The Bridesmaids
Summer Siino: Vanessa's little sister who could beat the hell out of Vanessa when they were small, who can work the HELL out of a room, and whose passion allows her to do nothing by halves.
Sarah Shusta: Vanessa's bestie since fourth grade. AKA Joe Siino. In addition to her many talents (photography, seamstress-y, teaching, bar-tending, Dodge Neon street racing), Sarah is the BEST person to snuggle up on the couch with to watch romantic period movies.
Julie Williams (left) and Julie Pitt (right): Julie and Julie and Phil and Vanessa were in the same section their first year of law school and in the same clique the rest of the time.
Julie Pitt, two-time Mac-Off winner, was the Hastings crew's social director extraordinaire. After bonding over cheap champagne at the Gold Dust Lounge, JP and Vanessa promptly moved in together until JP moved to Arkansas to fight the forces of evil.
Julie Williams is an ass-kicking water polo and moot court champion, and one of the best girlie-shit companions out there. She is perhaps best known for her knack of leaving the party before it gets lame. Her generosity has earned her probably too-much wedding work and a very special place in Summer's heart.
Angel Baker (above) and Rachel Pusey (below): Angel and Rachel and Vanessa met at work in 2003. Angel and Rachel were new lawyers, and Vanessa was an assistant they risked life and limb to hang with.
Angel was Vanessa's near-constant companion for the first two years they knew each other. They rocked the town every weekend (usually with Rachel's help) and spent Sunday mornings in bed watching the Food Network.
Rachel and Vanessa first bonded on the dance floor of Delirium, but it was Rachel's ability to somehow skillfully combine a dry (best dead-pan ever) and goofy (best monkey dance ever) sense of humor that really won Vanessa over.
The Groomsmen
Matthew Haack: Phil's oldest younger brother; Matthew is as assimilated into the South as Phil is to California. Also, the only Haack who can respond to "Is there a doctor in the house?"
Michael Haack: Phil's little brother and the best chef in the extended Haack clan. He is way more fun than Phil at parties.
Chris Countryman: Phil's roommate from 1997-98, 2000-03, and 2006-2009; Chris is the nicest mad scientist engineer you'll ever meet.
Matt DiMaggio: Matt and Phil initially bonded over shared loves of all things nerdy—computers, math, strategy games and Tivoed episodes of Jeopardy (Which Matt consistently wins.)
Nate Gillespie: Nate and Phil met at Stanford, where they quickly discovered shared loves of Newcastle Brown Ale, Stanford Basketball, and the satisfaction of being continually disappointed in the latter. Now Nate works with Phil and Vanessa to acquire and retain "regulars" status at Shotwells.
Alok Sindher: Alok was a resident in Twain House at Stanford where Phil was an RA. Alok gives good advice. Statisticians are still trying to figure out whether Phil or Alok talks more.
The Celebrants
John Cheng and Khai Ngyen along with Darick Tong and Nori Yatsunami Tong: these two couples will be performing the marriage ceremony for us. These four close friends have allowed us to be a part of their small families and have shown us two strong examples of marriage. We are so lucky to have them escorting us over the threshold into married life.
The Ring-bearer*
Skylan Haruki Tong: Phil and Vanessa's honorary nephew will be carrying the rings for us.
* Not to be confused with these Ring-bearers.