Maid of Honor
Jennifer is my former roommate in this party after becoming close friends when we met about two years ago in the same small group. She's one of the smartest people on the planet, recently starting Law School in the District. When she’s not studying, you’ll find us rewarding our endless sweet tooth cravings—holding a record-breaking number for angel food cupcakes in one sitting. Then we would burn off the calories (to make room for next month's failed sugar-free diet) with a few sets on the tennis court. Jennifer was surprised when I asked her to be my Maid of Honor, but anyone who can deal with me in close proximity through coronavirus wedding planning not only deserves this seat, but also the biggest piece of wedding cake served at the reception.
Best Man
Habibi, my Iraqi brother. Yousif and I met freshman year of college at CUA, and he has been one of my best friends and direct news source to all thing Iraq and Middle East since. We were roommates Senior year, and I was lucky enough to live walking distance from him for almost three years when I moved to Arlington after grad school. Star Wars movie opening nights, late night tea and hookah, and lots of rosary's and masses, Yousif has always been an incredible friend and support system, always keeping me in line, and the reason I went to ToT. Granted he, and most of my friends, have come to like Lauren better than me, I have always been able to count on Yousif. Even though his Iraqi and my Swiss sense of time clash quite often, I know he'll be on time for everything come June 19th, 2021.
Matron of Honor
Of all my friends, I’ve been mistaken as Courtney’s romantic partner too many times to count, so you can say we’re pretty close. Meeting in college my Senior and her Grad year, I knew we’d be friends because I saw in her a heart that was as big as the sun (and it still shines just as bright). The memories together have only grown since then—from beach trips and night picnics on the sand to watch the stars, long-distance weekly phone calls, Italian cross-country adventures with our very own Romeo (don't worry, Christian. He was our tour guide), and many sleepovers eating ice cream in bed. I know I can always count on Courtney to be there in good times and bad, remind me of my strengths that I don't notice myself, and to make me laugh in any situation—and that's why she's my Matron of Honor.
Groomsman
Ever since we met while studying abroad in Paris in the Spring of 2015, we have played many rounds of golf and consumed many bottles of red wine. We were two out of the five guys in a program of 50 people, so we didn't have much of a choice but to get along, and it has turned out to be an incredible friendship. He put up with me while I went through Grad school, and we also benefitted from living within walking distance for a few years in Arlington as well. A fellow lover of Star Wars, we’ve always been able to both nerd out and bro out over anything and everything. Alex and his wife, Kelsey, have been amazing friends to Lauren and me, and having him be part of our big day after having been able to be part of his will be amazing.
Bridesmaid / Sister of the Groom
Probably the most important role of them all—my future sister-in-law, Natalie. The fact that she knows how to get under her brother's skin even more than I do shows just how amazing this future tag-teaming, Christian-roasting duo is going to be. We first met at one of Christian's baseball games and we talked the whole time, so I don't even recall the score, but I definitely remember thinking he scored big-time having Natalie as a sister. I can't wait to also finally have her as a sister and am honored she will be the one to witness Christian and I grow not just in this moment, but all the moments and memories being built together as family. She's already claimed the titles "Best Sister Ever", "World Traveler", "Future Favorite Aunt", and now, my "Beloved Bridesmaid". Love you, Natalie!
Groomsman
The Dow's have always been more than just cousins to us, and Nathan is no exception. From Spy Gear to late night New Jersey manhunt in cornfields, Nate has always been the brother I never had growing up. It especially felt that way when I would be the victim of him practicing his wrestling moves when we were in high school. As an Army Ranger, he’s is a physical beast, but also the father of two beautiful sons to whom I have claimed Pseudo-Uncle-Rights. We've caught many fish together, taken many shots of Jamo, and mixed some unique sweet tea and apple pie moonshine drinks, but he's always had my back through the last 26+ years. Nate is just an awesome guy, and watch out cause you best believe he'll be tearing up the dance floor on our big night.
Bridesmaid
Allison is actually another former roommate and an amazingly supportive friend from those crazy college days filled with enough drama to write our very own angsty teen young adult novel. She always kept me straight, though, pushing me to strive to live out my faith then, and continues to be a role model in my life now. She was there to witness the beginning of my relationship with Christian and was one of the first friends to grill him with questions. It's a no-brainer to have her witness our marriage as a Bridesmaid. You're lucky to meet someone like Allison, so be sure to find her on the day if you're up for a good conversation about anything and everything. I know we have had too many endless chats to count—and those meaningful talks will forever be my favorite past-time together.
Groomsman
Weiss and I went to high school together, and even through all the changes in life over the last 8 years, our friendship has continued to grow. Weiss has always been one of my most chill and spontaneous friends, and the fact we made it through the cliché high school lacrosse player vs baseball player debacle. Weiss loves photography, traveling, and his VW Cabriolet. He's always been the one up for adventure and a ski trip and we've both had our moments of helping the other after a rough night out. We've been lucky to have our group of high school friends stay in the DMV area since high school. It's safe to say that neither of us peaked in high school, but glad that we have by our mid-20's. I'm glad to have Weiss by my side next June and bring some good MoCo fun to this group of guys.
Bridesmaid
Kristen knows how to tease someone just as bad as I do—one time, she cut a piece of cake from the center just to see Christian's "anal" personality get tested and we loved every second of it—but that's not the only reason we're friends. She's truly the little sister and roommate in college I never had but always wanted. I graduated before that could happen, but luckily, she moved to Arlington and we became next-door neighbors. We hung out all the time, adding to the friendship we left off and made a ton of memories together—rock climbing, ethnic food feasts, sought and said advice, walks for bubble tea—all leading to one special authentic friendship. I'm glad she will be standing close as my Bridesmaid, and you can bet we will still be close in the future, no matter where we end up.
Groomsman
Dominik and I have know each other our entire lives, literally. Our mom's were good friends from having worked for Swissair, and we were born 8 hours apart. While the fact that I am older and taller has always been hard for him to come to terms with, Dominik has always been someone that I just click with. We've been lucky to get to spend time with each other throughout our lives in the U.S. and in Europe. We both love our Swiss heritage, and even though we can't always stay out of trouble when we're together, there is never a dull moment between us. While there have been many instances where years go between us seeing each other, it would be impossible for us to have a wedding and not have Dominik there with me, cracking jokes about how I'm the short one in this friendship.
Bridesmaid
Don't let Carolyn's height fool you, this little lady can fight (in the form of Martial Arts, that is) and will be the first person Christian and I call if we ever get in trouble. Carolyn is actually a friend to us both after meeting her at a retreat in DC three years ago, along with her sparring partner husband. They left that K.O. impression on our hearts and quickly became a pair of our dearest friends—but us girls have a special connection of our own. Even after moving to the other side of the country to soak up the California sun (and now I get to live vicariously through all of her West Coast escapades), Carolyn is still the closest girlfriend that I can depend on despite the distance. I await the day we can be reunited again as she stands next to and supports me as my Bridesmaid.
Groomsman
Another member of my CUA crew, Chris and I met freshman year and quickly became good friends. He is easily one of my most faithful friends and has helped me through a lot. It was when visiting Chris in Rome while we were both studying abroad that I had my moment at St Peter's where I decided to become Catholic. Chris was my confirmation sponsor our Senior year of college and has always helped me ensure I’m a better person and a good future husband for Lauren. We call Chris "Salty", and while he may be the jumpiest person I've ever met, I’ve watched Chris get through some of the toughest situations life can throw at a young father and husband, and can’t wait to have him continue to be part of our Lauren and my life even beyond our big day.
Bridesmaid
Caitlin is clearly a showstopper, and she’s just as beautiful on the inside, too. It’s hard to pick and choose the qualities that make her an all-around amazing human, but her ability to stand up for her morals and values is definitely one that I look up to. We joined our bible study at the same time, so we had the common factor of being newbies at first, but it was definitely divine intervention that brought us together as friends. Since then, we’ve shared our hearts, cheesecake, lame jokes (mostly me), and wine, plus more. Caitlin is also an artist, but one that tackles a brush to canvas, and has her own business seeing b&w sonograms in color. With that, she knows how to be a part of life’s big moments, so I know she’s the perfect person to be a part of mine, especially as my Bridesmaid.
Groomsman
Matt is yet another guy I became great friends with freshman year at CUA. We met during orientation and ever since then have developed one of the most unique friendships possible (but, "unique" is really an understatement). Yes, he’s Italian, and has a full family with five other brothers that all cause just as much destruction as he does. Matt has been by my side from the start and was one of the first people I texted after having met Lauren. Even though he's been living in NYC and Connecticut ever since graduation, we've still managed to have plenty of debaucherous moments. We call Matt, "Daddy long legs", and even though his legs might not grow by next June, you can count on him to be tearing up the dance floor and be an awesome part of our big day.
Bridesmaid
Going by Cait to keep the party sane, we met in college classes bonding over our shared skills as graphic artists. My first thought when meeting her was, “When I grow up, I want to be like Cait.” She has the spunkiest, most joyous attitude and the sweetest, most contagious laugh to go right along with her overall incredible friendship. It amazes me how easily Cait can pour out love onto others, and I can guarantee that she is the first person I’d reach out to if I ever needed someone to brighten my day (because belly laughs are included). I admire and seek to imitate her worry-free nature, so it goes without saying that I needed her there as my Bridesmaid to calm my nerves as I walk down the aisle…or at least to ugly cry with me, which is fitting for the hopeless romantic that she is.
Groomsman
Dave wraps up the CUA hooligans in the wedding party. We met freshman year, lived together sophomore year, and he has been my roommate during my last year of freedom. He has been an incredible friend ever since we met. While I've only beaten him a handful of times in FIFA, there's never a dull moment between us. Whether staying up late watching "Rob and Big", binging HIMYM, or some last night escapades in NYC, Dave is a big, lovable, baby-faced Irish guy who will always look to get a party going. I, and many others, have been counting down the days to have Dave living back in DC, and I couldn't think of a better friend, roommate, and groomsman, to wrap up the list of guys that will be standing by my side next June.
Mother of the Bride
Father of the Bride
Mother of the Groom
Father of the Groom
Brother of the Bride
Brother of the Bride