Our Story
His Story
Groom
I have always been the shy nerdy kid growing up. Anything that could be taken apart or have a motor strapped to it attracted my interest. This passion took me far from home to attend college at Cooper Union in New York City, a place I had only ever seen in movies. My time there freed me from my shell and the world saw the wacky and wonderful person I truly am. After many failed online dating experiences, I nearly gave up...then Ruby entered the picture. On our first date I asked if it was ok to put my arm around her, a cute move that she likes to bring up even today. From the beginning, our time together has felt so natural and unassuming. Our love will continue to grow and flourish as we support each other through life.
Her Story
Bride
When I was a wee tot, my mom tells the story of me addressing an entire movie theater audience with my diaper-cool dance moves. I was a hit. Growing up, I wasn't sure what happened to that Ruby. There's always been a side to me that is very shy, despite being raised by a clan of theatre weirdos. I always felt that there was "someone better" than me; it's "someone else's" turn to shine. But as I grew into my womanhood, I thrived on my individuality and joie de vivre. I have always been drawn to people and partners who are unapologetic for who they are, confident and full of laughter at themselves. I believe I have picked the best partner that there is in Calvin Ball. I have never met someone so self-assured and I have never felt so able to be myself with anyone like I am with him.
Schuyler Ludwig
Officiant
Schuyler's wife, Audrey Nichols, was Ruby's mother's roommate in college. Audrey and Schuyler refer to themselves as Ruby's "real parents." They are the coolest of the cool. Schuyler officiated Margo and Frank's renewal of their vows out on a lake in Maine in the middle of winter. He personally shoveled a pathway out to the middle of the ice at sunset. It was magical. We love them so much.
Cameron Ball
Brother of the Groom and Ceremony Reader
Cameron is Calvin's older brother. Calvin has always looked up to Cameron and feels that he is an indelible example of a genuine and respectable person.
Gina Gioldassis
Adopted Sister and Ceremony Reader
Gina and Ruby lived across the hall from each other freshman year of college. Ruby knew it was meant to be...two years later, Gina moved into the Hankey home. She has been a part of the family ever since. They've crossed oceans and cried oceans. She's hands down the best sister a girl could have.
Ethan Elenberg
Responsible for Our Introduction
Ethan went to high school with Ruby and was the drummer for the musical theater group. He attended college with Calvin, excelling at outsmarting anyone in the room. And today he is the unwitting catalyst for this entire celebration.
Merrill Vaughn
Singing Fairy Godmother
Ruby calls Merrill 'Aunty Mame' in jest. She has known Ruby since she was in utero and is a dear part of the Hankey family. Her voice comes from the gods and she will be, kindly, gracing us with her voice during the ceremony.
Nancy Evers
Ceremony Pianist Extraordinaire
Nancy has been Ruby's voice teacher since high school and also teaches voice to Ruby's father, Frank Hankey and Merrill Vaughn. She is a true expert in her field with refined taste and whimsical flair in all that she does. She will be accompanying Merrill, Rochelle and Ruby's father during the ceremony.
Rochelle Nguyen
Sister-in-law Violinist
Calvin's sister-in-law, Rochelle Nguyen, works as a professional violinist in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. We occasionally have the honor of hearing her practice and she'll give us private concerts during Christmas time. She has also kindly agreed to accompany Merrill on a song for the ceremony.
DJ Baby Blu
Transcendent Master of the Party
Ruby first saw Baby Blu at a cast party for a show she was doing at HERE Arts Center. It was love at first experience. She worked her way into Blu's life as fan and friend. Blu left New York for a while and Ruby preemptively requested his expertise at her non-existent wedding. She even had a nightmare of traveling mountains and rivers to reach one of his performances. He finally came back to the scene and Calvin and Ruby are getting married! Life works out wonderfully sometimes. www.djbabyblu.com/
Skittles
Flower Girl
Meet our beloved daughter...the start of our very own family.