The Adventuring Party
Emily Wright
Bride
The Princess Bride: To quote The Bard, "Though she be but little, she is fierce!". Like Hermia in A Midsummer's Night Dream, Emily follows her heart in all things, allowing passion to drive her keen intellect. Like many heroines, Emily wouldn't be where she is now without the help of many good friends who supported her along the way, and she is so blessed to be getting her happily ever after with someone like Jeff who makes her feel like royalty.
Jeff Sicotte
Groom
The Dread Pirate Roberts and Game Master: Like the hero Westley of The Princess Bride, Jeff displays determination to help others and follow through for the ones he loves. And like a creator of any good D&D campaign, Jeff plans ahead and ensures everyone around him is having a good time. He watches out for his friends, but also likes to throw a curveball now and then. Jeff is so lucky to have found someone who appreciates his attention to detail, and tendency to weave a little whimsy into life.
Maria Silva
Maid of Honor
The Monk: Monks in D&D rely on a combination of attributes to interact with the world around them in a holistic way. Similarly, going back to the early days of their friendship, Maria has brought forward a holistic and thoughtful presence to her friendship with Emily. Their friendship encompasses a wide variety of topics ranging from a love of the outdoors, a love of cooking and crafting, and good times talking about a variety of science fiction and fantasy fandoms while playing a variety of board games. Emily is thankful for Maria's wisdom during thoughtful conversations, and her assistance with wedding planning.
Kevin Stanley
Co-Best Man
The Mentor: The stereotypical hero's journey includes a wizened mentor, one who teaches and guides our hero in their journey to defeat a Great Evil. Think Ben Kenobi, Albus Dumbledore, or Gandalf. While real life lacks a single Great Evil to vanquish, Kevin has nevertheless done his best as an older brother to demonstrate mature, caring thoughts and actions. Jeff admires how Kevin looks out for him and their younger brother, Rob. Kevin is one of the bravest people Jeff knows, someone who has the strength to stand not for himself, but for others. Jeff is deeply thankful to have Kevin's support and strength to call on, and is so lucky to be able to rely on him as co-Best Man.
Joanne Chen
Bridesmaid
The Cleric: Like a cleric in D&D, Joanne demonstrates great support in her friendships with others. A sometimes healing presence, clerics tend to be gentle and kind, both of which Joanne has demonstrated in her friendship with Emily. In addition, clerics are able to talk on subjects deeply and discuss purposes behind things, and Emily appreciates that she and Joanne have been able to share conversations regarding meaningful subjects in a unique way. Emily is thankful for the friendship she has been able to share with Joanne over the years as it has shifted to encompass the many twists and turns of life.
Robert Sicotte
Co-Best Man
The Paladin: In D&D lore, to be a paladin means to channel the passion and love of an ideal into the power to shield those incapable of shielding themselves. Rob has always been one who strives to make others comfortable and heard in the conversation. This is probably due to how often Jeff or Kevin dispensed unnecessary advice to their thoughtful younger brother. It has been a great pleasure to see Rob grow into his own person, a young man of strong ambition, deep personal conviction, and cheerful spirit. Jeff is immensely proud to have a brother with as durable a call to serve as Rob (emulating Coach Ted Lasso in his photo.
Michelle Liang
Bridesmaid
The Sorcerer: In D&D, sorcerers have magic that come from within, it's part of who they are. Similarly, since Emily first met Michelle, she has demonstrated her inherent abilities for empathy. Michelle uses her talents for good, helping communities, as well as her circle of friends. Michelle is good at bringing a smile to Emily's face with humor, but also understands the importance of quiet moments for more reflective conversations. Emily is thankful for Michelle's well rounded abilities which she brings to the table in their long-lasting friendship.
Allison Miller
Groomswoman
The Fighter: The connection between Allison and Jeff is a unique one- both the middle children in their respective families, as well as the closest in age amongst the six cousins, both have had their share of challenges being sandwiched between such high achieving older siblings as Kevin and Kyle, and such cherubic younger siblings as Rob and Megan. Whereas Jeff chose to differ himself through the pursuit of science and music growing up, Allison strived to distinguish herself as a top tier women's basketball player throughout middle and high school. It is in the tales of Allison's sheer perseverance and drive on the basketball court that the D&D archetype of a fighter begins to show itself. Beyond the high school years of yore, Jeff continues to be blown away by the ferocity Allison brings to her pursuit of collegiate achievement and professional excellence, and delights in her holiday bartending skills, as well as the good natured ribbing of their siblings.
Misty Ortega
Bridesmaid
The Nurturer: Many fairytales include someone who can provide others with keen insight. Misty does this and more for her friends and family. She is always available to raise others up and provide warmth and a shoulder to lean on. Emily met Misty in nursing school and like any interesting fairytale, there were twists, turns, and difficult moments during that journey. Through it all, Misty provided her friends with nurturing love and support, and Emily is thankful for not only Misty's kindness, but also her fun and sometimes silly personality that comes out at the most opportune times.
Cody Burkhart
Groomsman
The Ranger: Rangers patrol the wilds of D&D, maintaining the line between civilization and nature and guarding both from unchecked exploitation of the other. Similarly, Cody has dedicated himself towards maintaining nature for the common good as part of the US Forestry Service, a service that Jeff would have easily guessed would be fulfilling ever since their shared college days. An aggressively competent naturalist, Cody also provides a strong morality to the multiple D&D campaigns he plays with Jeff. To borrow from the late Terry Pratchett, Cody has iron of the mind, a sort of conviction of purpose and action that refuses to bend or break in the face of adversity, but endures. Jeff is grateful to have met Cody, and to have such a true and loyal friend stand with him on this most joyous of days.
Nishtha Chavda
Bridesmaid
The Wizard: The most studious and self-determined of the magic wielding classes, Nishtha's dedication to her studies, her ability to learn, and her dedication to excellence in all things makes her a stalwart and reliable friend who Emily is proud to have shared wonderful times with since 7th grade. Like a wizard can offer knowledge, Nishtha never fails to provide a shoulder to lean on and an ear to bounce ideas off of. But like wizards in another series of stories, Nishtha also knows how to have a good time and understands that while books and cleverness are important, there are more important things - friendship and bravery. Emily is thankful for both of these from Nishtha.
Kyle Miller
Groomsman
The Veteran: Training is no use without the tempering force of experience to guide it, and luckily for Jeff, he had an older cousin who could be looked to provide that experience. To Jeff, Kyle will always be most gentlemanly of his cousins (please note, while they are equally beloved, all of Jeff's other cousins are women). Kyle pushes himself to grow and deepen his skills in the kitchen, on the golf course, and in the pursuit of a life full of adventures and experiences. To count Kyle as one of the most brotherly non-brothers in Jeff's life is a pleasure and an honor, one Jeff is most appreciative of.
Priscila Arredondo
Bridesmaid
The Healer: Both D&D and fantasy novels need to have a healer available when times are hard. Priscila is someone who prioritizes others' health and safety, working tirelessly as a nurse to take care of her patients, her friends, and her family. Though Emily met Priscila a little later in nursing school, they quickly became like old friends. Emily is so thankful she has a friend like Priscila who knows how to find the optimism in so many things, but also understands when to simply lend an ear.
Megan Miller
Groomswoman
The Rogue- What defines a rogue in the D&D world is their ability adapt and evolve under pressure and adversity. Megan has the cunning of a D&D Rogue, and the tenacity to weather whatever fate throws at her. A life long student of the art of pivoting towards greatness, Megan's unerring support of her cousins and siblings is much appreciated and welcome. She is a loyal and skillful friend, with interests in photography, trying new cuisines, and travel. Like any good self-promoting Rogue, Megan will tell you she is to blame for this entire wedding nonsense- after all, it was her photos of Jeff on his Bumble account that convinced Emily to message him (and totally not Jeff's witty writings or knowledge of shared media fandoms). Megan is a capable and cunning ally in this momentous undertaking.
Vaneet Sandhu
Bridesmaid
The Knight: In fairytales and fantasy novels, knights are noble people who stand by their principles and stand by those they care about. Emily met Vaneet in nursing school and despite the difficult road that nursing school can be, Vaneet always stood up for what was right, and stood stalwartly by those who she cared for. Vaneet understands the importance of doing what's right with a brave, helpful, and kind attitude. Emily is thankful for Vaneet's steady presence and friendship. She cherishes all the memories that they have shared.
Parker Holz
Groomsman
The Druid: As with the Ranger, a Druid also cares for the natural world and all of it's beauty, but there is also an element of contemplation and observation that permeates the role of Druid. Until he met Emily, Parker was the closest thing to a consiglieri and therapist to Jeff, sharing the travails of adjusting to a post-collegiate world and making one's way in it. Parker has a maturity well beyond his years, which looking back, is a good thing when paired with Jeff's impulsive tendencies. Jeff has never met someone who could dive so deep into the lore of D&D, and is looking forward to the many ridiculous campaigns to come.
Rosie Nguyen
Candle Lighter
The Sage: Sage's are often thought of as old and wise. Similarly, Rosie's and Emily's friendship dates back to 3rd grade, making Rosie one of Emily's oldest friends. Rosie is a well-learned person and works to share her knowledge with others so that they can put their best foot forward. Emily and Rosie have experienced so many things together and have had the chance to grow together since children. Emily is thankful to Rosie for the fun times she has provided over the years, for the wisdom she has been able to impart via sharing life experiences and stories, and for the enthusiasm she brings into every situation.
Kadie Backlund
Candle Lighter
The Illuminator: There is not a D&D equivalent for this, we just liked the pun. Jeff is very thankful to have such a determined and quietly enthused party member. Kadie is an insightful friend and wonderful wit, and Jeff has full confidence in her ability to light the way to his wife-to-be.
Jackie Shirley
Guest Bookkeeper
The Scholar: Let it never be said that one can investigate too much, dig too deep, ponder too many mysteries. A skilled researcher and asker of inane questions, Jackie's Philosophy degree and the big questions it caused her to ask caused legendary collegiate bullshit sessions between the friends group. Jackie has developed into a caring, spontaneous DND player and a loyal friend, who Jeff and Emily are so happy to agree to keep a record of all the advice our guests are welcome to share.