Philip & Ruth Tulotta
Wedding Party
Jules Ilian
Matron of Honor
It is a distinct honor to call Ruth my best friend. Ruth is compassionate, creative, thoughtful, beautiful, and perseverant. Ruth and I met at Eisner Camp in 2008 where we became fast friends, staying up late talking on each other’s bunk bed, dressing up for theme nights, and embracing the chaos of being teenagers. Thankfully upon returning from camp we quickly realized that we only lived a short train ride away and would often meet up in Manhattan or each other’s homes. As teenagers we went on a college tour to Boston with our moms (although neither of us applied to a single school we saw on that trip), sleepovers at friends' homes across the Northeast, and NFTY events. I first met Phil at Ruth’s mother’s (of blessed memory) New Year’s Day open house. At the time we were all in high school, Phil and Ruth were just good friends. It has been a joy watching Ruth and Phil grow their friendship into a strong love for each other. I wish them endless happiness as they enter this new phase of life together.
James Tulotta
Best Man
I am Phil's torturous younger brother. I’ve had a front-row seat to a lifetime of brotherly wisdom, mischief, and more than a few questionable pieces of advice. That being said I’ve always looked up to my big brother — though I’d never admit it out loud. It’s a real honor to stand beside my brother on such a huge day — and I’m genuinely thrilled to welcome Ruth to the family… mostly because someone finally managed to annoy him more than me.
Frances Holden
Bridesmaid
Ruth and I met while working in EMS, which really means we trauma-bonded over caffeine, chaos, and the kind of stories you can never repeat in polite company. We clicked instantly, probably because we both appreciate dark humor, sarcasm, and the fine art of keeping it together when everything around us is… not. Ruth is one of the funniest humans I know. She’s the kind of person who can make you laugh even when you’re running on zero sleep and questionable snacks. So when she told me about Phil, I thought, “Okay, this man better be incredible.” And somehow, he actually is. It turns out Ruth found someone who matches her energy, her kindness, and her ability to laugh at life when it gets weird .. which, let’s be honest, is often. Phil and Ruth are truly perfect together. They balance each other out in all the right ways, and they make being around them feel easy, joyful, and usually slightly chaotic, but in a fun way. Ruth, I am so proud to be your friend and your bridesmaid. Phil, welcome to the wonderful, hilarious adventure that is life with Ruth. Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and stories you absolutely cannot tell your future children.
Tim Pillon
Groomsman
I'm Phil's first and favorite husband, Tim. We met in college and instantly clicked together. It is my honor to share our weird relationship with Ruth on this momentous occasion.
Maria Concha Portillo
Bridesmaid
Ruth and I first met in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2019 that our friendship really took off. I’ll never forget the way she’d come into work, glowing as she told me about this guy she really liked — but completely unsure how to make the leap from friends to something more. Then suddenly the world shut down, and out of nowhere she turned to me and said, “So… I have a boyfriend.” I remember thinking it was a strange moment in time to start dating, but if anyone could make love bloom during a pandemic, it was Ruth. Even after I left EMS, our friendship stayed strong — the kind of steady, meaningful bond you can count on no matter how life shifts. And over the years, I’ve gotten to watch her relationship with Philip grow into something truly beautiful. The way they support, respect, and bring out the best in each other has made me love their partnership just as much as I love her. Standing by her side on her wedding day is an honor that fills my heart. I’m so grateful to celebrate a love that is genuine, joyful, and perfectly them.
Anthony Cirillo
Groomsman
I am one Phil’s many cousins and maybe one of the crazier ones. We have grown up together sharing everything from chaotic family gatherings, backyard games, to late-night laughs at a fire pit. I am very excited to welcome Ruth to the family, but let’s be honest, she already been a part of the family for a while.
Emma Burt
Bridesmaid
I’ve known Ruth for 27 years—since we were two years old, toddling around sinai free synagogue sunday school and bonding faster than anyone could believe. Our moms became instant friends too, spending hours over Scrabble while we inevitably found new ways to get into trouble. Over the years, she has truly become family and my favorite sister. We’ve seen each other through every high and low, falling in and out of love, growing into the people we were meant to become, and somehow only growing closer through it all. I’ve known Phil since our high-school friend groups would overlap, and I knew he was a great person for Ruth to have in her life. I couldn’t be more excited to stand by her side as she begins this next chapter.
Douglas Winkelmann
Groomsman
One of the closest friends and basically family to both the bride and groom for many years, as well as being somewhat of the catalyst for this union. Through a lot of interesting adventures, late night escapades, long venting sessions, chill bonfires and exploring new opportunities and experiences they are still as close as ever. Those many memories shared together are cherished to this day. A man known for his compassion, loyalty, humor, will, wit and epic hair, he does his best to be there for his friends in their hour of need to the best of his ability. He is truly blessed to stand among the groomsmen, even though there was debate of being a brides man. He is excited to witness the birth of this new chapter for the happy couple, and can't wait for the new adventures that will follow in the future.