Mary Claire & Matthew
Wedding Party
Kevin Fuhrmann
Man of Honor
Pulling the ultimate double-duty as Man of Honor, AND Officiant, Kevin and Mary Claire met on the first day of the sixth grade (August 27, 2003, if you were wondering). The blond-haired, blue-eyed, eleven-year-old Kev was famously MC's first middle-school-crush, but quickly turned into a true best friend. When Matt came into the picture 15 years later, Kevin's approval mattered most, and thank heavens they became two peas in a pod themselves, leading to Kev's affectionately dubbed nickname, "our child." He's truly been there for it all, and we couldn't be more excited and honored to have our bff marry us. We eagerly anticipate the Kevin Special Touch, & can't wait to share his magic with all of you!
Madeline Walden
Matron of Honor
The origin story of Madeline + Mary Claire is the classic tale of the elder millennial: they met on the internet! The year was 2010 and the initial meetings were definitely questionable by parental standards, but 12 years and a beautiful collective of shared friends who have become family later, we'd do it again in a heartbeat. Over the past decade +, M+M have traveled together near and far, from Miami hurricanes, to Spring in Tokyo, with countless hours up and down the I-5 in between. Madeline is the reason MC moved to Long Beach, and they even got to spend a glorious 18 months as neighbors, exactly 79 feet from door to door. Madeline is an expert hostess, a social media marketing wizard, and a devoted forever friend. Ask her about penguins!
Jilian Harvey
Maid of Honor
Jilian Rae (of Sunshine) Harvey, the infamous client-turned-bestie! Jilian hired Mary Claire to shoot her senior portraits in 2012, and they quickly bonded over a mutual, undying love for big dogs + Beyoncé. Spending time together became effortless as they dove into creative photography projects, trips to Goodwill, and Forensic Files marathons. The only thing more beautiful than Jilian's smile is her heart of gold (Au), but there is nothing more satisfying than making her laugh. Jilian has championed for the million different versions of MC over the last 10 years, often joking that they must share a brain, if not a soul. Creative, intuitive, and downright hilarious, Jilian is simply... mi princesa.
Grace Roman
Bridesmaid
Grace Emily Roman came barreling into this world two weeks shy of Mary Claire's 4th birthday, and while neither has the clearest memory of those early days, anecdotes paint a picture of two sisters, clearly polar opposites from the beginning. Grace asked permission, Mary Claire asked forgiveness. Grace ran, Mary Claire talked. The quiet observer and the extroverted blurter, a perfect balance they didn't even realize they needed until near adulthood. Grace is steady, empathetic, and strong (both mentally/emotionally AND physically... seriously you do not want to mess with her). She loves the great outdoors as much as she loves a good dinner party, and has turned out to be quite the cool adult baby sister. Matt and Mary Claire are so thankful to have Grace by their side!
Mia Marcon
Bridesmaid
Mia Marcon nee McKown, DHHS Homecoming Queen 2010!! As seen in "Dracano," "Workaholics (S4E6)," and "They're Watching," this famous actress got her start modeling for none other than Mary Claire Roman Photography (est. 2010). The original muse, a sophomore transfer from Ohio, made her impression on Mary Claire instantly. Somehow MC snagged an exclusive invite to Mia's 16th birthday Disneyland trip, and solidified a friendship over beach photoshoots, musical theater, and giant pickles. Don't let her beauty fool you - she is a giant dork, in the best possible way. Mia is unabashedly, wholeheartedly, unwaveringly herself. She is introspective, intentional, and incredibly thoughtful, too. Watching her excel in her newest role of Mother has filled Mary Claire + Matt with pride and admiration, and they are honored to have Mia's presence in their lives!
Amanda Zeken
Bridesmaid
Amanda and Mary Claire met working retail in 2009, Amanda being none other than the 18-year-old in charge of the 17-year-old MC (and others). They were friendly, until one fateful night in 2010 when Amanda invited a few people over after work, and MC was one of them. They spent the next two years having a BLAST while putting in the bare minimum in the store, before Mary Claire got a new job... so Amanda followed her. They spent their early 20's as coworkers giggling through south Orange County, and have weathered life together through relationships, breakups, out-of-state moves, and more. This wedding would simply not be complete without the honorary third Roman sister!
Jordan Gunderson
Bridesmaid
Jordan and Mary Claire met through mutual friends in early 2013 at Fred's Cantina Ocean Ranch (RIP), and proceeded to spend many a Taco Tuesday in those red and blue booths scarfing down free chips and salsa, as 21-year-olds do. Jordan quickly became a steady and true friend during a time of great transition. Trips to the mountains, the beach, and Disneyland were the foundation for a connection that stands the test of time. Jordan is pure goodness, hand to god. MC is still partially convinced she must be a saint reincarnated. She has a presence about her that makes everyone feel safe and cared for, and the world is better with Jordan in it. She is also a new dog-mom to precious pup Winnie, so don't forget to ask for pictures!
Kevin Baker
Best Man
Kevin has known Matt the longest, simply due to birth order. Kevin and Matt would go full on Oceans 11 at the Morongo Casino and Spa in their late teens and early twenties, respectively. Kevin and Matt’s relationship has a long history of late night conversations that would make Aristotle’s head spin. Kevin is a living gem, and always willing to help, talk, listen without judgement on or favor. He is an uplifting and inspiring person, who has always been a great friend and brother!
Ryan Baker
Best Man
Have you ever met an enlightened person? No? Well, make sure to say hello to the budding Buddha himself, Ryan Baker. Ryan is the younger and wiser brother to Matt. He is multi-talented, pragmatic, and keeps two feet on the ground. Ryan is the most qualified person to start his own religion but never would because he has too much humility. Ryan for president. Ryan and Matt shared a bedroom growing up, and together they filled it up with monster energy drink cans.
James Ruhle
Groomsman
Matt and James have been friends since they first met in Kindergarten. World of Warcraft PvP partners, two-time roommates and life-long friends. Many sleepovers as kids were held at the Ruhle household, always followed by hard physical child labor and the reward of Del Taco breakfast burritos. This international playboy, is also a sincere and loyal friend of nearly 30 years!
Steven Walden
Groomsman
Matt and Steven met through Madeline, wife of Steven, Matron of Honor! The angel from Hemet himself. Former neighbors and dear friend of the Roman-Baker household, Steven and Madeline helped to keep Matt + MC sane at the height of the pandemic. Stylish, hilarious, talented, and kind-hearted human. Get to know him on his livestream here! https://www.twitch.tv/duckweedstreams
Eryn Healy
Groomswoman
Eryn and Matt met while working at Mental Health America - helping the community by day, drinking and dancing by night. Eryn is a brilliant, empathetic, and supportive friend. In classic Long Beach fashion, it turned out that Eryn also lived in the same building as Mary Claire! Eryn and Matt were having taco Tuesday every week for a solid few months mere yards from MCR‘s doorstep, months before they ever started dating. Rooftop hangs throughout 2020 strengthened Eryn and Matt's bond even further!
Emily Kho Randall
Groomswoman
Emily and Matt have run together since they met in Junior High. The sister who never was, Emily has always been a positive influence in Matt’s chaotic early days, a voice of reason, and gracious friend. She is even-keeled, but also ready to party, a real guys-guy. Ask her to burp for you, it’s crazy.
Robert Kronebusch
Groomsman
It was a fateful day in the 3rd grade when Matt and Robby became friends. Robby lived down the street from Matt’s grandparents, and his house was the staple location for after school hang-outs throughout junior high. Robby’s mom thought Matt was a bad kid… how wrong she was… Robby is quick-witted, disciplined and always a good time to be around!