Wedding Party
Marianne Redillas
Bride
She has beaten me to a few of our greatest milestones together. She saw me first on our first date, she said "I love you" first, and she convinced me to get our first pet together. So you can guess it meant the world to me to go down on one knee and ask for her hand. I have known for a long time that she was the one. We have shared so much life together since being in college, growing closer together through a pandemic and young adulthood. We have traveled the world together, and have moved to new places knowing that we can make it happen. If I could describe her with one word, it would be glowing. She leads every new opportunity and relationship with a smile and an open heart. She has so much creativity in her bones, and could be working on building design one minute then tufting rugs the next. Her spontaneity keeps me on my toes, and has resulted in the high number of pets in our lives and in others as well. Though I may be more outward with my music skills, she is an incredible pianist and duet partner. See ya at the altar!
Ethan Schwendeman
Groom
Some say he’s a keeper. Others say he’s the favorite child. I say he’s the loudest person I know. With my softer, more reserved personality, it might seem like an unlikely match. But somehow, Ethan and I complement each other, despite that very obvious difference. There’s nothing I’d change about this guy, except maybe that my parents claim he’s become more Filipino than me, thanks to his open food palate. Assimilating himself quite well in various settings, Ethan has always been considered just one of the girls (which I adore). Anyone who meets him is instantly touched by his endless energy to talk and make any person feel supported and heard. The way he often puts others before himself is truly a rare trait. It is no wonder he was given the "Magic Touch" award at his work. Making everything he does seem so effortless, I am inspired every day by this guy and excited to spend a lifetime with him. On our wedding day, don't expect him to have to use a microphone but do let him bust out some beats on his synth.
Christine + Jun Redillas
Parents of the Bride
As high school sweethearts and devoted, hardworking individuals, Christine and Jun have truly been through it all together. Always side by side, they have built a partnership so strong it has shaped the way I make my own life decisions. Their love shines in the selfless care they extend to everyone around them, whether it is sharing a comforting Filipino meal, greeting you with their contagious smiles, or opening their home without a second thought. Through my own interesting and often impulsive choices, Christine and Jun have never wavered in their support. When a friend’s cat needed a home, they welcomed Clio without hesitation. No matter how weird the request... not to mention taking in not one but two of my hamsters during my undergraduate years.. they embraced it with excitement and joy. Because they know me better than anyone, they could see right away that Ethan was the grounding presence I needed.
Patricia + Leslie Schwendeman
Parents of the Groom
Patty and Les met at Ohio State while they were in school, which is also where Marianne and I found each other. Being a nurse and a surgeon, I have always been amazed of what they have accomplished together. They both lead passionate careers, and always take the extra step for anyone in need. I have always aspired to shape my profession around helping others because of them, with my own little twist. They continue to take that extra step for friends and family as well. I believe I have inherited my dad's loud voice and laughter, and my mother's smile and dance moves. I will always be amazed by them, and hope to lead my relationships with the same level of love and connection they do. They have survived my most troublesome years, and have raised 3 other amazing (and maybe less chaotic) children. Expect them to leave it all out on the dance floor on wedding night!
Krisha Redillas
Maid of Honor
It wasn’t a difficult decision to make my sister my go-to, especially since she can read me a little more than I can read myself. Growing up, we transitioned from sleeping in twin bunk beds, to reconfiguring it into two twins side-by-side, to ending up just sharing a full bed because of our comfort around one another, always staying up late talking about a whole lotta everything and nothing. As a versatile person, Krisha is not only an amazing artist inspired by her natural surroundings, but also a wonderful yoga instructor, creative brand designer, and community event organizer in WV. As I write this, Krisha is currently on a solo trip in Guatemala teaching yoga at an eco lodge in the mountains... It came as no surprise when she spoke of this adventure because her courage, confidence, and curiosity have always led to a path that belongs wholly to her.
Dan Driscoll
Best Man
Dan the man! We have been best friends for as long as I can remember. I think our friendship started with a shared interest of reading books as fast as possible, or through the trenches of the four square court. We began an industrious comic book startup in middle school while balancing math competitions. Knowing that we could easily topple the comic and math giants, we have since pursued other goals. He has been one of my greatest (and loudest) supporters. If someone yelled at a SOTB show, there’s an extremely high chance it was Dan from the front row. Dan has bounced around the whole country working on becoming the future president of the US, and will do astronomically better than any administration before. Despite his incredibly busy schedule, he makes sure to leave time for friends like me, his family, and a round of bike polo. Truly the best man for the title.
Kristen Shomo
Bridesmaid
The most spontaneous, biggest personality I know, Kristen knows how to brighten up anyone’s day with her wild stories, contagious smile, and genuine heart. Having had the pleasure of knowing Kristen since we were 3, we have grown up side by side in WV. As an aspiring dentist, she has always been so determined in any aspect of her life, whether that is through getting through dental school, college twirling practices, or even the high school years of beauty pageants and dance competitions. Did I mention we were high school president (her) and vice president (me) together? Kristen has done it all. When you see her on wedding day, expect her livening up the dance floor because no doubt she will be there all night long.
Owen Schwendeman
Groomsman
Owen is quite possibly the best brother I could ever have. Though I am 10 years older, I cannot remember a time where I won in chess against him. Growing up together, I think back to when I tried to teach him things I have learned while growing up. But in all honesty, I don't think he needed the lessons as much as I did. He is incredibly bright, and just started his undergraduate degree at Akron University for engineering. Seeing him leave the nest, makes me think back to all of those days playing board games, going swimming, and taking him to school. As a great violinist, he has always made me feel cooler than I actually am for playing live music. I am excited to watch him go into this new chapter of life, and to have him be a part of mine!
Sidney Groom
Bridesmaid
I don’t even know where to begin with Sidney.. a lifelong hometown best friend since middle school who is so similar to me when it comes to our style, folk music taste, and awe for home trinkets and craft-making. Much more than that, she has always been the first one I choose to call whenever I need advice, important or not. Sid is one of the smartest and most responsible people I know.. single-handedly purchasing a very cute cottage-core HOUSE at 25! It’s truly been so heartbreaking living so distant from each other, especially since we were almost inseparable until college (enough for our classmates to vote us the “best friends” superlative in high school). Truly one of the best people in my life where a friendship like ours feels so rare, and I am so grateful.
Colin Peachey
Groomsman
Colin and I could be best buds without him marrying my sister, but we still are regardless. He has one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen, and his work and passions have truly made him one of the best people to have around. He is an incredible nurse who puts in the extra effort to make sure patients, friends, and family are taken care of. I look to him for how I carry myself and help others. It doesn't matter how much time has passed, Colin is ready to pickup any conversation we have left on hold. I truly think it would take a week of nonstop conversation for us to run out of things to say. Colin is also a true outdoorsman, which we need to plan our next bike and/or hike into the woods. I can't wait to share more laughter and beer with him at the wedding.
Michelle Culley
Bridesmaid
I met Big Meech, also known as Michelle, through our undergrad architecture program. She is the only person I would ever let tattoo me in my own apartment…also her first tattoo ever done on someone other than herself. It was so good that I let her do 3 more. Of course I would’ve let her do more if she didn’t move to London for, from what I can remember, too long a time! Michelle was my closest friend during the summer I met Ethan, and I mean it when I say she probably knows our relationship progression the most outside of us two. She's always been the first person I would ask to join me for any SOTB concert no matter the distance away from homebase. I can also always depend on her to do off-beat activities with me. We’ve sold our art together, created a business entity together (haha), and through it all have endless support for one another and for that I cherish our friendship so deeply.
James Harker
Groomsman
From biology class to bandmates, James has been there through it all. Starting at a new highschool, James was one of the first people I connected with, and from there we did everything together. Music is a big staple of our friendship. We survived the trenches of marching band, we have stayed up ridiculously late packing up a SOTB show, and we will always throw on a full album anytime we drive together. We share so much in common with our humor and our dreams. Nothing can test a friendship like the trials of a traveling rock band, and it has been the most incredible journey to share with him and the others. He has surrounded himself with the best musicians and friends, and created his own profession in the music industry. We also got a little sporty side too, and can tear up a disc golf course if need be. I'm really hoping he won't need to use his nunchucks at the wedding, but he will if he needs to.
Emma Powers
Bridesmaid
As the first friend I ever made in freshman year of college, star wars-loving and CD-enthusiast Emma has battled the long architecture studio nights with me and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. Her skillful artistic talent and playfulness in her beautiful designs have always pushed me to also stay true to myself in my own work. When she was the first of our college friend group to move states, it left us completely distraught - how do we function without her?? Who else would impulsively buy a hamster with me and also fill the living room with more plants than we could afford? Every time we get together, it is only ever fun, meaningful, and has a long lasting positive impact on me. I am very ready for us to live in the cohousing farmstead of our dreams we always talk about.
Brynner Jung
Groomsman
I would wait in anticipation for 3 whole hours as my parents drove me to Brynner’s house. We were the cousins that could not be separated, and some of my greatest accomplishments while growing up were by Brynner’s side. We manifested a dream of going to college together, and even topped it by sleeping in a bunk bed in our apartment. Brynner has always kept me grounded when I felt like life was out of my control. Though arguably we are both smart, when we hung out we shared one braincell, anything could send us laughing for 15 minutes straight. He launched my music career when we wrote a song about multicolored poop. Brynner, as well as his family, have migrated out to the West Coast recently, making us a little bit closer together! I will be soon joining him out in the woods, and this time when we finish this backpacking trip the world won't be going into a global pandemic.
Jo Dupiano
Bridesmaid
Jo has the biggest heart I know, and one simple conversation with her will make anyone quickly realize it. Also a friend I’ve made through college but from a Filipino-American student organization, Jo has been someone I can comfortably talk to about anything, and her open perspectives on every topic is what strikes me most about how easy it is to talk to her. Briefly as a roommate for a year in college, she’s always been a calm presence and creative person, and is also someone who shows true care in her relationships with others. I’ve always been inspired by the way she navigates her way through self discovery, whether that be through moving to the Philippines for a year or always embracing new experiences. With such a strong sense of community in Columbus, Jo reminds me of what home feels like <3
Jamie Vitullo
Groomsman
When I see Jamie, I furrow my brow, and raise my fist. We were playing desert dash, a minigame at the original super mario party, and lets just say we weren’t the best team. In every other instance however, we are a deadly pair. Jamie is truly one of the funniest people on this planet, and can out-quote me from our favorite comedian Tim Robinson. He was my first taco 12-pack from Taco Bell, a pivotal meal for a traveling band at 2am after a long night. Being the drummer of SOTB has its perks, as I am always ready to lend a hand to help him set up his kit after it takes me a grand total of 2 minutes to setup my stuff. He has got such a big heart, and has such a small lil dog named Bobbie that balances it out. Truly a person that can always make me smile, and is also soon to be a married man like me!
Joy Muñoz
Bridesmaid
Joy is the first friend from my masters program that I’ve grown close to living in Seattle for these last couple years, and her energy and excitement over board games and trip planning has made our transition to the city so fun and filled with new adventure. Joy is an incredibly smart, thoughtful architectural designer. So driven and motivated by making cities more affordable and inclusive, Joy has a very kind heart and cares for people so deeply. As a proud mom of 3 very cute cats, Joy and her husband Enrique bond closely with us over the mundane but fun pet responsibilities, making it feel more socially acceptable to talk so much about our fluffy family members. I had the best opportunity ever to experience Berlin for two months with Joy as part of our architecture program, which she convinced me to apply for. So so so grateful that she did and to have experienced it with her!
Danny Svenson
Groomsman
The realest dude in Ohio. Danny always makes sure to let me know that he is in my corner. The hard part is reaching him in this digital age, he prefers to have you at his home instead. I have lost many hours sleep hanging out with him, which I will never want back. His creativity and spontaneity have no end, and it shows through his extensive catalog of produced music and bands he has played in throughout his life. We have created endless amounts of beats and adventures on the road. Danny has established himself in Youngstown through the local events and music community he has created. We have this ongoing competition to see who can catch the most critters in the wild, and I think the competition will continue at the reception. We have gotten into a great bit of trouble together, and I guarantee that more good trouble is just on the horizon.