Wedding Party
Tamara Birch
Maid of Honor
Allie always asked for two things every Christmas, a puppy and a little sister. She's still waiting on the puppy, but she did get Tamara Birch. Tamara is Allie's younger cousin and the two have bonded over being the only girls on the Indian side of their family. Though they may be separated by 6 years and an ocean, their bond could not be stronger. Tamara is the little sister Allie always wanted and more — complete with a super cool British accent. As they've grown up, their dynamic has gone from that of an older sibling taking care of a younger sibling to adult best friends (though Allie would still cut anyone who messed with Tamara, don't get it twisted). They even have tattoos of each others' names! The two are always able to make each other laugh right up until they are separated at the airport and begin to cry. Tamara is incredibly talented, artistic, smart, witty, and has the biggest heart. Allie is very lucky to have Tamara and loves her with all her heart.
Ryan Gilbert
Best Man
Tyler loves Ryan Gilbert and made him a best man. That’s important context to know ahead of learning that they met freshmen year of college in Tyler’s first journalism class when Ryan reminded the professor he’d assigned homework that no one else did. Needless to say, Ryan had an uphill battle to win Tyler’s affection, but that was no problem for him. Winning people over is kind of Ryan’s superpower. So, when they began meeting at parties through their mutual friend, Harry, it meant a lot that Ryan bothered to use those superpowers on Tyler. They realized they had similar tastes, interests and respected the other’s opinion, particularly when it came to entertainment. Tyler had hit it off with people before, but with Ryan it was different, almost as if his friendship screamed “I see you, I have no notes and I’m willing to bet it all on you as a person.” Ryan was the one to convince Tyler to go into entertainment journalism and, together, they spent the next four years at UConn climbing the ranks and lifting each other up, confident that big things were inevitable for the other. Pretty soon that ambition took them to New York City where they began their careers, met their significant others and still meet regularly to wax about TV and movies and plan their next big thing in life. Tyler wouldn’t be where he is without Ryan’s intelligence, positivity and encouragement. Ryan is a totally singular individual who Tyler is honored to call a best friend and, now, a best man.
Mallory Johns Meinero
Maid of Honor
Allie met Mallory when Allie joined the all-female bowling phenomenon Tits Ahoy! in 2012. Allie liked Mallory immediately, but a wine tasting party circa 2016 where they maybe tasted a few too many wines brought them even closer. Months later, a one-on-one beach trip turned ladies' night out while they were funemployed solidified the dynamic duo and they have been going strong ever since. The two of them are able to bond on a crazy amount of levels, over shared experiences and interests, and always have a ball. They love laughing together, discussing trashy reality tv shows, having friendly yet competitive game nights, sending each other bitmojis about their love, and just hanging out. Their easy going natures perfectly complement each other. Allie loves that she can talk to Mallory about anything and that Mallory always has her back, making her feel loved and supported. Mallory is intelligent, accomplished, loyal, easy to talk to, and so fun to be around. Allie loves and adores Mallory SO much and is very proud to have her as her co-Maid of Honor!
Sam Levesque
Best Man
Sam Levesque was on Tyler’s bus during their freshmen year of high school (back when Tyler was the tall one). They instantly hit it off and Sam was more than willing to introduce Tyler to all of his public school friends and break him out of his sheltered private middle school bubble. That’s who Sam is, a “the more the merrier” type of person who lets everyone into his club. He’s also the most fiercely loyal friend Tyler has ever had. When his grandfather passed away, Sam drove him to pick up his belongings; when he got too drunk in Boston, Sam made sure he got home safe and when he went to a commuter campus his first year of college, Sam made sure he always had a friend and a social circle to make him happy. Navigating the most formative and awkward years of one’s life is hard, but with a friend as loyal and non-judgemental as Sam, it was pretty easy for Tyler. When the chips are down and Rome is burning, Tyler knows Sam will be there saying “I’ve got your back.” Together they’ve faced every adventure growing up had to offer, overcame every blunder either of them made and have faced down more two-player video game challenges than they can count. So, it would be an inconceivable notion not to have Sam be a best man on the day Tyler begins his greatest adventure ever with Allie.
Julia (Buchheim) Tricarico
Bridesmaid
Allie knew of Julia thanks to Facebook's stalkier qualities before she ever met her. While Julia was in Germany studying abroad during college, Allie was infiltrating her friend group and laying the foundation for what would be their own beautiful friendship. Once Julia returned, the two would see each other at parties, always getting along and saying "we should hang out!" Finally, after saying this every time they saw each other, they exchanged numbers, actually hung out, and a beautiful friendship was formed. Soon after, Julia invited Allie to join the infamous all-female bowling team Tits Ahoy! and their relationship blossomed even more. Julia has been one of Allie's most supportive friends, through surgeries and breakups, she's always there checking in on her, dropping by with flowers, or doing something else incredibly kind and thoughtful. Allie is incredibly lucky to have a wonderful friend like Julia and is infinitely proud of the strong, accomplished woman she is today. Love you SO much, Jules!
Mandy Cook
Groomswoman
Mandy Cook met Tyler at the first party he attended at UConn. It was pajama-themed… or so he was told. Not one to judge, she was so positive and fun that they became fast friends and exchanged Facebook info, as was the style at the time. Unfortunately, their paths didn’t cross for a year. Still, they never unfriended each other. They could tell there was something too delightful about the other person. They felt vindicated the next year when they learned they had a ton of close friends in common. They began hanging out regularly in a group, then solo and now he considers her one of his closest friends. No matter what happens in life, all it takes is a single text (or Gchat) and they’re there for each other for conversations that are either light or border on amateur therapy. When Tyler first started dating Allie, it was Mandy who he touched base with about what he was feeling. She would later help him diagnose that feeling as love. From that first night they met, Tyler could tell that he’d found a unique kind of friend that flawlessly complemented not just his personality but his life. Sure it took a year for them to become best friends, but now he literally can’t imagine taking any step in life without getting advice and encouragement from her. There's no one who roots for others the way Mandy roots for her friends. So, it makes sense that she would be there to root for Tyler and Allie as they take the next step in a love story that was detailed to her at length on Gchat.
Sarah Gibble-Laska
Bridesmaid
Allie met Sarah when she joined the spectacular all-female bowling team Tits Ahoy! — of which Sarah is team captain. Captain Sarah endeared herself to Allie when she didn't even bat an eye when Allie scored a total of 23 points in her second game. Since then, Sarah has continued to endear herself to Allie in oh so many ways. Sarah could be going through the craziest crisis in her own life but will still always make sure to ask what's new with you — and she'll do it with a smile. Sarah is wickedly funny with a great sense of humor, she always keeps Allie in stitches. They have a shared love of pranks, with Sarah always willing to go above and beyond to help Allie pull one off. "You need a Chucky doll? I can get you a Chucky doll!" Despite being one of the busiest people in the world (girl is a BOSS), Sarah is a friend who will always be there for you no matter what and never hesitates to offer a helping hand. After Allie announced her engagement, Sarah unprompted sent her a wedding book and binder, and set her up with several spreadsheets on Google. Allie is so lucky to have Sarah and loves her VERY much!
Allison Mogensen
Groomswoman
Allison McHugh-Mogensen and Tyler met in college. They had mutual friends in common but always passed each other like ships in the night at parties. All that changed when she accompanied him, Ryan and Mandy on a weekend trip to New York City in 2012. The biggest takeaway from that trip was what a good time Allison was and how well he got along with her. In fact, Tyler had a little too much to drink and famously uttered the ill-conceived phrase: “You know Allison, before this weekend, I never saw the point of you.” Generously, she took it for the compliment it was. It’s rare to know in one weekend that you met a lifelong friend and Allison is just that. She is by far Tyler’s most driven and responsible friend but never at the expense of a good time. The world needs people like Allison to keep the good times rolling rather than crashing due to a lack of proper planning. Her work ethic remains an inspiration to Tyler and it’s been so inspiring to see how much she can accomplish while still being an absolute joy and invigorating presence. This makes her the perfect person to have on your side, and make no mistake, Allison is on Tyler’s side both metaphorically and physically at this wedding.
Shelby Thompson
Bridesmaid
Allie met Shelby when Shelby joined Tits Ahoy! in 2013, where her bowling skills quickly put Allie's to shame. Shelby is extremely outgoing and friendly (love that Southern charm), so the two of them naturally started hanging out. An early excursion for the two was seeing a 2014 screening of Get on Up that included a talkback with Chadwick Boseman (RIP) and surprise guest Mick Jagger, where Shelby told Allie the story of how she had recently broken her wrist and Allie was unable to stifle her laughter (she told it in a funny way, don't judge). Shelby is always down for an adventure, whether that's a farmer's market shopping trip turned surprise gin tasting, a girls' night out turned all-nighter at her place, or just an impromtu hang after bumping into each other on the street. Shelby is the ballsy and beloved "mean mommy" of Tits Ahoy! who is never afraid to speak her mind or (deservedly) call someone out, which every friend group needs. Allie and Shelby share many a laugh, both loving all things witty and sarcastic. Shelbs is also incredibly kind and caring, the kind of person who will bring you sunflowers and sit with you after your surgery or will even bring you flowers just because. Allie is so grateful to have Shelby in her life and loves her SO much!
Nicole Boudreau
Groomswoman
It’s genuinely a shame that everyone doesn’t have a friend like Nicole Boudreau in their lives. When Tyler first met Nicole, he was convinced she didn’t like him. She seemed more interested in her existing friends than this new interloper at the party. That feeling stuck around for a long time but began to soften when Tyler told her he was looking for apartments in New York City. She took a whole day off to look at apartments with him and offer her sage wisdom such as “this apartment will get you killed” and “for God’s sake, hold onto the handrail on the subway and you won’t keep falling!” Over time it became clear that Nicole didn’t dislike Tyler, he just wasn’t in yet. Her friendship is an exclusive club, designated only for the best of the best who earn their place. But that’s a good thing because, once you’re in, her commitment to her friends is unparalleled. She has the biggest heart of anyone Tyler has ever met. That said, she’s a strong, intelligent and capable woman who knows not to waste it on any old loser. Having graduated from “any old loser” to “friend” is one of the best things that’s ever happened to Tyler and he’s thrilled to have her by his side on his wedding day.
Mandy Robbins
Bridesmaid
Allie met Mandy when the two joined the fantastical all-female bowling team Tits Ahoy! at the same time. Mandy immediately became an asset to the team with her bowling prowess, while Allie... brought a whole lotta heart! Besides being a great bowler, Mandy is a great listener and caring friend. She's the kind of person that will host a Christmas party turned surprise birthday celebration for you, complete with a specially baked gluten-free and sugar-free cake she had commissioned just for you from her professional baker friend. She has an insane work ethic yet is always there when you need her. Her heart warming love of animals (especially her foster dogs) is adorable, she'll even take in a lost pup she finds on the street. One of Allie's favorite things about Mandy is how there is so much more to her than what meets the eye — she has a calming and soothing presence yet can bust out the craziest story you ever heard. Mandy is low key the funniest person in any room, always ready with a witty one-liner that will keep you laughing for days. Love you SO much, Mandy!
Taylor Casti
Groomswoman
Taylor Casti met Tyler in the hectic time that is one’s early 20s. They both started a fellowship at the same company in 2014 in an environment where friendships were a life raft. She was already an impressive digital media presence at the time and Tyler was just starting out as a clever, headstrong writer with a lot to learn. The first thing he learned was, when you write an article about video games, the video game fellow is going to ask you to lunch to discuss this breach of etiquette and determine if you’re a threat. Fortunately, the rivalry he didn’t know he was part of was short-lived. They realized they were both on the same page in life and developed the most effortless friendship Tyler has ever experienced. Successfully navigating those early days in unsteady careers in an unforgiving city makes Taylor and Tyler the closest thing to war buddies that either of them will have (hopefully). Whether it’s breakups, new relationships, losing at bar trivia, winning at bar trivia or just plain needing some encouragement after a tough day at the office, they were there for each other. Therefore, it only felt right to ask Taylor to be there for him on the best day of his life.
Kelsey Layton
Bridesmaid
Allie met Kelsey way back during the first week of freshman year of college — 16 years ago! Though Allie initially mistook Kelsey's shyness for dislike, she soon realized what an amazing woman Kelsey is. The two quickly bonded (especially after seeing a play together where an actor didn't know his lines), soon becoming inseparable. Allie and Kelsey share a good deal of the same interests, but their biggest similarity is their shared sense of humor. They are able to turn anything into an inside joke, creating characters and using silly voices to communicate in between bouts of laughter. The people around them didn't always appreciate their joyous dynamic, but they were probably just jealous because they were always having a great time. Allie and Kelsey are an old married couple, twin sisters, and best friends. Kelsey will always be one of Allie's absolute favorite people, despite being separated by miles, when they are together it's like no time has passed. Kelsey feels like home to Allie and Allie has always been fiercely protective of her. To this day, some of Allie's favorite New York memories are with Kelsey and the city still feels a little empty without her. Kelsey made Allie's college experience — it wouldn't have been nearly as fun if they hadn't found each other. Kelsey will always be Allie's family, her twin, the Phyllis to my Merlin, and one of her very best friends. She is so talented, hysterical, smart, caring, and strong. Love you VERY much, Kake!
Adam Whipple
Groomsman
Tyler met Adam Whipple just before high school. They immediately hit it off after realizing they had similar interests. The beauty of Adam is that, despite having to duck most door frames, he fits in almost anywhere he goes. Never once has Tyler worried about introducing him to a new group of people because, frankly, Adam can hang. When there was nothing to do and total boredom, Adam was always down to hop in the car and drive absolutely nowhere and just talk. He is a rare person who can make everything more fun, more relaxed and everything in between. That’s why, when it came time to move out of the house and go off to college, Adam was the perfect choice to be Tyler’s first roommate ever (not to mention the fact that his older age gave him priority housing). They spent that year getting along flawlessly except for the occasional scare prank. Adam is Tyler’s biggest friend so it makes sense that he’d be there on Tyler’s biggest day.
Jen Mergott
Bridesmaid
Allie technically met Jen during her senior year of college through mutual friends, but the two didn't form their epic friend bond until during Allie's post-grad time. Jen Mergott is quite simply one of the closest friends Allie has ever had. The two bonded over shared interests, feminism, humor (especially sarcasm), food, chronic illness, and frequenting the douchiest bars in New York. They have the kind of beautiful friendship where it's impossible to overshare. Jen is one of the only people Allie has had slumber parties with as an adult, where they'd eat takeout and watch Catfish, the Kardashians, or anything else that helped distract them from the hardship of 20something dating and jobs. They're perfectly comfortable holding hands and walking down the street together, proudly flaunting their love. Even though they are currently on opposite coasts, that hasn't prevented their friendship from enduring. Jen is daring, outspoken, smart, funny, and incredibly strong. Allie loves Jen SO much and treasures all of their shared memories!
Chad Jens
Groomsman
Chad Jens is Tyler’s oldest friend, having met when Chad was in the second grade and Tyler was in kindergarten. It was easy to stay friends for two reasons. First, they went to the same elementary school, middle school, high school and college. Second, Chad is a relentlessly easy person to get along with. Thanks to that two-year age gap, Tyler got to watch Chad grow up a little ahead of him and succeed at everything he tried. This gave Tyler a road map to life itself as he watched his friend effortlessly pave the way. They spent those formative years hanging out almost every weekend (every day in the summer) and Tyler has easily clocked in more hours playing board and video games in Chad’s basement than any other home besides his own. Although he moved across the country after college, when they do get together, Tyler and Chad fall right back into the banter the way only day one friends can. There’s truly no stopping this man, and, frustratingly at times, there’s no beating him. For a guy who can seemingly do anything, it means a lot that he always made Tyler feel like an equal. It means even more that he’ll be by his side on his wedding day.
Steffi Graffis
Bridesmaid
Allie met Steffi senior year of college. Their friendship is one of the most natural Allie has ever found. Quite simply, the two were partnered during acting class, started talking, and realized they had a lot in common and wanted to spend more time together as a result. Early on, when a situation arose that could have been an obstacle in their friendship, Allie took the chance to tell Steffi how much she liked her and how she wanted the two to be good friends, Steffi wholeheartedly echoed the sentiments and the two have been close friends ever since, spending much of the next two years almost inseparable. Some of Allie's absolute favorite memories of her 20s and of New York have been with Steffi, dancing the night away — creature features and douchey bars notwithstanding. Allie and Steffi have always shared the same easygoing temperament, making their friendship effortless, easy, and without judgement. Despite living on opposite coasts for over a decade, the two still maintain a unique and beautiful bond. Steffi is talented, intelligent, funny, caring, and empathetic. Love you TONS, Steffi!
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Nina Hausner
Bridesmaid
Allie met Nina freshman year of college (16 years ago, whoa) but the two didn't bond fully until their junior year, around the time when Nina volunteered to help out with a play Allie was in. After that, Allie discovered how easy Nina was to get along with and her friendly nature. When Allie spent the summer after junior year in the city and got lonely, Nina was there to invite her out on the town and to her apartment for one-on-one hangs. Their friendship continued after college and after a couple of years in post-grad life, the two ended up as part of an impromptu dinner club, a group of friends that would get together every few weeks to try a new restaurant. Though the dinner crew eventually ended up going to the same restaurants (Kiki's is the best, let's face it), the regular meet ups helped cement their friendships. Nina does a great job making people feel welcomed and is easy to talk to yet she is also not afraid to speak her mind. The two can have deep conversations or sit around laughing at the most immature jokes. Friends like Nina don't come around often and Allie is lucky to have her! Love you bunches, Nina!
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Laura Amon-Thurber
Bridesmaid
Allie met Laura early in her post-grad life through Steven. Allie instantly liked Laura the moment she met her, the two got along immediately and had a fantastic report. Though Allie failed to find Laura on Facebook as she as had been her parting words that night, the two were soon reunited and began to hang out regularly, sharing a similar sense of humor and many of the same interests. Many a night were spent at Laura and Di's apartment playing Mario Kart and hysterically laughing. To this day, Laura is saved in Allie's phone as "Laura The Awemost Girl You've Met," a relic of the type of hangs they had at age 23, but a sentiment that is nevertheless still true. As they've (mostly) matured over the years, their friendship has matured with them, as they began to have frequent dinners with their dinner crew where they would catch up on each others' lives and offer constant support. Laura is a loving and supportive friend, intelligent, hysterical, and a joy to be around. Allie is extremely lucky to have Laura in her life, especially after the cab incident, and loves her SO very much!
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Diana Bilbao
Bridesmaid
Allie knew of Diana before she ever met her. Steven would tell her "I have this friend you would love, you two are so alike!" which in retrospect she takes as a huge compliment. The prophecy would turn out to be true because as soon as they met, Allie and Diana formed a fast friendship based on shared experiences, interests, and beliefs. Allie became a mainstay at Di and Laura's apartment, where they would play Mario Kart, crack constant jokes, and sometimes watch horrible movies "SHUT YOUR STUPID MOUTH, KYLE!" Diana and Allie have always been able to talk about heady subjects together, including women's issues, something they are both extremely passionate about. The two formed a dinner crew with other friends where they would catch up, laugh, sometimes cry, support each other, and bond over food. Allie loves to hear Diana's take on pretty much any subject as she always expresses herself with eloquence and passion. Diana is outspoken, intelligent, strong, funny, and fierce. Allie is so grateful that she has Diana in her life and loves her VERY much!
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Steven Northrup
Officiant
Steven and Allie have known each other for 16 years! Their friendship began as awkward pen pals over Facebook before they even met, but it would take until junior year of college (except for that one party freshman year where Steven saved Allie from the RAs and they hid in a closet together — precious memories) for the two to realize they shared the same sense of humor and truly fall in love. They feed off of each others' energy, always able to make each other laugh and find the humor/fun in any situation. Steven and Tyler bonded through our trips to Austin and New Orleans as well as many delicious shared meals and haunted house excursions. Steven is the best travel buddy, museum bestie, dinner companion, and just an all around amazing friend/brother to us both. He is hysterically funny, thoughtful, intelligent, eloquent, and really so lovely. Love you, Stevie and thank you for being such a big part of our special day <3