Zach & Jesse
Wedding Party
Charles Burrus
Best Man
Charles is Zach's dad and the man who has hands-down had the most profound impact on his life. He and his wife, Beth, are pharmacists who live in Zach's hometown of Roodhouse, a small town in Central Illinois' scenic corn country. Charles has not only been a father figure to Zach, but is also one of his best friends. He's the one who's led to Zach's love of learning, sports, sarcasm and classic rock. He also taught Zach how to fight, like when he once punched a pigeon during a walk up to the drug store on the town square. Charles has one of the best senses of humor of anyone Zach has ever met, too, so be sure to chat him up over a beer or Diet Pepsi (his favorite) over our wedding weekend.
Sam Hayes
Best Man
Jesse and Sam first met when Jesse's cousin, Deidre, brought her new mans to the family Easter party one spring. The Easter Bunny really delivered that year because a decade later Deidre has a wonderful husband and Jesse has gained an incredible friend. From his impeccable sense of humor to his depth and breadth of thought, Dr. Sam is an incredible ally to have in your corner and Jesse could not ask for a better best man.
Annie Cullings
Groomswoman
Annie is Zach's oldest sister. She and her husband, Chris, live in Anchorage, AK, and are the proud parents of Zach's 5-year-old nephew, Kelby. Annie is one of the biggest bosses in Zach's life. She's a psychiatric clinician and someone who played an important role in his decision to become a nurse in order to find greater professional purpose and have a more significant impact on his community. Outside of her career, Annie is a wonderful mother (#ParentGoals), a fantastic athlete and a sneaky good artist. Among Zach's favorite memories of Annie is an unforgettable childhood Wiffle ball game and her setting multiple school records on the track in high school and college. We look forward to y'all getting to know her in Vermont!
Caitlin Almon
Groomswoman
When Jesse first laid eyes upon Walsh, she was sipping an ice coffee out of the largest tumbler he'd ever seen. To perfect the picture, the tumbler was covered in Bluth Bananas stickers. The fates had clearly aligned and this magical woman quickly became Jesse's (work) wife. They spent the next two years laughing (so they wouldn't cry) their way through the chaos that is teaching, logging many hours calling each others classroom phones and sleeping in front of the Barefoot Contessa. Although they were forced to breakup when Jesse took a new job, they still remained Bosom buddies, bound especially by their four legged children and their similar tastes in pop culture. #Whosavedwho
Elizabeth Burrus Mesta
Groomswoman
Elizabeth is Zach's favorite middle sister. She and her husband, Edgar, live in Dallas with our 1-year-old nephew, Chip, and their 3 pups. Elizabeth is a Teach for America alum who currently works as a Reading Interventionist at an elementary school and would frankly make a perfect addition to the cast of the TV show "Teachers". Elizabeth loves playing the piano and indoor cycling (thanks for that Peloton password, girl). She also has a very similar humor to Zach's (i.e. an amazing one). Among Zach's favorite memories of Elizabeth include her Mary Katherine Gallagher impressions, the time she tripped over the coffee table (we won't speak of the aftermath), and the many great times they shared during their year together at Mizzou. Be sure to ask her to do her best "Superstar" for you!
Caitlyn Eaton
Groomswoman
Caitlyn and Jesse's rivalry turned best-friendship began on the first day of 7th grade when Jesse was doing too much and Caitlyn had already had enough. Many years of this would follow, forging a friendship that would endure the test of time. From the high school drama of skipping church to watch Harry Potter (wrong path) to the ups and downs of real life, Caitlyn has always served as Jesse's rock. Get yourself a friend who makes you laugh until you cry and then drives you to Friendly's for a Friend-z. Caitlyn will always be Jesse's Best Friend-z even if she is a rfpd (Iykyk). <3
Mary Burrus
Groomswoman
Mary is Zach's baby sister. A Mizzou alum like him and Elizabeth, she works as a behavioral specialist at a school in one of Zach's favorite cities, Columbia, MO. Mary is the mom of our 1-year-old niece, Willow, and our 7-year-old dog niece, Kira. She's an animal lover who has a big heart and a sharp wit. She's also a very talented vocalist who in addition to singing does some amazing, cartoon-worthy voices. One thing's for sure, Mary's someone who can constantly keep you laughing once you get her going. Zach's favorite memories of her include her starring roles in several high school musicals, an iconic rendition of Cell Block Tango one Christmas break, and the time she ran like a banshee out of a haunted house during a family vacation. We can't wait for her to join us in Vermont!
Kate Farrell
Groomswoman
At this point in the wedding party section of the website you're probably asking yourself, "has Jesse ever met a Kate/Cait that he doesn't like?" The answer is absolutely yes, but Kate Farrell is not one of them. Jesse and Kate first met on the beautiful grounds of Phillips Academy Andover but their friendship was christened down the hill at the Park Street Pub. Kate taught Jesse that if you are going to do something, do it all the way. Why teach textbook problems when you could create an entire lab/game which teaches the same thing? Why just go to a Vineyard in South Africa when you could visit one that features a running of the ducks! Kate has a generous and compassionate spirit that elevates anyone who is lucky enough to encounter it. Jesse will follow her to whichever continent she chooses to inhabit next and can not wait for their next adventure together.
Megan O'Hara
Officiant
Megan is one of Zach and Jesse's closest friends. She was Zach's roommate and colleague during their two years teaching together in Savannah, GA, through the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program. They've remained close ever since, even to the point where Zach (accidentally) invited her on he and Jesse's third date. She and Jesse's friendship would blossom from there. Meg is a clinical social worker who works in sexual assault prevention and intervention at Northeastern University in Boston. A consummate professional, Meg is an even greater person and friend. She's one of the brightest, kindest, and most justice-oriented and altogether interesting people they know. She's also a gifted artist. We couldn't be more excited to have her officiate our wedding!