Wedding Party

Madeline Minardi

Nobel Prize for Physics 2017: hottest object on earth

Madeline is one of the kindest, most caring & compassionate people you could ever hope to meet. She's funny, cool, and intelligent, as well as creative, having published two books and currently working on her third. Madeline has shown a unique strength in the face of every challenge she has encountered, & come out the other side smiling & wanting to be the best version of herself that she can. When we met, we had both come out of long-term relationships and weren't looking for anything "serious" just yet. Fortunately for us both, we couldn't escape each other, and have been talking almost constantly since she got on the train down to London back in November 2023. I love how much time and patience she has for everyone, & how much love she has to give. We are intentional about the distance, watching things, cooking together, playing Switch games online. It's strange for both of us to go to bed during the other's day, then wake up before they go to bed themselves, but I cherish every second that we have awake together. She's someone I know I can turn to for advice or someone to vent to, & she will always manage to make me smile. I love seeing her creativity flourish, & watching videos of her playing piano that I took in California. We both share loves of food, music & love for those in our lives - it's these 3 things that we want to surround ourselves with in November. We hope you join us in doing this, mostly because there won't be much of the third thing if you don't!

Kieran White

Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2006, Sexiest Man Alive

Kieran; my wind chime of prisms, swaying sharply in a forgiving dance, edges soft as the delicate shimmers fluttering in the wind, reflecting back light & beauty. There’s a trusting peace, a spiritual sigh of relief & safety I'm with him. From the start, I’ve marveled at his anchored & quiet strength, his resolute rootedness, & his soft, inviting gentleness. Kieran; my redwood tree, tall, long & extremely grounded. Timeless, wise, & immovable. With his softness, my once unshakable guard came crashing down & I could finally relax into a love so unwavering, not even the Atlantic Ocean could drown it. Everyday we spend apart is another day my <3 grows a familiar & old fondness for him. Kieran; my second sunrise. The first is with the unfailing unfurling of our star peaking over the horizon-lined hills in the early hours of dawn, & the second is when I get to see his face. Kieran; always & forever my favourite present I’ve ever received. We're frequently asked how we’ve conquered a LDR. The answer changes with the passing months: Kieran’s angelic patience; his profound understanding of my soul; grace, intentionality, Uber Eats. But it is our ancient & intense love for each other, the mutual understanding that the other is not your own. A gift from the universe, a lease to love, cherish & cradle until death do us part & thereafter. We thank each other every day for the gift of getting to love the other. I can’t wait to love him for the rest of this lifetime & all of the next.

Athena Pope

Maid of Honour & Passion

One thing you need to know about Athena: once she has a plan, she will stop at next to nothing to see that plan through. For example, from the very first interaction they had in Italian class at West Valley College in August 2014, Athena set out to be Madeline's friend, and thanks to Athena's incredible intentionality, grace, patience, and compassion, they have been kindred soul-sisters ever since. Athena is the Diana Barry to Madeline's Anne Shirley. She is the Elphaba to Madeline's Elphaba (they are both Elphabas). She has been a close friend and confidant throughout so many changing seasons in Madeline's life and Madeline is constantly amazed by her steadfast friendship and kindness no matter the distance between them. Athena is a brilliant writer and creative individual with a Midas touch. The two initially bonded over all of their shared interests and passions: musical theatre, disney music, writing poetry, europe/the uk, and kahlua-spiked oreo milkshakes, to name a few. Fun fact: they have 4 incidental matching tattoos (they each got the same tattoo without prior knowledge of the others' plan). She is married to her wonderful husband Colin and they currently live in Phoenix, Arizona. Madeline had the unique honour of capturing their elopement in Sedona in 2023, and it remains one of her favourite elopements of all time (she's not biased). Athena likes: fuzzy socks, cheese burgers and rain. She dislikes: hypocrisy, inequality, and the smell of bananas.

Louis Barry-Cutter

Best Man

Kieran and Louis met when in primary school at age 5, where, according to Kieran's school jotter*: "they played dragons". *A British word which loosely translates to composition book. They remained friends throughout childhood, attending the same schools in their hometown of Middlesbrough, until they went their separate ways for university. Kieran has fond memories of running home from rugby training with Louis, pointing out their favourite constellations in the night sky, or airplanes as they'd pass overhead: wondering who the passengers were, where they were coming from, and sharing in the mutual sonder. Kieran has always admired how constant and steady their friendship has been. Despite the ebbs and flows of life, and living in separate countries, it never feels like much time has passed between them when meeting for pints once a quarter: reminiscing on the airplanes and constellations of their youth, how Kieran thought Louis' mam's house smelled like glace cherries, and Louis remarking how Kieran's parents' house smelled like Thai green curry. Louis exudes a warmth that you can relax in, even if you're just meeting for the first time. He is kind and considers others in everything he does, he loves entomology, he is generously hospitable, has a passion for BBQ and smoking quality meats, and gives the best hugs. Louis likes: comically small coffee cups He dislikes: when people say "I could care less"

Bri Cooper

Maid of Honour & Strength

Bri has a magical aura about her that gets you hooked from the start & Mads immediately fell under her spell when they met in 2017. Bri & her magical heart have transformed Mads’ life. In 2021, Mads was working 3 jobs when Bri pushed Mads to believe in herself enough to drop everything & start a business. Mads proceeded to break records in her first year & she owes all of it to Bri & her magic. Bri has a gift of making you feel like the most important person in the world. She is quick at reading you, even the parts you try to hide, making you feel safe & comfortable enough to start sharing so vulnerably, you’ll tell her things you thought you’d never share. Bri will be your #1 hype woman from the start. She shines & sparkles in everything that she does. Her light is intoxicating & once you’re friends with her, there’s no going back. Bri lives with her husband Ryan & their 2 corgis, Socrates & Betty, in Menlo Park, CA. She is a boss ass bitch & runs her own marketing company, being the world’s best cheerleader for women-led businesses. Ask her more about it at the wedding— she’s truly incredible. Bri has consistently shown a type of unwavering strength & bravery throughout many hardships she’s endured. Her commitment to this strength is remarkably inspiring & Mads feels beyond lucky to have her as a bestie/fairy godmother. Bri likes: being a basic bitch who loves Taylor Swift, PSLs & romance books She dislikes: when people make fun of basic bitches for being basic bitches

Matthew Dunning

Groomsman

Kieran and Matthew first met at secondary school, but became great friends during their two years at college. Kieran has fond memories of singing songs from Les Mis in the canteen, absolutely nailing Valjean (Matthew) and Javert's (Kieran) song The Confrontation. That was just the beginning of their musical performance escapades together. They once danced as part of a group to 'Could it be Magic' by Take That in front of the entire college, a performance which included a guest appearance by the school's cook impersonating Robbie Williams (for Americans: that man from the CGI monkey rockstar movie). During their first year of college (age 17), Matthew and Kieran went on a French exchange to Provence for a week, and formed some rather odd memories... ask us about Anis' partner... Matthew was the first of this group to get married, back in August 2023. He, his beautiful wife Mel, and their adorable son, Eddie, live in Yorkshire. Matthew is a secondary school and college history teacher who loves to spend time agricultural gardening, being an amazing father and husband, and Guinness. As with all of Kieran's groomsmen, they can go for some time without seeing each other, but seamlessly dive straight back into things as if that time and geographical gap hadn't occurred, often times standing at the bar having wonderful heart-to-hearts and catch-ups. Matthew likes: his allotment & a cup of Bovril (for the Americans, imagine tea but it tastes like beef stock) He dislikes: slugs

Bianca Argao

Maid of Unbridled Joy

Bianca radiates beautiful beams of a bold brightness. This light was what immediately attracted Madeline to her at the age of 4. Their loving bond & union was immortalized in the joining of hands whilst performing as shepherds in their church nativity musical "Baby's First Christmas". Bianca remains Madeline's first & oldest best friend <3 Their sisterhood has withstood the test of time, distance, deconstruction, growth, self-discovery, & fearlessly loving many iterations of each other. When the two of them get together, there's an abundance that transcends the mundane: laughter, joy, support, encouragement, creativity, self-discovery & self-love. Bianca is a brilliant actress, a creative genius, a muse. She's extremely thoughtful & intentional, incredibly articulate, & always a good time, even if she is notoriously 45 minutes late to everything. Bianca is every girl's dream of a friend: a girl's girl bestie. One without petty competition. One where we strive to build each other up, pushing each other to reach beyond our goals, to shoot for the moon & land amongst the stars. Bianca lives in San Diego with her husband Justin, & their adorable dog child Yuzu. She is wildly passionate & talented, currently pursuing acting as a full time realized dream & she is ABSOLUTELY crushing it, recently landing a principle role in a short film in LA. We are so proud :') Bianca likes picnics, live shows, & belly-laughs She dislikes maraschino cherries & judgments over curiosity

Phill Grainger

Groomsman

Everyone who's anyone in Middlesbrough knows Phill 'Big Philly Style' Grainger. A proper lad with a big heart, Phill intentionally creates space and time to foster relationships with everyone around him. He's always the life and soul of the party, loves a boogie, and absolutely smashes Angels by Robbie Williams at karaoke. Phill was the first of Kieran's friends introduced to Madeline when he came to Edinburgh last summer. The three went for burgers, with Phill ordering an extra burger to have "tomorrow", but ended up having to scarf it down on Cowgate before going to do a ceilidh in a very packed Stramash because they wouldn't let him bring it in. Kieran alternated dancing with Madeline and Phill that night (see Madeline for the cutest video of Phill dancing with a 4 foot lass). Madeline: "how did y'all meet?" Kieran: "I don't even know. You don't meet Phill. Phill meets you." Phill is a wonderfully kind, outgoing lad with extremely thoughtful gift-giving abilities, bringing Kieran, Chris, and Louis each a houseplant for their 30th birthdays. Kieran's is still alive! Not sure about Louis' and Chris'... Also, Phill is singleeeeeeeee, just saying. Phill likes: espressos He dislikes: bananas

Shelby Hetrick

Maid of Sunshine

COMING SOON

Chris Fallows

Groomsman

Chris and Kieran met in secondary school, attending many of the same classes together. The two of them, along with Louis and Jack, formed an inseparable bond as a lively friend group that has lasted 19 years and counting! In fact, Louis, Chris, and Kieran had a joint 30th birthday party in September 2024, where the three of them were handed many various beverages throughout the night (see Madeline for video of tequila shot and ensuing grimaces). Chris is quiet.. very quiet... but offers a calming presence in the midst of the classic Boro raucous. He's just a chill guy. Chris, Louis, Jack, and Kieran once attempted to form a band that unfortunately was never named, having two practice sessions in school, and never heard from again. Despite this failed venture, Chris remains a legend on the electric guitar. Chris lives in Middlesbrough with his gorgeous fiancée, Elle, and their son Laurie. He works in the chemical industry and is currently studying for a degree in chemical engineering! In the little spare time that he has, Chris likes to go for long, country-side walks. In fact, when Madeline was helping plan their 30th birthday, having never met Louis or Chris, she asked Kieran what Chris' hobbies were, to which he replied "He likes walking in the countryside". And that was her first impression of him. He's an uncomplicated man with a kind heart. What more could you ask for! Chris likes: Yorkshire tea and being out in the countryside He dislikes: Christmas pudding

Jenny Coker

Maid of Loving Kindness

Jenny is the embodiment of one-of-a-kind. Seriously. You have never met anyone like this woman. Her energy is vivacious, her passion is infectious, she is as warm as she is hot: & that works both ways. Like the highland piper at the top of the Royal Mile, Jenny's excitement for life will either exhilarate you or kick you in the eardrums/ass. But you'll always be thankful for it. Jenny is also the second funniest person you'll ever meet, after Madeline, & that's not all they share in common. In fact, when Jenny & Madeline's friendship took flight in 2021, they discovered so many inauspicious and serendipitous similarities that they decided to make a podcast together called "ARE WE THE SAME PERSON?!" Those similarities include, but are not limited to: being a Pastor's daughter (see also: Imam, Priest), being a WORSHIP Pastor's daughter (that is a very specific brand iykyk), loving musical theatre & jazz & choir & performance & British things like James Acaster & Bake Off and thrifting for crystal & Wedgewood crockery, 1 sister & 1 brother, ability to quote the most obscurely random film and tv quotes, intense love & knowledge of les mis & hamilton and intense hate for Russell Crowe, our inherent & intrinsic identification with Elphaba's inner psyche, & actually so many things but I can't remember all of them. Madeline's favourite thing about Jenny is that she is exactly who she is. Jenny likes: well-organized craft stations & the colour pink She dislikes: direct sunlight

Jack McTiernan

Groomsman

Kieran and Jack did drumming lessons together in secondary school, becoming fast friends. Jack's infectious personality also led to him befriending Chris and Louis, forming a dynamic friend group of 19 years and counting, and eventually playing rugby for Middlesbrough with the latter. All four of them were in the same class for GCSE music, our little drummer boy Kieran was the only one who didn't play guitar. During secondary school, Jack was famously recognisable for his bright, ginger hair, which Louis once spotted from the top of a 200ft theme park ride. This has since become significantly shorter, as Jack is now a firefighter for West Yorkshire and likes to keep things tight. In late 2021 while Kieran was living in Edinburgh, his family moved into Jack's old house. It was a little strange visiting them that time around and having a 'tour' of a house he'd already been to several times before, with different inhabitants. Kieran still finds it slightly strange being in the garden sipping his morning espresso with his parents, looking out onto the lawn and having flashbacks of being drunk and eating smoked meats for many summers with the lads. Jack lives in Cleckheaton with his partner, Zim, their daughter Cari and their two dogs. Jack is known for his clever and playful jesting, always adding a bit of laughter and banter wherever that ginger boy goes. Jack likes: SP50+ He dislikes: The sun

Anas Ben Mejdoub

Man of Honour & Inspiration

Anas and Madeline met under very unique circumstances in the summer of 2023, when Madeline was working and living in London, and unique is a great way to describe the beautiful friendship that blossomed from their chance encounter. Madeline has always said that Anas feels like one of those once-in-a-lifetime soul connections: though they come from very different cultural backgrounds and ways of life, different continents even, once their souls became acquainted, it was like they had known each other a very, very long time. Anas blows the socks off of anyone he meets, he consistently challenges the status quo with his inquisitive nature and "the sky is never the limit" mentality. Madeline has asked him about 25 times what it is exactly that he does for work and she can never fully remember, so feel free to ask him at the wedding. In an attempt to not undermine his accomplishments, all she wishes to impart is that he is making BIG moves and is absolutely a name you should remember. He is changing the world just by living everyday to the fullest, and greeting every stranger with that warm and disarming smile. (Let us know if you want to join his cult. Madeline has made repeated attempts to name herself as VP of Community but continues to be demoted from a group admin to a plebeian). Anas currently resides in London, but don't count on running into him there. He is always on the move. Anas likes: meeting new people He dislikes: inefficient central banks and unstable currencies

Leo Williams

Groomsman

COMING SOON

Omar Ahmed Nimir Salah

Man of Honour & Courage

Omar and Madeline met exactly 6 days after Madeline and Kieran met. Legend has it that they met at the Tate Modern in Southbank, dinner at Wagamama, and Madeline's first show at the Globe Theatre, which just happens to be the best theatre Madeline has ever seen. While hanging out, Madeline told Omar that she had fallen in love with a boy she met just 6 days prior and it was scaring the bejesus out of her. Because Omar is such a gentleman, he proceeded to ask all about this boy, and from there, became Madeline and Kieran's number one hype man. Omar has been on the receiving end of many distressed texts from Madeline like "SOS, is this just him being British or does he hate me??" and "He said this... what does it mean?! DOES HE LIKE ME OR NOT". Omar's tolerance of Madeline knows many bounds and has many limits, and Madeline would just like to thank Omar for putting up with her shenanigans, including but not limited to: taking him to see Mr. Fogg's Cockney Sing-a-long against his will (twice now), having him cart two luggages 1 hour across London, meeting 4+ new people at Dishoom Carnaby (in which he paid for the entire meal <3), and her crazed obsession with ranch. Madeline feels like the luckiest girl in the world to call him her acquaintance. "My name is Omar and I'm a style icon. That's all you need to know."

Dave Pottinger

Groomsman

Kieran and Dave met in college at the age of 17, quickly discovering from their initial conversation that they were born 9 days apart. The pair bonded over their shared love of music and fashion, listening to tunes on the bus, and taking trips into town to go to the charity shops. (for Americans: thrifting). The two have been to countless gigs together around the North East, as well as the Benicassim festival in Spain in 2013 and Neighbourhood in Warrington in 2023 for Matthew's stag do (bach party) which Dave brilliantly organised). Dave's intense passion and knowledge of music and fashion led to him launching a blog on the Mod subculture called Move On Up. He is gifted clothing to review on it, and he even got to interview The Jam frontman Paul Weller on a documentary about the band. His other main passion in life is football, attending Middlesbrough matches, both home and away, regularly. Dave is passionate, honest and confident. He doesn't like injustices in the world and holds very strong political beliefs. He does not shy away from getting to know people, as demonstrated by anyone who has been out alone with Dave and has seen him greet countless people. Dave works at a primary school in Stockton-On-Tees near Middlesbrough, where Kieran's mam Michelle used to work, and lives in County Durham with his partner Alice. Dave loves: Middlesbrough Football Club, AFC Wimbledon (The Dons), Music and Clothes He hates: Newcastle United, Sunderland FC, Scabs and Tories

Cheryl Cotter

Mother of the Bride

Michelle White

Mother of the Groom

Anthony White

Father of the Groom

Beverly Phillips

Woman of Wisdom & Grandmother of the Bride

Nora White

Woman of Wisdom & Grandmother of the Groom