Cast of Characters
Typically, a Wedding party has very distinct rolls. You have your Maid or Matron of Honor, and a Best Man. Additional Bridesmaids and Groomsmen are sometimes viewed as extras; glad to be a part of the special day, but not special enough to be 1st in line...
The problem with that is, its all wrong. Or, at least for this Wedding. Each and every participant is a Best-Friend or a Family to either the Bride, or the Groom, or both.
Sisters are more than just friends, they are family. Blood is a bond, wrought with history; strong, strange and unbreakable. They have seen us in our awkward stages and love us still.
The love of a niece or nephew is joy incarnate.
Friends are the family we choose where fate forgot to make them kin. Close to our hearts, and present always in our thoughts.
All who have given up their time to partake are special, and have made our lives better for their presence. Without their guidance, love and friendship neither of the Bride or Groom would probably be the people they are today, and certainly not gathering together to exchange vows.
For that, much thanks must be given to them. So you see, the titles of Honor and Best just do not do this group of wonderful people justice. They are all the Best a person could ask for.
Kyle Summers
Ring Bearer & Nephew of the Bride
Kyle is Mandy's Heart. He took lodgings there long before Todd, and will always remain there. Son of Tish by blood, the sisters have jokes that Tish had Mandy's son for her--the other half of the joke goes that if Mandy ever has a girl, she'll be as much like Tisha as Kyle is like Mandy.
Kyle and Mandy have a special bond, one that comes from knowing that one of them used to change the other ones' diaper and loves them still. Likely, Mandy will hold strong on her special day, there hasn't been a wedding yet she's cried at, but if she does, it'll be seeing her dear nephew all dressed up and participating in this sacred rite--he has always had the ability to melt her heart.
Tisha Summers
Sister of the Bride & Former Roommate
The Bride's only blood sister, Tisha has literally known Mandy longer than she has been alive. Their upbringing together made them both strong individuals and prepared them very well for life in these trying times.
While not exactly a requirement as siblings, Mandy and Tisha did actually live together, even shared rooms and beds at various times. They lived together for over 14 years.
Their relationship has been tense and intense at times, but through it all, the girls have known, when push came to shove, they could count on each other; be it money woes or a strong shoulder to lean on emotionally.
Kimberly Hanzlik
Sister of the Groom & Former Roommate
Todd's younger sister is really the reason we are all gathering together for a wedding. If Kim had not wandered over to California from Michigan, Todd would not have been able to follow her. Todd and Mandy would never have met, let alone fall in love. The siblings lived in Lakeside before they landed in Point Loma.
Stephanie LaRowe
Sister of the Groom & Former Roommate
Steph set the example for her older brother. First to Texas she went with Kim, and then as the two headed out for California, they let their oldest sibling tag along for the ride.
Mandy and Steph have become friends over the years, bonding over cheesy books-turned-movie and the like.
Kelly Hingsbergen
Childhood Best Friend & Former Roommate of the Bride
Kelly and Mandy have known each other since childhood. Memories and adventures that span over 18 years. From camping out on the pool on inflatables to wreaking havoc in the 'American Homes' district to playing school, these girls were constantly at each others' sides. While it may have seemed like these two lived together back in Rancho, spending every other night at each others' homes, it wasn't until Mandy made it to San Diego did they actually share a roof; for a whole semester.
Margarita Teachout
Cake Expert & Former Roommate of the Bride
Mandy and Margarita have been friends since Mrs. Crabtree's 9th grade English Class. Their parents each think of the other as one of their own. The girls were each others' first roommates outside of their parents homes, along with Margarita's cousin, Angie. Their time together in that first apartment spanned over 2 years. A friendship that has only grown stronger with age and experiences, even if Margarita does love Mandy's mother more than she loves Mandy...seriously, though, the love each has for the other is strong. Without her Mygita, Mandy would have missed out on a lot in life, and for that she'll be eternally thankful.
Meghan Leeman
Photographer & Former Roommate of the Bride
The early days of Sierra College found Meghan and Mandy first as classmates and then as Roommates, back when they were more innocent. The ski season ended early, putting an end to their tenancy in Citrus Heights, but it didn't keep their friendship from continuing. Meghan was one of Mandy's first NorCal friends to meet Todd, and she always thought well of him, enough to tease him at least. TODD!
Kelly Prow
Florist & Former Roommate of the Bride
"Apple Core!"
"Gorgamor!"
"Who's your friend?"
"Damian! *Splat*"
And with that one quote from a forgotten Disney short, Kelly and the Bride were hooked as friends. A bond born in cartoons that blossomed when they became Roommates. Mandy and Kelly had nine months to share together in their apartment on Bonillo, before other life adventures split them up.
Kelly is certainly one of the few that can say "I was there when it all started between the Bride and the Groom."
Since her return to the Golden State, she has been a prominent and welcome fixture on Jarvis Street.
Sarah Siegel
Adopted Sister of the Bride
Sarah and Mandy met at San Diego State. Through study groups they became fast friends, and life sisters. If life let you choose your family, these two would have each other. There's something that comes from finding someone so like you that you can learn from each others' life lessons, its a priceless bond.
Andrea Rolfe
Bridal Gifts & Best-Friend of the Bride
While the origins of Andrea's induction to the group is a little dubious, Mandy & Andrea liked each other from the start. They knew that had to keep each others' company, no matter how awkward it may have seemed to others. With so many things in common, how could they not?
Bj Lawrence
Best Friend of the Groom
The pairing of Bj and Todd is legendary. On stage these two rock the socks off you. Their banter is priceless and often off color. Their combined talent blows your mind.
Mary deMaria
Officiant & Friend
Todd and Mandy shall be Married by Mary of the Mary's...
Mary has known Todd longer than Mandy, and quickly became a close friend of Mandy's that first summer at SeaWorld. She has witnessed these two date and grow steadily closer. One of the first that Mandy confided in that she had future plans for Mr. LaRowe, it only makes sense she be involved on this special day.
