Wedding Party
Marjorie Homes
Maid of Honor
Joanna and Marjorie first met in pre-school -- bonding over their love of dress up, swimming, and the fact that they had two terrible older bothers (ha-ha!). They were inseparable. Whether it was biking to Sunny Nails to get a manicure, terrorizing the Middlesex Club, or making up dances in the kitchen, Jo and Marj just clicked. Sadly, long distance caused them to drift apart when Joanna attended Suffield Academy. That's when fate stepped in. Unknowingly they both selected to attend the same college in Florida and swiftly became roommates! They know nothing can separate them and they've been singing "Life is a Prayer" by Madonna ever since.
Brandon Kumar
Best Man
It’s a wonder that Brandon and Ryan ever made it as friends. Their first meeting took place on the benches outside of Thurston Hall (GW’s notorious freshman dorm) with Ryan explaining how “dope” it was being rushed by “all the top frats”. Brandon was willing to look past this nauseating first introduction and the boys became close friends. From traveling to street raves in Croatia to just sitting on lawn chairs and chatting about life these two friends never skip a beat.
Lyndsay Aviner
Bridesmaid
Without Lyndsay, college wouldn't have been the same. They were introduced by Marjorie, who was her roommate, their very first day. She had perfectly styled hair/makeup (which Jo frequently asked for assistance on), incredible fashion sense and an infectious positivity about her. A talented singer and musician, the two loved harmonizing in the car and strumming the guitar together. They bonded over rushing DZ, their frequent Disney trips (to this day, Lyndsay has a special speed for Disney walking) and the typical college boy problems. Joanna is so honored to call Lyndsay one of her closest friends and best advise givers. Lyndsay now lives in Brooklyn and co-created the very successful off-Broadway show Beyond Babel with her hubby Josh!
Everett Brownstein
Groomsman
The manner in which Everett and Ryan’s paths have crossed so many times, it is as if the universe was telling them to be friends. From being frenemies in college, to colleagues on the trading floor, to living just a few floors apart in NYC these two are always within earshot of each other. Their competitive relationship gets them out of bed at 5 am to attend spin class and can best be described as a Michelob Ultra commercial, which is consequently Everett’s favorite beer.
Alexis Blais
Bridesmaid
Alexis was there when it all went down. Rewind to Joanna's first job out of college. She was working for a PR firm in Greenwich. Technically her boss, Alexis showed her the ropes of Public Relations, Galas and NYC Socialites. It was when Alexis mentioned to Jo that she was throwing a Halloween Soirée and wanted her help, did they go from co-workers to best friends. They motivated each other to move to NYC and to get their boating license together. Although Alexis has yet to drive a boat, they share their love of putting around Long Island Sound on Back By Five with their favorite summer cocktail, Fishers Island Lemonade.
Carlo Buonopane
Groomsman
If you had to describe Carlo’s biggest impact on Ryan, it would be his uncanny ability to encourage Ryan into performing idiotic and hilarious stunts usually right alongside each other. The simple phrase, “you won’t” has gotten these two into such situations as dancing their way through a private country club party (obviously uninvited) to playing office whiffle ball as a much needed CFA study break (Sorry Mrs. Buonopane!). The list of shenanigans can go on and on but if you want a good story Carlo is the guy to go to.
Christina Leger
Bridesmaid
Joanna absolutely adores Christina. There are few people Joanna trusts, enjoys throwing a trolley party with, or will drink champagne for than the kindest human that is Christina. Though Sorority Sisters, and Lyndsay Aviner’s ‘Big Sis’, their story didn’t begin until after college on one fateful trip to Mexico where they realized their mutual love of travel, adventure and margarita's. A few trips to Europe (and a couple stick-shift rental cars later), Joanna and Christina are the rare example of instant friends that didn’t start in the sandbox. These two have a bond that even the miles and seas inflicted by Christina’s chic French husband can’t break (Seriously Simon, when do I get her back?).
George Copley
Groomsman
As Ryan’s oldest friend, George has been one of the most influential people in Ryan’s life. In high school the two were inseparable, spending their summer days walking to the gym or exploring the back woods of Wilton. They often found themselves strategizing with their other friend Tim as to how to get into upperclassmen house parties. No matter the direction that their lives take, it is as simple as a quick beer over a fire pit for them to get back to their usual stride.
Jennifer Mais
Bridesmaid
Great moms think alike. It was their first day at Suffield Academy and their mothers knew they would be nervous. So both Jo and Jen were sent to their dorm with Costco sized cheese balls "to make friends". The cheese balls worked and 'Team J Squad' instantly formed. Their CD mixes were infamous and their love of the New York Giants and Britney Spears unrivaled. Together, the J Squad decided to take on NYC and move into their first apartment together. They learned to drive, navigated Greece, attended Coachella and have had a lot of laughs in the back of Uber's. No matter where these two go, they're giggling the entire time and challenging others to a game of Mario Kart.
Kirk Gaudian
Groomsman
Depending on which version of the “how the bride and groom met” story you hear, Kirk plays various roles but it should be noted that he was most certainly a huge factor. Whether it was talking Ryan up to the girls (despite the horrific mustache) or encouraging Ryan to text Joanna in the subsequent days, Kirk has always had a knack for being a supportive friend. Ryan can always trust Kirk to respond to a text to catch up over a “high school special” from Joe's Chicken or a beverage in SoNo.
Laura Scholtz
Bridesmaid
Imagine this. You're fairly certain your brothers new girlfriend is going to be another dud... then Laura steps out of the car. Red hair, arms outstretched and a smile that you can't deny, Joanna instantly approved. Laura and Jo found their friendship easy and natural. They both enjoy Soul Cycle (except when Laura suggests a double), beating Lee in all competitions and cheese with wine. Laura is a superhero. She bravely attended COVID-19 patients at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York and Joanna couldn't be prouder to have her as her sister and friend.
Christian Marzullo
Groomsman
Christian and Ryan’s shared passion for food has brought these two on some very interesting culinary adventures. The pair have no issue delving into a bowl of frog leg soup at a hole-in-the-wall or figuring out the best way to eat (slurp?) a seaweed emulsion off a rock at an upscale Brooklyn restaurant. No matter the quality and taste of the food they receive it is always an occasion to be enjoyed.
Mary Elizabeth Scholtz
Bridesmaid
If Joanna had a big sister, Mary Elizabeth would be it. Mary Elizabeth started dating her brother Carl when Joanna was 9. She played the neighborhood games, attended family vacations and sympathized with Jo as a fellow youngest sibling. A staple in her life, she looked up to MEM (Mary Elizabeth Miller) as a younger sister would. She is kind, poised, thoughtful, smart; simply, a great role model! Eventually MEM turned to MES and MES became DR, but the most impressive title she holds is MOM to 4 of the greatest nieces and nephew that ever were.
Bobby Pisanelli
Groomsman
Bobby may initially come off as a relaxed SoCal guy, but when Ryan and Bobby get together there is always a bit of mischief. In college, the pair would pull all nighters cramming for various business class tests to ensure that when the weekend came they were unburdened and free to party. You might find these two arguing in a burrito shop parking lot at 2 am, debating the best toppings, but you can be sure to find them hamming it up at the gym the following morning.
Chelsea Weldon
Bridesmaid
From the second Joanna heard Chelsea was throwing a "Wiggin' Out" themed birthday (everyone must wear a wig), she knew they were going to get along perfectly. Not only do they share a love of fashion and can relax by the beach for hours on end, but both Chelsea and Joanna's dance moves are unparalleled (insert sarcasm). Chelsea is always the hostess with the mostest and has been known to motivate and whoop Joanna's butt in Core Power Yoga class. Joanna is so thrilled to gain such a smart, kind and fun sister-in-law!
Ben Schenkman
Groomsman
As long time roommates, Ben and Ryan have supported each other through the transition from preppy Vineyard Vines toting D.C. undergrads to monochromatic wearing lower east side natives. Whatever the vibe, Ben is always sure to be dressed to the nines and ready to schmooze whoever the host may be. Despite looking better in a polo, Ben has always been willing to lend some dressing tips to Ryan as they prepared for nights out on the town.
Grace Weldon
Bridesmaid
Maybe it's because they're both the youngest, maybe it's their shared love of Joanna's dog, Winnie; but most likely it's because Grace is awesome. Joanna and Grace met in Grand Central when Ryan invited Grace to join them on their way to CT via Metro North. From the start it was very clear Grace is a vivacious spirit who all gravitate to, and Joanna was no exception. Grace was the perfect introduction to the Weldon family and has always made her feel like her sister. Whether it's hiking or brunch Joanna and Grace never have a dull moment.
Carl Scholtz
Groomsman
As the oldest and "most serious" sibling of the Scholtz clan, Carl has imparted a lot of wisdom and insight into Ryan’s life. Some of the most important lessons include: the importance of apple juice as a chaser for tequila and how to convince a wedding planner to sneak you a drink before dinner. No matter the nature of the gathering, Carl and Ryan can always squeeze out a bit of fun.
Lee Scholtz
Groomsman
Lee and Ryan were cut from a very similar cloth which helped them avoid the obligatory and awkward “protective older brother” relationship. In the summer, these two become salty dogs who love spending every Saturday floating listlessly on the Scholtz family boat with a few mango white claws in hand. While in the winter, they are usually at MSG hopelessly supporting whichever NY sports team is playing that night.