Maid of Honor
Alex is Rachael's oldest sister by four years, but many would argue twin sister! Rachael is honored to have been given Alex as an older sister, despite the almost murder when they were young (don't ask, but know the mission obviously failed thank goodness). Since then, they spent time together peacefully playing The Sims and Animal Crossing (for hundreds of hours), enjoying Rachael's many trips to visit Alex in Buffalo for some sister sleepovers, obsessing over their newest anime binge, and raising cousin cats together. That being said, it was only fitting that Rachael bestowed upon her the greatest honor of ensuring everything is perfect, from the planning of the wedding to right before she walks down the aisle to standing beside her on one of the most important days of her life.
Best Man
In 1988, Ricky was born and 8 years later his first little brother, Ray, came along. Although they had very different interests growing up, they still managed to spend a lot of time together fighting over the TV remote or who would use the computer first. On the rare occasion when they got along, most of their time was spent playing video games and watching their favorite tv shows. Luckily, with time their relationship has strengthened. Ray and Ricky talk on a daily basis about sports highlights, workout routines, crypto, and family. During the holidays, they still endlessly battle each other on 2k reliving their childhood Saturday morning tournaments. Ricky was chosen to be the best man because he's in the elite group of being one of the few who can beat Ray in 2k (by cheating of course).
Bridesmaid
From the moment Khalia saw Rachael present in their freshman business class with the infamous Judy, she recognized a certain je ne sais quoi about Rachael. A certain allure? Intelligence? Beauty? All of the above? Their next meeting was when RA Rachael knocked on her room door as optimistic, annoying, and cheery as ever. And then 30 seconds later overhearing her trash-talk other residents outside her closed door, it was confirmed: while crazy, Rachael was bestie material. From that point on, some would say the two have been inseparable, regardless of where they lived; planning spontaneous trips (i.e. Khalia dropping everything to drive cross country to TX with Rachael), meticulously detailed trips (e.g. the long-lost Greece trip), and their journeys through life as they grow old together.
Groomsman
When Rachael first introduced Ray and Hector at Riggs' front desk, he could smell Hector's platano breath from a mile away. It was an instant connection: both from the city, far from home, addicted to the hustle, hoping for a better future. Meeting Hector was one of the best things to happen to Ray in his college experience (other than meeting his beautiful bride ofc). They found time to work hard and play hard: at the gym, in the dining hall, numerous spontaneous trips with friends. What Ray loves the most about Hector their shared open-mindedness to step out of their comfort zones. Like that time in Mexico, when they went snorkeling in the wildest waters of Cabo, realized they had no idea what they were doing after jumping in, and ended up vying for their lives. Cabo - 1; the boys - 0.
Bridesmaid
Another fated friend, marked by Rachael's path as her RA. Becoming friends with her residents wasn't in the plan, but how could she resist Camila's charm and personality? Rachael knows that if Camila knew she'd be in for sleepless nights of making door tags and bulletin boards, she never would've spoken to her in the first place. It was Rachael that attracted her, but the Cricut machine and elusive RA room sealed the deal. From their late-night trips to Lakeside to 3 am desk shifts to campus events, Rachael treasures her friendship with Camila: a drama-free, Takis-loving, Dominican trash-talking...excuse me... translating, camel riding friend who will always be there; it's her thing, and that's what makes her wonderful.
Groomsman
The man, the myth, the almost relationship destroyer. Here we have Edward Kelly the Third, the man who introduced the worst thing into the couple's lives: Settlers of Catan. This game almost destroyed the bride and groom's relationship multiple times, but with the destruction, it also built a long-lasting friendship and deep-seated competition between said friends. Despite their extreme differences when it comes to cuisines, such as eating anything outside of Eddie's three main food groups: bread, meat, and cheese -- the groom and Eddie became quick friends from the many, many hours in the halls of Riggs, suffering through late-night desk shifts, res hall events, and writing incident reports by bonding over none other than basketball, ResLife, and board games.
Bridesmaid
As Rachael's oldest friend, she couldn't imagine saying "I do" without Rachel by her side. They weren't the play with dolls, plan their future wedding, gush over boys kind of friends, but rather the climb on school roofs, befriend bad influences, hang around the neighborhood until way past curfew kind of friends. Growing up together is something Rachael will always cherish, as she grew up with the best friend she could ask for, a second home to sleep at, a younger brother to bother her, and two dogs to play with to fill the void of her own dogless home. To this day, it never matters how far they are; they can always pick up right where they left off. From separating after high school to reuniting at Oswego to graduating and moving across the country! She's lucky to have a lifelong friend.
Groomsman
They met sophomore year at GLHS during English class bonding over Driving Miss Daisy during Miss Quinn's class. As Bryan and Ray continued their HS journeys, they learned they had a lot in common and continued to learn from each other. During gym class Bryan would pick Ray regardless of how bad he was just so he could teach him how to play and not get embarrassed in-front of other peers. With patience, Bryan taught Ray all the fundamentals of the game and now Ray lives, eats, and breathes basketball. Ray never forgets how Bryan took him under his wing growing up in the rough streets of NYC. Ray admires Bryan because no matter the circumstances Bryan always looks at the positive – like that time they were jumped and Bryan was happy that they "only" took our wallets.
Bridesmaid
Inheriting Rosanna as an aunt-in-law turned friend-in-law was a surprising gift Raynier unknowingly gave Rachael. She's grateful to have Rosanna around to talk to, drink with, and hang out with, especially when she's lost her way trying to keep up in the Spanish conversations. Many of Ray's family have welcomed Rachael as a member of the Breton-Diaz family, and Rosanna is no exception. She opened her arms to her nephew (Milo, the Siamese kitten) and her wine bottles to her niece (Rachael, the bride). If that's not care and friendship, then what is?
Groomsman
Another 8 years later, Rod was born and the cycle continued, a second large age gap making it very difficult to co-exist under the same roof. Nonetheless, the brothers' relationship is very unique as Ricky took Rod under his wing to constantly team up against the unlucky middle child to make sure Ray always gets the short end of the stick! Ray admires Rodrigo because, in Rod's 17 short years of life, he's always faced life's adversities, been resilient, and found ways to succeed. Obviously, because he's had Ray as a role model who exemplifies these traits. Rod secured his groomsman spot, so Ray can have his brothers by his side as built-in security. No one messes with him the day of the wedding as they'll have to deal with not one, but two 6-footers before getting to him.
Bridesmaid
If we're honest (and we always are), the one thing Rachael planned for her wedding since childhood was befriending a coworker and asking her to be a bridesmaid. As she got older, that goal dwindled with every internship she had until she met Eliza, one of the nicest people she's ever known. Seriously, if PwC Deals Hype Woman were a position, Rachael would promote Eliza immediately. From their summer internship to starting full-time together, Eliza became Rachael's go-to person. They quickly formed a friendship bonding over their shared confusion of pro forma models, love of board games, wedding planning tips, and talking for hours about anything and everything.
Groomsman
Ray first met Nick on one of his impromptu traveling adventures to Chicago, after their original trip to Greece with Rachael and Khalia was canceled (thanks covid). Immediately, Ray knew Nick was someone to keep around due to his mysterious and sophisticated demeanor. For example, Nick owns a 1989 Chevy Caprice that he keeps in storage because that's just the type of guy he is. He's a wild card, unpredictable, and therefore, a perfect match for Ray's bestie, Khalia. Despite only meeting in person twice, Ray and Nick formed a quick bond, albeit forced because of the bride and Khalia. Nick snuck his way into the bridal party by winning Ray over with his sarcastic sense of humour and impressive ability to find a reason to have a nice cocktail in every situation.
Flower Girl
Ring Bearer