Not just Michelle's older sister—Nicole has been her lifelong best friend and fiercest champion. With her natural gift for planning, Nicole organized the Superbowl party, trivia nights, and ski trips that would become the backdrop of Michelle and Stuart's budding romance. Those in the know say she even helped craft that pivotal first text to Stuart! Since then, the three have built an unshakeable friendship centered on outdoor pursuits of every kind—from carving down ski slopes to shouldering backpacks through wilderness trails. Having Nicole as Maid of Honor feels like the perfect chapter in a story she's helped write from the very beginning.

From the moment they met in middle school, Katia and Michelle formed an unshakeable bond. They navigated adolescence together, which included countless hours making silly Photobooth videos and plotting strategies for their favorite Facebook game, Mall World. After college, they both landed in San Francisco, where they shared countless late-night trips for fro-yo at Loving Cup, cozy girls' nights in watching reality TV, and adventures trying the best of SF's incredible food scene together. Katia remained a constant presence—she was one of the first to hear about Michelle's growing crush on Stuart and, naturally, she joined the family dinner to meet him! Having Katia stand beside her on this wedding day feels like another beautiful chapter in their story.

Michelle and Kirby's friendship began at UCLA's Gamma Phi Beta house. They bonded over LA’s diverse food scene, TV marathons that somehow seamlessly mixed zombie apocalypses with Stars Hollow, and the launch of their short-lived but beloved crafting blog. When Michelle met Stuart, introducing him to Kirby was essential—a moment that marked the beginning of their threefold friendship. Their bond has only strengthened through life's milestones, from Kirby's wedding in England to the arrival of her daughter Pepper in New Orleans. Having Kirby by her side today as Michelle marries Stuart feels like the natural next chapter in their story.

What started as a casual sorority friendship at UCLA's Gamma Phi Beta turned into an inseparable bond—for three years, more or less, they shared everything together, from their closets to late-night How to Get Away with Murder marathons (fueled by J in the B tacos). While the two have lived in separate cities since their UCLA days, Michelle has loved every chance to bring her college roomie and Stuart together, from sharing a house together leading up to Kirby’s wedding in England to Maddy's recent visit to Boston. Having Maddy stand by her side as she marries Stuart feels like the perfect next chapter in their friendship.

Michelle and Sarah's friendship began their freshman year at UCLA sorority, where they bonded over their shared love of games at a sorority mixer. Their Catan and wine nights became a cherished tradition that continued well beyond graduation. After college, both landed in San Francisco where, despite their hectic schedules, they made time for the occasional board game and wine night. So when Michelle met Stuart, Sarah was naturally one of the first to meet him. Michelle is thrilled to have her dear friend by her side for this special moment.

Not just an older cousin—Fraser has been one of Stuart’s closest friends and biggest influences for over 30 years. In fact, Fraser is the reason Stuart laced up his first pair of skates. After watching one of Fraser’s hockey games as a kid, Stuart went home and begged his parents to sign him up the very next day, wanting nothing more than to be like his older cousin. From that moment on, Fraser set the tone for countless adventures, whether it was marathon gaming sessions of GoldenEye and Perfect Dark in Larchmont or simply finding new ways to outdo each other.

Through the years, Fraser has been more than just family—he’s been a constant source of laughter, wisdom, and the kind of friendship that only decades can build. Now, as Best Man, he’s once again leading the way, standing beside Michelle and Stuart on one of the most important days of their lives.

Connor and Stuart have been best friends since childhood, brought together by family but bonded through years of shared experiences. Though they grew up in different states, they saw each other often at holidays and family reunions, always picking up right where they left off. Visiting Connor in Arlington was a constant in Stuart’s life, and Connor always made him feel like part of the crew. Some of their best memories were made on road trips, none more epic than driving the Alaska-Canadian Highway after high school—a journey filled with unforgettable stories, questionable roadside decisions (like chasing moose or antagonizing a herd of Bison), and thousands of miles of adventure.

Through the years, Connor has been a steady presence—someone Stuart could always count on for a laugh, a great conversation, or another wild idea. Now, as Best Man, he’s once again by Stuart’s side, standing beside Michelle and Stuart on one of the most important days of their lives.

Stuart met Brendan at the University of Vermont, where they lived one door down from each other in a residence hall affectionately known as “Shitty Chitty.” Their friendship grew over the years through late-night conversations, plenty of questionable college decisions, and playing together on both an intramural hockey team and the club roller hockey team.

More recently, after moving to Arlington, Michelle and Stuart have loved having Brendan and his wife, Ali, just a few minutes away. In a new city, their friendship has made things feel a little more like home. Now, Brendan stands beside Stuart once again—this time, not on the ice but on one of the biggest days of his life.

Stuart met Meagan through Nicole, Michelle’s sister, and from the start, it was clear they’d get along. That was cemented while backpacking the Lost Coast Trail together—an incredible trip made even more memorable (and slightly miserable) by nonstop rain. Despite the weather, they had an unforgettable adventure, and Meagan quickly became not just Nicole’s partner but one of Stuart’s closest friends as well.

Whether swapping stories over a beer or tackling the next outdoor adventure, Meagan has become like family. Stuart couldn’t be happier to have her standing by his side on this special day.

Kristin's role in Michelle's life goes far beyond that of a mother—she's been a best friend, role model, and guiding light whose strength, selflessness, and humility have shaped Michelle into the woman she is today. Their shared joy in life's simple pleasures—especially their cherished tradition of homemade meals paired with romantic comedies—has created countless treasured memories. When Michelle introduced Stuart to the family, he naturally fell into step with their traditions, bringing his own culinary and rom-com appreciation to these beloved evenings. Michelle and Stuart are deeply honored to have Kristin’s support as they begin this new chapter.

Stephen's influence on Michelle's life extends far beyond his distinguished career as a pioneering hematologist. Their special bond was perhaps best captured in their cherished father-daughter symphony dates, where he would whisk her away from school for afternoons of classical music at Davies Hall. While young Michelle may not have fully appreciated Beethoven's brilliance at the time, these precious moments alone with her father created memories she'll treasure forever. When Stuart joined the family, he and Stephen forged their own connection through passionate NHL discussions and a shared appreciation for the perfect scoop of ice cream. Michelle and Stuart are deeply grateful for his loving support as they begin their next chapter together.

From an early age, Laura instilled in Stuart the value of hard work—leading by example and showing him that perseverance and dedication can accomplish anything. She also sparked his love for the outdoors, a passion they’ve shared on countless hikes through the Catskills. Some of their best memories were made on those trails—like the time a simple day hike turned into a 12-hour marathon or when her boots literally fell apart mid-hike, yet she never panicked. Her resilience, sense of adventure, and unwavering support have shaped who Stuart is today.

Over the years, Michelle and Laura have built a wonderful bond of their own, sharing stories, meals, and plenty of time outside together. Michelle and Stuart are deeply grateful for her love, encouragement, and the endless support she has shown them both. They couldn’t imagine this day—or their future—without her by their side.

Kim’s generosity and kindness are unmatched—the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. Whether it was spending countless hours shuttling Stuart to hockey practices and games across New England or singing him to sleep with his guitar, often playing “Sweet Baby James,” Kim was always there. Those quiet moments, filled with music and warmth, are memories Stuart will always cherish.

Kim’s kindness extends to everyone around him, and Michelle has been no exception. His warmth, humor, and unwavering support have made her feel like family from the very beginning. As Stuart and Michelle start this next chapter, they couldn’t be more grateful to have his love and support.

Taylor has been a constant in Stuart’s life, and some of his favorite memories are the times they’ve spent outdoors—skiing through fresh powder, hiking the trails near the Eli Whitney Museum, and always making a stop at their favorite spot, the “buddy chairs,” a carved tree stump where they would sit side by side. Those hikes weren’t just about the scenery—they were about simply being together, finding adventure in the smallest moments.

Beyond their shared love for the outdoors (and dogs), Taylor and Stuart have a humor that plays off each other effortlessly. Whether they’re riffing on inside jokes, giving their parents a hard time, or encouraging Michelle to jump into the fun, family gatherings are never short on laughter. Michelle and Stuart are grateful for the joy, love, and endless entertainment Taylor brings, and they’re so excited to have her by their side as they start this next chapter.

Michelle and Stuart couldn't imagine two people more perfectly suited to officiate their wedding than Lory Cawile and Debra Best, lovingly known as "the Dots." These remarkable women were sorority sisters with Michelle's Mom at UCLA, and eventually grew to be cherished family members -  Michelle's "aunties." Growing up, Michelle always looked forward to their visits to Los Angeles, drawn to their infectious energy, adventurous spirits, and shared love of food. When Stuart entered the picture, getting the Dots' seal of approval was crucial (he passed with flying colors, of course)! Since then, they have shared countless adventures together, from beach days in Puerto Vallarta to ski trips in Colorado and Utah. The couple is beyond honored to have the Dots make them official!

Malia Cain will be sprinkling petals as our flower girl, while her younger twin brothers, Liam and Leo, take on ring bearer duties. These three—children of Best Man Connor Cain—are already proving to be the next generation’s most adorable troublemakers. Malia leads with the confidence of an expedition guide, while the twins follow with boundless enthusiasm (and the occasional detour). Stuart is especially excited about his role as “Uncle Stu”, and he and Michelle couldn’t be happier to have this trio adding laughter and joy to their special day!

When Michelle & Stuart walked into Santa Clara County Animal Services in 2020, they had no idea their pandemic pup would become the most enthusiastic wedding supporter. While this distinguished gentleman won't be able to join them for the celebration (someone has to hold down the fort!), he'll be living his best life at camp in Arlington, Virginia while his humans say "I do."