Erin & Mason
Wedding Party
Caitlin Houlihan
Matron of Honor
Caitlin and I have known each other since I was exactly one month old. We may be cousins by blood but we are best friends by choice. We grew up together and have been told that we had our own language together even before we were able to speak. Even though we are separated by distance, we still somehow manage to be inseparable, even if it means we have to hang out on our Animal Crossing Islands, we find a way! What I love most about Caitlin is her sense of humor, her willingness to listen, and her ability to light up any room she walks into.
Logan Gallenstein
Best Man
I'm not sure I have a single, real memory of a world without Logan. He's been the Robin to my Batman since I was just shy of 2 years old. Our mothers have been good friends for decades, so we sort of "lucked" into our friendship, but it's certainly one that has stood the test of time. On paper, Logan and I couldn't be more different, but our core values and shared experiences allow us to pick up right where we left off every time we're around each other. He's a wacky, high-energy, and all-around caring dude, and I couldn't imagine having anyone else by my side when Erin and I say "I do."
Alena Dreskin
Bridesmaid
Alena and I met through our mutual friend, Carlos. However, if you ask us to pinpoint the time we met, we will not be able to tell you. What we know for sure is that our friendship began during the 2016 NBA finals and at an infamous Halloween party. Watch out for Alena once the dancing starts. Trust me, you won't be able to miss her, and once she gets started she can't stop! What I love most about Alena is her free spirit and her ability to pull that free spirit out in anyone she meets.
Carlos Piepenburg
Groomsman
Carlos has been around since Day 1. Erin and I have known him for as long as we've known each other, and he's been a key ingredient in keeping our lives interesting. As Erin and I both tend to be a tad introverted, it's always nice having an outgoing friend like Carlos to make sure we drag ourselves out of the house now and then. If our circle had a 'Social Planning Committee,' you can bet that Carlos would be at the helm. Having shared in various experiences from long weekend vacations to finsihing marathons, this wedding would feel incomplete without Carlos on the frontlines.
Mary Alice Stewart
Bridesmaid
Mary Alice and I met the summer she was living in Cleveland, before Mason and I began our relationship. That summer we spent a lot of time getting to know each other, making it easier for me to join the family later on. Mary Alice is the sister I always wanted, and I am so excited to officially be able to call her family! The thing I love most about Mary Alice is her ability to always make those around her feel comfortable and included.
Chris Burke
Groomsman
I felt like I'd struck gold when Erin and I first started dating. I didn't realize at the time that that also meant I might one day win the epic bonus points of having Chris as a brother-in-law. He's honest, down-to-Earth, and just a super cool dude across the board. I've always wanted a brother. I've been lucky enough to have a lot of friends that felt like brothers, but never like- a REAL brother. Chris has been awesome in helping me become a member of the Burke family, and has become a great friend along the way. I'm proud to have him in my squad when Erin and I finally tie the knot.
Erika Gruner
Bridesmaid
Erika and I met Freshman year at Ohio University and eventually went on to become roommates our Senior year. We were pretty much inseparable. We had the same major and made sure to always take the same classes. We even got good at answering to each others names. Currently we live across the country from each other, but we do not let that stop our friendship. No matter how many time zones we are apart, we always manage to keep up the endless inside jokes. What I love most about Erika is her loyalty and her ability to always be down for a good time!
Zach Groves
Groomsman
Zach has always been more of a kindred spirit than a friend. I met him at band camp in 2007, and that very same evening we found ourselves playing 90s tunes on the corner of Bardstown Road and Bonnycastle with an open guitar case. I think we made about 15 dollars, which was promptly spent on a hookah and a few bottles of Jones Soda (ah, college...). There's likely an alternate universe where I'm marrying Zach instead of Erin, and a few hours later, that universe would explode. Thankfully that's not the case, but I'm glad to have him here either way.
Jenna Stahl
Bridesmaid
Jenna and I also met during Les Miserables back in 2014. She was one of the original people I met after moving to Cleveland, and we have been best friends ever since. Currently we live 3 blocks from each other and spend a lot of time meeting up for lunch time walks. The thing I love most about Jenna is her ability to converse with just about anyone, no matter if she has met them before or not!
John Aurelius
Groomsman
John has been one of my closest- and certainly most interesting- friends since we first crossed paths in college. We always managed to run in the same social circles in school, and that bled into the local theatre community once we graduated. I've always liked having John around because he made me feel like I had a cartoon sidekick to provide fun-facts, intelligent commentary, or theme-music to otherwise ordinary situations. I was proud to serve as his best man when he got hitched back in 2016, and I'm thrilled to have him joining the ranks when I do the same.
Aubrey Burkey
Flower Girl
Aubrey is Erin's "niece" (second cousin). Aubrey and I love spending time together at the Canfield Fair and playing at family gatherings. I always love spoiling Aubrey with fun gifts as well! The thing I love the most about Aubrey is how loving she is. She gives the biggest hugs of anyone I know!
Ryan Burkey
Ring Bearer
Ryan is Erin's Godson. Like his sister Aubrey, I love spoiling him every chance I get. Playing chase and having tickle fights are our favorite things to do at family functions. The thing I love the most about Ryan is his independence. He loves to try new things and learn how to do them on his own!