Zoie & Mitchell
Wedding Party
Matthew Popson
Best Man
Matt & Mitch have been friends since a very young age, as both of their families were members of Wayside Presbyterian Church in Erie since before they were born. They actually consider themselves each others' life longest friend. During their childhood and up through high school, Matt & Mitch regularly attended Sunday School and were active members in the Church's youth programs, mission trips and activities. Although Matt & Mitch never attended the same public schools growing up nor have they lived in the same state since graduating from high school in '06, they have remained close friends all their lives. Matt has lived in the Pittsburgh area since graduating from Penn State back in 2010, encouraging them both to make frequent trips to their sister cities to visit and catch up often.
Maria Jiang
Maid of Honor
Maria and Zoie's journey started from 2009. From only knowing a name to finally meeting in person, Maria used her own way to give Zoie a huge and unique impression of herself. Maria now lives in Waukesha with her husband Rob. Maria and their other friend, Sandy, are the very first family that Zoie had in the United States. From being roommates, classmates and now the three girls are soulmates - besides Mitch, Rob and Rob! Maria was always there whenever Zoie needed her, she was Zoie's strongest mental support in the U.S. Maria helped Zoie through her most happiest and saddest moments in her U.S. life. Maria is more than a best friend, she is Zoie's family. Even to this day, whenever Zoie needs a 'break' from Mitch, Maria needs to get her phone ready!
TJ Hess
Groomsman
TJ is Mitch's younger cousin (mother's side) by five years, and they were both born and raised in Erie. Their extended family has always been close, allowing TJ and Mitch to develop a close family bond since their childhood. In 2016, TJ moved to a small town outside of Harrisburg, PA, as his then-girlfriend, Leah, had started a new job there. In the years since, TJ and Leah were married and had a beautiful daughter, Thea. Although Mitch and TJ do not get to see each other as often these days, they enjoy catching up at family gatherings and the occasional visit to each other's homes. Mitch is very grateful to have a close family ally as part of his wedding party.
Sandy Wang
Bridesmaid
Sandy - Lu Wang - was the very first person Zoie met in the U.S. Sandy and Zoie were roommates and classmates since the very first day in 2010! Soon enough they became best friends, but same as all the other besties, Sandy and Zoie have lots in common but also lots not. There were happy and unhappy moments together, however Sandy was always family in Zoie's heart. The two girls relationship soon became two families' connection. Zoie's mother calls Sandy her own daughter too. Whenever Zoie goes back to California, she knows she must visit Sandy!
Joseph Dottore
Groomsman
Joe and Mitch have been good friends since '07 when they met studying architecture at Kent State together. That summer, they attended an intensive preliminary design studio course, spent "locked" in the studio with minimal sleep, challenged with abstract design prompts that often left them wondering what they had gotten themselves into. Eventually, Joe came to his senses and changed his major before ultimately transferring schools. While they fell out of touch for a few years as they both finished school, Mitch and Joe reconnected in 2012 when they were both living and working in Cleveland. And since then, they have remained very good friends. Recently, Joe and his girlfriend, Caitlyn, bought their first house together, and just a few minutes from Mitch and Zoie!
Rachel Moore
Bridesmaid
Rachel and Zoie met each other in the Delta Sigma Pi - a business Fraternity's pledge class. Rachel is the girl who always smiles and brings bright feelings to people around her, that was the first impression that Zoie got from Rachel. Rachel has a free spirit and a kind heart. She rescued two dogs already, and she has a huge love for all the poor homeless animals. Rachel was one of the best students in her classes, she has a Chinese's student soul, that is the comment from her Chinese friend! Rachel and Zoie are both crazy about Harry Porter!
Nathan Schuster
Groomsman
Nate and Mitch met through Joe (fellow groomsman) back in 2014 after Nate quit his demanding finance job in NYC and moved back to Cleveland. Joe and Nate had grown up together, and remained very good friends. Upon meeting, Nate and Mitch quickly also became great friends. The group would frequent local bars on the weekends, enjoyed traveling to different cities together and constantly supported each other over the years. In 2017, Mitch was honored to serve as a groomsman in Nate's wedding. Nate and his wife, Sarah, settled back in an eastern suburb of Cleveland, close to where Nate grew up. As Mitch & Zoie and Joe & Caitlyn are now "west-siders" of Cleveland, Joe & Mitch are constantly teasing Nate trying to convince him to move to the west side for the group to be closer once again.
Chelsea Bollinger
Bridesmaid
Chelsea was another one of the members of the business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, that Zoie joined in college. Chelsea always worked hard on applying to new positions and arranging events for the group. Zoie learned great leadership skills from her, how to start to work in the U.S as a Chinese student in college. Chelsea is always open to share her experience and loves to help others. Zoie and Chelsea started to have a stronger bond since 2014, as Chelsea was always there for Zoie when she decided to join the U.S Army. Chelsea is always a good support whenever Zoie needs it.
Michael Turk
Groomsman
Mike and Mitch also met in 2007 while studying architecture at Kent State. Similar with Joe, Mike and Mitch also bonded over the constant pressures that came with majoring in architecture. From '07 until graduating in 2010, they became great friends and allies at Kent, learning much about architecture and life alike. After graduating, Mike made the courageous and envious move down to Virginia Beach, where he has resided ever since. While Mike's family still live up near Cleveland, he frequents trips back North from time to time. Mitch & Zoie have also traveled down to Mike's a few times over the years as well. And between visits, Mike and Mitch catch up on the phone every few weeks to stay in touch and keep each other in line.
Trisha Miller
Bridesmaid
Trisha, Mitchell's older sister and Zoie's future Sister, just had the cutest twins, Maxwell and Caleb. The new mom is a very strong and dependent female, Trisha definitely is a good role model to all the moms. Zoie and Mitch have visited the Miller family once or twice a year, every trip was a good memory. Trisha is such a sweet sister to Zoie already, Trisha always takes Zoie's side over Mitch's - exactly what sisters do! Trisha gave Zoie a very meaningful gift for Christmas 2018, a burned wood art piece which has "home is where heart is" written on it in Chinese. Zoie is also very excited for seeing her new nephews every once in a while!