Wedding Party
Luke Lamle
Best Man
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Eli since we were in 5th grade. Unbeknownst to me, this goofy kid from our rival school walking into our classroom late would be a man I’m proud to call my brother. Eli and I were nearly inseparable throughout our time growing up, though it’s not like we could’ve caught a break from one another even if we wanted to (though I’m sure there were instances). From classes together, having the same first job, to living quite close to another - we genuinely grew up alongside one another. Now he’s leading a much larger life, but he was and continues to be the type of guy you’d want by your side whether in dire circumstances or for a good laugh. Though his move to New York separated us physically, we pick up right where we left off each time with ease.
Kara Jones
Maid of Honor
Five years ago I walked into a game of fish bowl and met my best friend, Zoe. She’s my favorite happy hour date, travel-companion, personal shopper, and hype-woman. To anyone stuck with the two of us at the dinner table, I apologize—you’ll count yourself lucky if you can get a word in. Eli discovered this for himself early on. As I got to know him, I soon gained a fellow reader, teaser, deep thinker, and coffee connoisseur. As a couple, Eli and Zoe have taught me so much about what it means to love and compliment one another. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of their special day!
Graeme Straughn
Groomsman
Though Eli and I’s relationship began as chance college roommates, we quickly became friends. As we both tried to get back to New York during the COVID lockdowns, a mutual friend connected us and we became roommates before having any real conversation. Our friendship grew beyond our rickety bunkbed as we started running errands together, taking the same electives, and even attended the same church for a time. Eli is the embodiment of a good time – always ready to toss a football, play a game, or go off on an urban adventure. I was honored to have Eli as my best man last September and cannot wait to support him as he marries Zoe.
Iva Stojanovic
Bridesmaid
I met Zoe four years ago and slowly sneaked my way into her life. She is my chosen family and is a large part of why New York is home to me. Living with her has been a tour de force in love, fun, and loyalty. Though I’m sad to lose her as a housemate, I can’t think of someone better than Eli to share Zoe custody with. He is my introverted ally and plays the role of “one of the girls” with great humour.
Brent Buterbaugh
Groomsman
I met Eli at the King’s College, but really got to know him when we became roommates in the summer of 2020. I distinctly remember Citibiking a microwave across town to him while he was in quarantine and then learning to interact with “Sleepy Eli” in the mornings. Eli has been a steadfast and encouraging friend for the past five years and it’s been a joy to watch his relationship with Zoe grow from the beginning.One of my favorite memories with Eli was visiting the legendary town of Bruges where we toured castles, ate Belgian waffle cones, and drank Leffe blondes at 11am by the river.
Gracie Farquhar
Bridesmaid
Once upon a time, a bright-eyed Texas girl with big-city dreams moved in with a total stranger from the Upper West Side (who was a little hesitant about the arrangement). And now I’m her bridesmaid. We quickly went from random acquaintances living under the same roof to inseparable partners in crime. As for Eli, he’s my Southern ally. It’s been such a blessing to witness and be part of Zoe and Eli’s relationship, and I will greatly miss my roomie — but I’m thrilled to officially hand over roommate responsibilities to someone legally bound to her.
Rafa Oliviera
Groomsman
I met Eli my freshman year of college, tossing around a frisbee with the rest of the freshman. I called him “Bonhoeffer-man” after our house’s namesake, and I slept on his couch many nights after playing Mario kart that same year. Eli and I are like peas in a pod, we always sway the same way - especially when it comes to beer, witty humor, and the Mets being better than the Yankees
Eloise Cherian
Bridesmaid
It seems like just yesterday Zoe and I were drawing up blueprints for our future house with a conjoining walkway (obviously), zipping up dresses and fumbling with fake cigarettes for a matinee in our grandparents garage, and gallivanting through the New York City streets (one gawking Midwesterner and one seasoned city slicker). Now the scales of Midwesterners vs East Coasters is tipping (in the right direction) as we welcome Eli into the family! Excited to celebrate their love and have another couch to surf in the city ;)
Harrison Chapman
Groomsman
Eli was the guy that I would get on the elevator with sophomore year and go “hey man” to because we couldn’t remember each other’s name. We were next door dorm neighbors of course, so this was an everyday occurrence. Since Brent and I were living together and needed a 4th guy to move off campus with us, we decided to ask the one we barely knew. It was the right call. On my 21st birthday, Eli very kindly brought me to bluebottle where he worked to get me a free coffee. Very thoughtful b-day present! However, little did I know he had a second present for me that he shared once we sat down. It was a very special twenty dollars, in the form of cashapp investments. He had me buy $10 of Spotify, and $10 of Roblox (of all things), with the instructions to wait a year until my next birthday to cash them out. 365 days later, they both had dropped to less than half the original value. Best gift ever.
Sophia Cherian
Bridesmaid
Growing up halfway across the country didn’t stop the Cherian / Whitford cousins from being attached at the hip. After spending summers together in New Hampshire to now living in nyc together, the cousins are closer than ever and Sophia is thrilled the NYC cousin crew is growing to include Eli!
Titus Ward
Groomsman
Eli and I met on move in day of my freshman year, and he was the first student from kings I met. Because we were in the same house we saw each other a lot, and I became his little. He has always been a steadfast brother, he bought me my first beer when I turned 21 and has always been a better Pokemon trainer than me. One of my favorite memories with him is riding citibikes down he west side highway all the way into Brooklyn and throwing the football around on the Brooklyn piers.
Zoe Hixon
Bridesmaid
As Eli’s sister, it was a bit surprising at first to find out he was dating someone with the same name as me. The hesitancy, however, grew into love and admiration for Zoe. I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to have a sister and so far im loving it! Let’s make it official 💍. P.S. I’m honored to share the same name with you Zoe. ;)
Chandler Prough
Groomsman
Eli and I met back in middle school and have been great friends ever since. When he’d come back to OKC over the holidays during college, he always made time to catch up — even if it was just for a few hours. Some of my favorite memories are going to Thunder games together and catching up on life like no time had passed.
Emma Hilley
Flower Girl
Clark Vreeman
Groomsman
Eli and I met when I was moving to NYC and looking for roommates, his apartment just so happened to have a spot opening up.We’re often nerding out about something, whether it’s coffee or comic books.
Samuel Hancock
Ring Bearer