Julia & Mitchell
Wedding Party
Liz Ranella
Matron of Honor
Liz is Julia’s older sister. They are separated by 5 years which was just enough age difference for Liz to rule the roost. Despite always living in different cities in adulthood, Liz and Julia have maintained an incredibly close bond. She’s always juggling a million things as a working mom, but still somehow doesn’t miss a beat with anything. Liz has always thrived being the center of attention, and knows how to throw a good party, so she was pretty much born for MOH duties.
Katie Giarla
Bridesmaid
Katie G is Julia’s sister from another mister. They are cousins (separated by 4 months) and they grew up thick as thieves. While most little girls loved Cinderella, Julia and Katie had a joint obsession with the Sound of Music. Always tied at the hip as kids, little has changed for them as adults despite the distance from Denver to LA. Katie is very intentional about who she prioritizes and is fiercely loyal to her people. She is as beautiful as she is successful, and she always spurs interesting conversation anywhere she goes. (Fun fact: Katie was the first family member Mitch met!)
Brittni Giangreco
Bridesmaid
Britt and Julia have worked together as OTs since 2018. Some would say they are trauma bonded by working on the COVID and burn teams, but in reality laughing and hanging out with your best friend at work all day is a pretty sweet gig. She also endured a front row seat to Julia’s online dating escapades that landed us here…. Britt brings equal parts intensity and levity everywhere she goes. She is an effortlessly cool mom, and has been an amazing friend to Julia over the years.
Chelsea Nylen
Bridesmaid
I'm (Mitch) not sure there is a person on the planet that is more opposite to me than my own sister. She has more colors on one pair of shoes than I have in my whole closet. However, I get a great amount of inspiration in my day-to-day life on how Chelsea lives hers. Her strengths are my weaknesses (dressing in colors, talking to strangers, etc). We've gotten closer as adults than we were through school-ages and that could be because she finally caught up to my maturity level. I'm so excited that we get to be part of each others big days a mere 8 months apart.
Packy Jones
Best Man
Packy and I have had many co-titles. We've been teammates and roommates and are currently coworkers. One title that has, and will (that's a threat), outlive each of those is great friends. We met at Brooks in 2010 and we quickly became close. Being what seemed like the only two kids at prep school to not live within 20min of the school meant we were stuck with each other as company on many weekends. We share too many memories to count, or retell, and I'm so honored to have him by my side for the wedding.
Eddie Baker
Groomsman
Before I even met Eddie or knew who he was, he was inviting me to play men's league hockey. The first words he said to me when we met in person at the rink were "here's your jersey and here's your White Claw". I knew I liked this guy. Eddie is the most genuine person I've ever met and anyone would be lucky to call him a friend. Whether being the only two to be on time for golf, dinner or hockey - most of my favorite memories from my four years in Florida come with Eddie. I can never repay all the things he's done for me but I hope that forcing him to buy a suit and fly to Pittsburgh helps.
Al Buttress
Groomsman
Zander (from here on "Dr. Al") is another Brooks friend of mine. Him and his family might as well be my own, and I can never thank them enough for making me feel at home ~1000mi away form it. Whether it was beating him in NHL, ping pong or darts, I think our shared competitiveness is what we bonded over - even when one of us had to be the loser (although he has me beat in school by like 10 years). From the days at Bunjo, to visiting him in South Carolina, he is present in so many important times in my life and it wouldn't be right without him standing up there with me at my wedding.
Peter Smith
Groomsman
Peter is Julia’s older brother. A year apart in age, they ran with the same friend groups in high school and college. As much as he would drive her crazy back then (especially when he left the gas tank empty in their car), he’s always been her best friend. Peter’s incredibly smart, quick witted, and a great dad/husband, but his best strength has always been his good taste in music. We wouldn’t be without him up there on our big day!
Liliana
Flower Girl
Liliana is Julia’s oldest niece. She has a spunky, curious personality and will rarely be found not in motion. She loves making new friends and we think she is going to thrive in her role as flower girl!
Kiernan
Flower Girl
Kiernan is Julia’s niece. She has the sweetest personality and loves music! She is so smart and always knows exactly what she wants. K is only interested in FaceTiming if Uncle Mitch joins the call….We are so excited to have her in the wedding!
Leo
Ring Bearer
Sweet Leo is one chill dude. He’s still a baby, and will have no idea what his job responsibilities are, but his older sister will be there to keep him in line.
Dan Whitman
Officiant
Dan is one of Julia’s closest friends from college at Pitt. He’s the extrovert of all extroverts, and has never met a stranger. He is a very talented writer, but also has more blackmail on Julia than anyone, so choosing him as officiant might be a bit of a gamble… Let’s just hope he doesn’t split his pants on the dance floor again…