Wedding Party
Robert Small
Groomsman
In 1989, Deb, Mike, and I moved to 1313 Walnut Ave. Two doors down lived Bob, Jana, Robbie, and Whitney. Almost immediately, I saw Robbie zooming around the neighborhood on his bike and thought, that is a cool kid. Jana and Robbie taught me how to ride a bike, and we’ve been best friends ever since. Growing up, Rob was good—often amazing—at everything he tried. He was a straight-A student and excelled at soccer, basketball, baseball, and swimming. Swimming was the one we shared together: he crushed the breaststroke while I focused on freestyle. He later went on to become president of the Cal Poly Triathlon Team. Over the past 20 years, he’s drilled foundations for skyscrapers (not the Millennium Tower), and I’ve helped the elderly fix their electronics. We’ve remained as close as ever and always remember to call or leave a voicemail for each other on—or very near—our birthdays, which are exactly six months apart. I love him a lot, and being in each other’s lives for the next 40 years will feel just as amazing as the previous 40.
Collin Anderson
Groomsman
Danders is a true class act—the winning smile and classic good looks of a senator, without the sleaze. We’ve been close for over 35 years, growing up side by side as a Manzanita Eagle, Sequoia Spartan, Shasta Wolf, and eventually a Shasta College Knight. Few people in my life have been as steady and dependable across so many chapters. He and his beautiful wife, Nicole, helped me through one of the most difficult stretches of my adult life—my “boy in the attic” phase, which included the dreaded COVID pandy and the years that followed. During a time when I truly believed I might never find someone to share my life with, their optimism, kindness, and unwavering belief in me kept me moving forward. They reminded me who I was when I couldn’t see it myself. And, as it turns out, they were absolutely right. 🙂 Even now, we make a point to stay connected through frequent catch-up phone calls and the very best Redding hangs—games, singing and dancing, lake life, and time with their two amazing and beautiful daughters, Ava and Sophie. Collin has always been someone I can count on, and I’m incredibly grateful to have him standing beside me.
Kenneth Morretino
Groomsman
My newest groomsman friend. We met in seventh grade in Mrs. Lenz’s class, where we were constantly having to call our parents to tell them we were being disruptive. Ken once called “popcorn” and pretended he was leaving a message on his answering machine—I thought that was a genius move. We are a perfectly adventurous duo. We could go anywhere in the world together, navigate it smoothly, and have the best time. I know I can call him for a random live music event, and he’ll always be down. It all started with our first big trip together—backpacking through Western Europe in 2005: seven countries in three weeks. Loretta and I can’t wait to move out to the Sunset in 2026, build a community, and raise our children together with his wonderful wife, Sofia.
Sean Sweeney
Groomsman
Seany boy and I have been friends since our ages were in the single digits. He’s been my guiding light for all things Bay Area. When I first moved here 10 years ago, he generously gave me his room for a month at The Palace while he stayed with his now-wife, Brynne, on Turk. The funniest person I’ve ever met—the number of times we’ve found ourselves doing bits so specific only to us, while everyone else awkwardly chuckles as we’re rolling on the floor laughing, is too many to count. We lived together in the Crowsnest (where Loretta and I currently reside) for the five months leading up to the pandy. Post-pandy, he moved in with the lovely Brynne, but they never forgot about me. They kept me in their circle during the hardest times, and escaping the solitude of the attic to Petaluma warmed my heart more than they could know. Watching him play piano and sing Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Warren Zevon, and Supertramp are some of my favorite memories.
Bridget Roddy
Maid of Honor
Meet Bridget, sister. Bridget is my sister, ride or die, partner in crime, and person most likely to commiserate with Andrew about any “Loretta” antics. Two years younger, but many years wiser, she is the type of sister that makes me wish everyone had one. My roommate of 26 years, Bridget has been there through it all - the awkward haircuts and orthodontia, the highs and lows of school projects and team sports, the joys (and tears) of shared homeownership, and most importantly - making fun of our dear brother Seamus (we love you Seamus!). We practically share a brain and can communicate paragraphs with a single look, know the things that make us laugh and those that make us cringe. I would tackle any task and go on any adventure with her because I know she’d make it fun. I cannot imagine where I would be without Bridget by my side and I am honored to have her as my Maid of Honor.
Kate McClure
Bridesmaid
Meet Kate, cousin on the Downing side. Kate and I go together like peanut butter and jelly, cocktails and ice, the beach and sunscreen. We share our love for party planning and hosting, crafting of all kinds, cooking and baking, and getting people together. Unleash us in Ikea, a craft store, or at Costco and then get out of our way (or send Bridget in as chaperone). One of the funniest, most generous, selfless people I know, having Kate on your team ensures almost certain success and definitely a good time. Always a little wiser, a lot cooler, and definitely smarter, I have learned more about the woman I want to be from watching how Kate moves through the world. I am so grateful to have her as a role model, cousin and best friend.
Laura Urie
Bridesmaid
Meet Laura, friend and first “wife”. If you are still on Facebook, you’ll see that my “relationship status” shows I have been happily married for almost 20 years to the one and only Laura. While we met in high school, our friendship really cemented once we got to college at San Diego State; I still feel cheated that I missed out on this most amazing woman for those four years in high school. Laura has been by my side for so much of life - the highs and lows, the good decisions and the bad, offering a sympathetic ear, sound advice, and a glass of wine (or two!). She makes me laugh till my stomach hurts, recommends the best books, and is my own personal pop culture guide. After breakups or bad dates, Laura always reminded me that “my person” was out there and to keep looking. She was right. I would not be the person I am today without her and I am so lucky to have her in my life.
Tricia Moriarty
Bridesmaid
Meet Tricia, cousin on the Roddy side. Tricia and I have shared all but three days of life together and even now, that’s about how long we can go without talking. The ultimate hype woman, Tricia has cheered for me and conspired with me, ready to pop champagne or bail me out of jail (figuratively, of course). She’s a wonderful listener, a loyal and fierce friend, and game for anything - whether it’s baking cookies or traveling abroad. Rumor has it, Tricia was the first to know about Andrew’s plan to propose after a tipsy confession at the annual family trip to Sea Ranch. She and I don’t often keep secrets and it’s a testament to how much she loves Andrew that she was able to not only keep that quiet but also was one of his co-conspirators ring shopping! Life is so much better when Tricia is around and I am incredibly lucky to have her as a best friend and cousin.