Nicole and Dylan
Wedding Party
Kristin Monica
Maid of Honor
Kristin and I met in 2009 as freshmen at college in Rochester, NY. Kristin and I bonded over being perfectionists (only A's were acceptable) and being elementary education majors who dreamed of bigger things like international policy and social work. One day senior year, I packed up my things from my dorm and moved across the street to her house - and lived in a closet. Kristin has always showed up for the biggest moments of my life - whether it be moving to Nashville or my dad passing. Kristin has one of the most beautiful, kind souls and I am honored to have her as a maid of honor. No matter where we live, or what we are going through - she will always be my person.
Melissa Baker
Maid of Honor
Throughout college, I knew Melissa through friends (another education major!) However, it wasn't until after college and moving away from Rochester that we ended up becoming best friends. We soon bonded over graduate school stress, teaching, and being single cat ladies forever. Melissa is the person I call at least every other day. Her work drive and passion to education pre-k students inspires me. Somehow, we always find ourselves in similar situations, and her words and advice are irreplaceable.
Emily Maniace
Bridesmaid
I met Emily in our 9 a.m. adolescent psychology class the first day of college. I was intrigued by this very chatty and outgoing girl in the first row of the lecture hall. As education majors, we endured student teaching together by sharing french fries for dinner most nights in Garlock, Emily also entertained my antics while we "worked" in the curriculum library together on campus. Emily moved to Arlington for a teaching position and a few years later I ended up in DC as well. She's my favorite person to call every morning on my commute to school, cut out school materials with and to hang out while doing essentially nothing.
Tiffany Butnaru
Bridesman
One Sunday morning, I decided to check out a church in Columbia Heights. As I walked in, Tiffany was the greeter this morning. As I like to say, God shone down on us that day. Soon after that day, Tiffany became my best friend in D.C. We bonded over excessive love for our pet babies and our bad DC dates. Every time I talk to Tiffany, my soul is filled. She is deeply passionate about social justice and helping those around her. She inspires me to be more reflective and to follow my faith. And as sweet as she is, she has a Brooklyn edge that keeps me laughing.
Hannah Amundsen
Bridesmaid
I met Hannah shortly after moving to D.C on my first day of work at the DCP's Central Office. Wearing all black, I was instantly intimidated by Hannah. But then she promptly took me out to lunch my first day and told me she was too poor to pay for me (post college life). She quickly became my best friend at work - spending most of our time on slack or driving government cars with iPads around to schools. During our friendship, Hannah coaxed me into being less pessimistic about DC men and dating (much to my chagrin) - which led to me finding Dylan. She also made me stop asking men for their GPAs on first dates. As a current law student, Hannah is one of the most driven and intelligent woman I've met.
Anna Chataginer
Bridesmaid
The first time I officially met Anna was at Thanksgiving in 2020, although I had talked to her many times on Facetime prior. Dylan adores his little sister and one of the reasons I fell in love with him was how much he loves being a big brother. The most important thing that Anna has contributed to our relationship was getting a puppy (Pepper!) which made me decide to get one too. She even found Harley for us on Facebook! As a current medical student, and a future doctor, we look forward to calling Anna for any and all of our ailments in the future.
Walter Chataginer
Best Man
Walter is my little brother, although you wouldn't know it in person! Despite the height difference, we have always been pretty close and adventure together. We have hiked on icy trails in Shenandoah (a mistake for two dudes from the Mississippi Coast) and gone charter fishing down in the Keys (Walter will happily tell you what happened to Dylan on that trip). More importantly, we always like being with each other. Walter, his girlfriend Bry, and their dogs Lucy and Leo now live just a few hours away in Newport News, Virginia. And we are lucky to be able to see them every few months.
Briley Richmond
Groomsman
Briley is my older brother. We check in with each other for the big events, and I always make sure to visit when on the Coast. I admire him for many reasons, but perhaps the main one is that he has taught middle school English for over 20 years! And he is pretty good at it, too, having received accolades from both his students and the school district. His favorite and coolest possession is undoubtedly his Ole Miss golf cart, and he will happily take you on a tour of Ocean Springs on it! Most importantly, he is always there when I need him. Briley is also a proud father, and his son Brey currently serves our country as a Marine.
Alex Cane
Groomsman
Alex was my college roommate at Georgetown. And our college partnership was so successful we lived together again when he moved back to DC for law school! We frequently bond over Daft Punk and are ready to pounce if ever they announce a reunion tour. He is also my go-to Hoya basketball buddy and I crashed with him in Brooklyn to go to the Big East Tournament. We've also visited several seemingly random national parks (Voyageurs, Big Bend, and Cumberland Island among them), and one of these days will make it to the Dry Tortugas. He has been by far my best roommate (I did the DC group house scene) and I am happy he has stayed one of my best friends. Alex and Rachel now live that Southern life in Atlanta with their sweet pup Jazz.
Matthew Collins
Groomsman
Matt and I knew each other at Georgetown, but it took a few years after graduating before we really hit it off and became friends. Living in DC, people cycle in and out of town, and a mutual friend decided we should be friends. So we started hanging out. And then we kept hanging out. From football nights, to kickball leagues, to a DC Civil War fort trail bike ride, and many late nights at Oyamel, we took full advantage of DC's many activities. Matt and Leigh live in Philadelphia with their beautiful dog Strawberry. We are aiming for a play date with Harley.
Jesse Lute
Groomsman
Jesse is Nicole's beloved older brother. Since dating his sister, we've spent a few holidays together, having family game nights and noshing on Waterford's best pizza. Dylan is looking forward to having another brother, and one who can show him the good hiking spots in Connecticut.