Melissa & Brendan
The "I Do" Crew
Valerie McQuade
Maid of Honor
We shared a room growing up and she copied everything I did. From making up dances to Aaron Carter in the living room to playing school, I wouldn't have it any other way. She's my sister and she knows too much about me (and now I steal clothes FROM her).
Ian Walsh
Best Man
We met February 11, 1990. Since that day, we've been the best of friends. As much as he poked fun at me through my childhood, I know he would do anything for me and that feeling is mutual. He's more than just my brother, he's really the best, man.
Grace Sadowski
Bridesmaid
Grace and I always talked about our future weddings back in grade school while we watched White Chicks and Nicholas sparks movies multiple times. We met playing basketball in 6th grade for the Steel City Starz. From then on, we stuck by each other's side and never left. From countless country concerts to Notre Dame football games and nights out in Chicago, we never stop laughing and having the best times. We will be those little two old ladies in our 80's drinking wine and reminiscing on our youthful days.
Matt Hagen
Groomsman
Since 5th grade we've been inseparable. Even though he lives 3000 miles away now, we still find time to play NBA 2k like we've done since middle school despite the fact that he acts like he's 65 years old. Matt is my best friend and I can't imagine that ever changing.
Brittany LeVan
Bridesmaid
My freshman year at Kutztown, I was assigned a basketball recruit- enter Brittany LeVan. She stayed with me for the night and after she left, she committed to play at Kutztown :) . The following year, she became like my little sister and we have been best friends ever since. From living at 455 Main Street to Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, I've been through a lot with this one. We drank together, laughed together, cried together and drove each other crazy, but had some of the best times that we will never forget! (Days Inn)
Derek McQuade
Groomsman
We met shortly after Melissa and I started dating. He's the smartest guy I know (the guy is a friggin' surgeon) and one of the most genuine people as well. I'm looking forward to June 22nd so he and I can make our brotherhood official.
Rachel Wisemiller
Bridesmaid
She is the person who I have probably danced the most with in my life thus far (Sorry Brendan!) and also gets mistaken as my actual sister often. We were a threat on the court at Kutztown and also caused damage in Shorty's. We love Go Go Gadget, Chic fil A, and craft beer. We just understand each other, we know what each other's passions are, and she will always be a best friend.
Dave Pullis
Groomsman
I met Dave when I visited Matt at Kutztown our freshman year. The reason Matt befriended him is because he reminded Matt of myself. He's just a bigger, stronger, and better looking version of me, haha. We've had many great memories and have remained close through the years. Oh, and the guy is a damn good photographer (have you seen our engagement pictures!?).
Brittany Greaves
Bridesmaid
The friend I can call up at any time of the day to chat, vent about anything, share a story, you get the picture.... I met Brittany at Kutztown playing basketball, as well. We lived together outside of Philadelphia, taking care of her dog Gage and eating at Bocellas deli. Fort Myers trips, nights out in West Chester, living at 455 Main at KU, and living together in Havertown are only some of the adventures we have had. Brittany is a loyal friend who I know will always have my back.
Justin Quiros
Groomsman
We met in 7th grade. As two of the only "non-gifted" kids in all the smart kid classes, we developed a special bond. Justin and I became great friends that year and have remained close ever since. From eating 3lbs of mozzarella sticks, sharing minutes on the basketball court in 8th grade, and staying up all night gaming, we've had some great times. I would not be able to marry Melissa without him by my side.
Tally Juarez
Bridesmaid
I met Tally the latest out of all my bridesmaids, but we have become very close over the past two years. Tally is the soon-to-be wife of Brendan's best friend, Matt. Moving to the Lehigh Valley, I met Tally while Brendan and Matt hung out. Soon enough, we ditched the boys and realized that we loved Harry Potter, punk rock music and concerts, traveling to new places, and just talking to each other about life! Now, we tell each other everything and she is someone I can always count on. (Move back from Seattle!)
Tyler Franks
Groomsman
I met Tyler in middle school. Like me, he was one of the few white boys on the 7th grade basketball team. Our relationship blossomed in high school, particularly from golf team shenanigans. Even though Ty is only 5'9, 160lbs soaking wet, he can still out drive me. We had too many great memories to mention and I love the guy like a little brother.
Michalene Auth
Bridesmaid
Myk was my partner in crime growing up. We met in 6th grade also playing AAU for the Steel City Starz. We were always out in about doing different things in Pittsburgh, whether it was trying to talk to Central Catholic boys at their football games or going to country concerts, we were together all of the time. She was also my personal stylist, always fixing me up. We have stuck with each other through thick and thin for a long time, and she will always be a best friend.
Matt Hasher
Groomsman
Since he lost $5 in a grueling 1 on 1 basketball game in the fall of 2009, we've been great friends. We drank a lot, we ate a lot, and we for sure saw each other at our worst (junior year, suuuuuper fat). I love the guy like a brother and whenever we reunite, there is never a dull moment.
Sarah Walsh
Bridesmaid
Sarah is my soon-to-be sister-in-law and the mother of my beautiful niece, Ella June! Sarah and I first met when I accompanied Brendan to her and Ian's wedding in good ol' West Virginia! She is the sweetest woman and Brendan and I look up to her and Ian as people and parents. We really bonded when we went to visit them in San Francisco, where we sipped wine in Napa Valley, experienced In-and-Out Burger, and hiked in Yosemite National Park, where they were with us when Brendan proposed. I know I will always have Sarah as a sister and friend!
Steve Spillane
Groomsman
He's a nugget-loving, beer-chugging, non-tree hugging, all american guy. We bond over eating massive amounts of food and drinking sour IPA's. He's a true, genuine friend who I have a lot of appreication for. If I hadn't met Steve, I would have never met my dream girl. I can't thank you enough, Vanilla James.