Wedding Party
Marlene
Bride
Marlene is what happens when an emo phase grows up and soft‑launches into cottagecore.
Tom (Wafflez)
Groom
Greatest Mortal Kombat 9 smoke player of all time, Tommy Wafflez is getting married.
Mariah
Maid of Honor
Mariah and Marlene became “wifeys” thanks to some Hot Topic matchmaking magic and the two instantly clicked. They’ve been best friends for over 12 years, each other’s perfect opposite in every way and it works out well. Even going weeks without seeing one another, it’s like no time has passed. Life wouldn’t be the same without Mariah.
Phil (Fillpops/Freakazoid1)
Best Man
Phil and Tom go back to preschool, the Noob to Tom’s Smoke. Since then, working together and bonding over gaming has kept them close. He is a core member of the Vampire Society, entrepreneur, magician, comedian, writer — he’s the full package, and if Tom wasn’t marrying Marlene, he wouldn’t mind walking down the aisle with him. Days at the Diaz house included Halo 2 LAN parties, airsoft wars and a taste of the “dark” movies Tom wasn’t allowed to watch at home. Shout outs to Cel Damage.
Paulina
Bridesmaid
Paulina, Marlene’s sister, is her beautiful opposite in many ways, but always a grounding, gentle presence in her life. One of Marlene’s most treasured memories is Paulina reading “Where the Sidewalk Ends”, a Shel Silverstein book to her growing up. Paulina would bring every character to life through voices and fun gestures. It’s a small but lasting snapshot that Marlene still carries with her to this day.
Brandon (Zaidninja)
Groomsman
Brandon is also an official member of the Vampire Society – and one of the funniest people Tom knows. An electrical and structural engineer, comic book artist, and real estate mogul, he somehow balances it all. Brandon is also responsible for Tom’s now very specific pizza order: well-done with fresh garlic. After years of working side-by-side at Galloping Ghost, he's mastered the art of keeping frosty and staying cool under pressure. While he may not be the first one charging to the center of the dance floor, don't worry, he'll be doing what he does best: stay back and buff.
Abby
Bridesmaid
Abby, the groom’s sister and wedding planning co-pilot, is powered by spreadsheets, vibes, and just enough chaos. She is tech-obsessed, proudly extra, and Trixie’s human 🐈⬛. As Tom’s little sister, she grew up usually losing the battle for the video game controller but staying loyal as a professional watcher. These days, she’s traded that role for Tuesday night hangouts with Tom, Marlene, and Jeanne…and the occasional Galloping Ghost Monday night mystery watch.
Dustin
Groomsman
Dustin and Tom met as college roommates and proved opposites attract since he’s the sports junkie and Tom’s the gamer. As the appointed House Manager, he took on the difficult task of making sure a house full of grown adults paid rent on time. Despite carrying the weight of everyone's collective responsibility, he's always down for anything and never turns down a good time. Even though he lives in Colorado now, the two always make time to hang out when he’s back. Wait... is he also a magician?
Amy
Bridesmaid
Amy, Tom’s sister, is a Detroit-loving business owner with just a touch of witchy dark-lord energy–conjuring up charm and iconic spaces. She’s always been the original trendsetter in the family, and may or may not be responsible for Tom’s early “training” in video games. As the classic big sis, she’s spent a lifetime looking out for her younger siblings equal parts protective and proud.
Matt (Mattras32)
Groomsman
Matt is Tom’s college friend and resident sports guy. Against all odds (and skill), Matt once defeated Tom in Mortal Kombat using Sheeva, a moment Tom has never emotionally recovered from. He’s also an amazing father of two and, to be fair, actually kind of good at shooter games. Matt is widely considered the second greatest Sheeva player at this wedding — find the first and Matt owes you $10.
Riley
Bridesmaid
Riley and Marlene quickly bonded over their shared love of Paramore and concerts. At BoxLunch, she goes by “Riley” to avoid confusion with another Kim on staff. Riley is the ultimate concert buddy ready to dive into any adventure or genre. She’s an upbeat, energetic friend who brings life to every party.
Pat (Slaamdunk)
Groomsman
Pat and Tom met in college and clicked immediately. A quiet force in the gaming world (a Hearthstone legend and World of Warcraft protégé, for those who know), Pat is otherwise a true Renaissance man. Equal parts thoughtful and unpredictable, he’s also a devoted Lord of the Rings “enjoyer” – Tom insists that’s the correct term.
Michelle
Bridesmaid
Michelle is the kind of person you bond with fast when you survive retail chaos together, specifically their time at BoxLunch under a particularly crazy store manager. What started as shared eye-rolls quickly turned into a real friendship built on mutual nerdiness, inside jokes, and an appreciation for all things delightfully dorky. Marlene loves her for exactly that: Michelle is unapologetically herself, and always down to lean into the fun, geeky side of life.
Alex (Evelmirill)
Groomsman
Alex is Tom’s next-door neighbor and lifelong friend, essentially a built-in bestie from the very beginning. Growing up, they spent countless nights riding bikes through Berwyn, competing in Boy Scout pinewood derbies, shooting hoops in the alley and staying up late gaming. Tom and Alex are probably the only two people here who'd say The World is Not Enough was the better Bond game over Goldeneye (chill out there's a good reason). Catching up usually starts off with what they've been doing in WoW lately.
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Danny (Daddyzorak/Holyzorak)
Groomsman
Tom met Danny back in college, where they were roommates for two years. Danny is Tom’s longtime WoW buddy, guild officer, and main healer — a steady paladin both in-game and in life as a proud dad of two. When it comes to Chinese food, he’s locked in a lifelong three-way tie with Tom and Marlene for most devoted enthusiast. And fair warning to wedding guests: if you want a dance with Danny, make it before 7pm – after that, he’s already in full bedtime mode.
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Jesse (Jesserider98)
Groomsman
Jesse is the brother of the bride and cat uncle/designated cat sitter of Zilean and Chip. Godzilla enthusiast with a soft spot for anything scaly or slightly terrifying, this Steve Irwin superfan once dreamed of training crocodiles and he now channels that passion into his role as a curator at Brookfield Zoo. Catch Jesse vibing to any EDM track on the dance floor at the wedding.
