Wedding Party
Sabrina Morelli
Matron of Honor
With dads who are twins and moms who are friends, Emily and Sabrina spent lots of time together growing up. Emily has fond memories of them choreographing a dance for a family celebration, playing board games and working together with their sisters to crack Nancy Drew mysteries, to name just a few. In fact, Emily first watched the Lord of the Rings movies during a sleepover with Sabrina! These days, Emily is especially grateful for her listening ear and words of wisdom. Sabrina found the love of her life a couple of years before Emily. Thus, Emily has been very blessed to be able to turn to her for advice on relationships and marriage (and in the future parenting. Check out those cute kiddos!)
Clarissa Paltz
Bridesmaid
Clarissa, pictured on the left, is the older of Emily's younger sisters. They shared many common interests growing up such as creativity, a love for cats and a zeal for mysteries. Of course, siblings don't always see eye to eye. In fact, Clarissa's stubbornness was a particular challenge for Emily when their parents left Emily in charge. However, it helped Emily to learn what it means to be a true leader and to grow in the virtue of patience. In more recent years, Emily has appreciated getting to witness and support Clarissa as she grows and blossoms into an early career professional. Clarissa's art and design work continuously amaze Emily. Emily also cherishes the many moments her sister makes her chuckle with her "Clarissa-isms".
Jessica Kotopka
Bridesmaid
Emily met Jess when they both served as Totus Tuus teachers for the Archdiocese of Omaha in 2016. Both were chosen to be members of Team Therese, named after St. Therese of Lisieux. Being on the same team gave them ample time to bond over car rides, through prayer, and while swapping stories about the day's crazy adventures. They have kept in touch since then both over the phone and through trips to see one or the other or meet halfway. In fact, Emily reached out to Jess for advice after Vic first asked her out. It was Jess' encouragement that gave Emily the final nudge to say "Yes" to Vic after keeping him waiting for nearly 24 hours. She has continued to be a source of grace throughout their relationship by helping Emily to reflect on the ways she and Vic have grown at various moments.
Rose May
Bridesmaid
Rose is a mutual friend of both Emily and Vic. Vic first met Rose when they worked together at a local Catholic parish. In fact, she was the one to invite Vic to the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) Book Club where he and Emily first met. This was also where Emily first met Rose. In addition to a common interest in LOTR, Emily and Rose both love listening to and singing liturgical music. Emily and Vic were honored to be invited to join her choir for their Easter Vigil service, which was also Vic's first time ever singing in a choir. Rose not only has a beautiful voice, but she is also a great organist! This past summer, Emily started formally learning how to play the organ from her. Vic and Emily both appreciate Rose's kindness along with her knack for asking good discussion questions during our Book Club gatherings. They also love getting to witness the beauty of marriage and family through double dates with her and her husband, Zach. These are formally called "Caper Club," for our mutual love of capers and their frequent appearance in our meals together.
William Murphy
Best Man
"It was 1827. I was waylaid by a group of bandidos while traversing the Mecca Hills when suddenly a short man in a black mask appeared. His sword flashed and in an instant the bandidos were cut down, a large V etched into their chests. 'Who are you, good sir?' He offered me his black gloved hand. 'I am Victor de Nuevo Paltz Russak.' He offered me his water jug, a bundle of tortillas, and flask of tequila blanco to recover from my wounds, which I gladly accepted. 'Where are you going?' he asked me. 'With you', I replied simply. We remain amigos to this day." -- In reality, Vic met Will through the Lord of the Rings book club (the same club where he met Emily). Together, they now co-lead a Catholic men's group called the Workers of St. Joseph. They share an interest in hiking, cooking, and fine bourbon. Vic is honored to have him as his best man.
Zachary May
Groomsman
Sir Zachariah Thomas Smith III May, Esquire. Vic met Zach at an undisclosed pub in Budapest in 2016 for what was supposed to be a simple exchange of intelligence. The plan was straightforward: one parcel, one passcode, one secret name. Unfortunately, the waitress was a double agent, and in the six minutes that followed, Vic saved Zach's life, got him a date, and a bottle of whiskey for the road. The date stayed in Budapest, and the whiskey lasted just a few days, but the bond of survival that was forged in Budapest remains strong to this day. -- In reality, Vic met Zach through the local Lord of the Rings book club. His wife Rose May, Vic's coworker at the time, had invited Vic to join the group. They share an interest in philosophy, classic literature, and practical humor. Vic is honored to have him as a groomsman.
Lucas Kellis
Groomsman
1947, Trakai, Lithuania, on the shore of lake Galve. It was midnight. After countless hours straining with his fishing pole against the greatest, strongest fish he'd ever hooked, Lucas found himself at the point of total physical exhaustion. His muscles ached, his mind melting, his heart was at the point of bursting. Out of the darkness came Vic, and with his aid, the two men reeled in the greatest "silke" that Eastern Europe has ever known. They have never been the same. -- In reality, Vic met Lucas through the Lord of the Rings book club. Later on, Lucas started a smaller Lord of the Rings card game group, which Vic and Emily both joined. It was through this smaller group that Vic and Emily got to know one another better, and ultimately begin dating. Lucas and Vic both share an interest in fountain pens, fine art, and speaking languages their significant others can't understand. Vic is honored to have him as a groomsman.
Matthew Dorry
Groomsman
It was spring of '89. It might've been just another ordinary April day in Jacksonville, North Carolina, if not for a rather curious and unexpected event. Matt sat quietly watching the television at the bar, somewhere in the back of his mind ceaselessly anticipating the man he was scheduled to meet. They said he had powers no one dared even speak of - fighting off bandidos, slipping past double agents, and catching monstrous fish. Would he really be able to help him? Or was this just another southern grifter? The door swung open... and there he was, his toolkit in one hand, and the renowned Nintendo Manual of Repair in the other. He was ready to game. -- In reality, Vic met Matt at the Lord of the Rings book club. Throughout their friendship, Vic has often been inspired by Matt's kindness, wisdom, and passion for good art. They share an interest in late-night discussions on deep LOTR lore and Cuil theory, and the craft of writing and poetry. Vic is honored to have him as a groomsman.
Michelle Murphy
Flower Girl
Daughter of Best Man, William Murphy. She's a bundle of joy and enthusiasm to be around. It's been a delight to watch her grow and start to see her personality develop. She's quite a boisterous and energetic young girl! Vic and Emily are honored to have her as a flower girl.
Rose Murphy
Flower Girl
Daughter of Best Man, William Murphy. Emily and Vic have had the joy of watching Rose grow up from tiny baby to walking toddler, and even speaking! She's a poised and confident young lady, though sometimes her antics can put her in precarious situations! Vic and Emily are honored to have her as a flower girl.
Robin Morelli
Ring Bearer
Son of the Matron of Honor, Sabrina Morelli. Robin is a ball of energy with an adventurous spirit. He never tires of playing, climbing, and jumping around. He's also quite the extravert, always trying to get the attention of the "Big People" to come and play with him. Of course they won't say no. Vic and Emily are honored to have him as a ringbearer.
Kolbe May
Ring Bearer
Son of Rose and Zachary May, Bridesmaid and Groomsman. Kolbe is a fun, energetic, and inquisitive little guy. He's passionate about his books (taking after his father), and has a love for music and dancing (taking after his mother). Little Kolbe had the honor of being the first baby that Vic has ever held, though Vic thinks his was the greater honor. Vic and Emily are honored to have him as a ringbearer.