Wedding Party
Meena Ravishankar
Maid of Honor
Meena is not only one of Sumedha's Maids of Honor, but she is also her little sister. Though Meena and Sumedha have a seven year age gap, they are incredibly close and talk almost every day. Sumedha would be so lost without her, and loves her very much! Dante and Meena met when she was just 12 years old and have built a wonderful and loving relationship- they truly are like brother and sister!
Avi Brenman
Best Man
Avi and Dante met in sixth grade, where they bonded over band practice and their shared ineptitude at volleyball. They've been best friends ever since. Through game nights in high school, to sharing an apartment and exploring Seattle together, they've always been happy to spend quality time geeking out over the latest topic of interest.
Samantha Klick
Matron of Honor
Sammi and Sumedha met in 2012, when Sumedha was at UC Berkeley. They instantly became best friends and knew that they were meant to find each other. Though they have lived far apart for the last seven years, they have remained besties and a large part of each other's lives. Sammi is loving, creative, and a wonderful friend. Everyone deserves a lifelong friend like Sammi!
Jeffrey Carvajal
Best Man
Jeff and Dante met in middle school when Jeff was a student in Dante's mom's class, and were good friends shortly after. They became best friends after going to college together at UC Berkeley, where they were roommates their senior year. They share a love for travel, appreciation of good food, and enthusiasm for classic and modern Nintendo games.
Dr. Megan Hayes
Maid of Honor
Megan and Sumedha met in 2018 when they began their PhDs at UCSD. Megan helped a terrified Sumedha across a ropes course during a cohort bonding activity and they have been inseparable since. They became immediate best friends and soul-sisters! It was telling that Megan helped Sumedha that first day as Sumedha would not have gotten through grad school without her. Megan is one of the most intelligent, kind, and genuine people!
Gabriella Natoli
Groomswoman
Gabi and Dante met when Gabi was born, while he was a toddler and their family was living in Germany. The two siblings were always close growing up, and whether they were allies or enemies on a given day, they have always shared a deep love and appreciation for each other. Now, they're happy to see each other often and hear about the fun things the other is doing.
Katie Lee
Bridesmaid
Katie and Sumedha were roommates freshman year at UC Berkeley, where they met in 2012. Katie is the best roommate Sumedha has ever had, and she misses their late-night conversations and snack runs! Anyone who meets Katie is instantly wowed by her kindness and loving presence. She is a wonderful friend and cheerleader who has boosted Sumedha up over the last decade!
Ian Herzberg
Groomsman
Ian and Dante are cousins and spent a lot of time together as kids playing with Lego at their grandparents' house. They spent many summers together as they grew up, enjoying good times with fun and family and helping each other through harder times. They've been steady friends that are lucky to be family, too.
Dr. Rochelle Glover
Bridesmaid
Rochelle and Sumedha met in 2016 when they both lived Seattle. Rochelle was getting her PhD and Sumedha was a research scientist at the University of Washington. Sumedha invited Rochelle to a Cinco De Mayo party and the rest is history. Rochelle is resourceful, smart, kind, and a true goblin. Though they only were in the same town for a year, they built a lifelong bond and a cherished friendship.
Benjamin Purcell
Groomsman
Ben and Dante met in middle school as classmates, and became good friends quickly. They bonded over similar academic and pop culture interests. Whether it was at track practice, online during a gaming session, or after studying Norse mythology in college, they've always been able to have a great conversation and a good time.
Mercedes Howie
Bridesmaid
Mercedes and Sumedha met in person for the first time in 2022 in Nashville on one of their now-annual couples trips with Dante and Jeff (Dante's Best Man). They became instant friends, both as individuals and as parts of their couples. Mercedes fit in immediately, shining with wit, humor, and her loving nature. She never fails to show how much she cares, and the two have built a very loving friendship!
Neil Schneider
Groomsman
Neil and Dante met freshman year in high school in band class. Dante immediately noticed his chill demeanor and impressive beard. They steadily grew closer over the years as they spent time hanging out, usually playing games with the boys late into the night. They're always happy to meet up and hang out, often doing similar things to when they were in school.
Dr. Ingrid Vallee
Peach Walker/Bridesmaid
Ingrid met Sumedha and Dante in 2018 at a Halloween party in San Diego. Ingrid dressed as Linguine from Ratatouille, one of Sumedha's favorite movies - naturally, a friendship blossomed. When Sumedha and Dante adopted Peach, Ingrid became one of Peach's favorite aunties and they share a special bond (almost as special as her bond with Dante and Sumedha). Ingrid is strong, intelligent, and a loyal friend. She has been there for Dante and Sumedha and is one of their closest friends!
Dr. Carlisle (CJ) Bascom Jr.
Officiant
CJ and Sumedha met at their biology department retreat in 2018 in San Diego. They started hanging out together as couples with his wife Michaela and became fast friends. CJ is also Dante and Sumedha's Dungeon Master- an excellent one at that. CJ is incredibly smart and wickedly talented - brewing delicious beer and growing orchids are among his many hobbies. There's no one better to marry them than him!
Peach Ravioli
Flower Girl
Peach was adopted in 2020 through the Angels of Rawley Foundation (ARF), who had rescued her from the Korean meat trade. It felt like Peach was destined to be their pup and she truly is their baby. She is affectionate, smart, and a joy to all who meet her. Peach is so loved by her friends and family and is just the best pup in the world!