Wedding Party
Mary Barton
Matron of Honor
Mary is Maggie's older sister and best friend. Being only one year apart in school and sharing a bedroom for 17 years made them incredibly close. Maggie has the best memories of their dance parties, shows that Mary directed for every guest that stayed in their house, and their covid quarantine together. Mary attended the University of Cincinnati for undergrad where she studied education and she just earned her Masters in teaching administration. Maggie had the privilege of standing by Mary's side when she married Nate. Maggie can't imagine having anyone else by her side on her wedding day. Mary currently lives in Columbus and is a middle school teacher - something she definitely has the personality for. She and Nate are now expecting their first baby boy, coming in September 2024. Maggie is so excited to become an aunt. If you see Mary at the wedding ask her about her love of dachshunds, Chinese food, and her ability to plan anything in 10 minutes.
David Tugend
Bridesman
David is Maggie's younger brother. David made their shared childhood full of laughing, singing, and dancing. Some of Maggie's favorite memories are their living room dance parties and their walks to school together. No one knows how to bring the party quite like David does. However, nothing puts Maggie to sleep quite like David's long monologues about video games she has never played. David now lives in Cincinnati and works at a local distillery. If you see David at the wedding ask him about his record collection, his aspirations to become a film writer, and the time he was a fire truck for Halloween.
Cassie Ziance
Bridesmaid
Cassie and Maggie met before kindergarten started. They became fast friends with their mutual love of reading and disdain for outdoor recess. Their friendship continued as they participated in Battle of the Books, played middle school volleyball, and even one season of softball together. Cassie attended Ohio State University for undergrad. In 2023, Cassie and Maggie celebrated 20 years of friendship with an amazing trip to Amsterdam and Belgium with their moms. They continue to visit one another in their respective big cities (New York and Chicago) and rejoice at food prices whenever they return to Columbus. Cassie is an accountant at a private equity firm in Chicago. If you see Cassie at the wedding ask her about her inability to say no to anyone trying to sell something (juice pulp crackers), her real housewives obsession, and her innate ability to justify any purchase.
Sarah Imwalle
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Maggie became friends in high school when they went to homecoming together. You cannot overestimate the number of hours Maggie and Sarah spent studying together. They had countless nights studying in the Bexley Starbucks and eating tacos from Tacoriendo. There was hardly a day in high school that Maggie and Sarah did not spend 12+ hours together. Sarah attended Ohio State for college. In college Maggie and Sarah both studied Neuroscience and are now both in medical school. Sarah plans to pursue a career in Pediatrics. Sarah lives in Columbus with her partner Jake, their cat, Kevin, and dog, Nova. If you see Sarah at the wedding ask her about her cat, Kevin, medical school, and her love of a good salad.
Bryn Harding
Bridesmaid
Bryn and Maggie first met at church when they were in elementary school. So many memories of Maggie's childhood include Bryn and her family. Our family trip to DC, NYC, and our annual Tugend-Harding fest. Maggie probably spent just as much time sleeping at the Harding's as she did her own house. Bryn would serve them On the Border chips and salsa and they would stay up late laughing together. They were co-captains of the swim team and spent many summers lifeguarding together. Bryn moved to Philly to attend West Chester University and went on to get her masters at WVU. Bryn now lives in Morgantown, WV with her fiance, Jarod, and children. If you see Bryn at the wedding ask her about her great dance moves, her new house in West Virginia, and her precious children.
Tavia Keating
Bridesmaid
Tavia and Maggie met early on in their freshman year of college at Vanderbilt. They were fast friends between their love of dancing, music, and science. Maggie and Tavia suffered through organic chemistry, physics, and gen chem together. But they also had so much fun together! Just ask about their time sliding down the side of a mountain on a hike with Tavia's uncle or the time they got stranded at Bonnaroo. Tavia now lives in Seattle, so their friendship is bicoastal. If you see Tavia at the wedding ask her about her horoscope, her inability to jay walk, and her adorable little sister, Lia.
Tyler Easley
Bridesman
Tyler and Maggie met early on in their freshman year of college. They were practically inseparable for all of college. An unlikely friendship, but they have always enjoyed their long conversations analyzing how the world works, playing spades (and winning), and watching movies. Tyler's family has become a second family to Maggie. Maggie saw all of Tyler's career changes from medicine, to consulting, and finally landing on law. Tyler graduated from the University of Chicago law school in 2023 and is now working at King & Spalding in Atlanta. If you see Tyler at the wedding ask him about his life goal to become a jeweler, his dog, and how much he benches.
Marissa Caldwell
Bridesmaid
Marissa and Maggie met in medical school. In fact, the first day that they met was the day they moved in together. It didn't take long for them to realize that they were destined to be friends. Especially with their mutual love of all things sweet. They have loved living together for the last 4 years. So much so that they have declared that they can never have another roommate, because they have set the bar too high for one another. Marissa is in her last year of medical school before she enters her residency in pediatrics at the University of California San Diego. Maggie cannot wait to watch her career and life flourish! If you see Marissa at the wedding ask her about her grandmother's cooking, San Francisco, and her adorable niece, Madeline.
Aleks Recupero
Bridesmaid
Aleks and Maggie met on Aleks's 22nd birthday (the same day Maggie met Zach). At first, Aleks thought that Maggie didn't like her but she quickly realized that wasn't true. Maggie and Aleks share a love of reading, traveling, and sitting on the beach in LA. Maggie has watched Aleks's relationship with her fiancé, Jeremy, flourish from the beginning. Their couples game nights get very competitive and they spent the end of 2023 celebrating the new year in Joshua Tree together. Aleks is currently working on her PhD at Columbia before returning to finish her MD. If you see Aleks at the wedding ask about her family's dog, Maddie, her undertaking of reading every Pulitzer Prize book, and her amazing work towards her PhD.
Jacob Engel
Best Man
Jacob and Zach met in college where they became fast friends owed to their shared North Carolinian heritage, their hatred of Duke, and their love of Roddy Ricch's The Box. You may regularly seem them alternate between a heated argument and making each other howl with laughter over perhaps the stupidest joke you have ever heard. Jacob's sense of humor is only matched by his loyalty and kindness, a small part of what makes him such a fantastic friend. Jacob currently lives in D.C. If you see Jacob at the wedding ask him about UNC basketball, Jay Z's discography, or that time he needed surgery for his hip after picking up Sachi.
Melissa Verne
Groomswoman
Melissa is Zach's older sister and as a result has been with him as long as he can remember. Some of Zach's earliest memories are of Melissa reading various books to him in her room, which sparked a lasting love of reading. Though Melissa was only in Taiwan for one year, her love of travel and exploration also lead to Zach's desire to experience Taiwan to the fullest during his time there. Melissa was also the first of the three Verne children to attend Rice (sorry Wesley) and Zach's visit to her dorm solidified the lineage of Verne's that would attend. Clearly a trailblazer and a stellar sister, Melissa has always been a force for good in the lives of her family and loved ones. Melissa currently lives in San Francisco. If you see Melissa at the wedding ask her about books (especially romance), Avatar the Last Airbender, or which (female) tennis player is the GOAT.
Wesley Verne
Groomsman
Wesley is Zach's older brother and has been a role model for him since he was born. Wesley has always been a deep thinker and a passionate learner, but that didn't stop him from wrestling Zach to the ground on the trampoline every day when they were kids. Some of Zach's earliest memories with Wesley include the Linkin Park posters that adorned his bedroom wall and the fact that Wesley never let Zach use his GameCube memory card. Despite their age gap, Wesley's music taste and love of video games rubbed off on his younger siblings and he has also set the bar for them in many other ways. Wesley currently lives in Charlottesville with his wife Malavika where he works on a company he started called Capitan which provides scheduling services to rock climbing gyms. If you see Wesley at the Wedding ask him about running, space-related things, or what video games he has been playing lately.
Joshua Verne
Groomsperson
Joshua is Zach's only younger sibling and being only two years apart they were always an immensely important part of each other's lives. So much so that the longest amount of time they have spent not living in the same place is two years! Joshua has always had a penchant for philosophical ideas but that doesn't mean they aren't also willing to throw down (just see what happens if Death Grips gets played). From playing in the woods in NC to tearing it up in the quad at Rice, Zach and Joshua have seen many life milestones together. Although many people say Zach and Joshua sound scarily similar when they talk they are in fact two different people. Joshua currently lives in the Upper East Side in New York with their partner Ev. If you see Joshua at the wedding ask them about noise music, their artwork, or what video games they are playing.
Sachi Paul
Groomswoman
Sachi and Zach became friends during their sophomore year in college and when you meet her you may immediately see why. They are both so loud! Sachi and Zach became fast friends through their ability to make each other laugh and their love for being ridiculous at all times. Sachi is the reason Zach was introduced to what would become many of his closest friends in college. She's as kind as she is rambunctious and if you really want to be impressed ask to hear her unmatched pitch perfect singing (this is a lie). Sachi currently lives in Pittsburgh where she is pursuing her PhD. If you see her at the wedding ask her about any recent tea, Austin TX, or what music she is listening to.
Jake Bhoi
Groomsman
Jake and Zach became close friends halfway through college. They bonded over their mutual love of dancing, roasting each other, and pop music (which Jake had a hand in influencing for Zach). Jake has always been a blast to be around and is truly a renaissance man excelling in so many areas. Whether it is performance, taking care of his plants, or doing high level neuroscience research Jake is a force to be reckoned with in so many domains. Jake has also always been a considerate and caring friend that fosters close relationships with those around him. Jake is currently pursuing a PhD in Chicago where he lives with his partner Emilio. If you see Jake at the wedding ask him about what he is listening to right now, his favorite reality show, and what movies he has been watching.
Ben Coben
Groomsman
Ben and Zach became friends early on in college but became much closer on the latter end and after graduation. Through attending many of the same parties and playing smash bros together in Ben's suite, they became fast friends through their love of roasting one another and being tall. After Ben moved to New York post-college Zach quickly followed with one of the first (and only) places Zach went to in early pandemic New York being Ben's apartment. Now it's pretty rare if Zach doesn't see Ben at some point if he goes downtown for an evening. Ben is always the life of the party (least of all cus he's usually the tallest there) and has all the qualities of a great friend (mostly that he is tall). Ben currently lives in Brooklyn. If you see Ben at the party ask him about what TV he's watching, what happened with his fantasy league last year, and whether he's been playing more cod or fortnite lately.
Paul Onyali
Groomsman
Zach met Paul early on in college where he was immediately struck by Paul's warm and friendly demeaner. Some of Zach's earliest memories of Paul consist of them hanging out on the fifth floor of their dorm or at various parties where Paul always had a way of making others feel welcome. Though Paul initially stayed in Houston after graduation, his move to New York was a welcome one and after being there for a couple years he's already more of a New Yorker than many. Whether it is honing his DJ skills, working on his massive muscles, or spending time exploring the city Paul brings joy everywhere he goes. You may see him spinning the latest Latin and Afrobeats hits at many a Bushwick establishment, but whether he is DJing or not he is always the life of the party. He currently lives in Brooklyn. If you see him at the wedding ask him what he is listening to right now, his most recent podcast episode, or any mutual friends you have (odds are you have at least one).
Juan Torres
Groomsman
Juan and Zach became friends in medical school where they bonded over their mutual love of music and their ability to make each other laugh. Juan is always down for a new adventure and is so gregarious and kind that he fits into any environment the night throws at him. Though a Cali boy at heart, Juan has spent his time in New York to the fullest with regular Broadway shows, trips to new restaurants, and going out dancing. Zach and Juan have been all over New York on their various nights out that always inevitably end with a chopped cheese. He currently lives in the Upper West Side and is pursuing an MD/PhD. If you see Juan at the wedding ask him about his favorite restaurants, what an organoid is, or why L.A. is the best city.