Lauren & Joseph
Wedding Party
Gage Gilson
Bridesmaid
Lauren's childhood best friend and next door neighbor from second grade through high school graduation. Even though they've lived far apart for many years, they've remained as close as sisters. They share so many memories of biking around the neighborhood, countless sleepovers, and Gage making Lauren dress her Barbies because she hated doing it.
Ryan Rodriguez
Groomsman
Ryan and Joe have been friends for over two decades, after meeting in freshman year of high school. They've gone to the same schools, worked at the same job, and at times lived in the same houses. Ryan and his wife, Ali, honored Joe by naming him godfather to their only daughter Amelié. Ryan introduced Joe to Lauren... so, he holds the title of Matchmaker. Ryan worked pro-bono as Joe's music calendar for years, but regularly failed to get Joe out of the house. Ask him about Mardi Gras M&Ms.
Catherine Kennedy
Bridesmaid
One of Lauren's closest friends of 26ish years. They grew up in the same neighborhood and even went to neighboring colleges in New Orleans. Cate and Lauren have been there for each other through the ups and downs of life. No one laughs as hard as they do where they're together! Lauren thinks of Cate as a sister, and when they see each other they never miss a beat. Go ahead and ask them about shoe cobbling, Mooshaboom, and the first time Cate ever saw a flying cockroach (spoiler: Lauren had to kill it).
Roger Day
Groomsman
Roger and Joe met on his driveway in Destrehan around 1992, racing each other for a prized comic book card that a mutual friend had. They spent a lot of time together, biking the neighborhood streets, getting dirty in ditches while catching fish, frogs, and turtles, and, of course... general teenage mischief. Roger is a passionate fisherman and a seasoned, well-rounded tech expert who regularly acts as a consultant for Joe's lack of expertise in the field. Ask him about "Spider Man Country".
Sarah Welinsky Hoffman
Bridesmaid
Lauren's best friend since college. Sarah and Lauren met when they were randomly placed as freshman roommates at Tulane, and became friends for life the third day of living together when they danced on stage at a Black Star show at House of Blues. They've been through A TON together. New Orleans definitely misses Sarah and Lauren out on the town since they've settled down in separate cities, but they'll never stop making appearances at Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, or whenever they can!
Brandon Schuler
Groomsman
Brandon and Joe have known each other for over 15 years. They worked together at Café Adelaide, and were roommates post-Katrina. They've collectively spent a fortune between Vick's Kangaroo, Lucy's Retired Surfer Bar, & Gordon Biersch while working in the CBD. Brandon is an Air Force veteran and the father of two beautiful daughters, Emmaline and Lyla. Joe and Brandon were nearly related! We'll save that story for another time, though. Ask him about the St. Patrick's Day Party.
Emily May
Bridesmaid
Em and Lauren met in New Orleans through mutual friends and have been close for over ten years. Lauren stood in Emily's wedding and now it's her turn to do the same! Emily is smart, hilarious, and will stay fiercely by your side. Lauren knows Emily will always have an ear to listen, and is great for a measured, objective opinion--or just to have a good time!
Marco Altamirano
Groomsman
Marco is Joe's oldest friend, reaching WAY back to the mid-eighties. They grew up together, attending the same elementary school and high school. College divided them, but it seems they were destined to fall back into each other's orbit... Joe bought a house on the street that Marco grew up on, and eventually Joe got a job one block away from Marco's house in Mid-City. Marco is a Doctor of Philosophy, a father to a beautiful daughter named Gisele, a published author, and an incredible storyteller. Ask him about the hook in the ass.
Natalie Johnson
Bridesmaid
One of Lauren's closest friends. They met in New Orleans about 10 years ago, and since Natalie has lived in Austin not a day goes by that she doesn't try to get Lauren to move there! Lauren was actually about to when she met Joe. While Nata was sad about that, she has (we think) gotten over it, since she loves Joe so much. Now she just tries to get both of them to move there! Lauren does visit Austin every chance she gets; most recently to be there for the birth of Natalie's first child, Niko!
Khang Diep
Groomsman
Khang and Joe have been friends since the mid-nineties, after Roger and his Destrehan High School crew brought Joe into the fold. Khang is a car nut and speed demon, through-and-through. Khang trusts Joe enough to drive his automobaby at really high speeds on the interstate, and wants to teach Joe ride a motorcycle. Joe is leaning towards Hell NAW. Khang and Joe regularly share a beer, well let's say beerS, and a spirited political debate. Ask Khang about "The Driveway".
Alex Aughtry
Bridesmaid
Although Alex and Lauren went to the same college at the same time, with the same major, they didn't meet and become friends until a couple of years after graduation. Now you can catch them around town at music shows, festivals, and the occasional (or, let's be real--frequent) wine bar. Alex is one of the most loyal friends you'd ever hope to have.
Paul Rome
Groomsman
Paul is Joe's brother-in-law, and is a natural fit in the Pilié family. He's gregarious and hilarious... and probably the only person who could have tamed Joe's sister, Lauren Pilié Rome. He is the father of two well-loved kiddos... Joe's niece, and flower girl, Lily Rome, and Joe's nephew, Luke Rome. Paul & Lauren honored Joe by naming him godfather to Luke. Paul's an avid boater, a big LSU fan, and a Bud Light man.
Lauren Rome
Bridesmaid
The original Lauren Pilié, Joe's sister and the bride are becoming like sisters themselves. Lauren Claire was warm, open and welcoming to Lauren Margaret (this is what they have to go by in the family. Avoids confusion.) from the first day they met. She is the life of the party and "shy" is not a word in her vocabulary. LM looks forward to a lifetime of being LC's sister-in-law and aunt to her beautiful kids.
Ryan Ulf
Groomsman
Ryan is Lauren's brother and Joe's brother-in-law-to-be. Ryan and Joe go together like wine and cheese... mainly because Joe is a certified sommelier and Ryan is a professional cheesemonger. Ryan likes sports just as much as he likes cheese (maybe more), being an avid Washington D.C. Capitals fan & a Saints fan.
Amelié Rodriguez
Flower Girl
Joe's first godchild, and daughter of groomsman Ryan Rodriguez. She attends a local magnet school, is becoming a dedicated gymnast, and represents the best of mom (Ali) & dad. She will lead the "flower experience", since she has the requisite skills on her resumé.
Lily Rome
Flower Girl
Lily is Joe's niece, the daughter of his sister, Lauren Rome. Lily has been a joyful light in the Rome/Pilié family since she was born. She is funny, smart, and loves to push or ride anything with wheels. She will be an adorable and entertaining addition to the wedding party.
Brelynn Dial
Flower Girl
Brelynn is Joe's second godchild and daughter of his cousin, Lisa Dial. She might seem shy, but there's a lot of her mom in there... and if you know Lisa, Brelynn's going to make this "flower experience" a party.
Hunter Cave
Ring Bearer
Hunter, a.k.a. Gumbo, is the son of Lauren's cousin, Sean, and his wife, Lindsey. After moving to New Orleans in December 2014 (Hunter was born the next month), the Caves have become close with Joe, Lauren, and the rest of the Ulfs. It's so wonderful to have family close by--and even better when your family is also fun to be around! The bride and groom are honored to have little Gumbo walk down the aisle with them.