Thomas & Christian
Wedding Party
Spencer O'Gara
Best Man
Spence is Tom's brother, mini-me, best friend and best man. Spence has always been there for Tom and continues to inspire his older brother with his smarts, his wit and his generosity. Spence met Christian 4 years ago when he made his yearly visit to Columbus for Thanksgiving. They've been good friends ever since, and Spencer now lives 500 ft from Tom and Christian's house.
Shelly Sital
Best Woman
Shelly and Christian met in college (OSU) circa 2006 and have been best friends ever since Shelly said they would be! In college they would often take long drives down Riverside to clear their minds and catch up on life. Now that Shelly lives in Chicago, they often make road trips to do the same - some things never change! With an honesty matched equally with a genuine kindness hard to find elsewhere, Christian could not be happier or feel in better hands than to have Shelly as his Best Woman!
Kateryna Sylaska
Best Woman
Tom met Kateryna during their first year of college at Northern Arizona University in a Psychology class taught be a bizarre Freudian instructor. They formed a study group and immediately bonded over French, food and an unfortunate performance of The Phantom of the Opera. That was 14 years ago - time flies when you're having fun! They've been besties ever since. Kateryna has been an incredible friend and source of unwavering support for Tom over the years. And, she approved of Christian, so it's all good. Je boucle bebe.
Bryan Bowen
Best Man
Bryan and Christian also met at The Ohio State University not long after meeting Shelly. They had an instant connection through all things design, and continue to share projects and inspire each other. Tom and Christian's first road trip was to visit Bryan in Raleigh NC, and Tom passed the test! With a passion for travel, uncompromising (expensive) design and a generosity that knows no limits, Bryan continues to be not just a best friend, but a role model that Christian is honored to have at his side.
The Neighbor Ladies
Officiants
Jordan and Elizabeth are our best friends, and our best couple. We met the "Neighbor Ladies," as we affectionately call them, when they moved into the carriage house behind our last apartment. We struck up a fast connection and friendship, bonding over our SPECTACULAR landlord Bob, our stylish neighbors, French, food and wine. We joke that Jordan and Elizabeth are the female version of us (well, minus the sports for Christian)! On a serious note, we appreciate and respect them so much. They've taught us how to be a better, stronger and more loving couple and how to have one helluva time, no matter what we're doing together. And that's just a sliver of why we couldn't imagine anyone else marrying us.