Wedding Party
Anthony Paulo
Best Man
Anthony has been my big brother and my built-in best friend my entire life. Growing up, he was usually the mastermind behind whatever “great idea” we were about to attempt, and I was more than happy to sit back and go along for the ride. If there was trouble to be found, Anthony probably found it first… and I probably wasn’t too far behind. But as much as he was the troublemaker, he was also always the leader. I’ve spent my whole life watching him, how he carries himself, how he shows up for people, how he works hard and loves even harder. Today, he’s someone I truly look up to. He’s become a role model in ways I probably don’t say enough. I may not follow in all of his footsteps (we’ve both learned from those early years), but he’s always been my guide. Anthony, having you stand next to me as my Best Man means more than I can put into words. You’ve been there from the beginning, and I am glad to have you by my side for this next chapter.
Kelly Fleming
Maid of Honor
If you ask me, Kelly Fleming is the best older sister in the world, and she would absolutely agree. Working in media and in her free time a comedian, Kelly has spent years perfecting her craft: roasting siblings, charming crowds, and, most importantly, keeping me humble since birth. Truly, no one has shaped my personality more than the woman who taught me resilience by hiding the remote and blaming me for things I definitely didn’t do. Kelly is equal parts hilarious and heart. She can turn any awkward moment into a five-minute set, and somehow still be the person who shows up first when I need advice, a pep talk, or someone to overanalyze a text message with. We may argue (okay… we do argue), but at the end of the day she is my built-in best friend, the only person who knows every version of me and loves me anyway. When she’s not commanding a stage, Kelly can be found obsessing over cheetah print (if it comes in cheetah, she owns it), spending quality time with her queen of a cat, Maisie, or taking one of her legendary long walks, probably plotting new jokes or mentally drafting her future Maid of Honor speech (which I am both excited and mildly terrified for). Kelly, thank you for being my forever role model, my comedy relief, and my constant. I wouldn’t want anyone else standing next to me on this day, especially not someone with fewer punchlines. 💛
Stephen Paulo
Groomsman
Stephen may be my younger brother, but there have been so many moments in life where he’s been the strong and steady one. He’s incredibly smart, thoughtful in the way he approaches things, and someone I’ve always admired for his quiet confidence. Even though he and his wife have built their life together in Virginia, he’s never felt far away. No matter the distance, Stephen is always supportive, always loving, and always someone I know I can count on. Whether it’s advice, encouragement, or just showing up when it matters most, he does it without hesitation. Stephen, I’m so proud of the man you are and the life you’ve built. Having you here means everything to me.
Guiliana (Gules) Paulo
Bridesmaid
Gules Paulo may be Matthew’s little sister, but don’t let that fool you, she runs the room. She is spunky, effortlessly comical, and somehow always on absolute fleek with her fits. Truly, if there were an award for “Most Likely to Show Up and Outdress Everyone Without Even Trying,” Jules would have it framed already. Beyond the fashion and the one-liners, Gules has the biggest heart. She works in the NICU at St. Joseph's University Medical Center, where she spends her days caring for the tiniest, strongest little fighters. It takes a special kind of compassion and strength to do what she does, and she brings that same warmth and steadiness into our family. If there’s ever a baby in the room, she’s already there, ready to swaddle, soothe, and save the day. Gules, I feel so lucky to officially call you my sister. Thank you for your energy, your style, your humor, and your constant willingness to jump in and help. Life is simply more fun (and more fashionable) with you in it.
Peter Fleming
Groomsman
Peter has been such a fun and supportive presence in our lives, and I truly couldn’t be happier to officially call him my brother-in-law. From the start, he’s been someone who brings great energy to any room, easy to laugh with, easy to talk to, and always ready to jump into whatever adventure is on deck. One of my favorite memories will always be the time we decided to make gluten-free beer together. It was equal parts experiment, chaos, and pure optimism, and somehow, it actually turned out pretty great. I’ll always appreciate that day (and the fact that we can say we brewed it ourselves). Peter, I’m so grateful for your support and for the friendship we’ve built. I’m already looking forward to the next batch, and wishing we could cheers with one together soon.
Kristen Fleming
Bridesmaid
Kristen married my brother, which automatically makes her brave, patient, and possibly eligible for sainthood. We like to joke “good luck,” but the truth is she has handled the Fleming chaos like a total pro for years. Long before we officially became family, she was already there, at holidays, graduations, celebrations, and all the in-between moments. She’s truly watched me grow up, graduate college, and now get married… which means she has stories and has graciously chosen not to share them (thank you). I had the absolute honor of standing by her as one of her bridesmaids, and now she’s standing by me, which feels extra special because before we were sisters-in-law, we were already friends. There’s something really beautiful about choosing each other in both seasons of life. Kristen is also the most incredible mom to my nieces, Ashley and Leah, our wonderfully chaotic, sparkle-filled, “crazy” flower girls. She somehow balances glitter, giggles, and girl drama like a champion. On top of that, she works as a nurse in Monmouth, caring for others the same way she cares for her family, with strength, patience, and a whole lot of heart. Kristen, we’re so lucky you said “I do” to my brother… and that you continue to say “I do” to this family every day.
John Walton
Groomsman
Jon wasn’t technically family growing up… but he might as well have been. As my next-door neighbor and best friend, he was there for everything. We played outside until it was dark (and sometimes well past when we were supposed to be inside), built questionable ramps, took a few spills, and collected more than a couple of injuries along the way. Some of my best childhood memories have Jon in them , bikes left in the driveway, scraped knees, and the kind of laughter that only comes from growing up side by side. Even as life has taken him into the city and into his big-time finance world, he’s still the same loyal, steady friend he’s always been. Jon, I’m so glad you’re here to celebrate today. You’ve been part of this story from the very beginning.
Karley Panek (Spann)
Bridesmaid
Karley has been by my side since elementary school, which means she has witnessed every phase: the awkward years, the dramatic years, the “I definitely thought that was a good idea at the time” years… all of it. We went to high school together, survived it, and then decided living together in college was a smart next step (it was). Somewhere between late-night talks, cramming for exams, and endless laughing fits, she officially became family. She has been through so much with me and knows wayyy too many stories, the kind that will absolutely never be told again(I hope). Karley is one of the most fantastic human beings I know: endlessly kind, fiercely loyal, and never afraid to speak her mind. If you want honesty, she’ll give it to you. If you need support, she’s already there. And let’s not forget one of her greatest contributions to our adult lives, somehow securing us a discount on our monthly wine subscription (which Matthew deeply appreciates). Truly, a friend who supports your marriage and your wine budget? Elite. Karley, thank you for being my constant for all these years. Life has been so much better, and way more fun with you by my side.
