Rita & Matthew
Wedding Party
Ryan
Best Man
The first story I have of Ryan in my life is that of me pressing my back against the hospital wall opposite him and our Mom as she held his ugly head for me to see. Kind of fitting, now that I think of it. I grew to tolerate his weird head and strange smell because we did everything together as kids. Fought, played, laughed, cried, farted, and dressed ourselves with underwear on our head. The older we became, the more I came to admire him as he matched me in musical talent, bested me in every sport imaginable, and beat me in all my favorite video games. Though he moved far away and forgets to call literally everyone, I couldn't imagine a better person by my side on our special day, even despite his stench.
Mary
Maid of Honor
I'll be honest, I was less than thrilled when Mary came into the world. I particularly "Want[ed] a baby with clothes on!" and refused to take any pictures with her. Twenty two years of sharing a room led to lots of arguments and many cold shoulders, but somehow we made it out alive. Mary has always been good to me when I was the mean big sister, so I couldn't imagine anyone else by my side on my big day.
John
Best Man
My first impression of John was that he was totally full of himself. I quickly learned that he just exudes "Chad Energy" in everything he does and that I loved that about him. We shared our love of sports and getting absolutely hammered playing GTA and NFL Blitz, and spent many long nights having heart to hearts. John always knew exactly what I needed to hear, and would do anything for me if I asked him to. He has become a second brother to me in many ways, and will have my back until we're old men who get tackled during wiffle ball games.
Rachel
Bridesmaid
Being only six months apart made us partners at every family gathering and teammates in every game. Rachel was always a welcome escape from the "little girls" who were only a few years younger. We have always had a special relationship and will continue to be best cousins forever.
Eugene
Groomsman
Eugene has been one of my best friends since middle school, when we were at our most awkward. We spent our nights and summers playing in Canale Park, starting a band (#SeaMeSail), and being plain weird. During high school and college we would go months, even years without seeing each other, but when we met up it was like we never missed a beat. That's how I know we'll be friends forever.
Jaclyn
Bridesmaid
Jaclyn and I met first day of freshman year at Elon. We lived on the same floor and became inseparable quite quickly. We planned to be roommates sophomore year before I abruptly transferred to Rowan and the end of the year. Despite me leaving her without a roommate only seeing each other once a year since them, we have managed to remain best friends ever since. How? I have no idea.
Josh
Groomsman
Josh and I were RAs together in college, and we connected instantly. You know the kind of weird you get to when no one is watching? That you'd probably be embarrassed about if any "normal" person saw you? Josh and I could be that kind of weird around each other, which catalyzed our friendship to the best heights. Josh brings out the nerd in me, and loves with all his heart. I'm ecstatic to be able to share this day with him.
Jeraca
Bridesmate
Jeraca plays a special role in both of our lives. They knew Matt and I individually before we knew each other, so they were intrigued when we started dating each other. As I became closer with Jeraca, they became an irreplaceable friend that shows unmatched love and support to both me and Matt. Throughout my relationship with Matt, Jeraca's opinion of our relationship has remained one of the most important to me because of how much I value their judgement.
Eric
Groomsman
Moving to the Lehigh Valley alone and in a big new job was a strange and disorienting experience. I met Eric at work, who started around the same time as me, and we quickly became friends. We shared our love for skiing and beers and adventure, and spent most of our free weekends up here together. He and Taylor have been amazing friends to me and Rita, and we've all acted as a foundation for each other to grow our new lives in a new world. It could be any random Thursday afternoon, and Eric would be there for me.
Taylor
Bridesmaid
Most of my friends weren't able to drive up for my first birthday in Allentown, so Matt invited his friend from work who was going to bring his girlfriend. Taylor and I have basically been best friends ever since. Over the short time that we have known each other, we grew close and she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding. Our friendship reached a new level at her bachelorette party, and I know she is a friend for life.
TJ
Groomsman
TJ and I met in ResLife at Rowan, like so many of us do. We spent a lot of time together, exploring Philly thrift shops, riding to the beach in TJ's old Subaru, TJ soaring at 100mph on the Black Horse Pike, and hanging in the dorms listening to hours of acoustic guitar music. When we were on the same staff again a year later, I met Rita, and we all went to trivia night every week and spent even more time together. TJ and Jessie had been a huge part of the formation of our relationship, and I'm happy to include them in our party.
Jessie
Bridesmaid
If you read how we met on the home page, you might recognize Jessie. She was TJ's girlfriend that forced me to focus my efforts in pursuing Matt. Luckily, Matt and TJ were already friends, so that year was spent with the four of us attending Applebee's trivia every Thursday night and playing with Squish, TJ's hamster. Jessie has been there from the start of our relationship, so I am so happy to have her celebrate our marriage with us.
Michael
Officiant
Michael was the best big brother growing up. He always made sure Mary and I were taken care of and went out of his way to make creative scavenger hunts for us around the house. I have always looked up to Michael as my biggest role model. When he wrote me a letter from Beast training during his first summer at West Point, it brought me to tears. As soon as we got engaged I knew he needed to have a large role in our wedding beyond being a groomsman. There was never any doubt that the most special person who could marry us is him.