Wedding Party
Steven Broschart
Best Man
Steven and Michael grew up together as brothers and as best friends. As the older sibling, Michael was responsible for being the role model of the family, something that he did seamlessly. Even past adolescence, Michael continued to be a positive role model, someone that could be looked up to for advice or for guidance. Michael taught Steven the value of one's imagination, of a mindset that was free from boundaries; where anything was possible. As kids, Michael taught Steven how to create his own made-up country complete with maps, leaders, and detailed social hierarchies and he taught Steven how to safely get through the dreaded Rock Tunnel in Pokemon Red. And Steven helped Michael to loosen up, take chances, and to find moments to laugh - at life, and at himself! Later in life, Michael taught Steven the importance of being true. True to one's self, true to one's feelings, and true to one's own heart. When Steven was at his lows he didn't even need to ask for help and support from Michael; it was already there. Michael was the best man at Steven's wedding and he gave a speech about the importance of going for something when you want it. The background of the speech came from a shared family moment in Poultney, VT. Who would have thought that a simple high school football game, spectated by the Broschart family would yield so many years of inside jokes and ultimately a mantra that would empower all?
Daniel Lin
Best Man
Daniel and Robert were born as brothers and bonded as friends. Memories were made from watching Survivor week in and week out, playing Amazing Race in East Buffet, and going to Pho Horn’s on a weekly or biweekly basis. Robert has always been a great older brother to Daniel and the voice of reason. From making time to help with homework, and picking Daniel up from swim practice to being always a phone call away when Daniel went to college in Maine. Currently, about 200 miles separate them from each other but you can still expect them to raid their parent’s restaurant. To many more years of happiness, memories, and good food.
Dana Broschart
Best Woman
Dana and Michael have known each other since Dana came home from the hospital 30 years ago. Michael has been a strong and supportive older brother who has always been there for Dana, whether it be staying on the phone for hours while Dana babbled about ideas for her college papers, to being a shoulder to cry on when she came out as gay. From snowboarding to partying at Cherry Grove on Fire Island, Michael and Dana continue to make amazing memories as not only brother and sister, but best friends.
Joanna Post
Groomswoman
Joanna and Michael first met in Mrs. Murphy's fourth-grade class in 1997. They bonded over Pokemon and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, became fast friends, and played games on the playground with their other classmates on a piece of equipment some of us affectionately referred to as "The Yellow Thingy." Cue the montage of little kids growing up: They went on many imaginary adventures and went to each other's birthday parties, wore puka shell necklaces and jeans with torn hems, and dated people who weren't good for them. They worked at the mall, worked at a summer camp, did homework by their lockers, played sports, and ate too much Applebee's. They arrived together, came out, and went on real-life adventures together and apart and together again. How do you pick one special moment from a 26-year friendship? In a purple leather journal that Michael gave Joanna for her 17th birthday (alongside Brokeback Mountain on DVD!), Joanna wrote years after their little fourth-grade selves met, in the great 2008: "Not that this should surprise you, but in the end, Michael and I ended up all the more close. I hope you, my future self, are still friends with him. He is an amazing person; my soul-twin, in fact." "Future" self, you are in fact still friends with him, and you will help him propose, support him through months of wedding preparations, don a dress, and watch him marry the love of his life in 2023. My dear Michael, what's one special moment when I get to witness them all?
Joey Kreppein
Groomsman
Joey and Michael met in Oakdale as kids, spending summers riding bikes, playing football, and hanging out at the beach. This picture, taken, no doubt, during one of the famed Oakdale parking lot parties, captures how fun it was to grow up in WORC. Today, when you can't catch them at the beach, you can try looking for them on the ski slopes.
William Bush
Groomsman
From their beginnings as freshman roommates in college, Robert and William have bonded over countless adventures together, from surviving frat parties at UChicago, to just surviving UChicago, to getting lost near the North Korean border, to being gaslit by that breakfast sandwich woman and forgetting their own names. William wouldn’t have made it through college without Robert at his side. Robert is a trusted friend and brightens even the gloomiest winter days with his energy and smile. Their shared understanding of the world makes Robert a joy to talk to and someone who can always be counted on for honest advice. While Robert and William may live far apart now, their bond endures and their experiences together will only continue to grow.
Kevin Martinez
Groomsman
Kevin and Robert met on the very first day of business school orientation, when they were serendipitously assigned to be roommates for a week. Kevin was in bed, ready to sleep, when Robert - who was coming back from a party a bit too tipsy and a bit too loud - barged into the room to introduce himself, startling Kevin. The two have been best of friends ever since. As Kevin got to know Robert during business school and beyond, he became really grateful that he'd been assigned such an incredible roommate. Robert has always been there to listen, to be compassionate, and to reassure Kevin throughout the highs and lows of life. The two have also shared exciting travel experiences across three continents. Robert always comes prepared with the best itineraries and restaurant recommendations - he's truly the best travel partner anyone can hope for. Kevin is grateful to have Robert and Michael in his life and he's looking forward to celebrating their special day.
Sarah Kelly
Officiant
Myths abound about how Sarah knows Michael and Robert, but only one thing is for sure. They own matching dogs.