Wedding Party
Claire
Maid of Honor
Mike's loving, stubborn, and sometimes overprotective (but in a good maternal way) older sister. Her and Mike share not just genetics but a rambunctiously silly sense of humor, a strong sense of justice, and an affinity for theatrical performance. In her spare time, Claire helps (alongside her mother) with costumes at the Stagecrafters, makes cross stitch artwork, and enthuses for all things Regency-era England. We could not be more grateful for Claire's help with planning this event, and her support in our daily lives as we merge two families into one
Rebecca
Matron of Honor
Richard's loving, stubborn, and sometimes overprotective (but in a good maternal way) older sister. Her and Richard share not just genetics but a viciously dry sense of humor, strong opinions on taste, and an affinity for reality TV. In her spare time, Rebecca dotes on her godchildren, travels the world, and makes the occasional appearance on TV game and talk shows! Richard would be lost without his 'other' mother growing up, and we are grateful to the support she has provided to his life in general, and this event in particular
Emilio (Em)
Best Man
Richard's younger brother and the life of the party, Em keeps the souls of his family youthful and their words truthful when he inevitably catches them exaggerating or being dramatic about their lives. He dedicates almost every moment to his craft, working as a stage technician for the Coral Springs Arts Center and moonlighting as tech crew for venues across South Florida, taking selfies with celebrities and troubleshooting all kinds of light and sound problems from a 100 ft in the air
Pete
Officiant
Pete is a long-time family friend of the Allegras, having grown up with Mike's mom since they were in high school. Pete, his wonderful wife Sugirtha, and incredibly funny and talented kids Zoe and Kal spend every Thanksgiving at Casa Allegra, and Mike and Claire babysat Kal and Zoe in their younger days. When he's not fighting injustice or uncovering conspiracies hidden in plain sight, he serves the community as a cultural pillar with his artwork and crafting. We are honored to have Pete lead the ceremony for us!
Jen
Mother of the Groom
Mike's mother, and a woman of big talents and even bigger heart. When she's not performing or running costumes for the Stagecrafters, she can be found traveling the globe, caring for her family (especially her niece and nephew!), helping run a successful healthcare tech operation as product manager, screaming at her TV every Sunday night during football season (Go Birds!), and spoiling her adorable and regal fur son Carson. She has opened her heart and home to Richard and company, and we could not be more grateful for the love and guidance she has shown our beautiful couple over the years <3
Linda
Mother of the Groom
Richard's mother; extravagant, fabulous, and a tour de force in her own right. When she isn't bumming at the beach with friends or winning big at the casino, she dedicates herself to the art of teaching; having taught 1000s of students over the past two decades on how to read, write, and use the power of words as a craft to move up in the world across multiple mediums and languages, from fresh-faced kindergartners to teens on the cusp of adulthood about to strike it out on their own in the world. Linda lives a life through example, and inspires the happy couple to always challenge themselves and have fun doing it!
Ben
Father of the Groom
Mike's dad. The origin source of Mike and Claire's sense of humor and a savant in all things 80s pop culture, Mel Brooks, Monty Python, and some other less useful things like information technology and home construction. Ben has taught both halves of our special couple many useful tips and tricks on how to lead a happy and healthy life; love totally, let go of the small stuff, and never use a cheap knife when cooking, just to name a few. He also lets Mike and Richie share in the care for his fur babies Oliver and Ramona <3
Brennan
Groomsman
Mike’s college friend and Dungeons and Dragons party member. If there’s one person who understands the obscure video game or media references that Mike makes in a given moment, it’s probably Brennan. Like Mike, he loves overcoming challenges and solving puzzles, although they prefer different methods; Mike: mentally, Brennan: physically. This applies both in-game and IRL. Yet, despite their differing “play styles”, they bond over their unwavering loyalty, sentimentality, and protectiveness of their loved ones
Shoshanah
Bridesmaid
One of Richie's friends from high school; one of the first people to cheer him up and one of the first to reel him back down to Earth when he gets a little too lost in the clouds. One of the unofficial leaders in planning this event, from bridal party outfits to bachelor party weekend. Fellow teacher, where we can commiserate over the challenges of classroom life. Bonded with Mike over being music and theater nerds, is tied with him in Richie's score of 'who has helped him see most Broadway shows'
Brittany
Bridesmaid
Brittany has known Mike for over 8 years, all of which she’s spent trying to kill him (while playing Dungeons and Dragons of course). She was President of the D&D Club at NYU, and his long-term Game Master. While her creative tendencies lean toward fantasy, her work and schooling focuses on the more scientific parts of the real world - Forensic Anthropology. What’s this mean? She knows far too much about bones, and how to integrate them into every conversation. Plus, who better to have on a Halloween Bridal Party than an Eclectic Wiccan versed in Samhain rituals?
Shinaya
Bridesmaid
One of Richie's friends from high school; one of the few people that can go toe-to-toe with his wild side and come out unscathed. One of the unofficial leaders in planning this event, from bridal party outfits to bachelor party weekend. Fun fact: was Richie's prom date! (Those photos are somewhere in my mother's apartment, I think) Also, our dedicated host and queen of our annual Friendsgiving dinner party each November, and Richie's go-to consultant connoisseur for mixology
Zoe
Bridesman
Zoe is a college friend of Mike’s who has remained bound to him (and other wedding party members) through the multiple multi-year long Dungeons & Dragons campaigns they’ve been playing together. They enjoy being D&D nerds with Mike, and love having Mike and Richie in the campaign they run; as well as having them as fellow party members in Brittany’s campaigns. They may make learning simulations for nursing students, but it is much more important to know that they have a kitty cat named Pumpkin
Alaya
Bridesmaid
Richie's old RA from undergrad and designated 'con auntie' for weekend trips to our nerd conventions. Fellow healthcare worker (respiratory therapist) with whom Richie commiserates about job stress, and also witness to some of Richie's wilder moments in life. Has saved his butt on more than one occasion, we keep her around for that and also that she's one of the few people he can win against in an argument (love you <3). Expect her to tear it up on the dance floor as one of the few people in this bridal party with actual rhythm
Carlos
Groomsman
Richard's brother-in-law and hubby to Rebecca; has known him since he still went by 'Papito' and helps keep Becca in check when she becomes a bit too overbearing. Loves a good laugh, and can be sage in his wisdom of how to uphold a happy, healthy relationship. Somewhat famous as an unofficial Pitbull impersonator, dale
Emily
Bridesmaid
Richie's roommate in undergrad. Together, they are the definition of 'there is no pair like a twink and a redhead.' Fellow healthcare worker (doctor) and crashes on the couple's couch during her bimonthly rotations in south Jersey. The night they saw Lady Gaga together at Madison Square Garden after she won the VMAs will be a memory that lasts beyond death. One of the few who can match and exceed Richie's sense of humor. Her family is nothing but supportive, having opened their hearts and home to us, even inviting us to their Passover Seder. Fun fact: Richie gave the speech at Emily's wedding, many a tear were shed <3
Kat
Bridesmaid
Richard's first friend in college and eventual roommate during grad school; has witnessed his highest highs and lowest lows, and always been a supportive friend with an open heart and mind. Also quick to call out the loving couple when they're acting a little foolish, and one of Richard's dedicated go-to's for a night out on the town or a nerdy convention weekend. We keep her around for her witty quips, the fact she never finishes her drinks, and she's one of the few friends that can actually plan stuff independently (and also that we love her!)
Louie
Ring Bearer
Mike's youngest cousin and a proper Phillies fan in training. Loves his older sister Lin, his family, and racing cars and trains down the tracks at mach speed when possible. Has recently learned the merits of saying 'no' to Lin, at his own peril. One of the final judges/bosses of deciding who gives the best gifts and wins birthdays/Christmas morning
Lin
Flower Girl
Mike's younger cousin and an energetic ball of giggles and sunshine. Future doctor and ballet dancer. Loves her little brother Louie, her family, and putting all the other princesses to shame. Can give a rousing oratory lecture on the merits of playing now vs later. One of the final judges/bosses of deciding who gives the best gifts and ultimately wins birthdays/Christmas morning