Wedding Party
Mike Vernusky
Best Man
Not long after moving to Austin after college, Mike and Michael became roommates. Mike’s work as a composer took him around the world, and Michael was able to join in and turn trips to Tokyo, Marrakech and beyond into treasured memories. Years later, Michael had the privilege of standing beside Mike as his best man when he married his wife, Carolyn.
Katie Southmayd
Matron of Honor
Brittany's longtime best friend from law school, these two cemented their friendship when Katie attended Brittany's viewing party for the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at 5:30 AM on a Saturday and Katie even gamely dressed up with a fascinator! Brittany was honored to be a bridesmaid in Katie's wedding and has actually worn that bridesmaid dress again!
Jonathan Borella
Groomsman
Michael and Jonathan met as Cub Scouts in elementary school, and if there were a merit badge for friendship, Jon would have earned it years ago. Despite living far apart for most of the last 30 years, he never let the distance matter. Michael was proud to stand beside Jonathan as a groomsman when he married his wife, Jen.
Madeleine Cuda
Bridesmaid
Brittany and Madeleine lived on the same floor freshman year at NYU, though Brittany was convinced they were not actually floormates until second semester. Despite the slow start to their friendship, it was strong enough to even survive a year of living together (Brittany's cleanliness and decor habits were developed in adulthood.) They share a love of gin-based cocktails, all things pop-culture and laughing until their faces hurt.
Greg Anderson
Groomsman
Greg played an unexpectedly outsized role in Michael’s life by opening the door — and providing the steady encouragement — to shift careers into public service. Anyone who knows Greg knows he advocates hard for the causes he believes in. What’s less visible, but just as true in Michael's case, is how fiercely he shows up for the people he cares about, too.
Stacy Rizzetta Weiss
Bridesmaid
Another friendship that began on the 3rd floor of Rubin Hall at NYU, Brittany and Stacy have been friends since the start of their NYU days. Stacy is the master of the group trip itinerary and the encyclopedia of the group's varied and sometimes bizarre inside jokes. Brittany was honored to be a bridesmaid (with Madeleine!) in Stacy's wedding and is still dreaming about her cocktail hour spread.
Rachel Castignoli
Reader
Rachel and Michael became fast friends in the City Auditor’s office, bonding over the occasional absurdity of public service. Rachel is a voracious reader, a thoughtful speaker, and someone who brings care to every relationship. Michael is especially grateful to be the godfather to Rachel's daughter, Eleanor.
Katherine Taylor
Reader
While Brittany and Katherine's friendship is newer (their first hangout was the night Brittany and Michael matched on Bumble!), they've developed a deep and special bond. Katherine is a fiercely loyal friend, voracious reader and excellent partner in crime, just ask either of them about the incident with Italian Coast Guard.
Chris McGill
Officiant
As Michael’s older brother, Chris has had a front-row seat to a lifetime of growth, change, and shared history. In addition to being father to Catherine, Allison and Hope, Chris studied to become a minister and now serves as a leader in the Antioch church in Lebanon, Ohio. Michael was honored to stand beside him as best man when he married his wife, Kelley.
James Smith
Music
James is a gifted musician from Brighton, UK whose music first brought him to Austin years ago. Through a highly improbable chain of connections, Michael ended up opening his home to him during that visit — the start of a friendship that has endured for almost 20 years.