Holly & Chris
Wedding Party
Joe Phipps
Father of the Bride
Joe is Holly's dad and is just really happy that one of his three kids is FINALLY getting married...it only took 35 years. He's always been really supportive of all the animals, singing, sports, etc. that Holly has gotten involved in and never made us return any of the animals we "won" in raffles at the Maryland State Fair, even if it meant we got a deaf Blue Heeler puppy or a miniature donkey. Holly can't wait to celebrate this special day with good ole JoePa and will limit his time on the microphone for everyone's sake :)
Marylee Nicholas
Mother of the Groom
Marylee has the honor and privilege of being Chris' mother. Now, for most people, this would be enough of an accomplishment to just not even try anymore, but she didn't stop there. She also raised Chris' four other siblings, taught them all to sing, has the voice of an angel, and has supported all of her children every step of the way. She does sign autographs, but there is a small fee involved.
Susan Phipps
Mother of the Bride
Susan is Holly's mom and will also respond to Suze, Susie Cakes, and many other nicknames we've given her over the years. She and Holly have been partners in crime since day 1 driving around Churchville, traveling the country with cows and sheep, traveling the world to sing, and so much more. If you have extra tissues the day of the wedding, she will likely need them since she cries every time we even mention the wedding haha. Love you, Suze.
Jim Girardi
Best Man
Jim runs a charity that teaches underprivileged youths planking. When he isn't running his business, he is training for national Rock, Paper, Scissors tournaments, and shouting "Rotunda!!!!" atop various waterfalls throughout the DC metropolitan area. Jim is also Chris' brother, and has tolerated him since he was a wee babe. He currently holds the rank of Best Man, so saluting him or addressing him as "your majesty" is completely appropriate.
Orla Walsh
Maid of Honor
Orla and Holly met almost 18 years ago as freshmen at Towson University. They were fast friends and have lots of fun stories they can share about each other (but have promised for many years they would leave out of each other's weddings). Orla is a free-spirited super freak athlete and some of you may even know her as "The Vermonster" from her many obstacle course racing debuts on TV.
Zeke Eager
Groomsman
When Chris and Zeke were five, Chris went up to Zeke and asked if he would be his friend. True to form, Chris had forgotten they had already been best friends for five years - but that doesn't make the event any less monumental! This rascal had been Chris' lifelong friend, and has tons of stories about the dumb things chris has done throughout his life. Like, A LOT of stories.
Andrea Schmitt
Bridesmaid
Andrea and Holly have known each other since elementary school and sang together as Madrigals in high school. They did not become "real" friends until their mid-20s in a Bible study group. They have been singing, watching Bravo, refinishing furniture, and laughing ever since. #alwaystrying
Dan Ball
Groomsman
Dan (not featured in this picture) was once a homeless drifter that Chris and Matt found hitchhiking on the side of the road. He had been battling his addiction to being an Eagles fan, and it had cost him everything. Two days later, he got a job in sales and married his current wife, Angela. It's safe to feed him, just don't mention the Eagles.
Whitney Blair
Bridesmaid
Whit and Holly have been besties since 3rd grade in Mrs. Katz's class. Whitney was Holly's first friend when she moved to a new school. They played soccer together, lived through AOL chat rooms, sneaking out to parties, tons of college visits, nights with Mom-Mom, and so much more.
Matt Glassman
Groomsman
Matt has an eclectic collection of Apple TV cables that he keeps in hopes of one day selling them for a profit. He also loves to play Madden, and hates it when you look him directly in the eyes (don't look him in the eyes!!!). When frightened, he can be coaxed out from beneath the table with promises of National Bohemian beer and/or Orioles tickets.
Kate Federici
Bridesmaid
Kate and Holly met at their Master's program orientation at Boston College in 2012. It didn't take them long to bond over their love of singing and sense of humor. Kate and Holly lived together and were known for dressing up in ridiculous outfits for fun, drive the streets of Boston shouting about democracy, and they may or may not have matching Scorpio tattoos. #bodegacats
Erin Girardi
Groomswoman
Erin's all jacked up on Mountain Dew! Erin's gonna come at you like a spider monkey!
Aidan DeSena
Bridesman
Aidan and Holly met working at Barcelona Wine Bar in DC in 2014. Aidan was judgey of Holly to begin with, but she won him over and they have been trolling each other ever since. Aidan and Holly are known to drink a lot of Breca, eat all the cheese, and run around whatever city they're in acting a bit crazy.
Nicole Wilson
Bridesmaid
Nicole and Holly met working at Barcelona Wine Bar. Holly instantly liked Nicole and asked her on a friend date to Ambar :). That began a life of being very basic, busy DC socialites, bouncing from yoga, to brunch, to book club and in between would save the world through immigration and healthcare.
Doug Grant
Officiant
Doug is a good friend of Holly and Chris' and more importantly, Gabrielle's husband. Doug has been on this wedding journey long before he even knew Chris existed, listening to the stories of Holly's dating trials and tribulations in D.C. over Sunday brunch after church. Since then, Doug has gotten us involved in all things cults (If we haven't convinced you to watch The Vow yet, this is that moment) and is always up to help you do a start-up. We couldn't imagine anyone else helping us say "I do" on April 9th.