Emily & Manish
Wedding Party
Katie Desmond (Fordie)
Maid of Honor
Emily's best, worst influence since they met, aged 11, at school. Katie is still known as Fordie after marrying the wonderful Ian (aka Des, also featured) in August 2018. Always up for a challenge, she's regularly trying to (unsuccessfully) persuade Emily and Manish into doing 10Ks, half marathons and aquathons with her. Now a head of year at a secondary school outside of Birmingham, Fordie is a living legend, and also one of the most thoughtful and caring people you will ever meet... But don't be fooled by her sweet disposition, she may use this charm to persuade you into drinking far too much. You'll find her propping up the bar and getting the shots in.
Sarah Falconer
Bridesmaid
Known in the Boot Family as Sunny Sarah... or to Sam, his favourite big sister... Emily and Sarah met in a ball pool aged two and have been friends ever since. Even when it meant commuting between Ilkley and Cardiff in the school holidays when her family relocated there. Sarah's sunny disposition lights up any room and I'm sure you'll get to hear her infectious laugh at some point throughout the day. Now a high flying consultant in the world of luxury hotels, Sarah is often jet setting around the world. When she's at home she can be found entertaining her many friends with her Ottolenghi creations. Sarah also LOVES a boogie, so you'll be sure to see her strutting her stuff on the dance floor, getting the party started!
Hannah Brooks
Bridesmaid
Hannah and Emily met 15 years ago, almost to the day of the wedding, when Hannah came out of her room to welcome her new flatmate to the University of Birmingham... with her knickers stuck to the Velcro at the bottom of her tracksuit. One of the sweetest people you will ever meet, Hannah and Emily have giggled their way through university and beyond. Now a Sports Psychologist for the GB Triathlete Para-Olympic Team, Hannah is spending her summer at the Olympic Games in Japan. Born for this role, Hannah is a semi-pro athlete herself, who loves nothing more than her runs... but don't worry, she's not completely mad. Her second love is chocolate.
Sarah Duxbury (Dux)
Bridesmaid
Another fellow University of Birmingham Alumni. Sarah and Emily met on a very drunken night out at Freshers week, where Emily proceeded to thoroughly unimpress Sarah with an impression of a dance teacher at the Uni. Luckily for Emily, on their second, more sober meeting, Sarah realised that Emily wasn't a total wally and decided they should be friends. Many fancy dress outfits, holidays and Irish dances later Sarah and Emily have become best of friends. Not least of all due to their similar tastes.... they nearly chose the same wedding dress!!! Sarah is another gem of a human, beautiful inside and out. She's a proud mother of two beautiful fur babies, Maggie and Ginny, and is the absolute Queen of Pinterest. If you ever need any interior decor tips, she's your lady!
Mo Miah
Best Man
Manish’s oldest friend, having met over 20 years go at Primary School, when their beautiful friendship formed because they shared the same nickname. Mo is like a brother to Manish… He’s is always getting him into trouble or getting him out of it…. So, he’s the best contender for Best Man there is. These two love nothing more than having a boys’ night in fueled by pizza, chicken nuggets, chips and video games. One cheeky chappy, Mo is doing brilliantly in the world of finance. What he lacks in height, Mo makes up for in personality. He’s observant, thoughtful and a true gentleman. In his spare time he’s a keen snowboarder and gym goer, which to Emily’s dismay hasn’t rubbed off on Manish. A lover of Bhangra, you’ll be sure to see him pulling out all the moves, putting us all to shame.
Michael Drake (Drake)
Groomsman
The tallest human we know; this 6’’7 gentle giant has been one of Manish’s closest friends since 6th Form. They have shared some amazing experiences together, from their first “lads” holiday, to road tripping around California, ending in Vegas… but what happens in Vegas... Despite being a Chelsea fan, he’s still one of Manish’s favourite people. He’s always on hand to give Manish advice, steering him in the right direction and being the brutally honest opinion that is sometimes required. Drake is a lover of trainers, once owning over 90 pairs of Nike trainers at one time!! He also loves a chat, so if you catch him at the bar, be prepared… Drake has recently moved to Norwich and started an exciting new role as a senior recruitment consultant specialising in engineering.
Joel Holloway
Groomsman
Joel and Manish first bonded over their love for cricket, whiskey and WWE when they met in 6th Form. Apparently grown men watching wrestling is a thing. Joel has been an Ipswich Town season ticket holder for over 20 years... Someone has to be. However, the first time he took Manish, he fell asleep within the first 15 minutes. Manish hasn’t been asked again. Another one of Manish’s favourite travel buddies, Emily still hasn’t forgiven Manish for taking Joel to New York rather than her. Maybe best not to mention it. Working as an Electrical Engineer, Joel now lives in Bury St Edmunds. Like his Irish forefathers, Joel loves a dance and a drink so you will definitely see him on the dance floor, he will be easy to spot… he’ll be the one doing the dad dancing.
Adrian Asokan
Groomsman
The Sri Lankan “Arnie”. This guy has been in Manish’s life since their first day of Uni, when Adrian introduced himself after he saw Manish sitting alone. This is Adrian all over. He is the most kind, confident and warm individual. A music lover, and retired UEA resident DJ, he’s regularly sending over new songs, desperately trying to educate Manish beyond Usher and Jay Sean. A time they affectionately refer to as, “back in the day”, these two shared many single nights out. Adrian was a regular resident at Manish’s Brentwood flat… even though he had to hang clothes over the blinds to block out the light. That flat… If you know, you know. Emily and Manish had the privilege of attending Adrian’s wedding in Sri Lanka this year. They can't wait to have Adrian by their side at theirs.