few years to recover from that, but eventually got past it when we started middle school together at Warwick River Christian School. She's been my best friend ever since! We've truly grown up together over the years and at this point, I consider her to be more like a sister than friend. Blood couldn't make us any closer. I've never known life without her and couldn't imagine entering this new phase of life with anyone else standing by my side.
Ricky Lauderman
Best Man
Pops, my best man on my big day. We have butted heads on many occasions throughout my life but no matter what you have always been there for me and have always shown what a father's love is like. You are a man of few words but now that I am older, I can read you like no other. You're always there when I have a question about something or if I just want to bs, you always answer. You are the reason I love to hunt, fish, do whatever outdoors and have shown what qualities a man should embody (besides driving way too slow all the time). For those that really know him, you know that he really doesn't have too many emotions. However, when I asked him to be my best man he may or may not have shed a tear which is a site I thought I would never see. Little does he know that being the best man means he has to give speeches, dances and all other fun things that he likes to do all the time (sarcasm). But on a serious note, I wouldn't want anyone else to be standing there right behind me than the man that brought me into this world.
Sarah Remias
Bridesmaid
Sarah and I first met when her and her twin sister, Jessie, joined the field hockey team the summer before our junior year at Menchville High School. We bonded through our mutual suffering in two-a-day practices and lots of running in the summer heat. I was ecstatic when we both decided to go to James Madison University for college, because it meant I would know at least one other person. I had no idea she would become my best friend. From visiting each other in the dorms our freshman year (I still remember the superbowl party we had in her room where we ordered WAY too much food and ate ourselves sick) to studying abroad together in our junior year, she is in all of my favorite college memories. Our post-grad years have only brought us even closer, and luckily forcing our significant others to hang out enough times paid off, as her husband Leland is now one of Ryan's groomsmen. I can't put into words what an incredible friend Sarah is and has been to me and how much she means to me. I consider myself so lucky to call her my best friend and to have her as one of my bridesmaids.
Ronnie Wolf
Best Man
Ronnie, my co best man unfortunately. Where do I even begin with this POS and the biggest pain in my a**? You're lucky there is a text limit or I would love to roast you for the entire thing but I'll try to be serious. I first met Ronnie in the third grade where we played basketball on the Celtics (I used to teach Ronnie a thing or two on the court). From there we went to middle school, high school and then now our current life where he has a beautiful fiancé and handsome kid. I am pretty sure we are long lost brothers because I have never met someone that is so much like me. We always finish each other sentences and know what the other is thinking by just looking at each other. We truly know each other like the back of our hands. I don't think there has been a day go by since middle school that we have not talked and even now I am pretty sure we both talk to each other more than our fiancé's (sorry Erin and Shelby). There isn't many times where I go somewhere and Ronnie is far behind. I am pretty sure if Shelby and Erin allowed it, we would just move in with each other. I am proud of the man he has become since we were kids and now on my big day, I wouldn't want anyone else to be standing there beside me. P.S. You are literally the biggest POS I have ever met and I feel bad for you that's why I am your "friend".
Jessica Korecky
Bridesmaid
Jess (also affectionately known as Jessie) and I became fast friends during our Menchville field hockey days. Although she went to Virginia Tech, we stayed close throughout our college years by taking turns paying visits to each others respective schools and making the most of our winter and summer breaks back home in Newport News. In our post-grad years, Jessie has gratuitously taken on the role of being the organizer for all our group trips. She has a true gift for finding the best houses on airbnb and vrbo (hot tub ALWAYS) and generally coordinating with everyone to ensure the trip actually makes it out of the group chat. I have told her many times before I admire her so much for her organization skills and GSD abilities and truly believe the U.S. government would be in a much better state if they simply put Jess in charge. Jess is also my go-to for swapping meal ideas, show recommendations, and all things pop-culture related as a fellow enthusiast and listener of my favorite podcast, The Toast. I am so thankful for our friendship and couldn't imagine this day, or life, without her. P.S. Her fiance, Mike, is also one of Ryan's groomsmen. Another point for the girls for bringing you all into each others lives hehe.
Caleb Graham
Groomsman
I have known Caleb since middle school. Well technically since elementary school where him and Xavier used to shoot paintballs and throw rocks at the Warwick River Christian School summer camp kids AKA me!! But when Caleb got past his bully days, we met at gildersleeve and bonded over the fact that both our dads were NNPD. We were together all throughout middle, high school college, and into our adult years when we would play call of duty every single night. He is really like a long lost brother as well because we are oddly close with each others family. There are plenty of weeks where I will talk to his parents more than him and vice versa but we have pretty much accepted that we are family at this point. Caleb was in the army and went to basic at the same time I went off to college. He moved to many different states and there would be times where I would not see him for a while. Nonetheless, we managed to still talk everyday during that time and now I am pretty much just stuck with him. Caleb now has a wife and a daughter which never in a million years did I think I would be typing that out but he has grown into both of those roles and I cant wait to go through another life chapter with him. P.S. You are also the biggest POS I know.
Danelle Blake
Bridesmaid
Danelle and I became friends in our senior year of high school through Francesca. We formed a tight-knit group of friends at the time and affectionately referred to ourselves "The Crew" (slightly cringe now, perhaps, but extremely cool at the time...to us at least). We spent almost every weekend together that school year and practically every day together the summer that followed. Danelle went to Virginia Tech for college and although we tease her about her tendency to fall off the grid at times, we stayed close all four years of college. After we graduated, Danelle and I moved to Arlington, Virginia together and became roommates. We lived together in that apartment for 4 years. I never could have survived those initial post-grad years, starting our first real jobs and learning how to "adult" for the first time, without her. So many memories were made in those 4 years, from nights out in the city to all the mornings spent debriefing after in our beds or on our living room couch. I am so thankful to have had her as a confidant, go-to for advice, and my home away from home. She is one of the kindest, most-free spirited, adventurous and fearless people I know and she will always be so incredibly special to me. Danelle now lives in NYC and although we plan regular visits, I'm extra appreciative she will be making the trip down to be by my side on my wedding day.
Yonas Woldemariam
Groomsman
I first met Yonas when I got to George Mason for college. We were in different fraternities but both loved and played soccer (my frat was always way better than his at soccer he just wont admit it). We remained friends throughout college always getting into something whether it be a frat party at the estate or fat Tuesday's on Thursday. After college he just couldn't stay away from me and wanted to move in together. His lease ended way before mine so he moved in with me into a tiny apartment where he had a mattress in the living room with FIFA 18 set up on the TV. A couple months later we moved into the house in Herndon with Lucas and Chase and that turned out to be the place we would stay for the next 5 years. From eating at hooters every Wednesday, to playing adult league soccer every week, to going out in Clarendon, easily one of the highlights of my 20's was the house that we had. We were always doing something and never bored. Yonas is the definition of a give the shirt off his back type of guy. I could call him at 5am and tell him I need a ride across the country and he would be on the way no questions asked. Or if I call him and tell him were going to Vegas for my bachelor party he says yes without even knowing anything else. You definitely don't find many guys like him that's for sure.
Arianna Williams
Bridesmaid
Arianna and I first met in middle school when we played on the same indoor field hockey team. Little did I know then she would later become one of my best friends. She and I became close in our senior year of high school and she is another former member of "The Crew" (lol). Since then, we have been through so many phases of life together and truly watched each other grow up. From visiting her during her VCU days in Richmond, having her temporarily live with Danelle and I on our couch before moving to Arlington herself post-grad, seeing her meet the love of her life and now husband Jonathan, both of us moving back to Newport News during Covid and living within a one mile radius of each other again in Kiln Creek. Buying our first homes, being a bridesmaid in her wedding in 2022 and she and Jonathan welcoming their beautiful baby girl, Ellie, in May of this year. We've been by each others sides through it all. Arianna has one of the most intellectual minds I know and one of the things I've always loved most about our friendship is the stimulating conversations we have, talking about anything and everything for hours. She is also in equal part, a total goober, in the absolute best way and no one makes me laugh harder. As we enter this next chapter of our lives, I couldn't imagine doing it without her and I have no doubt we will continue to be a part of each others futures.
Travis Lauderman
Groomsman
I have been stuck with Travis since I was born. He is my cousin and we are only a year apart. I am an only child so I guess Travis was more like a brother growing up than a cousin because we spent so much time together and are so close in age. From fishing nights at Aunt Wanda's to riding around the haven in the golf cart, to driving my car before I had a license to now having two adorable kids that I can watch grow up, it's been/still is a blast. I have always said that I will never grow up and will always be goofy and down for anything and I am glad Travis is the same exact way. We are both 30 and 31 now and we still act the same around each other like when we were kids. I mean I really am not kidding, we still play "last hit" and sing the songs/dances we made up when we were kids and neither of use care. I am glad that I am not the only one that likes to have a good time. I talk to Travis almost daily because he does not care, he will call 3748373 times a day if he has to. But I guess that's better than the latter of him not calling at all. I was a groomsmen in his wedding and am excited to have him stand by me in mine.
Brooke Robertson
Bridesmaid
I met Brooke in our junior of college at JMU when we both studied abroad through the College of Business. We spent the fall semester living and studying in Antwerp, Belgium and traveling all over Europe on weekends and class trips. That semester was one of the most incredible and defining experiences of my life, largely in part because of the amazing group of friends it brought me, including Brooke. I'll always fondly remember Brooke as being my go-to for finding new coffee shops to try in the countries we visited and introducing me to all the best ones in Antwerp as a fellow coffee enthusiast. Brooke lived within 10 minutes of me in our post-grad years in Arlington and we grew increasingly close over that time period. She lives in Charlotte, NC now and I cherish our regular phone call catch ups and the deep conversations we have had together over the years. Brooke is one of the most caring, driven, confident people I know and she inspires me regularly. Our friendship is truly special to me and only continues to strengthen with time. I don't know where I would be without her friendship on this day, or any day, and could not imagine not having her by my side for this next milestone in life.
Xavier Adams
Groomsman
Xavier is a "Sexy, Tall, Dark, Handsome piece of chocolate. He is a bachelor looking for a women with land or a boat". He may or may not have paid me to put that in there. As mentioned above, Xavier was also a bully with Caleb and used to throw rocks and shoot paintballs at the Christian School kids just trying to live their best life in the summer. Xavier was easily recognizable by his big a** head so I would never forget him. Fast forward to when I was in 6th grade on the first day in Ms. Whites art class guess who walks in after me!? THAT SAME BIG HEADED BULLY. I was like you have got to be kidding me. Is this kid really in my class? But somehow him caleb and I bonded all throughout middle school and now it is a funny story to tell. Xavier was in the navy and moved to San Diego where we kept in contact but it was maybe a couple times a year and then there was a period where I didnt see him for years. But one thing about me and X is that no matter how long we go, were going to pick up right where we left off. Since X has gotten out of the navy he now has moved back to the Hampton Roads area where I unfortunately cannot escape him and we are still the same children that we were growing up. P.S. Chrome dome lil Bill lookin head a**
Emily Huber
Bridesmaid
Emily and I also met through our semester abroad in Antwerp, Belgium. It was easy to form a friendship with her as she was and still is one of the kindest humans I have ever known. She is a part of almost all my favorite memories from my time abroad, including the weekend we spent in Thessaloniki, Greece together. Emily also moved to Arlington post-grad and we grew very close during this time, especially during Covid. I am not sure I could have survived that year of lockdown without her and Brooke. We spent many hours on long walks together throughout wealthy Arlington neighborhoods, remarking and critiquing designs of homes we couldn't dream of affording lol. Emily is now married to Mitch Huber, who was/is one of our closest guy friends from our study abroad group of friends. They live in Richmond, VA (about 30 minutes from Ryan and I). I am so grateful we wound up settling not too far from each other and have the ability to see each other regularly. As one of my first friends to get married, Emily has also graciously been my go-to for all my questions/help with wedding planning (thank you, Em!) I am so grateful to have her with me throughout this process and on this special day for us and know we will continue to be a big part of each others lives for the years to come.
Brett Price
Groomsman
I met Brett when we were both young kids through our dads. I am 6 years older than him so he's always been like a little brother that I never had. We used to go fourwheeling at different places growing up and those are some memories I will never forget. Neither of us knew when we were kids that we would keep in touch as much as we did. Now Brett used to play video games all the time and I always wondered why because growing up, I really never played them. Fast forward to now, I play them all the time so maybe he was on to something. Brett, like Yonas just couldn't stay away from me, so he convinced his parents to move out to Smithfield and are neighbors to my parents. So I really cant escape him either. It does make it convenient to hang out though, with him being right there. We both love to hunt, fish, shoot, play video games, you name it. I could call Brett and ask him to go sit in the middle of the woods at midnight and he would get excited and say lets go. I'm not kidding either. He is always down to do whatever, whenever. He is a guy you can count on if you need him and my dad is always getting him to help with something whether he likes it or not. (You can tell him no sometimes Brett it's okay). I've watch him grow up throughout the years and now he is standing beside me on my big day.
Emily Trenning
Bridesmaid
Emily Trenning, affectionally nicknamed "Em Tren", and I met when we rushed the same sorority in our freshman year at JMU. We spent nearly all of our time together sophomore year, living together in the sorority house and suffering through our classes for the College of Business together. If all the time spent together at school wasn't enough, she even came home with me to Newport News for Easter one year and I returned the favor by visiting her hometown in Charlotte, NC for NYE. I knew then Emily and I would be lifelong friends. Emily moved to Arlington after college as well (are you seeing a trend here yet lol, I like to think of these years as college 2.0) and we have remained close throughout our post-grad years. She eventually decided to go back to her roots and is now living in Charlotte but we plan regular visits and never go too long without a phone call to catch up on each others lives. I mean it when I say Emily is one of the most resilient, strong people I have ever met. She takes any challenge life throws at her head-on, crushes it, all while managing to be incredibly supportive of anyone she cares about. I cherish our friendship and I am so thankful and excited she will be making the trip to be here for our special day!
Leland Remias
Groomsman
Leland aka "the ops". I first met Leland about 5 years ago. Our girls are best friends so it was inevitable that we had to hang out at some point. Our first trip together was in the outer banks and I told Erin that I didn't care if he was Sarah's bf, if he's a douche, then he can carry his ass somewhere else. During that trip we had our first bonding experience where we were beer pong partners and had a mutual beef with the whale that was on the wall. Lets just say that whale didnt last long in that house. But obviously you can see how things turned out as he is now one of my groomsmen. Our girls are always planning trips somewhere so we have had a lot of time spent together. We are alike in more ways than either of us thought. We are world travelers as well from our time in the Florida keys to Aruba all the way to Greece, we have seen it all (inside joke lol). We all take multiple trips a year and know it is going to be a good time no matter what. Leland was a Navy officer, is a realtor, property manager, laundry service exec, airbnb host, and app creator (shoutout Vroombrick if you are buying/selling a house check out his company) and whatever the hell else he does. At this point I just ask myself what doesn't he do? Little did either of us know that when we met, the friendship that would form and now him being a groomsmen.
Michael Wolff
Groomsman
I first heard of Mike when we were in high school where he was one of those weird kids that went to Grafton. I mean aren't all York County kids weird? (Newport News all day!). One day when Erin, Leland, Sarah, Jessie and I were hanging out, Jessie said she had a date with this guy Mike. Mike already had negative points because I told Jessie he was a York County kid. Leland and I would then have to put him through a vetting process to make sure he was right for Jessie and so he could join the "crew". He ultimately passed and brought his dog Ben into the mix as well. Throughout the years Leland, Mike and I have bonded on multiple trips. Mike is the life of the party whether it being him bringing out "Radford Mike" or obnoxiously singing simple man by shinedown. Mike will also befriend a wall if you let him, I mean he even made best friends with a 70 year old man at a tides game this summer. He is a good time and I am thankful for the friendships we have made throughout the years (good job picking Sarah and Jessie). Who knew a York County kid could be cool and then eventually be a groomsmen in my wedding? Happy to have him stand with me and no Mike we will not be playing simple man at the wedding (sorry).