Wedding Party
Alisha Madewell
Groomswoman
My sister, my partner in crime, and my lifelong confidante, has been with me through thick and thin, from the awkward days of childhood to the questionable fashion choices of our teenage years. We’ve sat through countless softball games and cheerleading routines, where I was her biggest fan or at least pretended to be, especially when she was the one doing the cheering. We weren’t always the best of friends; in fact, we were more like frenemies, with our fair share of sibling rivalry and the occasional slapping and cursing at each other. But as time went on, we realized that having each other was far better than any imaginary friend or secret diary. Life threw us some curveballs, like losing our mom, which was a tough hit. But through it all, we’ve been each other’s rock, learning to laugh at the little things and find joy in our shared adventures. She’s taught me so much, and I look up to her in ways I never imagined. On this special day, I can’t imagine having anyone else by my side. Here’s to us, to our journey, and to the countless more adventures we’ll embark on together. Love you, sister!
Marian Malcuit
Groomswoman
My aunt, Godmother, and professional child wrangler. Marian was so protective, she got me fingerprinted not because I was a criminal mastermind, but just in case I ever went missing. Suspicious? Maybe. Loving? Absolutely! She took me on endless park adventures and made sure my childhood was full of random escapades. If there was a fun plan, Marian was the mastermind behind it. Thanks for always keeping me safe and entertained!
Mark Junkersfeld
Groomsman
Growing up with my brother and youngest sibling was like living in a sitcom where the plot twist was always a new argument or a rough-and-tumble fight. But when life threw us curveballs, like losing our mother or me trying to figure out who I was, we put our differences aside and became each other’s rock. There was even a memorable incident when he took a tumble, hit his head, and forgot who I was. I had to whisk him off to the hospital from high school talk about a dramatic exit! Despite the miles between us now, with him living in sunny Florida, we still manage to keep the laughter alive. Our phone calls are a must, with a strict 20-minute minimum, or else he’ll remind me endlessly. He’s been a constant source of joy, and I’m endlessly proud of the person he’s become. Life without him would be like a sitcom without its laugh track, unimaginable! I can’t picture him not being by my side through thick and thin.
Judy Segarra
Groomswoman
My Floridian Aunt and fitness superhero. Judy is so kind and helpful, she could probably run a marathon while giving life advice. She inspires me to keep moving even though she beats me every month in step challenges (seriously, Judy, do you sleep?). Calm under pressure, always ready to help, and guaranteed to bust out some dance moves at any celebration. Judy, thanks for keeping me motivated and making every moment fun!
Taylor Clark
Groomswoman
Ah, my freshman year at IUPUI where I met a stunning lady at the psychology bridge program. I vividly recall our lunch, where I boldly declared, “We’re going to fly far, far away and have an adventure together!” And guess what? We did! Well, metaphorically speaking. Since that day, we’ve been inseparable friends. Our late nights were legendary studying, cramming, and those spontaneous Walmart runs at 2 AM. We even managed to squeeze in movie nights, always having each other’s backs. During tough times, we became each other’s family, leaning on one another like a trusty pair of old jeans. Despite any disagreements, we were always there, and somehow, we became part of each other’s families. I affectionately call her mom “Momma,” and her siblings? They’re my own personal comedy troupe. I can’t imagine this day without her by my side, and I’m incredibly honored to call her my friend. I’m so grateful that our bridge at IUPUI not only connected our paths but also our hearts, making us forever friends.
Usman Akeju
Groomsman
High school friend, musical partner, and king of last-minute perfection. Usman is always running late with assignments, but somehow nails them every time. We’ve recorded music, hung out at MIT dorms, and kept each other laughing through thick and thin. No drum solos this time, but Usman’s humor and loyalty are always on beat. Thanks for being the friend who shows up when it matters most!
Erin Kujawa
Groomswoman
Ah, the memories of kicking off my career in child welfare! Picture this: a cohort training where new caseworkers from all over the state gathered like a scene from a quirky sitcom. That’s where I met this wonderful woman. She had a bit of a crush on me, bless her heart, but she was barking up the wrong tree. When she discovered my orientation, she didn’t skip a beat. Instead, we became soulmates and best of friends. I even played wingman for her date with her now husband, ensuring no technical fouls were committed. Which was successful because I now have three beautiful godchildren, and I am a happy godfather. Our adventures were legendary! From movie nights to spontaneous trips to Albanese, the candy shop that felt like Willy Wonka’s paradise, we made every moment count. Despite the miles between Indianapolis and Gary, Indiana, we always found time for each other. Our friendship is like a fine wine it only gets better with time. We still keep in touch through phone calls and whenever possible, we reunite for more adventures. I can’t imagine life without her by my side. We’ve been each other’s rock through the toughest times, and I’m grateful for every moment we’ve shared.
Justin Swall
Groomsman
Oregon road trip buddy and Star Trek enthusiast. Justin knows all the cool places, has an infectious laugh, and will definitely “Live Long and Prosper.” He’s been a true friend since day one, always ready for adventure and a good time. Thanks for being my go-to for spontaneous fun and nerdy wisdom! One adventure I will never forget it our time in Kauai, where we met our flight attendance on our plane, and they reminded me how unforgettable we were.
Yu-hsun (James) Chao
Groomsman
Ah, my freshman year at IUPUI a time when I joined an organization, somehow ended up as president, and met a guy who would become my partner in crime. This international student from Taiwan was navigating the Midwest like a pro, and we clicked instantly. Our evenings were filled with laughter, adventure, and the occasional questionable dance move. I even introduced him to my family for Christmas, where they showered him with love and candles, making him an honorary member of my chosen family. This guy was my dance guru, teaching me to let loose and embrace my true self during a time when we were both just trying to figure out who we were. Our deep conversations made me feel safe and authentic, a rare find in the chaotic world of university life. Our friendship blossomed, and despite the miles that now separate us, we’ve managed to stay connected. We play video games, plan epic adventures, and, of course, dance like nobody’s watching. Each year, we make it a point to visit each other, creating memories that are as unforgettable as our first dance-off. I can’t imagine a day without him by my side, sharing in the laughter, the adventures, and the occasional dance-off. Here’s to friendship, laughter, and the joy of being authentically ourselves!
Jackson Faddis
Groomsman
I met Jackson after he moved from Washington to New York to start a new job. A job in which I worked closely with him, and over time we became very good friends. I actually stayed with him and his family when I initially moved to Portland before finding my own place. We've spent a ton of time together - from going on hikes together, showing me parts of Oregon which led to me moving there, to awesome times singing Karaoke with our coworkers.
Dr. Tayon Swafford
Groomsman
I remember the day I got promoted in child welfare in Indiana as a staff development trainer. It was a big deal, and I was thrilled to have a mentor who was nothing short of incredible. He was sassy, had attitude, and somehow wiggled his way into my heart. This mentor didn’t just teach me to be a trainer; he taught me to be an amazing one. I learned so much from him, and we were both lucky to have found each other. What started as a mentor-mentee relationship blossomed into a friendship that felt like family. We had countless adventures, from spontaneous hangouts to holiday celebrations. He got to know my family and became part of my chosen family. Every time we were together, laughter was inevitable so much so that we’d often end up crying. Even if our adventures were just quick chats, they were filled with joy and fun nicknames like Peppermint Petty and Rudacious. Over the years, life took us on different paths. Grad school and his work on a social work doctorate kept us busy, and we drifted apart. However, he pursued his dream and is now Dr. Swafford. I am so proud of him! But no matter the distance or changes, we always found ways to check in and show our love. When we finally reunite, it’s as if no time has passed at all. We pick up right where we left off, laughing and planning our next adventure. We’re still dreaming up new escapades and finding ways to make an impact together. I can’t imagine my life without him by my side.
Walter (Wally) Walls
Groomsman
Movie buff, wit master, and moving day hero. Wally’s humor made movie nights legendary, and when it was time to leave Oregon, he helped me pack, drove through the night, and got me to Colorado. Without Wally, I’d probably still be surrounded by boxes. Thanks for your sharp wit and for literally getting me on the road!
Victor Sam
Groomsman
Moving to Colorado was like trying to find a needle in a haystack except the needle was a good friend. I tried to find friends on apps! Then, like a beacon of hope, this wonderful guy reached out and suggested we meet up. We were both as shy as kittens, but soon enough, laughter filled the air, and we started peeling back the layers of our lives. Despite my crazy schedule, we always managed to carve out time for hikes and adventures, cutting through life’s chaos like a hot knife through butter. When I moved to Oregon, our friendship didn’t skip a beat. Upon my return, he was ready to dive back into our escapades. Him and his husband Jay welcomed Matthew and I with open arms, and we became the best of friends and chosen family. We even jet off to Hawaii to visit his husband’s family because who wouldn’t want to hang out with such awesome people? Oh, and did I mention his nose? It’s like a bloodhound’s! He can sniff out anything, from the air to the food. I jokingly call him the “Demon Slayer” character Tanjiro because of his incredible smelling abilities. Together, we’ve had countless adventures and endless fun. I can’t imagine life without him by my side, sharing in the laughter and the journey.
Jay Bishop
Groomsman
Colorado car enthusiast turned game night champion. Jay and I bonded over cars, but our friendship grew into travel adventures, dazzling Vegas lights, and dad jokes galore. He’s also my local fitness guru, always pushing me to make progress (and causing me to groaning at his jokes). Thanks for the laughs, encouragement, and epic journeys!