The Future Mr. & Mrs. Wright
Wedding Party
Emily Santiago
Maid of Honor
Being the little "Santiago" sister, Gabby was one of the first people I met when I came into this world. To this day we remain not only sisters by blood, but best friends by choice. From having tea parties, seeing who had the longest hand stand in the pool, and playing dress up. It is an honor to be able to hang my "mailman" hat up (that was my designated character when we played "house") and stand beside my sister and soon to be brother in law during their special day. Gabby and I can laugh endlessly at anything especially when it comes to reflecting on our younger years. She has been a huge inspiration to me. Gabby introduced me to Ben at the very beginning of their relationship, and I knew instantly he would fit right in. At the wedding, you’ll find me swimming in my own flood of happy tears and breaking it down on the dance floor.
Elizabeth Nicholas
Bridesmaid
I’ve known Gabby for so long, that writing a paragraph for our story is a near-impossible task. Best friends since (truly) day 1, the only time we were without one another was for a brief (and probably terrible) 12 days between my birthday and hers. Telling the story of how I met Gabby would be to tell the story of my whole childhood. There is no Bits without Gabby. From endless days spent out crawling in the mud, creating weird and hilarious worlds as kids, to watching her defend her right to wear Umbros nonstop, to skipping orchestra to watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians as teenagers (sorry, Kathy!), to being bi-coastal BFFS reconnecting to watch a Nancy Meyers movie for the 100th time, there’s never been a life phase we haven’t seen through together. Nobody can make me laugh like Gabtron, and my life has been richer for it. I love you, soul sister!
Alexis Perez
Bridesmaid
A quick snap of how I met Gabby- Our friendship began way back when we worked the retail life. Gabby was just launching her business when she applied for a job at the store I worked at. She came in for an interview with a long green jacket and her bubbly personality. Even though I didn't know her yet - I had this weird feeling she was gonna get the job right away and of course she did (DUH! What do you expect? It's Gabby!) The rest is literally history. We've been through it all together from Hollywood nights, Vegas Trips, to family holidays spent together. I am so happy my best friend found the love of her life. I couldn't be happier to be up there by her side on her special day.
Samantha Wright
Bridesmaid
I met Gabby a few years ago when my brother brought her home for the holidays to meet the family. She was friendly, funny, and cool. I enjoyed getting to know her, and my kids fell in love with her instantly. I’m so glad Ben asked her to marry him, and I’m so excited for her to become my SIL.
Laney Rapsey
Bridesmaid
Gabby and I met in Mrs. Benedict's Kindergarten class. Despite my dad warning me every time I went to her house to "stay off her dirt bike", we rode that dirt bike and her famous Barbie Jeep into the sunset and since she has been one of my oldest and best friends.
Joanna Wright Shtern
Junior Bridesmaid
I met Aunt Gabby during Thanksgiving a couple years ago. She was really nice and fun. Some of my favorite things I’ve done with her are baking pie, my birthday lunch at the American Girl Doll Store, and our unicorn sleepover. I’m really happy that she is marrying Uncle Benny.
Eleanor Wright Shtern
Flower Girl
The thing I like most about Uncle Benny is that he chases me when I want him to chase me. My favorite thing to do with him is try to hide and he is supposed to find me and then I hug him to surprise him. The thing I like most about Aunt Gabby is that she plays hide and seek with me and Uncle Benny too. My favorite thing to do with her is make gingerbread houses. I love Uncle Benny and Aunt Gabby.
Mikaela Santiago
Flower Girl
will walk for cookies!
Maddox Santiago
Ring Bearer
Uncle Benny is super cool!
Maverick Santiago
Ring Bearer
Dear Uncle Benny, I am so excited for you to marry my aunt Babs, because then we can play toys even more. I think your gonna have a great wedding because of your cool hair. It’s gonna be so fun having everyone together in California.
Nick Sternberg
Best Man
I’m Nick. Ben is my cousin, his mom is my mom’s sister. Let me restate that, Ben is my gregarious, dashing, hilarious cousin who happens also to be my bestie. Throughout our childhood, Ben would come frequently to visit my family in Michigan: Spring Break, multi-week summer trips. During the Northeast power outage of 2003, his plane was delayed to the point he was in Michigan for 5ish weeks. During these visits, he brought 90s/early 00s teen culture to me and my brother including but not limited to skateboarder chic, WWE (WWF at the time), MTV when it still played music videos, etc. He was my cool older Californian cousin. As we got older and we became full people, our relationship necessarily changed. Ben morphed from being my hero to being my friend. During our weekly hour plus phone talks, we hash out everything: relationships, anxieties, everything. Over the last 10 years, we have universally gone through all of each other's phases, high and low. Talked through our myriad of job changes, relocations, and other assorted millennial accouterments. Ben has been through it all with me and I am so appreciative and honored to stand by him as he vows his commitment to Gabby and they enter the next phase in their lives. I look forward to hearing in great detail all the great things life has in store for them.
Andrew Santiago
Groomsman
I met Ben for the first time over three years ago. It was at that moment that I realized my sister had finally met her match - Someone as kind, caring, loving and fun as her. I quickly found out how Ben’s persistent positive attitude renders him up for any challenge, even when completely out of his comfort zone. Whether it’s helping with my children, dealing with the ebb and flow of everyday life, or getting out caught on our fishing adventure 10 to 1, Ben fits right in with our family. I love you (soon to be) brother and am so excited for your special day with my sister!
Jason Lieberman
Groomsman
Benjamin Wright and I met in T-ball where he went on to steal the all-star game nomination from me. As a 5 year old I sought my revenge but over the years his sense of humor, love of basketball (Kobe Bryant) and charm won me over. If Ben was not working a 9-5, he could easily be doing a worldwide tour as a standup comedian. He was always the funniest person in class (he again stole this from me) and still has the charisma to completely take over any room he enters. There are too many stories to choose from, but there was many nights tee-peeing houses together, ordering dial a ride before we could drive, sneaking out during sleepovers, sleeping in tents in the Oak Park woods for no reason or sneaking into a way too easily accessible bus (what a night). My favorite though, has to be during Saturday school. The teacher was not typically in the mood for any enjoyment or happiness out of anybody. Yet, somehow, Ben with his charm, had convinced this teacher to allow him to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow to use in his desk. It remains unbelievable. Ben is one of the nicest and best people I have ever met and I am honored to be a part of this special night.
Jason Gerin
Groomsman
Benny Boo and I met when we were very young because our parents were best friends. He has become one of my best friends ever since. When we were little we would get into fights which would always lead to me telling on him. Ben is so thoughtful and very easy to talk to. He has always been super funny and very outgoing. Growing up - I would always tell him that he should try out to be on SNL or something because he always makes me laugh. Ben has gone through multiple hair do changes, but he's got that thick and sexy hair so he's always looked good. I couldn't be more happy and proud for Ben and Gabby to get married and I can't wait to celebrate!
Erik Prentice
Groomsman
Benny - Although we haven’t been friends for the longest time, I feel like we’ve crammed enough amazing experiences together to last a lifetime. From the Laker’s game, to our Vegas trips, to our late night bar hopping, and football venting calls. You were there the night I met my future wife (and was the best wing man around for less-than-sober Erik), and I was there when you met Gabby. How cool is that! Here’s to many more incredible experiences with you and Gabby!