Paris Mastrandrea

It's very hard to encapsulate into words who and what Paris is to me. One of the most amazing people in my life? Ten page texts back and forth? Hundreds of adventures? Thousands of private jokes? A million moments of true connection and unconditional love?

Wait wait...is this Rent? She might disown me for that joke. But in all sincerity, Paris appeared in my life exactly a decade ago. A wrecking ball of sarcasm, wielding hammers, and no nonsense personality of a true east coaster she barreled into my life and threw dirt on me. No really, once she threw dirt on me. All fair though, I did alight her chest with a flaming marshmallow during a party. BUTTT...I did promise I would keep some of stories to myself.

Yet, of all that I've shared, it doesn't really allow you to see the real Paris. The one with a soft gooey heart of melted gold that would do anything for those she loves. Like putting medicine on my oozing twelve inch surgery scar, or driving miles with me at 2am because I couldn't sleep, or holding me when I cried for the 50th time over things I couldn't change. Being the fun wild aunt to Alex, hiking over desert plains in the scorching sun, or traversing the country with me on a whim. She would also just as easily burn the whole world down if someone hurt my feelings too...so don't let this soft side lead you astray ;).

We may be parted now by an entire country, much to my utter misery, but of course she'll be standing up there with me as she allows me to marry my other best friend.

Danielle Hardman

If you want to know who has known me the longest at this wedding...the one that knew me when I chased boys on the playground and got skinned knees? The person that knew how I was raised and why I read books? The one who has watched me grow up with a front row seat? That's Dani. She knew me as a cute but mischievous kid who accidently sliced and diced her (Dani's) tongue with safety scissors AND still stayed my friend afterward. The kid who got sent to the principals office for laughing too loudly when I switched out the sugar and salt for the lemonade demonstration in 4th grade. The pre-teen who played the flute and was in marching band with her. The young mom who wasn't quite sure what to do and how to be a parent. The older...more mature?...twenty something who liked play games, was competitive, and strived for something more. And finally, the woman I am today - and embraces me for it.

My love for Dani grows straight from the real and true acknowledgement that Dani has seen my life through the decades and has seen me grow and sometimes shrink, and never holds anything against me. Who has constantly and consistently taken me as I am and loved me all the more. I mean...the woman let me cut her tongue when she was five and is STILL my friend. I'm not sure which person that story says more about.

There will be no doubt that as she's there with me on this day, that'll you'll see her light shine through and feel her compassion and kindness reach you as well. I hope you feel then, even a fraction, of what I feel when she shines her light on me.

Megan Allende

I've definitely had the shortest time with Megan and yet our story feels as rich in detail and as rich in friendship as those I've known my entire life.

Megan comes across to those that just meet her as the most professional, put together, and intelligent person they have ever met and might ever meet. I remember that I wondered if the world was coming to an end when her hair was out of place once. And yet...that is probably the furthest from the truth of who Megan is, and as a person you can get. Not to say she's not intelligent, put together, and extremely professional because ... oh boy is she but it's not the most interesting thing about her and it's not why she's going to be there, at my side, on this upcoming day.

Instead, what I wish to impart with you about Megan, is her unfailing loyalty, her iconic and hilarious wit, and her fiery passion. Also the bond we share with how our skin audibly sizzles when met with the sun.

I've been lucky to be someone she has championed and protected. I've been on the receiving end of her beautiful and heartfelt compliments. I've gotten to cross wits with her in humor and in debate and most of the time, been humbled. Our laughter is heard every time we get together and she always brightens my day.

One of the things I love about Megan the most is how steady and loving she is even when I share things that are sad or challenging for me. I don't have to wonder if she's silently judging what I said or if she'll bring it up in an argument later. Instead, calmly and with her quiet grace she'll take my hand in hers and say that she'll be there with me.

I'm looking forward to her steady, graceful, loving presence on my best day.

Gerald Gail

Kenneth Weil