Wedding Party
Megan Whelan
Maid of Honor
I first met Kendra back in 2012 after signing up to live in a random university house. I should have known from our first interaction together that living and getting to know her was going to be a wild ride. We bonded immediately and have been friends ever since. From our university days exploring all the local bars, to navigating the working world [I work at a law firm that specializes in Immigration law], travelling together [my photo is from a trip to Spain that we took where we ended up going to Morocco for the day], and exploring what feels like every winery in the Niagara region, I could not have asked for a better friend to have by my side. I am beyond excited to be able to stand up with Kendra and Russell on their wedding day as they embark on this new chapter in their lives!
Christian Golding
Best Man
My name is Christian Golding. I'm a pianist, and outside of music, my greatest passions in this world are all things nerdy and geeky (video games, comics, board games, etc). These passions are what helped form the bond between Russell and I. Russ and I go way back. We first met in grade 1 on the playground playing pirates on the jungle gym (he might recall something different, but that's what's locked into my mind). Since then, having him as almost a big brother helped shape my life for the better and to watch him grow as a person (emotionally and quite literally in height) has been one of life's great pleasure. It's been blissful 25 years of friendship that has transformed into a familial bond that will hopefully transcend lifetimes.
Jacqueline Byers
Bridesmaid
Hello hello! Looking forward to meeting you all. I am Kendra’s big small sister (older but shorter). I play pretend for a living, live in New York City, and am a lover of the arts. Kendra and I grew up sharing bunk beds and also her clothes (much to her dismay). There is no one in the world that knows me better, and there is no one more proud of her. It has been wonderful to witness the beautiful life Kendra and Russell have began to build for themselves. Russell has been such a wonderful addition to our family, along with all of the Durwards. Standing witness to their union is a privilege and honor. Our baby is going to be wed! Kleenex please.
Adrian Proestos
Groomsman
I am an old friend of Russell's since we met back in 2013 at university. Since then Russell and I have been the best of friends enjoying discussions of history, law, and other nerdy topics over a glass of wine. Russell has never hesitated to help me with whatever project I am working on, whether that be picking pears in my garden or making hundreds of bottles worth of wine in my basement. I am honoured to be one of the groomsmen for Kendra and Russell, and most especially to be counted as their friend.
Danielle Byers
Bridesmaid
Hello! I’m the eldest of the four Byers children, a proud hockey/dance mom of three, and a passionate elementary physical education teacher. I love being active and inspiring others to do the same. Whether I’m skiing or spending time at the cottage, my happiest moments are always with family. Kendra and I have shared a lifetime of laughter and adventures together. I spent countless hours babysitting her when we were younger, and it’s been a privilege to watch her grow into the amazing person she is today. She’s an incredible aunt, and we always have so much fun spending time with her. I couldn’t be more excited (or emotional!) to stand by my sister’s side on this special day. I’m also so happy to officially welcome Russell into the family, even though he’s already felt like part of it for a while now. See y’all on the dance floor!!
Andrew Larter
Groomsman
I first met Russell way back in Grade 4, sharing more than 20 years of friendship at Frenchman's Bay, Pickering High, the University of Toronto, and beyond. Being two tall blond guys, Russell and I have often been mistaken for one another - a mistake that's even easier to make given our shared love of movies, sports, board games, and D&D. Although it can be tricky, you can tell us apart by our professions (law vs. engineering) and our Just Dance skill levels (Russell wins that round). In recent years, I have been honoured to join Russell at many of his family events - whether in Burlington, Niagara, or Pickering, and I couldn't be more thrilled to support Russell as a groomsman today.
Lyndsy Pellizzari
Bridesmaid
Hello! I’m one of Kendra’s oldest friends. I don’t know how old we were when we first met, but I always felt like the 5th Byers’ child. Kendra and I grew up playing hockey (actually she’s the reason I play), lacrosse (sitting on the sidelines together with red cards), hiking, biking and celebrating countless birthdays and achievements. Kendra has been a big part of my life and I’m sure you all know why I keep her around. I was spending a lot of time with Kendra when she met this new man in her life. So glad she met Russell and they’re going to start this next chapter of their lives. Russell, thank you for keeping her here in Ontario, but please remember to share! Can’t wait to celebrate this summer – cheers!
Andrew Sinclair
Groomsman
Hello, I'm Andrew. I'm 27 and I live in London, England. I've known Russell since 2015, when we met during his study abroad semester at the University of St Andrews. We've since bonded further over our love of the video game Football Manager. When I'm not working in PR and Marketing for a video games company, I love country music, watching live sport and travelling to new places. Oh, and I'm quite partial to a pint of Guinness! I can't wait to be part of Russell and Kendra's special day.
