Wedding Party
Kimmy Zerega
Maid of Honor
Kimmy is my sister, 5½ years younger, and I am so grateful for how close we’ve become as we’ve gotten older. Now that she’s also a lawyer, it’s wonderful to have someone who truly understands the day-to-day challenges we face. We’ve always shared a love of singing and music, and Kimmy’s upbeat attitude is infectious. She was by my side the night I met James, encouraging me to go out when I wasn’t really feeling it — and look where that night led! She has also been there for me through so many important and challenging moments in life, and I feel so lucky to have her as part of this special day. Though she lives in California now, we try to visit often and catch up as much as we can.
Julie Switkes
Maid of Honor
Julie and I met junior year at the University of Miami, 16 years ago, when she sat down next to me and confidently declared that we were going to be best friends — and she was absolutely right. From that moment on, we’ve been inseparable. After college, we even ended up living in the same apartment complex in Dallas for a few years before she moved to Boston. Now, we stay connected through hours-long phone calls and frequent visits, picking up right where we left off every time. Julie has been there for every crazy, hilarious, and unforgettable moment in my life — she truly knows me better than anyone.
Gina Kernicky
Matron of Honor
Gina and I met my sophomore year at the University of Miami, 17 years ago, in Women’s Chorale, where we instantly bonded over our shared love of singing. The next semester, Gina rushed Tri Delta and became my little sister — and from there, our friendship only grew stronger. After college, she also lived in Dallas for a few years, and now, even with her in Philadelphia, we still manage to keep our tradition of long phone calls and visits whenever we can. Gina has been by my side through so many stages of life — from the stress of law school to tough relationships and everything in between — always offering unwavering love, laughter, and support.
Lisa Coleman
Bridesmaid
Lisa and I first met my sophomore year at the University of Miami as Tri Delta sorority sisters. She was a year ahead of me, and while we weren’t super close in college, everything changed once we both moved to Dallas. From that point on, she became one of my closest friends. We were roommates for a few years after I graduated law school in 2014, and she has truly been there for me through every hard stage of life. Her family has become my Texas family, and I’ve always felt — and still feel — like an honorary Dillinger sister. Lisa and I share a love for concerts and live music, and we’re always finding ways to get the group together to travel and have fun.
Cassie Russell
Bridesmaid
Cassie and I met in 2012, the summer after our first year of law school at SMU, when we both traveled abroad for the Oxford program (fun fact: James also did the Oxford program, just not at the same time!). From that moment on, we became instant study buddies — a friendship that carried all the way through bar prep, where we alternated who cried each day and cheered each other on through it all. Beyond academics, we share a love for fitness — from CrossFit and Camp Gladiator to mud runs and any challenge that gets us moving. Cassie has pushed me to be my best, academically and physically, but most importantly, she has always been there through life’s hardest moments, cheering me on with unwavering support and love.
Jen Katz
Bridesmaid
Jen and I met freshman year of college in 2007 — 18 years ago! Our friends lived on the same floor, and we quickly became inseparable. We were roommates junior and senior year, and our friendship has remained strong ever since. Though she now lives in Florida, we’ve kept our tradition of an annual Disney trip, where we get to be princesses for the day. Jen was always my go-to study buddy in college, and her infectious personality could bring a smile to anyone’s face. Over the years, we’ve shared and celebrated our traditions together — I’ve joined in on her Jewish traditions, and she’s joyfully joined in on ours, like helping decorate a Christmas tree with my family.
Kenzie Jones
Bridesmaid
Kenzie is James’ sister, and even though she lives in California and we’re in Texas, I feel so lucky to have her in my life. In the short time I’ve known her, we’ve already built a meaningful bond, and I’m truly excited to gain another sister. I can’t wait to share more memories, laughter, and adventures with her in the years to come, and it means so much to me that she will be standing by my side on this special day.
Brian Brown
Best Man
James met Brown during their freshman year of college, where they quickly bonded as brothers in Phi Kappa Theta. They eventually became college roommates, and from late-night talks to unforgettable memories, their friendship only grew stronger. Brown has always been the friend who keeps James grounded—offering perspective, steady support, and the kind of honest advice only a true friend can give. He’s been there for every milestone, every challenge, and every celebration, making him the perfect choice for Best Man.
Jason Rowley
Best Man
James met Jason in high school, where they quickly became brothers on and off the football field—James as a receiver, Jason as a linebacker. Jason always had James’ back, both on the field and in life, and their families grew close over the years, with James getting to be part of Jason’s four daughters’ lives. From high school football to the fantasy football trip where James met Kristen, they’ve shared countless adventures, laughs, and milestones together. Jason has been a steadfast friend through every challenge and joy, making him the perfect choice for Best Man.
Ryan Bethke
Groomsman
James met Ryan in college, where they became close friends and fraternity brothers. Their legendary Chargers-vs-Raiders rivalry has fueled years of laughs, tailgates, and friendly competition, including a decade of playing softball together. They also share a love of live music, attending concerts and festivals whenever they can. Through every challenge and milestone, Ryan has always been there for James—offering support, a place to stay, or a listening ear—making him a friend James can always count on.
Dan Cruz
Groomsman
Dan and James met in college, where they became fraternity brothers and lifelong friends. They’ve shared countless adventures—traveling to Aztec basketball games as season-ticket holders, cheering at Raiders vs. Chargers matchups with endless tailgates, working marathon events, and competing in fantasy football. Over the years, Dan has been a mentor and a constant source of positivity, life lessons, and support, making him the perfect person to officiate their wedding.
Ben Brugman
Groomsman
James met Ben in college, where they became close friends and fraternity brothers. They lived together for 10 years, sharing unforgettable parties, laughs, and countless memories along the way. Both proud San Diegans, Padres and Chargers fans, and SDSU alumni, they’ve celebrated wins, supported each other through challenges, and built a friendship that has stood the test of time. Ben has always been a loyal and dependable friend, making him someone James is proud to have by his side on his wedding day.
Ryan Zerega
Groomsman
Ryan is Kristen’s brother, and although he and James haven’t known each other for long, they’ve quickly hit it off — bonding over their shared love of sports and friendly college team rivalries. Both grew up with sisters, so they’re especially excited to finally have a brother in the mix. Ryan has been such a fun addition to the crew, and James is thrilled to officially call him family.
Scott Butts
Groomsman
James met Scott at SDSU, where they became roommates, close friends, and fraternity brothers. Both proud San Diegans and long-time fantasy football rivals, their bond has been shaped by shared adventures, game days, and the kind of college memories that turn into lifelong stories. A loyal Dodgers fan who still proudly cheers for the Padres too, Scott brings passion to every matchup and humor to every reunion. He has always been a dependable, ride-or-die friend, making him someone James is proud to have by his side on his wedding day.