Mel & Ben's Wedding!
Our Besties
Teddy Rovner
Best Man
Teddy is the greatest Ginger this world has and will ever know. He taught me how to dress for success, how to play video games, and what it means to be the funniest person in the room while saying the least (I can't do that last thing...) An amazing person and a better brother. Here's to all of our past and future adventures. Love ya, you beautiful gingerbread man.
Sarah Peter
Maid of Honor
From singing TLC on repeat, to playing "turn-on-the-floor" (we both know I invented it) my sister and I have all of the memories. She is a powerful, intelligent lawyer with a psychopath of a dog and a sassy teenager who I love more than anything. I am only embarrassed by her dance moves because they are the same ones that I now embrace myself from her teachings. Sarah is the free-spirit to my neurosis, the wild-child to my rigidity and my FAMILY.
Dane White
Flower Child
A different version of my best man, Dane White will always be my Flower Child. I have known Dane for 16 years... almost half of my life. We have been through more experiences together than I could possibly write out (both for legal and personal reasons). Truly one of my best friends in this world he is the White Knight, a Buzz Saw Unicorn, OlManWhite, the Bear King. There are many more names this Legend goes by, but to me he will always be my Flower Child.
Lauren Pace
Bridesmaid
One glorious day between class periods in the hallway, thirteen year old Lauren looked over with courage and asked me to the Valentine's Day dance. I didn't know then that having alphabetically close last names (and therefore adjacent lockers) would lead to our sisterhood. From passing notes in class, to almost 20 YEARS later, Lauren has been there for it all. We'll be giggling together for the rest of our crazy lives.
Joseph CR Vourteque
Realm Traveler
Joseph Rovner once was my brother. Over time as he traveled from realm to realm, righting cross dimensional wrongs, he somehow became something more.... he became Joseph CR Vourteque, a true inspiration. A man that exists in his own reality, because maybe... just maybe he sees reality the way it is... not the way we want it to be. A man that will not take no for an answer and does not adhere to our "societal norms." Joseph CR Vourteque has ascended us... he is The Realm Traveler.
Kate Hajash
Candle Lighter
Kate and I met in this architecture studio, delirious from minimum sleep and maximum EDM, almost 10 years ago. Living with Kate was one of the best (and most unhealthy) experiences of my life. We had laser dance parties, and SO MANY $5 drive through pizzas from the little Caesars fatefully located just down the street. Kate is a fancy fancy MIT grad who knows how to program and code things I don't know how to pronounce, and I love her for nerdy ways and all the nerdy conversations we have.
Ryan Weldzius
The Great Bald
Weldzo. Weldzi. My little Weldzi Baby. The greatest bald man since Bruce Willis. Ryan Weldzius has been in school longer than every other person attending this wedding combined. Starting his academic career with a BA in Hair Loss, he graduated with honors and was accepted into a famous German College, Glatzköpfiger Mann Universität. I used his acceptance as an excuse to travel to this far off land and our cross world meeting is where our true love began. If you are feeling low or are in need of some luck... just rub that bald head, and your woes will vanish.
Andrew Wright
Bridesman
Andrew and I shared one fateful piggyback ride in college, and have matching scars, and a wonderful friendship, to prove it. He's been there for me through it all: from living down the hall from one another in Echo Park's only affordable complex of walk-in closets for rent, to living kitty-corner to one another in LA's helicopter haven. We worked for the same arrogant prick for years, and shared many-a-lunch commiserating on it. Andrew's baby face (as pictured, photographed by me on our trip to NY) will never cease to make me feel old (but also warm and fuzzy).
Jon Hand
Head Sherpa
It is a true honor that The Jon Hand is not only attending this wedding but agreeing to be Head Sherpa. Jon and I became fast friends when he saw me one day in jeans and cowboy boots, his favorite style. Jon thought "That guys is the type of guy I can drink a bottle of whiskey with." Jon and I have been basically inseparable since. Jon is my benchmark for how busy I am when people ask me to hang out - "I haven't even seen Jon in two weeks." When deciding what role he should play in my wedding party I just knew... Head Sherpa.
Megan McCulloch
Ring Bearer
Darth Megan is a fun no-holds-barred "lady" with a sweet side. We share a love for adventuring and rambling. I love our conversations, and I know you're always there to lend an ear, my Prescott Princess.
Nick Pohl
A Nick Pohl
Nick Pohl is a Nick Pohl. If you don't know what a Nick Pohl is, you will soon. You will know when you see him perform the greatest intepretetive dance the world has ever known... When he ascends time and becomes Forever Young. When he becomes Mr. Roboto.
Brianna Wibetto
Bridesmaid
Brianna is a champion of many things: remembering to take photos on trips, Halloween costumes, and most importantly- making me laugh. So many gasping-for-air-falling-out-of-chair memories we've shared.
Nate Radomski
Hippy of the Groom
Nate and I have traveled to hell and back together... (if hell is Europe during our 2011 month long extravaganza). We learned a lot about each other that trip. Nate is my world travel buddy, has spit in my face more than one time, and is always well behaved. Nate will always be my hippy.
Luna
Wedding Planner
Her name is Luna... and she's a puppy... and we love her... and she lovvvvess bunny. She's so cute. and so funny... she's part of the family!!!
Tori Ayres Oman-Carter
Den Mother
In 2004 Tori moved into an apartment with me, not knowing that I would forever latch my charm claws into her. After that first year of roommate bliss she couldn't get enough and became the Den Mother of what could only be called a frat house for mid 20 somethings. But she endured as she always does... she is now wildly more successful than any of us and I believe it's solely because of the resilence she learned by being my roommate.
Paul Coates
Officiant
Paul and his hubs Rick are Melissa and Ben's favoritest people. We have been on trips together, enjoyed far too many libations together, and can talk until it's 2 am and Ben is passed out on the couch. As we were deciding who should be our oficiant it didn't take long to realize we had a dear friend with a truly brilliant way with words. While there is a chance Paul may turn our wedding into a one act play... it will likely be the most beautiful, heart wrenching one act you've ever seen.