Bridal Party
MAID OF HONOR
Virginia Sette
Virginia was one of my first friends in college. She quickly became my best friend, my tri sigma sister, my roommate and my biggest confidant. Virginia is an adventurous soul and she’s pushed me beyond my boundaries in the way only a best friend and true sister can - be that hiking the Grand Canyon “rim to rim” or rock scrambles over Mount Katahdin to the endless support of career moves, love and life. Although we don’t share the same wall as we did for three years, she never feels far away, despite the distance. No one was surprised when I asked Virginia to be my maid of honor. Virginia also started a wedding spreadsheet, before I did, already proving that she was up for the “job.” Virginia is my most loyal friend and our friendship is one for the ages.
And don’t get me started on how much Runit loves Vi! We both are so grateful for Virginia. Maple is also so grateful for her friend, Queen Abby (Virginia’s gorgeous King Charles Cavalier dog).
BRIDESMAIDS
julia diferdinando
Julia was my first partner in crime, my ride or die, my duct tape duo, field hockey co-captain, childhood best friend. Whether we were lighting up the stage in middle school drama productions, dreaming up our careers (I’d have a magazine that featured Julia, because we all know she was meant for showbiz) or driving around our hometown in my first car - the FLAM-N’GO, Julia has been a part of some of my most cherished memories. It is only fitting that she’s joining me as a bridesmaid in my greatest adventure yet. Fun fact - Julia is also engaged and planning her own wedding! Huge points for Julia and Congratulations to you and Matt!
Meg Gras
Although we grew up in the same town and were only one grade apart, my friendship with my sister in law, Meg, didn’t begin until my brother was set up on a date with her in 2015. Not before long, I noticed a certain slimmer in Piper’s eye. She made my brother, ‘P’ as she lovingly calls him, the happiest and best version of himself possible. Meg is truly the sister I always wanted. She won me over immediately with kombucha and cookies, which as Runit knows, is the way to my heart. Meg is honest, kind, and beautiful. She is also the other foodie of the family, and when she asked me if I wanted to go get oysters when I was home on my holiday visits, I knew I had an ally and sister for life. Meg has made my own family bonds strong and I’m so grateful for the relationship we have formed. I am honored that she’ll be by my side on my wedding day.
Reema Kumar
Reema is my soon to be sister-in-law. But truthfully, she’s felt like family for a long time. Reema actually found out about me before her parents, and in my ways, was the most intimidating person for me to meet in Runit’s family. As a sister, I know the feeling of wanting to protect your brother’s heart. Runit always gushed about Reema and was very protective of her, as well. Reema is brilliant, funny, confident and gorgeous. She somehow completed her bachelors/masters in the same time that most people complete one (shorter than me and my fellow Huskies). Over the years, we’ve shared many laughs, delicious food and family trips and Reema has always welcomed me with open arms. I’m so honored that she’ll be by my side as a bridesmaid.
Rachel McCloskey
Hurricane McCloskey, I am so thankful that she rolled into my life! Rachel and I met during sorority recruitment and was one of the main reasons I chose Sigma. I really have her to thank for my five years in Boston, which were unforgettable. We lived together for three years and if you know Rachel, you know those were some loud (she has a loud stomp for a tiny human), hilarious and eventful years. Rachel has a personality that people are drawn to. She is intelligent, generous, funny and a freaking bombshell. When I think of Rachel, I not only think of the 22 Zoo parties and her wearing all the clothes up at Chippen Point during a fierce game night, but I think about how loyal of a friend she is, her huge heart and her zest for life. Rachel has always been a friend and role model. Although I will never be able to match her attorney in the courtroom skills or Boston Marathon splits, I have always tried to emulate her grace, dedication to her community and drive. I’ll need all of her help on my wedding day!
Yuree Noh
Yuree is that friend that you can go without seeing for months and when you see her, it’s like no time has passed. She’s one of the Bancroft “favorites” and our mutual Friends obsession bonded us for life. We’ve both moved around a bit but have always prioritized visits. Even when I was hours away from her in LA, she made the drive (and you know how bad that traffic is) to see me for a poke bowl and a walk. Yuree is one of the smartest people I know (she’s a published professor and has her PhD, people!), but also one of the most humble. I never even realized how brilliant she was when we studied at Exeter, because Yuree was always napping! Despite the many naps, Yuree is graceful, confident and a loyal friend. Her advice on love and life is some of the greatest I’ve ever received. I am so thrilled she’s joining me as a bridesmaid!
Nicole Poulos
Nicole was the first person in my adult life that I said, “I think we should be friends and hang out” to. When she replied, “I think we are, Hill” I knew we’d be lifelong friends. Nicole and I met as fellow fitness instructors in Baltimore and became so much more over the years. We were lucky enough to be neighbors and dog walking pals, and we got to watch our girls become best friends. Nicole has always felt more like family than anything else; probably because holidays in Baltimore never felt lonely with her down the street. Living in a new city can feel very lonely, but Nicole always made me feel like I had a person. Nicole is one of the most creative and hardest working people I know and I’m going to try to channel her visionary design for this wedding! Good thing I have her to lean on :)
Kristyn Prendergast
Kristyn and I started off as co-workers in our first jobs out of college, but we became the best of friends soon after. Although I had 23 years of life before I met her, I truly grew up alongside Kristyn. We watched each other date a lot of duds in our early twenties, we ate a lot of pizza to commiserate and we’ve even followed similar career paths, supporting each other every step of the way. We even moved to the same area of the country after leaving Connecticut! We have seen each other at our highest of highs and our lowest of lows. Kristyn is a constant source of love, wisdom and support in my life. I stood by Kristyn’s side in 2018 when she married the love of her life, John, and I’m so honored she’ll stand by mine.
Kim Sommers
Kim and I met in Bancroft Hall at Exeter in 2003. While Yuree, Ashley and I entered as new sophomores, Kim was a freshman or “prep.” Despite her prep status, Kim was always “one of us” and our bond has always been unbreakable. Kim and I were fortunate to live together after college in Stamford, CT. While we quickly realized that it was not “Manford”, we had enough fun that it didn't matter. Although Kim and I started “adulting” together, she was always the most mature person in the room. She’s intelligent, tenacious and fierce. But don’t let this consultant fool you - Kim is hilarious, gentle and the baddest dancer on the floor (Mom - bad is a good thing!). She had an impromptu, unplanned stand-up bit at her own wedding! Kim is a sister to me and I’m so thankful to have had that sisterly advice and support throughout this process and in life.
Ashley Tinney
I first met Ashley in 2003 as new sophomores at Exeter. We were living in the same dorm and her room quickly became one of my favorite places to hang out, despite her crazy roommate KK. Throughout the years and our many travels, including a regretful Spring Break in the Bahamas when we were 18 (seriously parents?), Ashley has been the most loyal, caring and truest friends I’ve had. Whether we were dancing and laughing over “Aint nobody got time for that” in Cape May, being a bridesmaid in her Florida Keys wedding or swimming with her lovely daughter Rosie, Ashley is a lifelong friend. She’s one of the “favorites” from Bancroft Hall and has been keeping me laughing for almost 20 yearsI can’t wait to see you on the dance floor, Ash, I hope you’ve been practicing!
