Wedding Party
Sophia Venturo
Bridesmaid
Sophia, Olivia's sister, was always up for adventure in their small Vermont town—whether it was riding bikes or jumping on the trampoline. This usually meant a few tumbles for Sophia, with Olivia laughing way too hard at her misfortune. Of course, there were always a few tears, but mostly from Olivia's uncontrollable laughter. Now, even though they’re in different states, their bond is stronger than ever, with plenty of FaceTime chats and trips to visit each other.
Lauren Gipson
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Olivia’s friendship began at Papa Frank’s Italian Restaurant (yes, you’ll be hearing a lot about that place). Lauren was a freshman, and Olivia was a junior, but age didn’t matter when it came to causing chaos together. Even back then, the sound of their laughter could be heard from every corner of the restaurant—until the rush hit, of course. Just like sisters, they could go from a heated argument to belly-laughing in seconds. And now, 10 years later, absolutely nothing has changed.
Allee Martin
Bridesmaid
Olivia and Allee both were transfer students at James Madison University in 2017, and met during Sorority Rush. Coincidently sitting next to each other, Olivia tried to talk to Allee, excited to hopefully make a friend in her first few days at JMU. Allee looked at Olivia as if she had 3 heads, but despite that, Olivia demanded her friendship. Allee can be stubborn, and certainly sarcastic, but took Olivia's demand for friendship, and has been one of Olivia's best and most trusted friends since. While Allee lives in Texas, and Olivia in Boston, their friendship has remained strong and sacred to Olivia (and maybe Allee...we'll see if she admits it).
Jenna Martin
Bridesmaid
Jenna and Olivia’s friendship began at James Madison University when they both received bids to join Phi Sigma Sigma, and from that moment, they were inseparable. They became best friends almost overnight, spending more time together than apart—whether it was binge-watching TV, cramming for exams at 4am, or hanging out in a random basement on Devon Lane. Through all the late-night talks and inside jokes, they became each other’s person. There are mornings now when Olivia wishes she could be back in Harrisonburg with Jenna, cruising to Cookout for a Sweet Tea to maybe cure their hangovers. Life may have taken them to different states, and through different challenges, but their friendship always remains one of the most important part of their lives. Jenna will always be one of Olivia’s favorite people, a constant in her life, and someone she knows will always be there, no matter what (even if that means Jenna wants to hug and squeeze Olivia, who hates hugs).
Sam O'Connor
Best Man
Sam holds a truly special place in Mark’s heart. As his only brother, they’ve shared a lifetime of memories—playing hockey and lacrosse, running cross country, jumping off the boathouse at Lake Winnipesaukee, and even sharing a room. Sam spent countless nights at Olivia and Mark’s house in Vermont, and now, with the move to Boston, they’ve had the joy of seeing each other even more. Sam and Mark truly embody the meaning of brotherhood and friendship.
Tom O'Connor
Groomsman
Tom is Mark's father, but also one of Mark's closest confidants. Through thick and thin, Tom has been the most amazing father; he spent hours and hours bringing Mark to and from hockey and lacrosse games and practices. Mark also worked with Tom at TCI during his summer and winter breaks from school (which mostly meant being picked on and bossed around by Tom). As Mark has gotten older, his relationship with his dad has gotten even more special, and Tom is also incredibly special to Olivia. With a very similar sense of humor, Olivia and Tom spend most of their time making fun of eachother, with the occasional pinching contest. Mark and Olivia both wanted to specifically honor his dad by having him in the wedding party.
Andrew Wallace
Groomsman
Mark met Andrew five years ago through Olivia, as Andrew is Jenna’s partner. From the start, it was clear that Mark and Andrew shared a lot in common—both quiet, protective, and happy to let the girls do their thing. When the two couples get together, it feels like no time has passed at all. While Jenna and Olivia relax with cocktails on the couch, Andrew and Mark often find themselves off in their own world, chatting about their hobbies. This bond has become really important to Mark, as he’s not someone who opens up easily, but with Andrew, it’s just effortless.
Nate Batchelder
Groomsman
Nate and Mark grew up side by side in Shrewsbury, where they quickly became inseparable. Both had younger brothers, and together they spent countless hours causing mischief. Despite the years that pass, when Mark and Nate find themselves together, the years of shared memories and inside jokes flow effortlessly between them. Their friendship, built on years of trust and shared experiences always bring them back to the joy of their childhood, no matter where or when.
Moe Paquette
Officiant
Moe is one of the most important people in the world to both Olivia and Mark. Olivia met Moe in 2015 while going door-to-door at restaurants to get her first serving job. Moe graciously took her in with zero experience and subsequently threw her to the wolves (aka Papa Frank’s regulars). Over the last 10 years, their relationship has grown much to the tune of family. Mark started working at Papa Frank’s his freshman year in college after he found out his fake ID worked on the servers. During COVID, Mark wanted to stay in Vermont, but his lease did not begin until June of 2020. In Moe and Karen fashion, they offered the studio above the restaurant to Mark. Despite working at the same restaurant from 2018-2020, Olivia and Mark had never officially worked together, as Olivia worked at Papa Franks when school wasn't in session, and Mark worked at Papa's during the school year. Moe and Karen giving Mark the studio upstairs during COVID is what put Olivia and Mark at Papa Franks at the same time- the rest is history! Moe’s love for life, charity, his family/friends, and most importantly, his late wife, Karen, is something to admire. It was an absolute no-brainer to ask Moe to be the one to marry us.