Natalie’s Wedding Party
Emily Rader • Co-Person of Honor
Emily is Natalie's oldest sister and the mother to her nieces (and flower girls!) Shoshana and Talia. After college, Emily moved to NYC, where she met her husband Scott and built a truly impressive sense of community (that is still somehow growing) across her many spheres of life. Self-described as Natalie's biggest fan, Emily actively backs up that claim with unwavering support, sticker-filled letters of love and encouragement, and an overwhelming feeling of excitement for Diana to join the family. Emily's intense love of queer culture and enduring, visible advocacy for trans rights means very much to Natalie.
Bridget Hartman • Co-Person of Honor
Bridget is Natalie's middle sister and the mother to her nieces (and flower girls!) Nora and Lillian. Though Bridget met her husband Derek in college upstate, they have lived in NYC for many years since. She has also always been a true advocate for Natalie's happiness, particularly in Natalie's search for love; Bridget immediately welcomed Diana into the family and gained the added benefit of a sister-in-law with top-notch book recommendations. Natalie has always admired Bridget's quiet compassion, uncommon sense of selflessness, contagious laugh, and (fellow) competitive Aries energy.
Tyler Holloway
Natalie and Tyler quickly became friends at the beginning of high school and soon realized they lived close to one another on the very edge of the school district. Whether driving around New York, catching up at a brewery in Troy, or hanging out at Tyler's with Natalie's "second family," their time together always feels like home to Natalie. Tyler's playful, warm, and good natured personality makes the most ordinary things more fun and interesting. Unsurprisingly, Diana raved about Tyler after finally getting the chance to meet him at a Red Sox game last summer. Tyler lives in upstate New York with his wife Caitlyn, their son PJ, and their daughter Charlotte,
Arber Mavraj
Arber and Natalie met on the first day of orientation at Babson College when Natalie stepped on the back of Arber's heel and they jokingly shot her a death state in response. They immediately became friends, but later realized they shared the rare connection of soulmates. Natalie can truly share anything with Arber and always feels fully understood and accepted. A gifted polyglot and true empath, Arber has a one-in-a-million personality. Each time Natalie reunites with Arber, her spirit feels not only recharged, but supercharged.
Anika Bieg Wicklund Sacks
Anika and Natalie met at The Cantab Lounge in Cambridge for an open mic poetry night. Anika's extreme thoughtfulness, warm and inviting personality, and curious sense of adventure draws others into her orbit and makes her a uniquely wonderful friend. Natalie greatly appreciates Anika's love of nature and the time they spend in it together from hikes in Acadia National Park to regular morning hikes (with Alfredo!) outside Boston before the start of the work day. Anika, her wife Olivia, their baby Ernest, and dog Alfredo are making an exciting move to Nashville this year.
Christian Lewis
Christian and Natalie initially lived together in the same Babson College housing community and later became suitemates as seniors. Natalie is consistently amazed by Christian's ability to be both the smartest person in the room and the life of the party; his thriving NYC career was practically an inevitability. Natalie can always depend on Christian for his wise advice, hilarious commentary, and role as a second-to-none travel companion. She'll never forget the pure happiness of their trip to Turks and Caicos.
David Richter
Natalie met David at her first job out of college and they have remained close friends since. Though David and his cat Heisenberg are avid globetrotter these days, their friendship grew over aimless walks around Somerville, long summer bike rides along the Charles River and to Walden Pond, and searching for the best brunch spots in Boston. Natalie deeply admires David's strong opinions, his passion for life itself, and his passion for his many (cool) interests, especially F1 racing and women's sports; perhaps it's no coincidence that they are always actively rooting for one another to chase their dreams in life.
Shannon Tevenan
Natalie and Shannon met in Boston after college and immediately connected over their perspectives on life and shared love for outdoor adventures. Natalie can't think of anyone she agrees with more than Shannon--on nearly any topic--and loves learning new things from her. Natalie can always call Shannon and easily pick back up where they last left off. She'll never forget the day they hiked Mt. Washington in New Hampshire together through the sun, fog, rain, and snow. Shannon moved back home to California a few years back where she met, and now lives with, her fiancée Lana.
Diana’s Wedding Party
Rachael Murphy • Officiant
One of Diana's childhood friends and a close pal to the couple. Rachael and her fiancé Jake often join Diana and Natalie in the hunt for great food, great martinis, and fun new adventures around Boston. Rachael is a cat lover, a traveler, a reader, and loves to talk about her favorite dishes. They are so excited to have her as their officiant !!
Laura Coughlin • Maid of Honor
Diana’s best friend since age five, Laura is the kindest, most loving soul and welcomed Natalie with open arms. Though Laura now lives in Denver with her boyfriend Luke, her and Diana still spend hours on the phone—always promising the next call will be shorter (it never is). A hiker, reader, and true Scorpio, Laura is Diana’s pick as most likely to cry on the wedding day.
Laila Handshaw
One of Diana’s childhood friends, they first met on the youth soccer field. Though Laila now lives in Orlando with her husband Jack and their dog Leo, they make time to visit often and most recently went to Universal for a day of rollercoasters and fun together. As a pair, Laila and Diana are louder than ever, always laughing, and never pass up a competitive, fast-paced game.
Chris Demirdogen
Chris and Diana have been close since high school, where they were in band together and shared a tight-knit group of friends. In their 20s, they became roommates with their friend Shannon, spending four years in Somerville filled with lasting memories, a deep love for Grey’s Anatomy and Taylor Swift, and plenty of shenanigans. Chris now lives in Danvers, where they all grew up, and is often found doing creative projects around his house or hanging out with his boyfriend Tyler.
Melissa Higgins
Melissa and Diana met at UMass Lowell and quickly became close friends, later living together from sophomore year through graduation. Since then, they’ve stayed close through camp visits, trivia nights, and time spent with Melissa, her husband Kyle, and their two cats. Melissa is a kind and thoughtful friend who loves bonding over her favorite books, movies, and video games. She most recently bought a house with her husband and is enjoying living closer to nature.
Meghan Anderson
Diana and Meghan have been friends since childhood, first meeting on the soccer field and forming a lifelong bond. Meghan has since moved south to Wilmington NC to be closer to the beaches and warm weather. She comes up to Boston when she can and most recently spent time with Diana at her own wedding to her husband Matthew. Meghan is a nurse, a dog-mom to their pup Willa, and loves to cook for the people in her life.
Britney Powers
Britney and Diana met at UMass Lowell and instantly bonded over a shared sense of humor. They stayed close through college, and Diana is forever grateful for Britney’s support along the way (both educationally and emotionally). Even now, they pick up right where they left off whenever they’re together. Britney is smart, kind, and funny, and Diana feels lucky to have watched her build a beautiful family of two girls with her husband Connor, and successful career as a PT.
Shannon Theriault
Shannon and Diana have been friends since childhood, playing soccer and in band together. Along with Chris, they became roommates in their 20s, creating a lifelong bond filled with laughter and chaos. Shannon loves to be the jester, doesn’t take life too seriously, and is always up for a fun adventure - especially if it involves women’s sports or a piano bar. They recently moved to Portland with their girlfriend Katie, but the roommates chat will always stay strong and active.