Allison & Bradley
Wedding Party
Julian Strodel
Gentleman of Honor
Julian is the Bride's younger brother and completely deserves the title of Gentleman of Honor. Julian is a city guy turned outdoorsman. After graduating from School without Walls in D.C., he moved across the country to attend college in Olympia, Washington at Evergreen State. Julian lives in Olympia and works as a Wildland Firefighter with the US Forest Service. He is part of a crew called the Zig Zag Hot Shots. The Bride is so proud of her bother! In his off season he enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, scruffy dogs, spending time with his girlfriend, Lia, and good beer. #PNWlife
Katie Miranda
Bridesmaid
Katie and the Bride grew up down the street from one another. They spent summers at Cheverly pool, in day camp, making brownies, and playing soccer on the Roadrunner's with Katie's dad as the coach. Katie and her parents have been a second family to the Bride. They took her to Disney World and many trips to Hershey Park. The Bride is so grateful for them and for all they do for her! Katie lives in Seattle where she works as a Physician's Assistant, when not at work you can find her hiking with her husband, Jorge. Katie and the bride love to cook healthy foods and workout together!
Madi Himelfarb
Bridesmaid
Madi is the Bride's adorable half-sister. She looks just like the Bride's mother, Kim. Madi and the Bride have the same dimples, lips, and eyebrows but they share much more than DNA! While they didn't grow up living together, the Bride has joined in many Himelfarb sleepovers, road trips, celebrations, and vacations. Madi is a beautiful soul who inspires the Bride; she is a wonderfully talented vocalist and actress. Madi recently graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and is living her best life in Brooklyn. When she's not in NYC she's most likely traveling the world or at Camp Himelfarb soaking by the pool.
Dani Himelfarb
Bridesmaid
Dani and the Bride met through a playgroup on Capitol Hill when they were less than 1 year old and they've been having sleep-overs ever since! As girls they were very fond of Dani's fathers' chocolate chip pancakes, eating odd combinations of food (think pancake batter, pickles, and shredded coconut), all things Olson twins, and summering at her Granny Betty's river house. Dani and her family are such an important part of the Bride's life. Through the ups and downs they've been there and always welcomed her in their life. Please congratulate Dr. Danielle Himelfarb as she is now a psychiatrist at NYU!
Elizabeth McCall-Pacheco
Bridesmaid
Lizzy is the Bride's cousin from her father's side of the family. Lizzy and the Bride have similar dimples like their Meema. Lizzy and the Bride spent many summers and family holidays together discussing boys, music, and vintage clothing. While they live far away, the Bride loves following Lizzy on social media especially to see pictures of her adorable son, Elias. Lizzy and her husband, Alex, live in central New York where they enjoy listening to music, fishing, and time with the family. Lizzy has a very cool sense of fashion!
Karin Mueller
Bridesmaid
Karin is going to be the Bride's sister-in-law, and the Bride can't wait! Karin and the Bride were both born on April, 19. How cool! They share an enthusiasm for yoga, the outdoors, and DIY kitchen projects. Karin is a skilled knitter, mariner, avid reader, and a true animal lover. Karin and her husband, Matt, have a cute cat named Juno and a sweet dog named Baxter. You should befriend Karin and follow her on Instagram to check out all the cool things she's up to in Portland, ME - mostly knitting, gardening, animals, and baking - right Karin?
Lisa Mueller
Bridesmaid
Lisa is the Groom's older sister and will soon be the Bride's sister-in-law! Lisa enjoys camping, cooking, and bike riding. She often ferments various yummy foods and always has some to share at Christmas. Lisa is in the FBI (food and beverage industry) and knows so much about good food and nutrition. The Bride, Lisa and Karin love going to Spa World for a relaxing day. Lisa, her husband, Nelson, and their son Ernesto live in NOMA, DC. Lisa and Nelson recently started a food truck business. If you're in the DC area be on the look out for Fast and Saucy.
David Thompson
Best Man
Dave and the Groom met at St. Peter's Catholic school on Capitol Hill when they were little kids and they've been friends ever since. Dave studied in New Hampshire where he became quite the outdoorsman. Dave is father to Lola, a chocolate lab, and is a successful restaurant manager, and budding food critic. You can't mention Dave without the other Best Man, Astin. These two were the Groom's best friends growing up and they still are today. Dave, Astin, and the Groom spent many winters on the ice playing hockey and summers on the water. Dave and the Groom enjoy riding their motorcycles and are co-captians of a "vintage" Lurhs 34' SportFisherman called Moonshadow.
Astin Fitrell
Best Man
Astin is also the Groom's Best Man. Astin and the Groom were in the same class at St. Peter's and they played hockey together. Astin made his theatrical debut in one of the school plays where he took the role as "Herb the Verb; a man of action". After high school Astin studied in Chico, California. He has worked in high-profile event planning for many years and recently joined a start up. Astin lives with his fabulously talented girlfriend, Katie, an attorney, and their sweet dogs, Maggie and Murphy. Astin enjoys the band Phish, baking beautiful bread, traveling, and spending time with his friends. Ask him about his trip to Thailand!
Eric Gomes
Groomsman
The Groom met Eric when he was still in college working as a valet. Eric was his boss at the Biltmore in Providence, RI. Upon graduating, Eric invited the Groom to work with him in Baltimore, as he opened a new valet contract. Over the years they have helped one another with many house projects and enjoy discussing best practices for various renovations. Eric and the Groom love to play golf together at Haines Point and Rock Creek Park. Eric lives in Silver Spring, MD with his wife, Nabil, and their cat. Eric and Nabil are avid travelers and the Bride and Groom love going on double dates with them.
Matt Mueller
Groomsman
Matt is the Groom's older brother. Matt and the Groom are only 15 months apart but the Groom has always looked up to his big brother. Matt is a really cool guy. I mean he captains a 575 ft. tug boat, owns a sail boat, enjoys hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and dirt bike riding! Matt went to Maine Maritime Academy where he met his lovely wife, Karin. Matt has worked on boats since he was a teen, when he worked on the Kalmar Nyckel, a tall ship based in Delaware. Matt is a voracious reader, a skilled carpenter, and a generally handy guy. Ask Matt about Alan's Coffee Brandy. It's a Maine thing.
Nelson Escobar-Reyes
Groomsman
Nelson is the Groom's brother-in-law. Nelson is a big sports fan; he really likes watching soccer and football. He is originally from El Salvador but grew up in Houston, TX. WARNING: He is a Cowboys fan! Nelson is married to the Groom's sister, Lisa, and is father to our sweet ring bearer, Ernesto. Lisa and Nelson enjoy dining at top DC restaurants, road-tripping, cycling, and camping. Nelson and the Groom have fun discussing sports, cars, and house projects. Nelson is probably the nicest guy you will ever meet, so make sure you get a chance to say "Hi".
James Bambury
Groomsman
James is the Groom's cousin from NYC. James is attending law school in Saint Louis. James is the ultimate charmer. James is a quality dancer so you'll need to find him on the dance floor and see if you can hang.
William Bambury
Groomsman
William is the Groom's cousin. William is a true New Yorker, like his younger brother, James. William graduated from Columbia and now works for MTA as an engineer. If you have complaints or suggestions about the subway please direct them to his attention (just kidding). The Groom and William enjoy burying one another in the sand at the beach, eating Cottage Cafe, and drinking "shorty" Martini's with their annual Christmas cigars. William is a really brilliant guy. Make sure you introduce yourself to Big Willy!
Ernesto Mueller- Escobar
Ring Bearer
Ernie is the Groom's little nephew. He is very interested in firetrucks, tools, and soccer. Ernie attends Elsie Whitlow Stokes PCS in North East, DC. He lives in NOMA with his mom and dad but loves to visit his Grandma's beach house in Bethany Beach. Ernie loves to talk tools, boats, and trucks with his uncle Brad. He is known to get really excited about appetizers, especially when cheese is involved!
Catherine Marie Strodel
Officiant
Cathy is the Bride's step-mom but she is so much more than that! Cathy is a creative and caring person who does so much for her family, friends and her community. She has been very active in the Federal Hill Neighborhood Association, she volunteers in a variety of capacities, such as, with the Thread Program at the local high school, and throws the best roof-deck parties in Fed Hill! Just last year Cathy was awarded The Community Champion Award for Maryland District 46 by state delegate Luke H. Clippinger. Cathy enjoys reading, shopping, cooking healthy meals, going to the Rehoboth Beach film festival, and taking trips to see her daughter, Bridget. Cathy lives life with an attitude of gratitude and finds ways to appreciate each day.
Daniel James Strodel
Father of the Bride
Dan aka Papa Strodes is the father of the Bride. The Bride is so grateful to have her father in her life and for the wonderful bond they share. The Bride and her dad enjoy running. They both discovered the sport around the same time and continue to enjoy it together. The Bride's father lives in Baltimore, MD with his wife, Cathy. Together they enjoy volunteering in the community, opening their house to foreign exchange students, reading the paper, relaxing with the cross-word puzzle and hosting Fed Hill's best parties.
Kim Elizabeth Brenegar
Mother of the Bride
The Bride's mother passed away in 2009 in a tragic automobile accident. While Kim is not physically here to celebrate her daughter's special day, her spirit continues on with us and we think about her everyday. The Bride knows that her mom would have loved the Groom and his family just as much as she does. Kim loved animals, babies, and spending time in nature. She loved to run, cycle, and hike the nearby trails. She LOVED halloween, she always had the most creative costumes! Kim owned a successful landscaping business on Capitol Hill called The Ornamental Garden. Kim's giving and playful spirit truly touched the community and inspired many people. There is a memorial park for Kim on Independence Avenue and 8th Street SE, named Kim's Garden in her honor.
Ann Virginia Baldinger
Mother of the Groom
Ann is the Mother of the Groom. The Groom, his brother, Matt, and their sister, Lisa, kept Ann and her husband, David, very busy as they grew up. Imagine having two boys 15 months apart! Ann loves to spend time with her family. Her family spans four generations from her little grandson, Ernesto, to her 98 year old mother, Virginia, also known as "Nana". Ann is constantly thinking of others and how to best serve her growing family. Ann loves to travel and spend time at her beach house in Bethany Beach. She is an excellent squash player, avid swimmer, opera enthusiast, and wonderful cook. Ann is a staple of the Capitol Hill community. She is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. The Bride couldn't be more excited to be her daughter-in-law.
David Paul Mueller
Father of the Groom
David is the Groom's father. David, and his wife, Ann, raised their family on Capitol Hill, where they have lived for over 40 years. We can thank David for instilling the Groom with the knowledge and confidence to fix almost anything. It is David who deserves much credit for teaching the Groom his work ethic and the importance of a job well done. As a former government employee at the US Department of Commerce, David is thoroughly enjoying his well deserved retirement. David enjoys reading, cycling, collecting tools and bikes, and discussing engines and Consumer Reports. He also enjoys spending time with his grandson, Ernie. By the way, David is a great bocce player, see if you can beat him!