Wedding Party
Thomas Ferguson
Groom
(Ilana wrote this) Originally hailing from Sturbridge, MA, Tom quickly made a name for himself as the “Around the World Math Champion" of elementary school. Music has always played an important part of Tom’s life: after nurturing his own love for the craft, Tom eventually found himself playing his sax on a cruise ship gig. Equal parts musician, scientist and Tom Brady fangirl, Tom loves craft beer, his cats, routine, chili, hiking, Chili’s, salsa (or any food that’s red), precision games, YouTube videos, a good deal and jazz. Tom loves Ilana’s sense of humor (she's the funny one, after all), playful nature, ambition, drive, pure love for the cats, and the outfit she picks out for date nights.
Ilana Ransom Toeplitz
Bride
(Tom wrote this) Ilana made her soft opening in Houston before launching to critical acclaim in Pittsburgh, PA, or "The Paris of Appalachia" as she fondly calls it. Out of the artistic milieu emerged a fierce performer and director, commanding audiences as a vocalist and directing her friends in self-produced productions, going so far in the latter case as to individually sew their costumes and rehearse during her childhood birthday parties. Ilana deeply loves her friends and family (including her cats of course), is a hustler at heart that just makes magic happen, may forget her keys but is never without pocket cheese, and lights up every room she graces with her optimism, passion, kindness, and custom lighting designs. Ilana loves Tom’s ability to balance her, his drive to make the world a better place, his artistic sensibilities, his dashing good looks, and she can’t resist his sense of humor (he’s the funny one, after all). Oh, and Ilana also has a passing interest in musical theater.
Kathy Ferguson
Tom's Sister
The older sister of the legendary Tom Ferguson, Kathy lives in the seaside town of Gloucester, MA—but her true home might just be the whole world. A fearless traveler and seeker of joy, she has a knack for finding adventure (and the best food) wherever she goes. Annoyingly good at everything she tries, Kathy is a talented writer, a lover of bougie cuisine, and a connoisseur of excellent water (whether she's drinking it or sitting next to it, she knows what's good). She's also a compassionate activist, known for showing up with heart, humor, and conviction. Whether she's exploring new cultures or standing up for what matters, Kathy brings curiosity, grace, and her own signature style to everything she does.
Shira Toeplitz Center
Ilana's Sister
At age four, Shira tried to rename her newborn sister Ilana Ransom Newspaper—a move that may have predicted her future in journalism. Luckily, she quickly embraced her role as big sister, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Now living in Boston and working at The Boston Globe, Shira is Ilana’s oldest friend, fiercest ride-or-die, and the incredible mom of Ilana’s two cherished nieces. In her spare time, she gardens, cooks through the NYTimes cookbook, and “borrows” Ilana’s clothes. Thoughtful and whip-smart, Shira is the kind of person who shows up for others with wisdom and wit. Ilana couldn’t imagine life—or this day—without her.