Courtney & Michael
Wedding Party
Chanel Arceneaux
Maid of Honor
Meet my incredible maid of honor, my sister, Chanel. Since the day she was born, she has always been by my side, making her not only my sister but also my lifelong best friend. From childhood adventures to our now daily phone calls, she brings laughter into my life in the most magical way. Her presence and unwavering support have been the cornerstones of my life, and I am grateful to have her by my side on this special day.
Luz Escobar
Bridesmaid
Meet my wonderful bridesmaid, Luz, who also happens to be my future sister-in-law. From the moment I entered Michael's life, she has made me feel completely at home and a part of the family. Whether it's during trips to their home up in chilly Connecticut or lively family gatherings, she effortlessly brings warmth and joy to every occasion. I am beyond grateful to have her as both a friend and a soon-to-be sister-in-law, and I can't wait to celebrate our combined family on the wedding day.
Maren Adolfsen
Bridesmaid
Meet my amazing bridesmaid, Maren, who has been my partner in crime since the sixth grade when we were serendipitously brought together at our neighborhood swimming pool. Little did I know that an embarrassingly forced introduction by my mom would lead to a lifelong friendship filled with laughter, adventures, and support. From sharing secrets to navigating life's ups and downs, she has been a steadfast companion, and my soul sister, I couldn't imagine this special day without her by my side.
Lola Barbour
Bridesmaid
Allow me to introduce my remarkable bridesmaid, Lola, who has been my rock and best friend (BFFL) since our high school days when we both moved to Dubai our junior year. As we navigated the challenges of a new city and a major life transition, we leaned on each other for support, creating an unbreakable bond. Her friendship and strength have been a constant source of stability and joy in my life, and I am beyond grateful to have her standing by my side on my wedding day.
Laura Poynter
Bridesmaid
I'm so happy to introduce my incredible bridesmaid, Laura, who entered my life after college through her husband, and my great friend, Brian. From the moment we met, she has brought an infectious joy and laughter that has made the trials of adulthood an absolute delight. Her ability to make me laugh and smile so intensely that my stomach and face ache is a testament to the happiness and friendship she brings. I am honored to have her as part of my bridal party, adding her contagious laughter and support to our special day.
David Labrecque
Bridesman
Meet my one-and-only bridesman, David, the incredible friend I met on college move-in day. From the very start, he was there for me, helping me carry boxes from my car to my dorm room, and from that moment on, our bond only grew stronger. He has become my go-to person for advice, and I know I can count on him for honest truths when I need them most. His support and friendship have been a joy in my life, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have him by my side on our wedding day.
Jacqueline Zappala
Bridesmaid
Meet my wonderful bridesmaid, Jacqueline, who started as Michael's boss in college and soon became an indispensable part of our life. Though I was initially intimidated, it didn't take long to see the fun-loving, warm-hearted person she truly is. From advice-giving confidante to a worthy opponent during our game nights, she has filled my life with laughter and cherished memories. I couldn't be more thrilled to have her by my side on our special day.
Phoebe Weiman
Bridesmaid
Introducing my amazing bridesmaid, Phoebe, who I had the pleasure of meeting in college through our aviation fraternity. Our friendship took flight during a work trip to Wisconsin for Oshkosh Airventure, where we instantly connected and bonded over shared interests. Hours of card games, tequila, and laughter brought us even closer, and she continues to fill my life with joy and laughter. I am overjoyed to have her standing by my side on our wedding day.
Esteban Escobar
Best Man
My mother was 1 of 9 siblings, needless to say our family is pretty big. Among all of those uncles, aunts, and cousins, I found my brother. When my uncle first introduced us in Colombia, he told me I could call Esteban "Mickey Mouse" (he hadn't grown into his ears just yet, very adorable). I didn't give it a second thought. To me, he was my cousin Mickey, and he was the best. He was hilarious, and so kind. I had never experienced a kindness like his before. As the summer came to a close and I made my way back to the states, I only hoped I'd be going back to see my family sooner rather than later, but Mickey especially. Little did I know, in a funny twist of fate, Mickey was moving to Florida, where all the best Mickeys live. Throughout the years we would get to visit each other, and after each visit, our cheeks would hurt from the sheer laughter and joy. As the years went on, we got closer and closer, personally and geographically. Today, he lives down the street, and I wouldn't have it any other way. People like Mickey are the reason the sun shines so bright. He has a heart of 24k gold, and I am a better person because of him. The world is a better place because of him. To my pri, the world class soccer star, the break dancing phenom, Lily's favorite Tio, my brother, my best man. #BorrachosSinFronteras 4 LIFE!
Chaz Arceneaux
Groomsman
I have been so fortunate throughout my lifetime finding and forming some of the greatest friendships and brotherhoods a guy could ask for. I cannot stress enough how lucky I am now to be getting such an amazing brother-in-law. Chaz and I met less than a year after Courtney and I started dating, and I'm pretty sure I talked his ear off that first day. Since then, I have had countless wonderful memories with him and the rest of the Arceneaux clan (and I have cut down significantly on the talking...kinda). A perfect night with Chaz is nothing more than a bonfire and an old fashioned, and obviously his company. Chaz makes a living as an engineer, but he also has the carpentry skills that would make Ron Swanson proud. He loves his family a great deal and is always there for them when they need him, same goes for his friends. He's easy going, but he's always ready for a rager. He is benevolent, and charming, and reliable, and an all around great guy who deserves nothing less than the world. Getting to call you my brother is just going to be an added bonus to an already incredible celebration. The only thing that'll top it is when we get to let you know you're an uncle, because you're going to be a great one. Cheers to you, Chaz!
Zack Kessler
Groomsman
My literal "day one" since 2005; high school orientation. Zack saw a kid sitting at a table all by himself and approached with best friend energy without hesitation. It was easy to reciprocate that energy, and we hit the ground running. Literally. Before the day was done, we ran through every corridor, classroom, and locker pod of our school (not super impressive, we went to a tiny school), we had our own handshake, and we had our first of many triumphs, a W for completing our orientation scavenger hunt (#MinestroneSoup). Before I knew it, I was spending Hanukkah with his family, we were performing (poorly) at talent shows, staying up late to watch videos on this new site called YouTube (gotta check it out, pretty sick), playing video games, listening to music, goofing around, the list is extensive. Zack played such an enormous part in the person I am today (so if you have complaints, direct them to him) and I love him dearly. He is one of the smartest people I know and he is equally as funny. My life would not be the same without him. We grew together, we learned about the world together. There is no word in the English language that could better describe who he is to me than brother, and I am so lucky to have him by my side.
Jay McCants-Barber
Groomsman
Before my freshman year of high school, my family moved to a completely different city. I wasn't thrilled about the move, but in time, I would come to realize that if we hadn't moved, I would've never met one of my best friends and brothers. Jay is considerate, and gracious, and he is the kindest soul I know. I have been so fortunate to have Jay in my life and have had the distinct pleasure of watching him grow and evolve into the man, husband, and father he is now. Jay was one of the first people to welcome me into his friend group; he gave me a new life in a new world. We were inseparable from that point on. We had the funniest (and sometimes weirdest) inside jokes, we had our share of wild adventures, and above all else, we were there for one another whenever we were low. I couldn't be more grateful for him. Jay and I connected a lot through music. We would introduce each other to some of our favorite artists and spend the summer blaring their songs on car rides around the city. Aside from music, we both had a mutual appreciation for all different kinds of art. Today, Jay is a photographer, and he takes some of the most beautiful pictures I've ever seen. In fact, Jay took one of the earliest (and one of our personal favorite) pictures of Courtney and me. For our wedding day, Jay will be in front of the camera, and right next to me, and I couldn't be happier.
Kermit Strachan
Groomsman
Sunday night, the Bahama Mamas are flowin', the music is loud, and your next performers are the infamous Mike!Mike and K.C.! It's crazy to think that karaoke nights could form such a strong bond. It's crazier to think about what my life would be like without my big brother Kermit. Kermit and I started out slinging the best milkshakes the world had ever tasted (literally brought everyone to our yard) and ended up being the best of friends. We were a year apart in school, but I was closer to him than anyone else in my class. Whenever we went out, wherever we went out, we were the life of the party, a dynamic duo, and he always looked out for me like I was his little brother. There was nothing better than dancing the night away, sipping on Orange Crushes from Main Street, and grabbing a burger and fries from Steak and Shake at 3 o'clock in the morning with my main man Kermit (ah, to be young). We might be on opposite sides of the country, but our bond is unbreakable. Take us to any karaoke night on the map, we'll tear it up like we never left. To my Bahamian brother with the warmest heart I know and the most infectious laugh, I couldn't be more thankful to have you by my side.
Peter Zappala
Groomsman
Most people know who I root for when football season comes around. What they don't know is that there's only one quarterback that I consider to be the GOAT. My quarterback, Peter Zappala. Peter and I were colleagues and teammates in college, and in the blink of an eye, we became family. The first time Peter came to visit me during summer break, I thought it was such a big gesture of friendship. Little did I know at the time, all Peter knows is how to go big, and it was just the start of the beautiful friendship I am so grateful to have now. Peter is ambitious, intelligent, and headstrong. If you've ever seen Peter run, you know there isn't a titanium wall strong enough that can stop him. That's also just how he approaches life. He fights and claws and bleeds to accomplish his goals, and with that same ferocity, he will turn around and fight for you to reach your goals as well; he is a true leader. Peter is a globetrotter, a thrill seeker, and a great friend for letting myself and others tag along in all of his wondrous adventures. And he’s not just my quarterback, he's a Michelin Star chef (I've never had a bad meal at his table), he's my coaster buddy, (unless we're doing single rider because duh, way faster), a fellow superhero geek, a world class papa, and my brother. I am beyond honored to have him by my side.
Eric Hansen
Groomsman
When I first met Eric, he was a bit on the quiet side, polite, obviously a smart guy. We were colleagues in college and I heard really great things about him. In the not too distant future, I was fortunate enough to be placed on the same staff with him, and he proved to not only be that great person I had heard about, but far beyond anything I could have imagined. Eric isn't just a smart guy, he is one of the smartest people I've ever met. He isn't just polite, he is kindhearted, and caring, and thoughtful. And he definitely isn't as quiet once you spend a few late nights with him going on Taco Bell runs and drinking soda that will more than likely burn through your stomach. Getting to know Eric, and connecting with him over video games, or music, or the latest internet memes, or just life in general, has been one of my life's greatest pleasures. Having someone like my brother Eric in your corner is truly a blessing, especially when you need someone with sweet dance moves during a dance battle (which I hope we will all see at the reception). In summary, his power level is over 9,000, and I am honored to have him stand by my side.
Robert Moroney
Groomsman
My first interaction with Rob was one of the most open and vulnerable moments I had ever had with another human being in my life upon meeting them. My only thought was, if this is just the start, it's only getting deeper from here, and boy was I right. When I say Rob is my brother, I mean it twice over, because not only is he one of my closest friends, but we are bonded by our fraternity. He is direct, logical, and way too funny for his own good. Sometimes all it takes is a look, a word, or even him pointing his finger, and I lose it. He's a huge music nerd and an even bigger Disney nerd that loves Shirley Temples almost as much as I do. He is also so very passionate and loving and honest. We could be in a hookah lounge until the crack of dawn, or driving around with his bass blowing our ears out, or even just going up and down an elevator for a whole night, and it's always a good time filled with long talks and plenty of laughs. I am grateful for every moment I've ever had with Rob, and I will always look forward to the moments we will have in the future, including having him by my side on my wedding day.
Alice Stephenson
Flower Girl
Alice was born the year we started dating, and as our love grew, so did Alice. Over the years she has sprouted into such a remarkable young lady. Every time we get to see her, she grows by at least a foot and is at least 10x smarter and 100x funnier. She always astounds us with her smarts and her toughness; she works hard and plays even harder. She's a future USWMNT star, a fish whispering, bass master (like her mom), and the best big sister to Andrew. One of our favorite things about Alice is our shared love of board games. I cannot wait to teach her how to always win at Settlers of Catan, and I especially can't wait for her to be my flower girl.
Jayden Quintero
Ring Bearer
When my uncle and aunt told me I'd be getting another cousin in October of 2006, I told them he'd be born on my birthday. My birthday came and went, and he was a no-show. I woke up the following morning to the news that my baby cousin just wanted to be fashionably late. He grew up in a flash, and before I knew it, he turned into the little brother I didn't realize I had always wanted. Luckily for me, Jayden has made it a habit of visiting us at LEAST once a year and the fun we have together is unrivaled. He is the Baby Keem to my Kendrick Lamar. I can't think of anyone better to have such an important role in our wedding.
Angelie Escobar
Lily Bearer
When I would come home on my breaks from college, 99% of my family welcomed me back with open arms. Angy on the other hand, would look me in the eyes, smile the biggest smile you'd ever seen, and immediately run away. It was hilarious, and to this day, there's never a dull moment with this girl. Spending time with her and her sister Alynne is what keeps me young at heart. I would've probably never known about the wonders and intricacies of K-Pop if it weren't for Angy. She brings so much joy and bliss into my life (and Courtney's as well); she is the personification of running through a meadow of flowers. Ultimately, she was destined to walk (run) Lily down the aisle.
Lily
Sweetest Little Angel
Most of you already know who this sweet baby is, but for those who don't, let us introduce you to Lily. Lily came into our lives on a random September afternoon. We walked into a pet store, just for fun, and we were greeted with the sweetest brown eyes either of us had ever seen. We asked to do a small meet and greet, and we both knew on the spot we wanted to take her home (Michael was a little hesitant, but deep down he was thrilled). When we look back at our favorite moments together, getting Lily is undoubtedly in the top 3. She has filled our lives with kisses, laughter, a few too many stained carpets, but more importantly, SO much love. We'd be silly not to include our Lily-girl, Lily-bug, Lily-bear on our special day.
Brian Poynter
Officiant
Courtney met Brian during her undergraduate program in college and introduced him to Michael early on in their relationship. He has been a constant in both of their lives ever since. There are few things better than spending a weekend playing board games with Brian and his wife Laura while he smokes some of the best chicken wings in the northern hemisphere. Whether its sunrise walks to the golf course with Courtney or playing Marco Polo in the pool with Michael, Brian has cemented his friendship with the couple for eternity. Brian is just the sweetest guy with a big ol' heart and they couldn't imagine having anyone else officiate their special day. Plus, he's a snack.