Wedding Party
Paige Ramsay
Matron of Honor
Raisa and Paige’s friendship has aged like fine wine, from shouting inappropriate facts about Rasputin to each other mid Cross-Country race in an attempt to throw off their opponents, to standing by each other’s side on the biggest day of their lives. Their star-crossed friendship has endured twists and turns, from almost living together their first year of college, to running into each other at a Northeastern University party in 2013, realizing they had both transferred to Boston schools. The rest was history, and they’ve spent the past 12 years attached at the hip. Paige is the ultimate hype-woman. She has picked Raisa up off the ground more times than she can count—navigating the throws of many “firsts” in young adulthood. She has driven countless miles to watch Raisa perform in who knows what & where, has been front and center in at least half of the 2,500 spin classes Raisa has taught to date, and even used her own 30th birthday party as a decoy for what would be Raisa and Nick’s engagement. Paige’s sense of humor knows no bounds; whether arriving at a high school dance dressed as Voldemort, accepting an athletics award in front of 15 ISL schools with a stuffed squirrel on her shoulder, or showing up to prom in a 1980’s thrifted wedding gown and two pig-tails. She can make anyone laugh and see the bird’s eye view in any situation with her razor-sharp intuition, intelligence and humor. Everyone needs a Paige in their life, and Raisa is so grateful there is one in hers.
Tessa Wright
Matron of Honor
Raisa’s cousin Tess, in many ways, is the sister Raisa never had. Having grown up just ten minutes away from each other, some of Raisa’s fondest memories are of the holidays, birthdays, recitals, theater performances, graduations, and countless other occasions they shared together. While several years apart in age, Tessa gracefully balanced the responsibilities of being a role model while also meeting Raisa right where she was. Even when Tessa moved to New York City and they began to see each other less frequently, whenever they did have a visit coming up, Raisa couldn’t wait to plunk down and talk, and talk, and talk, with Tess. Tessa is creative, deeply thoughtful, warm, multi-talented, and beautiful inside and out. She is a superhuman mama to her three beautiful children (and French Bulldog, Havana), and you can’t help but smile in her presence. She also gave one heck of a performance as “The Scarecrow” in the Hoffman/Sestina Family remake of “The Wizard of Oz.” From “fairy-walks” through Norwell’s Norris Woods, to bonding over the highs and lows of being fit-pros (fitness professionals), to standing by Tessa’s side on her big day as Maid of Honor, Raisa is so thankful for this full-circle moment with Tessa as hers.
Alexa Bickhart
Bridesmaid
Alexa and Raisa’s bond has, to put it simply, defied the laws of physics. After knowing each other for approximately five minutes, some would say it is impossible they have remained this close for this long. Alexa and Raisa met in the spring semester of their freshman year at Syracuse, quite literally three months before Raisa transferred to Boston. They were pledges in the Alpha Xi Delta sorority, and Raisa was instantly drawn to Alexa’s bright, warm aura and utterly contagious laugh. They became fast friends, sharing long runs around campus, weekend pre-games, dining hall trips, and many embarrassing videos on each other’s Facebook walls. Alexa’s energy is therapy, and her open heart and listening ear can be felt even through a phone screen. She is the kind of friend that will hear you out– judgment free, and even agree to watch the many American Idol clips of Jessica Sanchez that you won’t shut up about. When Raisa’s dream of getting accepted into Emerson’s acting program came true that spring, her friendship with Alexa was enough to make her question it all. How could she possibly leave when everything had just gotten so good? From then on, they basically entered a long-distance relationship, alternating who visited whom and pretending that they were still at the same school. A reminder is probably necessary at this point that this is in fact Raisa and Nick’s wedding, not Raisa and Alexa’s, but nonetheless Raisa is humbled to share this day with her long-time ‘Cuse BFF.
Amelia Mazzuchelli
Bridesmaid
If you haven’t been told that your friendship is ‘off-putting’ ‘weird’ and ‘exclusive’ have you ever really had a close friend? Just kidding. While it didn’t exactly happen that way, Amelia and Raisa did receive the feedback once that their very close friendship was in fact “a bit too much.” But that didn’t stop them. Ever since bonding over their uncontrollable laughter during a freshman theater class group warm-up in the fall of 2007, they’ve been attached at the hip. Whether ellipticalling to ‘Dangerous’ by Akon in the Thayer Fitness center, sending strange Facebook messages and prank calls to a few lucky individuals, to conducting “drive-bys” once they got their licenses (best not to elaborate on this one in writing, but you can ask us at Margarita’s) or shredding the dance floor at Sissy K’s, Raisa and Amelia have shared many laughs and major life moments these past 17 years. Amelia never ceases to amaze those in her company with her kind and patient energy, extensive vocabulary, and ability to deliver one-liner after one-liner with her quick wit and unbridled humor. Not to mention the long golden locks of Rapunzel herself. While they don’t live in the same state anymore and unfortunately don’t see each other as much as they’d like to, whenever they do unite, it is unsurprisingly like no time has passed. Raisa is honored to share this day with her BB Amelia. (again, best not to elaborate on that acronym in writing, but we will tell you at Margarita’s.).
Eve Skalkos
Bridesmaid
Eve, also known as “Thotiana” has been a pillar in Raisa’s young adult life for the better part of the past 10 years. As one of The Handle Bar’s highest grossing instructors (seriously, even her waitlist had a waitlist), and sharing in a mutual love for “tropical beats,” Eve is the reason Raisa fell in love with spin, and ultimately decided to get up there and try it herself. Prior to meeting Nick, Raisa would even bring potential suitors to Eve’s class to see if they could handle it and therefore were worthy of her hand. After several valiant efforts and many ultimate partings of ways, then came Nick– the only survivor, tap-tap-body-rolling like a gazelle running across a savanna. Eve has been by Raisa’s side during some of the most profound moments in the human experience– like meeting Sean Paul, for example. She is ‘ride or die’ in every sense of the word, showing up for her people with a contagious intensity that can propel you through 105 minutes of spin the morning after a night at The Grand or a 6am class after a new-instructor-training session that went until midnight. Raisa counts her lucky stars to have Eve in her circle, whether sharing SoundCloud’s freshest finds, Cinnastix from Dominos, or standing by her side on her big day.
Falon Phillips
Bridesmaid
To put it simply; friendships don’t last 17+ years unless they’re really something else. And that, Raisa can confirm, is the case with Fal. They met during their freshman year at Thayer, and though they’ve spent many years across the country from each other, their connection remains as steadfast as the two giggling girls with ironed side bangs and braces on the school bus in 2007. Falon has always been a pioneer– the first to jump into the water, the first to offer to help, the first to encourage Raisa to do swim team with her, to apply for Scituate lifeguarding (a job Raisa cherished throughout college) and even introduced Raisa to The Handle Bar, the place where Raisa grew and evolved professionally and personally for the past 10+ years, and eventually met Nick. Falon is also the first gluten and dairy free human to enjoy bagels and cream cheese with little consequence, but only if its New Year’s Eve. Raisa used to think Falon disliked all forms of art– an inside joke she would tease Fal about over the years. But after hearing Falon’s vocal covers of Soul Sister and Drops of Jupiter by Train, Raisa was proven seriously incorrect. Falon’s love knows no bounds, whether it’s calling your ex-boyfriend demanding answers right after you were dumped, taking your fiancé under her wing when he’s working in her city for two weeks, or flying back to the U.S. while studying abroad in Chile just to surprise Raisa for her 21st birthday--- Raisa is humbled to share this day with her.
Kaitlyn Kowalski
Bridesmaid
Raisa and KK stumbled into each other’s lives in the fall of 2012 after each making the decision to transfer from Syracuse University to Emerson College. Starting this new chapter, they found themselves friendless and housing-less in Boston. With the help of their parents and a mutual ‘Cuse friend, they connected and agreed to live together in a one-bedroom unit at 50 Follen Street in Cambridge, where Raisa and Nick live today. They hit it off the day they moved in, belting Beyoncé’s “1+1” over a hearty dinner of rice pilaf and uploading dozens of cringey photobooth selfies to Facebook. KK and Raisa used to joke that they would live together forever and raise their families in that same unit, and as far as Raisa is concerned, that offer still stands. (OK with you, Nick?) This wouldn’t be the first promise they’ve kept to each other, as they made a vow to spend every New Year’s Eve together, and so far, only the Pandemic has gotten in the way. (Palm Springs 2025?!) KK is widely renowned for her a capella cover of “P.I.M.P” by 50 Cent, her generosity towards local cops (but only if they are at your door enforcing a noise complaint) “Pasta, anyone?” and for being that friend you can go without seeing for months, but feels like no time has passed. She also miraculously develops an Irish brogue when the sun goes down. KK makes every person she meets feel seen, heard, loved, and will make you laugh your butt off. Raisa is honored to have KK standing by her side on her big day.
Kristin Covaleski
Bridesmaid
While it’s certainly not the only reason Raisa wanted to marry Nick, once she had put two-and-two together that Kristin would be her sister-in-law, it certainly expedited the decision-making process. Raisa met Kristin in the summer of 2017 visiting Wisconsin with Nick, and she learned quickly that the bar was set high for any potential partners of the Covaleski boys. Kristin is loyal, fierce, down-to-earth, always down for bubbly and reality TV, lawn games, and is the best wine-walk partner. From “Love Actually” movie nights on Christmas Eve, to making Monster Cookies (which, for the record, are healthy since they have oats and peanut butter in them), to playing ‘Head’s Up’ and accidentally having a Brendan Fraser movie marathon all day, Raisa is so grateful to not only spend this day with Kristin by her side, but for the coolest S-I-L she could have ever asked for.
Mary Arnold
Bridesmaid
Raisa used to think that people met all of their closest friends either in high school, college, or a year-or-two afterwards if you were lucky, but when Mary arrived as a ‘plus-one’ to Raisa’s 25th birthday party at The Grand in 2018, Raisa quickly realized that was not the case. They both worked at The Handle Bar at that time but were passing ships for the most part. When Mary joined the full-time team at HB in 2019, their friendship catapulted to new heights. From fixing bike pedals, to changing water filters, becoming HVAC and AUX experts, to being each other’s shoulder-to-lean-on navigating pandemic fitness, Raisa is so thankful for the laughs, the joy, and not to mention– the trouble-shooting skills Mary (also known as “Marrehhh”) brought to that time. “Marrehhh” was Raisa’s common call for help during faulty livestream classes, or really anything for that matter– a distressed whisper that can still be heard through the halls of the North Station studio if you listen closely enough. Among many, Mary and Raisa’s hobbies include taking care of their cats; Cleo, Anna and Lucas, driving Uhauls through questionable routes, overdoing it on night #1, rope swinging off The Jolly Pirate, listening to J.T. Roach (specifically on Fridays) and “getting in-the-trouble.” Mary brightens every room she steps into with her selfless spirit and genuine interest in everyone she meets. Let’s pour one out for those special adult friendships you find when you least expect it!
Shauna DeSisto
Bridesmaid
In case you were wondering if Jessica Biel is in fact in Raisa’s bridal party– it’s actually Shauna, who has no idea that she looks like several celebrities combined and would probably contest this being written here. Raisa owes Paige’s brother Kyle a massive thank-you, because by marrying Shauna, he basically hand-delivered an incredible friend into Raisa’s lap (and a huge thank you to Paige for sharing her). Raisa met Shauna in 2019, when she came to her spin class in Harvard Square. Shauna had allegedly “not done a spin class in years” but navigated class like a pro, nailing the beat and choreography like it was part of her regular routine. Raisa felt like she had known Shauna forever, due partly to her nurturing presence and seamless integration and adaptation of the DeSisto family’s one-in-a-billion sense of humor. They went on to share many beautiful weekends in the Berkshires at the Ramsay’s cabin, and even ventured to Miami together, surviving “HunkOMania” during Shauna’s Bachelorette. She is humble, generous, selfless, and not to mention– extremely patient as she has been on the receiving end of many of Raisa’s long-winded spirals over text. She is also notably loyal— so much so that in order to preserve the surprise of Raisa’s engagement, she allowed Raisa to wear black shredded jeans and pumpkin colored sparkly nails, without dropping any hints that she should change. Raisa is so thankful for Shauna’s friendship and support on this exciting day and beyond.
Laura Sullivan
V.I.P Queen
You may have noticed there are 11 women listed here despite Raisa having 10 bridesmaids. That’s because Laura (‘La’) actually said no when Raisa asked! In Laura’s defense, Raisa asked nearly 8 years ago, after several glasses of Pinot Grigio, having known Laura for +/- 2 months. It was the fall of 2016, and Raisa was just cast in the comedy improv Shakespeare troupe, Shitfaced Shakespeare. Laura was a producer, actor, and marketing guru for the company, and the two of them bonded over their love of Pizza, the song ‘Panda’ by Desiigner, and Pinot. The premise of Shitfaced Shakespeare is that in the midst of a full scale production of one of Shakespeare’s plays, one actor gets drunk and wreaks havoc on the show. It was Raisa’s turn as the “chosen one” and backstage mid-show turned to La and asked, “will you be my bridesmaid?” Through laughter and urgency to keep the show on track, La lovingly declined saying it was not personal but it wasn’t something she typically does, but they could talk about it later. They grew closer each year, sharing good laughs, Gin Gimlets, Cheez-its and memes, and when Raisa finally re-visited the question, La said, “For you… I will engage…..” Bridesmaid or not, Laura is in a category of her own. A creator, businesswoman, a visionary-- La is always redefining herself and encourages others to do the same. She is strong, hilarious, honest and would be the perfect Amazing Race teammate should you ever find yourself needing one. We love you, La!
Scott Ransom
Best Man
The best man. Nick’s oldest and steadiest accomplice, the two of them have registered two decades of navigating life’s vicissitudes as close friends. A well-polished public accountant, Scott is very good with numbers––except, mysteriously, for when it comes to accurately counting his own golf score. Any embarrassing or unsavory stories about Nick that may be relayed during Scott’s speech are inevitably lies. Father to one of Nick’s godsons, Hudson.
Lincoln Durham
Groomsman
Runner-up for best man (at least, that’s what Nick tells him). Big man, bigger personality, biggest liability at the bachelor party. Embodies the definition of "establishing one's presence." A proud girl-dad. His passions include motivational speeches and stone fabrication. If you’re in need of either, he’s your guy. Met Nick in pre-school.
Paul Covaleski
Groomsman
Older brother of the groom. Husband, father, accomplished attorney, karaoke fiend. Hobbies include crafting dad jokes, oscillating between watching romantic comedies and obscure historical documentaries, and impersonating Garth Brooks (for everyone’s benefit, including Paul’s, “Callin’ Baton Rouge” did not make the wedding playlist). Father to Nick's nephew and other godson, Liam.
Aaron Covaleski
Groomsman
Younger brother of the groom. Perceptive and thoughtful, A-Aron (as Raisa calls him) learned a great deal growing up from observing Paul’s mistakes and Nick’s successes (and never the reverse, of course). Highly gifted at golfing and gift-wrapping. Took the traditional route to a career in the film industry by first getting a master’s in public administration from an Ivy League school.
Nick Low
Groomsman
Speaking of the Ivy League, Nick Low, Doctor of Philosophy, is in the rare company of being a Harvard graduate who is also good company. In the event of a medical emergency, he will assist you in questioning the meaning of life. Nick and Nick met in graduate school where they bonded over books and beers. Mostly beers.
Max Hoffman
Groomsman
Doctor of Medicine. In the event of a medical emergency, Max will assist you in a way that is actually helpful. Could’ve had a career as a first-class pianist, but chose something far less stressful and demanding, like critical care anesthesiology. Exceptionally good at facilitating board games and suspiciously good at winning them. Wedding officiant, and future brother-in-law to Nick.
Barrett Ramsay
Groomsman
In addition to being a small business owner (owns a vending machine), Barrett also excels in managing investment data, dribbling basketballs, and knowing just enough about everything to have a conversation about anything. Even after witnessing Nick have multiple meltdowns after yet another Packers playoff loss, Barrett has admirably, and surprisingly, remained his friend.
FLOWER SQUAD & RING SECURITY
Oliver, Samantha, Haleah, Nolan, Zoriah
We're pleased to introduce you to the five individuals responsible for ensuring the ceremony goes off without a hitch! From prepping the aisle with flower petals and good vibes, to guarding Raisa and Nick's rings, they will no doubt have their hands full! From left to right, please meet Oliver (Raisa's MOH Tessa and Jared's oldest son), Samantha (Tessa and Jared's daughter), Haleah (Raisa's cousin Peter and Vanessa's youngest daughter), Nolan (Tessa and Jared's youngest son, and twin to Samantha), and Zoriah (Peter and Vanessa's oldest daughter). Raisa and Nick know they are in good hands, as to quote Oliver (Head of Ring Security) he will make sure that there are "no mistakes!"