Wedding Party
Shermie Zhang-Miller
Matron of Honor
Friendship bonded through chaos, electric motors, and Guam. If Stephanie and Anil were combined into one person, it would be Shermie. Who else could be more fitting for maid of honor?
Brandon Ganey
Best Man
Brandon and Anil met in college though Stephanie. They instantly became friends because of their interest in cars (both Chevy guys because let's be real, Chevy's are the best) and at the time they both drove the same cars (both Malibu's Louise [Brandon] and Boo [Anil]). They spent a time or two working on Louise to keep her running in tip top shape, and succeeded in the process, however she came to an early end because like many things she just wasn't bullet proof. Brandon and Anil are always looking out and helping each other. At this point they're basically family.
Jessica David
Bridesmaid
Stephanie's first college homie. They cried together over boys in the first couple days of moving to a dorm and the rest is history. Kickin' ass, takin' names, getting nachos. I don't even think Jessica lived in her dorm room the first year because she was always with Nadarra and I.
Nick David
Groomsman
Anil's college friend. Nick and Anil met while working in the Wind Simulation Test Lab at Iowa State University. They were the only ones willing to work during a Christmas break and were tasked with assembling test equipment. Given a forklift and a few C-clamps they were able to complete the task with no injuries.
Jessy Ronczkowski
Bridesmaid
Jessy has been and always will be Stephanie's twin. Our grandma still gets us matching Christmas gifts. Together, they're the personification cringey Tumblr post "cousins by chance, best friends by choice." Ugh, gross.
Kyle Kublank
Groomsman
Kyle was one of Stephanie's coworkers at Oriental Motor. Anil met Kyle a few times at various events and the two became buddies. At times they like to poke fun at the other for tool and vehicle choices, but at the end of the day they look out for each other. Kyle is always down to grab a drink (when we were in the same state), kick back, and chill.
Caroline Pereira
Bridesmaid
Once upon a time, Stephanie adopted an Indian sister from Iowa State and introduced her to the proper, but not historically accurate Thanksgiving. It was clearly a canon event for both of them because Caroline has decided to continue to live the U.S. and be a part of our family.
Steve Johnson
Groomsman
Anil met Steve at Iowa State as his overly extroverted (and maybe less than sober) neighbor - AJ and Anil helped break Steve out of his introverted bubble, brought him on out a magic carpet, and showed him a big fun world with lots of friends and opportunities. Keep on dancing, Steve. We looooove you, Steve!
Maria Cristina Ocampo
Bridesmaid
MC is Stephanie's aunt. She's still hip as the kids say. They've spent plenty of time learning Filipino recipes together, shopping for snacks they definitely didn't need at the Asian store, and laying on Squishmallows talking about nothing until they're too tired to talk anymore. She's a real one.
Mike Dabkowski
Groomsman
Mike and Anil are coworkers at L3Harris. They spent a lot of time together building space things and became friends in the process. Mike is always willing to lend a helping hand, grab a drink, or go on a motorcycle ride.
Nadarra Stokes-Schmidt
Bridesmaid
Nadarra and Stephanie have been friends for over a decade - since middle school! They went to middle school, high school, and college together. They're stuck together like glue and can't imagine life without one another so this day won't be complete without her!
Preston Potas
Groomsman
Preston and Anil go way back to freshman year at Bartlett High School and continued their friendship on at Iowa State University. Although they had different majors, Preston and Anil spent a lot of time together contemplating their existence in college or planning the setup of the next university dance event.