Maid of Honor
Cousin, sister, best friend. It almost ended with a cranberry in 1994, but luckily you survived that and many other dangerous encounters. What is life if not lived on the edge?
Best Man
Good drummer, great friend. Legally-bound business partner in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Insert Illiterate Light bio here. You had my back when everyone kept telling Sarah that she was "marrying down." You stopped using shampoo for several months and I was one of the few people that was kind enough to make fun of you behind your back rather than to your face. You adopted Eggy when his wonder bread and M&M diet failed him, and you've got a great color scheme. We've put 100k+ miles on my car together and you've put 200k smiles on my heart.
Bridesmaid
Sister of the Maid of Honor, cousin of the Bride. Matilda, you are my honorary little sister. Thank you for all you've taught me about dog walking, dancing, and slime concoction while I lived down the hall from you during my engagement.
Groomsman
Brian AKA Brain. The early exposure effects of Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, Adam Sandler skits, and Jerky Boys on my psyche can't quite be studied by modern science, but I know you are to thank/blame for it. We formed "The Windchasers" when I was 5 which consisted of me headbanging shirtless while you played your drum pad. A local buzz grew among the other elementary school students waiting for the Cromwell Valley school bus. Twenty-some years later I'm the Godfather to your eldest son and you've really turned some heads with how much facial hair you can grow.
Bridesmaid
My cousin, we both understand the wicked joy of working in the "helping" industry. You a nurse and me a teacher... Without us, everyone would be dead and dumb!
Groomsman
Eggs, I was your role model until you hit puberty and then we became sworn enemies. After 4 years of unexplained rage we finally made amends. You moved in with me in VA and I taught you how to navigate the ways of the world. You once impressed me when you said you'd been on a smoothie diet, only to find that you'd actually been on a milkshake diet. There's a fine line between smoothie and milkshake, and you walk that line. Be free my child, be wild and free. Also you owe me $30.
Bridesmaid
My cousin, my travel companion. We'll never reveal our trail names to anyone... Unless they offer us some chocolate cake and beer when we're fresh off the trail. I love our tradition of walking together, both literally through entire states and figuratively through life.
Groomsman
I remember the night we met like it was yesterday. You kept saying things like, "it's all about goin' to shows, man" and "I really love the local 'scene,' man." I wasn't sure if you were going to make it after that pool-shark chewed you out @ Moe's Tavern in Chicago but things picked up in Indianapolis and you really turned some heads on "Like a Peach." Your fearless creativity is unmatched. Contrary to small-town rumors our friendship is totally authentic and I wasn't using you to get to Sarah.
Bridesmaid
We met on a farm in 2015. It was friendship at first sight. We've battled hot spring creeps and the throes of early 20's, we do yoga together across the country. You are forever my fellow poetesses land lover.
Groomsman
We first met at the My Morning Jacket show in Charlottesville. Hot summer day. Your good looks got you back stage but you were immediately kicked out for stealing food from the green room. Despite your 90s pop country obsession I still cherish you and will teach you all that I know. For some reason I foresee us wrestling one another in an open field one day. May the best man win.
Bridesmaid
We shared a room together at age 22. That says it all. From fermentation (intentional and unintentional), vermin (definitely unintentional), a shared job at the local food co-op, college, and navigating post-grad in bucolic and now suburban settings. You are 100% solid gold.
Groomsman
We met when we were 4 and were immediately inseparable. In fourth grade I was removed from the classroom for laughing too hard when our eyes caught. I have a deep fear that will happen again during the ceremony. Relationship highlight - lacrosse practice senior year when Coach Kelly made us tackle each other. You still claim to be my manager although you've never pushed my artistic career anywhere beyond "Riverwatch Bar & Grille" in Essex MD. Love ya bud, watch out for that carbonation.
Bridesmaid
We met on hot dog day in 8th grade. I still love you. I still love hot dogs (don't tell anyone). Few folks know me like you do, Natalie. I'm so glad you will stand with me at my wedding like I stood by you in yours.
Groomsman
The combination of late nights drinking whiskey, reading Wendell Berry and watching Key & Peele all somehow come to mind when I think of that lovely year on Madison Street. I taught you most of what you know about "sustainability" and "permaculture" and "social-justice" but it's been great watching you take some initiative in those fields too. You are trustworthy, handsome and wise, like an owl that resembles a lumberjack.
Bridesmaid
Gabs, remember the day we decided to be English teachers? Well, look at us now -- neither of us are English teachers. Thank you for consistently inspiring me as an educator and a woman. You know my heart.
Groomsman
State lines now divide us but nothing can keep us apart. You were there for me when I was trapped in a glass case of emotion and I was there for you when your worm farm business tanked. You've become a family man and I've got a lot to learn from ya. We have a funny knack for being on opposing teams and still lovin one another.
Bridesmaid
Jarratt, my fellow cow lover. We've run through the mountainsides in the rain at night. We've shared pupusas, prayers, and phone calls about our students. You're my girl.
Groomsman
Two guys sleeping on bunk bed navy cots in an 8x10 room. Discovering our personality types are remarkably similar. I got my start as a highly sought after DIY wedding MC after my performance at your wedding. Looking forward to life back in VA with ya.
Bridesmaid
You love my brother, I love you. You're like a sister to me, Kris. From volleyball black eyes in high school to stinky college sleepovers, I could not imagine a better woman for my brother to love and to call a friend.
Groomsman
Daniel, we knew each other for four years until we actually made eye contact. After that, it was only three more years until we started speaking to one another. For some time Eggy simply referred to you as "Daniel, Robert Plant," a serious compliment in the rock community. Whether we were hanging at Tea & Talks, fixing our bikes @ OCP, or working in the gardens of Vine & Fig, I've always enjoyed your subtle and wise insights.
Bridesmaid
Lani, someday we'll finally form our femme-Illiterate Light cover band. In the mean time, keep thumping that bass and creating floral works of art. Our partners are partners, so I guess that makes us family. I'll love you forever.
Bridesmaid
You were Sara Elizabeth Gorman, now I'm taking up that mantle! Big shoes to fill. I cannot wait for many, many years shared together. I've always wanted a sister. I'm so glad it's you.