Whitney & Lauren
Wedding Party
Christina Grant
Matron of Honor
Christina is the actual nicest person I've ever met. I am lucky to have been assigned as her roommate our freshman year of college and she’s been one of my closest friends ever since. Christina is incredibly smart, humble, sweet, and supportive. She is just so easy to be around, and I always feel at home with her and her family. Christina finds a way to be incessantly positive and see the best in people and she has always inspired me with her kindness to others.
Evan Richards
Best Man
I keep him around for help changing out light bulbs without a ladder, but he's also an excellent dinner date and genuinely one of my favorite people. I met Evan in Knoxville, TN nearly 10 years ago and our friendship has deepened greatly in California. He is a passionate learner, he's clever and hysterical, always inquisitive, intentional, and ambitious. He's who I go to to for most things - advice, a laugh, a stag dinner date, and deep thoughts over a glass of whiskey late at night.
Stephanie Israel
Bridesmaid
I have known Steph since we lived on the same floor our freshman year of college. She is a party planner extraordinaire and mother to all. Steph has a zest for life, is incredibly generous, and is an enthusiastic and genuine friend. She’s also a total goofball and I never stop laughing when we’re together. She has incredible taste in music, always curating the best dance party mix. Steph gives great hugs (with a little booty shake) and is a fantastic snuggler. She is passionately dedicated to her family, and is accepting and full of love for others.
Darren Self
Groomsman
One of my oldest and truest friends. We met the first day of high school in homeroom 18 years ago and have been the closest of friends ever since. We hiked the Appalachian Trail together in 2009, and the memories from that trip are some of my fondest. He's incredibly musically talented, loyal, loving, hilarious, and devoted to his passions. I have him to thank for what I think is pretty exceptional taste in music. Though distance has separated us since I moved to CA, we always pick up right where we left off whenever we get together.
Karlene Manley
Bridesmaid
Karlene is another blessing from the Northeastern housing folks, when she became my roommate our sophomore year of college. She is insanely smart, dedicated, and works harder than anyone I know. She somehow still finds the time to be a loyal, caring, and committed friend who is always down to get together. Karlene is also silly and an avid dance partier - I can’t think of a time spent with her that wasn’t fun. I have always admired her ability to make the most of the time she is given, and she inspires me to be more intentional in my life too.
Eric Malkowski
Groomsman
Eric and I met almost 10 years ago in Knoxville, TN. He's an elite marathoner, in fact he's one of those people who is great at everything he does - though he'd never say that about himself. He's constantly impressing me, and simultaneously inspiring me to better myself. He's always humble, totally hilarious, ever curious, engaging, and filled with positive energy and excitement. Though we have not always lived in the same place, it's always been easy to stay close. He's truly kind, and such a devoted friend to Whitney and me.
Ellie Cerovski Darriau
Bridesmaid
Ellie was one of my first friends in California - we met while working at the Apple store (as is the origin story of many of our CA friends). She has become one of my closest friends, always there for a laugh, a cry, and everything in between. She’s my go-to girl date and always knows the best advice to give and also when you just need someone to listen. Ellie is incredibly smart, kind, thoughtful, and has kick-ass taste in music. She is wise beyond her years and has taught me to be a better, more intentional friend.
Leo Herrera
Groomsman
I met Leo 7 years ago in Berkeley, CA and we became fast friends. We've spent so much time together laughing that I think it's what we do best. He's got great taste in beer, which is of extreme importance. Leo is incredibly creative, thoughtful, genuine, and a very consistent friend. He lets us call him Leo even though everyone else in his life calls him Ramon (though this might be a testament to Lucy - his wife - for seamlessly switching back and forth). I can always count on him to go hunting for a lost stake in the middle of the night.
Adam Chicoine
Brother of the Bride
Adam is my OG bestie. He is a sweet, big-hearted, silly, caring, and protective older brother. We share a special bond and countless inside jokes, so that every time we see each other, we almost always end up laughing until we cry about something no one else understands. Adam is compassionate, loyal, and dedicated. He’s a fierce friend and champion for the underdog. To be loved by him is to know someone always has your back. I am honored to be his little sister, and lucky to call him my friend.
Vanessa Smalley
Sister of the Groom
She was my first friend, and has been by my side for it all. I struggled to pick just one photo of us, because we were always goofing around for the camera as kids. She has always believed in me, accepted me as who I am, and wanted the best for me. She is fiercely loyal, caring and devoted, strong, a truly exceptional mom, and the epitome of Southern charm. I'm proud of who she is and honored to have grown up with her by my side.
Jessica Lynch
Bridesmaid
I met Jes when she moved to Oakland to join her sister Janelle in CA. She quickly became one of my closest friends and part of our California family. Jes exudes positive energy and all around goofballness, but is present for the serious stuff too with a judgement-free ear to lend and advice to give. Jes is truly unique and I admire her for her ability to be herself, and be vulnerable and open with her friends. Jes is sweet, sentimental, hilarious, open-minded, inquisitive, and did I say funny? She has been a truly special friend to both Lauren and me.
Janelle Lynch
Officiant
Nelle has been one of our closest friends since the beginning of our relationship. We have a million memories of nights spent around her table - laughing until our sides hurt, eating amazing (if under-salted ha ha) food, playing games with friends, and sharing stories. She is one of those people who is always bringing others together, and into her circle. She has more friends than anyone else we know, and yet she makes us feel incredibly special and close. Nellie is kind-hearted, the most accepting of others and otherness, ambitious and driven, but also a total goofball - "janelle accents" as proof. She has incredible taste in music, and has opened our ears to many new sounds. If anyone knows us and our relationship best, it's her.