Katie & Josh
Wedding Party
Claire Barry
Maid of Honor
Claire and Katie have been best friends since they were in Ms. Lancaster's Kindergarten class at Johnson Elementary School. They grew up together in Charlottesville and have experienced all of life's ups and downs together, including putting on dramatic singing and dancing shows for the neighbors at age 7 and dragging Claire's brother Sam in when needed. They went to school together until high school graduation (except for a brief time when Katie went to Buford) and experienced life without each other for the first time in college. Claire attended Tulane University in New Orleans, and Katie was able to visit her frequently and experience life outside UVA. Claire now lives in New Orleans with her fiance Jared and is an avid crossfitter.
Jennifer McGraw
Matron of Honor
Jen is Katie's older sister and lives in Charlottesville, VA with her husband Evan and two children, Joe and Charlotte. Even though they are 7 years apart, Jen has been consistent support in Katie's life and they have bonded each year that they've grown up as Jen was never too far away if she was needed. She has a ridiculous sarcastic sense of humor, is extremely creative and loves to try new recipes and flavors with her cooking. Jen started working at Charlottesville High School during Katie's senior year and has always been a role model for Katie growing up.
Emily Lawson
Bridesmaid
Emily and Katie met their first year of teaching at Ruckersville, Elementary School in Greene County. Before they even really knew each other they took a spring break trip to Virginia Beach together that solidified they would be good friends pretty much the rest of their lives. They supported each other that first year of teaching and they have remained good friends as they both live in Charlottesville and see each other as much as they can. Whether it is going to beer festivals, spontaneous road trips or catching up mid-week, Emily and Katie will find some way to hang out as much as possible. Emily has the most sarcastic sense of humor ever and is an extremely kind and caring friend. She lives with her husband Chris in Cville, about 5 minutes down the street from Katie and Josh.
Emma Yackso
Bridesmaid
Emma and Katie met at Charlottesville High School where they were in the same circle of friends throughout their high school years. Emma attended George Washington University in D.C., and Claire and Katie were able to visit her to experience city college life. Emma also lived in New Orleans for a period of time, which continued to fuel her love of the Saints. She now lives in Richmond with her dog Maisy and always stops in to visit Josh and Katie when she's in town.
Michael Gurvich
Best Man
Michael and Josh have known each other on the soccer field and basketball court since they were 6 years old. They also were in the same class since 3rd grade. In high school, they became closer during soccer season when they always partnered up for workouts during practice and pre-game warm-ups. The next chapter of their relationship was in college at the University of Virginia where they would room together for their first three years and share a house (with separate bedrooms) their fourth year. Not only were they roommates, but also fraternity brothers. Josh and Michael have remained close since college. Michael now lives in Richmond, just an hour from Charlottesville, and they frequently attend UVA sporting events together.
Bobby Martin
Groomsman
Bobby and Josh met in 4th grade at B.C. Charles Elementary and have remained close friends since. In middle and high school they would ride bikes around Newport News, visiting friends and (mostly) staying out of trouble. In high school, they both grew an appreciation for music and would share jam sessions with Bobby on bass and Josh on guitar. Many in their friend group also bought kayaks in high school which allowed them to take their adventures to the sea. Now, they look forward to meeting up at concerts together and to their annual kayak float trip on the James River with the rest of their close friend group including Christian Cooke, David Keeling, Ethan Foster, and Mat Daniels. Bobby lives in Yorktown, VA with his wife, Melissa, and two girls, Emma and Leia.
Chad Forehand
Groomsman
Chad and Josh met on the soccer field when they were 11 years old. They hit it off very quickly and have been close buds since. Through traveling to soccer games and tournaments, their parents also became friends. The Forehands and Thomases would become vacation buddies taking routine trips to the Outer Banks in NC as well as trips to Florida, California, and Cabo. Chad is a Virginia Tech grad and football fan, as well as a UNC basketball fan which gives he and Josh a lot to discuss in season. Chad has been a hunter his entire life and spends most of his fall Saturdays in the woods. He now lives in Blackstone, VA with his girlfriend, Devon.
Adam Poliner
Groomsman
Adam and Josh met during the first year of college at UVA when they began pledging the same fraternity. At the time, Adam and Josh were in many of the same classes and so they bonded over the daily decision of whether to go to class or not. They would go on to live in the same house together during their fourth year of school (as well as improve their academic habits). They both have parents who are ‘Hoo grads and were raised as die-hard fans of UVA athletics. They now share an ongoing text thread with some of their other fraternity brothers where UVA basketball and football are the primary discussion topics. Adam will be finishing law school at UPenn in Spring 2019 and will then return to his hometown of Washington DC.
Jim Anstey
Officiant
Jim is a great friend of both Katie and Josh. He and Josh became close pals while working together at HemoShear, Josh's first employer out of college. Jim was present on that fateful night when Josh and Katie first met. They often found themselves attending events around Charlottesville together and would even live in the same condo complex. Josh and Katie are honored to have such a close friend be their officiant on the big day. Jim is originally from Marlton, NJ and now lives in Newport Beach, CA.
Evan McGraw
Officiant
Evan is Josh and Katie's brother-in-law and will also be assisting with officiating the wedding ceremony. Evan is married to Jen, Katie's sister, and has known Katie ever since he and Jen started dating when they were both attending the University of Mary Washington. Evan enjoys the craft beer scene in Cville and is an avid Redskins fan. He is someone who has always supported and been there for Josh and Katie, no matter what they need. Evan grew up in Virginia Beach but now lives in Charlottesville with his wife Jen and their two children Joe and Charlotte!