Ella & Matthew
Wedding Party
Bryan Sullivan
Best Man
Bryan is the closest thing to a brother that Matthew has ever had. Even though they met only in college, they became close quite quickly. Their friendship really solidified in their junior year, when they decided to write, direct, and act in a play together when they both returned from studying abroad in Europe. So they did the play in college, thinking they might someday want to take the show on tour. Which they did. If their friendship had solidified in college, it was cemented on that tour. They spent six months on the road, traveling from Seattle to Louisiana and back in a 1994 Honda Accord station wagon. Countless memories were made, and in what remains one of the best years of Matthew's life, their friendship turned to brotherhood.
Sarah Jackson
Groomswoman
Sarah is the closest thing to a sister Matthew has ever had. That's because she's his sister. After a childhood which could only be described as Matthew annoying Sarah roughly 96% of the time, they actually started liking each other when they both went on Semester at Sea, when they were stuck inside of a cabin the size of a Tupperware for three months. Since that fateful trip, Sarah has consistently been Matthew's best friend, role model, confidant, and mentor. She is also one of the funniest people - if not THE funniest person - on the planet: Matthew is rarely able to make it through a phone call with Sarah without crying with laughter. Matthew is so grateful to have this wise, hilarious, and wonderful person by his side on his wedding day.
Claire Ladner
Maid of Honor
Claire is such a dear friend, She’s been with me thick and thin From college life to becoming a wife She nearly feels like kin We’ve lived and traveled together And grown up along the road I wouldn’t be who I am today Without the love that this woman has shown. She has ever been supportive Even when emotion reigned supreme From thesis strife to love-life angst She’s forever on my team. I’m so glad she’s standing beside me Can’t imagine it any other way Thanks for the life and the love, Claire, I’m grateful every day.
Kate Finch
Bridesmaid
Kate Finch and I were friends and fast As two birds ought to be It was quickly clear when we met years ago That we had flown from the same tree. We both had sassy short haircuts And both love leather jackets and wine We had places to go and dreams to fulfill But for a toast we can always make time. I can’t imagine my move to New York If she hadn’t been here too. My arrival was soft and my entry so smooth ‘Cause she held me through all of the new. And now in this new moment, She’s beside me once again Two Birds in a tree taking flight flying free And friendship that never will end.
Mary Jones
Bridesmaid
Mary and I have been together Since we were young and sweet From kindergarten games and treats Through adulthood we would meet. She’s been through every moment Every youthful pigtail phase From a deep love of ice skating Through when theater ate up my days. She’s smart as a whip and cultured to boot Baking and writing and dreaming She always is kind and always is warm the sight of her always sets me beaming. Through love and loss we’ve stood side by side To face what life may bring And I’m thrilled to have her beside me again As I accept this ring.
Cait Weisensee
Wedding Planner
Dear friend from college and beyond. Stage Manager of Ella's thesis. Theater professional turned college development administrator turned wedding planner (https://www.modernloveweddingsnyc.com/). All around amazing, supportive, wonderful human, who, ten seconds after agreeing to be our planner, was already asking all the right questions, thinking of things we hadn't, and being generally amazing. We're so lucky.
Matt Van Sickle
Officiant
Matt Van Sickle, better known as MattVan, has been in Matthew's life for more years than not. MattVan became MattJack's spiritual and overall life mentor when MattJack was in 8th grade. The two Matts kept in touch after MattJack graduated high school, and they remained close in each other's lives, always making time for each other whether it was when MattJack was back in Spokane to visit, or just over the phone. When Ella moved to Spokane briefly in 2014, the Van Sickles whole-heartedly adopted her as one of their own, even hosting her for Thanksgiving that year. In fact, Ella is such a part of the family now that MattVan has gone on record to state that he doesn't know if his daughters would choose the bride's or the groom's side at the wedding. Good thing we won't be choosing sides!