ALLISON & CHARLES

Alexis, she’s like a rainbow: rare and wonderful, beaming beauty, pushing life and energy into any situation. Always my confidant, moral compass, challenging me, taking me from my comfort zone, while always having my back. Words alone do not sum up how special she is or how lucky I am. There was never a question who would be my matron of honor on this special day: Alexis, my baby sister.

Camila & I have been at each other’s side since moving to NYC from DC thirteen years ago (and a week apart). We immediately fell in sync. Navigating the city together, we mapped out a new life while building an endless friendship. We’ve pushed each other to follow our dreams and found ourselves departing (again weeks apart) for grad school. She is my passionate and creative sister, a true visionary who pushes me to reach my highest highs. I am beyond excited to have her by my side on this special day.

Mercedes and I met in DC and bonded on the dance floors of britpop and 80’s dance nights. We have grown up together and become family. Not only is Mercedes the best hair stylist in D.C. (and the only reason I’ve had any style to my hair in the last 19 years), she is also a badass business woman and salon owner. Incredibly generous, she is constantly raising money and donating her time & talent to those in need. I’m so dazzled and proud of all that she has accomplished. She has an incredible wit and infectious laugh, you’ll hear it across the room. I’m elated she’ll be with me on this day.

I have known Matt (aka Mateo, Sleeves, Rudy) since the 80's (The Smiths were still together). We have held a musical conversation since the 90's. From Albuquerque to Milwaukee to Leeds (UK) to Singapore, I have had the greatest moments sharing this path on and off stages with my dearest friend and musical brother, Matt. His intelligence and creativity continues to inspire me. His patience with me is...saintly. I am honored to have him as my best man.

Solid: mentally, physically and most importantly, as a friend. He is as genuine and sincere as they come (good people). Lee is who I share the road with. On two wheels, we roll around Manhattan fixed gear, take day trips to ride outside the city. Every year we roadtrip to West Virginia to partake in a daunting, backwoods, no-roads, 80 mile bike race. I talked him into it years ago, and we're surprisingly still friends. I am stoked to have him by my side on my wedding day.

Cristina calls it like she sees it. No BS. A true New Yorker. A rock star (in the literary world). She's unique and wonderful. Hard and sweet. She approaches life, with her palms open. She's my home girl, my confidant, my (at one time) late night bourbon buddy. I'll always listen, because she always knows what to say. [side note: i am the God-Father of her Terrier] I'm overjoyed to have her share this day with me.

When we think of a guru, Hillery comes to mind. She vibrates on a higher plane. The calm that she embodies is spiritual—pure beauty. She has helped shape our worlds in ways large and small, from the big emotional hurdles to thoughtful conversation on a simple walk to the coffee shop. We are delighted for her to be present on this day and to unite us. It only makes sense since she was the catalyst that brought us together.