Our Wedding Details
Our People
Mom & Dad Soni
Parents of the Bride
As our youngest, Neha has always tried to do everything quicker than everyone else - walk, talk & graduate at the youngest age. As a child, Neha always wanted to be a teacher-a dance or art teacher-and when she decided to become a math teacher, her mom was very happy and pleasantly surprised. We all love Neha’s ability to keep us humble by roasting us and making light of any situation. Neha has found Joseph who complements her in every sense. “Bob the Builder” was Neha’s favorite show growing up and Joe is her real life builder, handy and helpful. It is the kind, caring and selfless nature of Joe that has made us lucky to have him as another son. We are very excited and happy for Neha & Joe on their journey of life together while writing the next chapters of Soni-Thompson family.
Mom & Dad Thompson
Parents of the Groom
After two children, we were so excited to bring Joseph into "Team Thompson". Little did we know he would be the child with unlimited energy and nullified any ability to use a zone defense. Joseph was everywhere and most of the time investigating how something was put together...by taking it apart. Although he challenged our skills to keep up, he quickly turned into a young man with a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to help anyone. Over the last 10+ years we watched friendship blossom into love and the ingredients for lifelong partnership become present. From Neha’s love of baking to her willingness to watch Joseph work on his Jeep, we know they are a perfect match. Her love for Joseph and the world is ever present and we couldn't be happier to have her join our family.
Naina Thompsoni
Best Woman
When Neha was born, Naina politely asked if it'd be possible to throw her away since she already had a little sister at home. Despite Naina's protests, Neha came home that day and is now also joining her in the Thompson home. Since childhood, Neha has been Naina's twin, mock debater, gymnastics partner, and dance buddy. Neha and Naina have only grown closer over the years and are each other's fiercest allies and best friends. Naina also has had a close relationship with Joe over the past 12 years, watching him grow (literally, two feet while Josh and Naina were in Australia) into the kind, yet fiesty, person he is today, willing to put up with Neha's (& Cora's) antics. Naina is so excited for Neha and Joe and to be doubly-related for the rest of their lives!
Joshua Thompsoni
Best Man
Josh has known Joseph for as long as Joseph has known anything, and he’s known Neha for at least half as long. From childhood, he has strived to shape Joseph into the man he is today. He ensured that Joseph developed a resilient spirit, though some of the methods might raise eyebrows. Over time, their bond changed. Josh tried to lead by example, sometimes with questionable merit like making pvc rockets and dry ice “bombs.” In other ways, he led him well, like becoming a Terp and choosing a partner. Now Joshua relies on Joseph for advice related to cars and home repairs and trusts him as a lifelong brewing partner. He knows that Neha is an amazing woman who will grow with Joseph as the world’s next dynamic duo. Joshua looks forward to the next chapter of Joseph and Neha’s life together!
Tripti Soni-Abrams
Best Woman
Tripti is Neha's middlest sister. Tripti thought that when Neha was born, Tripti would be responsible for protecting Neha and being a good example. Turns out, Neha needed none of that, and in fact has shown Tripti how to be a kinder, better, and stronger person. Often, when Tripti has a bad day, Neha is one of the first people Tripti goes to, both for advice and to find a way to get a laugh from the situation. In fact the few things Tripti is really able to help Neha with are doing her hair and putting on her eyeliner (which Neha has failed to learn in her many years on earth). These days, Tripti loves hanging out with Neha (and now Cora and Joe) as well as comparing recipes and sharing ridiculous work stories.
Peter Incorvia
Best Man
Peter is Joseph’s “brother from another mother”. While not related by blood they treat each other as family. Growing up, Peter and Joe’s older brother, Josh, were best friends and Joe seemed to always get in the way. Most of the time that led to some altercations where Peter and Josh were punished while Joseph came away unscathed. Deep down Peter and Joseph always had a close bond even if it did not always bubble up to the surface for others to see. Over the years their relationship has grown from that of bickering siblings to a mutual respect reserved only for brothers. It’s been obvious to Peter since before Neha and Joseph started dating that they would end up together as they balance each other’s personalities out perfectly. June 2022 cannot come soon enough.
Jonathan Abrams-Soni
Best Man
When Jonathan met Neha Choti Bhen nine years ago, they immediately bonded over a shared love of board games and baking. Since then, their siblingship has grown and, while they still enjoy baking and board gaming, they are most aligned in their effort acting as the voice of reason and corralling the rest of the sibling group. While Neha was an incredible person all those years ago, Jon is amazed at how she’s grown into such a principled person, so confident in who she is and what she believes. While that independence and fiery personality serve her well, it also requires a special person to have the ability to support her. In Josy, a quiet, kind-hearted, and equally driven person, she has found that match. Together they have an amazing future, and Jon is excited to witness their journey.
Sarah Thompson
Best Woman
Sarah has been Joseph's favorite sister since the day he was born and was his only one up until a few years ago when Naina joined the family. Growing up as Joe’s older sister, they would butt heads - from hair pulling to fighting for attention from their older brother, but at the end of day they were best buds. Sarah was Joe's go to person when he needed advice about anything. When he went off to college he grew closer to Neha and soon Sarah realized someone else had become Joe's go to person. She is ecstatic Joseph has found his person to sit in the garage with him while he works on his jeep, shows him new hobbies to get him out of the garage and brings him out of his shell. Sarah can't wait to have another sister in the family and is excited for their future adventures together!
Ellan Kim
Bridesmaid
Ellan and Neha became friends as debate team partners in high school, bonding over a shared disgust for made up facts and bogus arguments. Throughout college, they supported one another with many hours of honest conversations while eating Neha's brownies or Trader Joe's palak paneer. Neha has always been Ellan's go-to person for down-to-earth, yet empathetic advice on most aspects of life. Even though they now live on opposite coasts, the time they are able to spend with each other feels as if not a moment has passed since college. Ellan is so excited to be apart of this moment with Neha and Joseph!
Matt Bennett
Groomsman
Matt and Joe met during their first year at Boys’ Latin (6th grade). Adventures outside of school and curiosity got the best of them leaving nothing around the Bennett and Thompson household safe. Two treehouses, a trebuchet, a few lawnmowers, 6 Jeeps, and countless other things were constructed or destroyed in the time they built their friendship. They tried college together in Florida before both going their own path, but always stayed in touch. Neha is Joe’s perfect balance. Matt is honored to be alongside Joseph and Neha on their special day and excited to see the journey that follows.
Vanessa Wagener
Bridesmaid
Vanessa and Neha were fortunate enough to cross paths during their merciless journey of receiving a math degree. Their friendship grew rather quickly (exponentially you could say) as they bonded over procrastinating, crying, and eating ice cream for comfort. Since then they have been inseparable. They continued into graduate school together and now both work at the same school! Vanessa refuses to let Neha leave her side...so much so that she will be standing by Neha's side at her wedding as she begins this exciting journey with Joe! Vanessa is so honored and happy to be part of Neha and Joe's life together.
Philip Landefeld
Groomsman
Philip and Joe met during sophomore year of high school and quickly became good friends. Their shared enjoyment of music, movies, stories, and senseless driving around helped grow their bond throughout college, eventually leading to the introduction of another of Philip’s friends, Neha. Philip is excited to experience the next steps of Joe and Neha’s journey as a friend and as someone whose life has been positively impacted by them.
Lauren Rhoton
Bridesmaid
Neha and Lauren met while opening a new high school in Loudoun County, VA. Both teach in the math department and first bonded over their distain for fruit (and only eating it to make others think we are healthy). After realizing they shared many more unpopular opinions, their friendship formed. Lauren is excited to stand by Joe and Neha as they celebrate this new adventure.
Ethan Sokolowski
Groomsman
Joe has been a best friend, brother and partner-in-crime since Ethan’s earliest memories. Born only a month apart, they spent much of their time constructing any form of fort, game or apparatus to make their parents just nervous enough to keep a close eye but provide enough leeway for them to cause some real trouble. After Joe moved away from Buffalo, their New Year’s Eve and Indigenous People’s Day visits became increasingly special and Ethan could not feel more blessed that they were able to continue their friendship. Ethan is so honored that he was asked to be in the wedding party for these AMAZING people. He could not be happier that Joe met such an incredible, fun, and brilliant person and he can’t wait to see Neha and Joe together on their big day!
Cora the Pakora
Flower Cat
Some would say that my parents are a perfect pair but I’d say they weren’t complete until they adopted me! I’m grateful for all the toys I never play with (but don’t worry my brother Bear does), the belly rubs I receive, and access to all the dry food a cat could eat in a lifetime. I can’t say I love to travel but I guess it’s the least I can do for them. Can’t wait for you all to see me at the wedding (cause I’ll probably be sleeping in the back) 💤
Camembert "Bear" Thompsoni
Ring Bear
My machi, Neha, is my favorite person and my best friend, other than Cora, of course. She plays with me all the time. I also love bothering my Uncle Joe and yelling loudly in his basement. I’m so happy they’re getting married finally, and that they trust me to bear the ring! If you ask me, that might not be the smartest thing, but I’m just a cat who loves playing with jewelry!