Gang Gang
Erica Boles
Matron of Honor
Erica is my older sister. Arch nemesis as children turned best friends in adulthood. I absolutely wouldn't be who I am today without my sister. She has been by side through changing zip codes and time zones. Through butterflies to heartbreaks. From Barbies and Backstreet Boys to shopping and... well, more Backstreet Boys. She has filled every single duty I could (and should never) ask for: babysitter, life coach, chauffeur, partner in crime, personal chef, housekeeper, mentor, therapist, and most consistently: she's been my very best friend for my entire life. I am so grateful to have seester by my side. In addition to all of her incredible qualities, she has always been my protector. Whether it was punching boys at school, yelling at older kids on the bus; even when we didn't get along, she took care of me. I always knew it would be important to make sure I was with someone who could take some of that burden from my sister; someone she could trust. I know I've found that person in Josh.
Edwin Zamora
Best Man
Edwin and I met in Austin, TX through our mutual work in butchery. If you knew us in Austin you'd rarely see us apart as we both worked and lived together for years. As mont of you know, I'm not the best at calling or always remembering to text back, but somehow Edwin has always managed to stay in my life. Since moving from Austin, our visits have been less frequent, but even more impactful. Raven and my's first trip together (before we were a couple) was to Chicago for a cocktail competition. While there, we met up with Edwin. It feels like we've come full circle by landing in Chicago, where he lives, permanently. After years of distance between us, Edwin and I are now reunited to pick up the shenanigans right where we left off. Making friends as an adult is hard but it's always been easy with Edwin, as he treats everyone he meets like family. His love for people and his passion for life are contagious and I am better for having him in my life.
Kaylee Drea
Bridesmaid
Kaylee is one of my oldest friends. We met while working together in local government - both motivated to provide community service, inspired by Leslie Knope, and bonded by our work ethic and passion for the job. Eventually we learned we had way more in common than work: a love for fashion and aesthetic, being spicy Geminis, throwing a great party, and planning.. anything. She has been a true Ride or Die for since 2015. Kaylee is a master of the long distance relationship; never allowing time, jobs, her beautiful baby girl, school, general LIFE to keep us from staying in touch and sharing in the joys of life together. Kaylee is the definition of poise, thoughtfulness, and character. She is my go-to when I need advice that I should actually follow or need a cheerleader who will motivate me to be my best.
Sam Boles
Groomsman
J: Sam and I are the two men that the Fuller's have graciously allowed into their homes as their own sons. We get the benefit of family meals, moral support, access to some incredible family game nights, and of course, our partners. Sam and I clicked right away as the outsiders on the inside and I'm excited to have a brother in law with over 10 years experience to help me decode the Fuller-isms. R: Sam is a fantastic partner to Erica and an incredible father to Jett. His patience with me is second to none, especially during family game night ;) All jokes aside, Sam is one of my favorite humans and I couldn't be happier at how quickly he and Josh have bonded. Sam's approval is not casually granted, and I am proud to have his support.
Cynthia Hamilton
Bridesmaid
Cynthia and I met in Louisville after I started working with her husband. I had lived in Kentucky for a year but I was still struggling to feel at home and find 'my people'. Cynthia walked into Mr. Lee's (fun fact.. this is the place I also met Josh) and I knew I had found my southern sweetheart. We abandoned Jordan, who was left chatting with some rando, and became instant staples in each other's lives. Cynthia and I are a very complimentary pair and are great at pushing each other out of our comfort zones; a wonderful balance of planning and spontaneity, realism and dreamland, wild nights out and cozy nights in. When Cynthia finally met Josh, they too, were immediate friends. They share a passion for literature, politics, and debate. There are so many things we miss about living in Louisville, but our weekly Sunday dinner ritual is at the very top of the list.
John Mistrot
Groomsman
John and I have been friends for over a decade. As friends in Austin, Chandra (his wife) would cook incredible dinners for us and we would all get to sit and chat for hours. We align on all of the important things in life: moralities, intellect, education, backgrounds, all the way down to our home state of Colorado. Chandra and John have two beautiful daughters that I see as my own nieces. In many ways, I have always looked up to John and Chandra. Their family unit has been a source of stability, happiness, strength, and love. Raven was able to meet the whole family when they were passing through Seattle; I knew she would have to pass the Chandra and John test. After their visit, they told me they saw a positive change in my behavior and outlook; having their stamp of approval on such an important life decision gave me a tremendous amount of confidence and pride.
Jordan Hamilton
Officiant
Jordan and I met while working together at Michter's. I remember one day asking Jordan "when are you going to propose to Cynthia".. he was taken aback as he thought this was a really personal question. Apparently he had missed the memo that we were going to be besties and he needed to just get on board. I essentially annoyed Jordan into being my friend, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Jordan and Josh share a love of cooking meat, quality country music, and a love of the outdoors. Jordan and Raven share a love of eating meat, trash 2000's hip-hop, and whiskey. It's been a joy to watch Jordan & Cynthia get engaged, married, and now become parents. When Josh and I thought about who we wanted to officiate, we mulled over a few options, but there's no one we trust more to be equal parts fun, serious, entertaining, authoritative, laid back, and of course.. a stellar public speaker.
John Heidelmeier
Chef
John I met working together in Louisville, not realizing how close their lives had come to overlapping so many time before. We had both lived in Austin, TX and ran in similar crowds. Picking someone else to cook for my wedding has not not come lightly, but John is more than qualified for the role. He is the head Chef at the Kentucky Derby Museum, has catered numerous weddings using fresh vegetables from his own home garden, is a Kentucky Colonel, and one of my closest friends. John's official title for the day will be Chef, but he is very close to our hearts and we consider him a part of the wedding party. Outside of Chef, he is forager, outdoorsman, car expert, and story teller. You're always learning something when John is around; he is also known for his Heidel-tips: advice or life hacks on any of the forementioned skills, and we're all better for it.