Susanne & Neil
Wedding Party
Charlotte Grainger
Maid of Honor
Charlotte is Susanne's younger sister. When Susanne got engaged, there was no question in her mind that Charlotte would be her maid of honour. Even though they are seven years apart, they couldn't be closer and Susanne looks up to Charlotte in so many ways. Charlotte has made the wedding planning process stress-free and fun!
Kyle Symchysn
Best Man
Kyle and Neil's friendship began in first year residence at McMaster University and their friendship has continued into adult life. As an example of their friendship, Neil spent a year living in Kyle's guest room, which was painted entirely orange for the occasion. Neil credits his friendship with Kyle as a significant contributor to his normalization as an adult. Kyle and his wife, Serena, are Neil's closest adult friends.
Kristin Bauder
Bridesmaid
Susanne met Kristin in 2013 when they joined the Senior National Rowing Team. It didn't take long for them to realize that they both had a love of Starbucks and mermaids! Through all of the Winners shopping trips and Starbucks coffees, a beautiful friendship was born!
Ian Wereley
Groomsman
Ian is Neil’s older brother, and has quite literally been there his entire life. A constant and steady presence, Neil appreciates that Ian is someone who is always open to a good conversation or debate, no matter how esoteric the topic! Neil knows he can always turn to Ian for his older-brotherly advice and guidance and is forever grateful for his valued perspective and insight. Ian lives in Gatineau with his wife, Camille, and their two young boys.
Natalie Mastracci
Bridesmaid
Natalie is proof that the friendships made in the boat can continue long after the racing is done. Natalie was the first person that Susanne rowed with when she joined the Senior Team. Since that first row in 2013, the two have travelled five continents together, seen each other through the ends and beginnings of relationships and spent hours of time chatting about life.
Tom Grainger
Groomsman
Tom is Susanne's younger brother. Tom, Susanne, and Charlotte are all very close, and even though he is a younger sibling he carries a sage presence beyond his years. Neil appreciates Tom’s wit and intellect and greatly enjoys the distinct perspective Tom brings to their conversations. Don't let his big-city living fool you - Tom loves hiking and exploring all that nature has to offer; perhaps we’ll entice him and his partner, Katie, to move out and join us on Vancouver Island one day!
Christine Roper
Bridesmaid
Christine and Susanne go way back. They both attended the University of Virginia and raced on the Under 23 National Rowing Team together. After joining the Senior National Team, the two lived together for three years and have stood on over fifteen international podiums together!
Nick Katsiris
Groomsman
Nick is Susanne’s sister, Charlotte’s, partner. As high-school sweethearts, Nick has been a presence in the Grainger family for as long as Neil has known Susanne. Nick’s a kind, funny, fun-loving guy who brings an exciting dynamic to all family events which Neil greatly enjoys. A likely future brother in law (time’s ticking Nick!), Neil’s excited to have Nick along side him as a groomsman. Like Tom, Nick and Charlotte currently live in Toronto.
Jen Martins
Bridesmaid
Jen is a fierce competitor on the water but just as fierce in her friendships. Susanne and Jen starting rowing together on the Under 23 National Rowing Team in 2011 and have supported one another through thick and thin. This incredible woman is also a dentist and the queen of multi-tasking!
Graham Nishikawa
Groomsman
Graham was Neil’s first roommate at McMaster, and they quickly became fast friends. Neil and Graham would go on to live with each other for all four years of university, including second year when Neil technically had an apartment of his own but spent the entire year sleeping on Graham and Kyle’s living room couch! Their friendship truly bonded over the summer they both spent recycling household hazardous waste on a midnight shift; definitely an experience that will bring people together. After graduation Graham settled in Hamilton and is currently pursuing a degree to become an Osteopath.