Best Man
Scott Janik - As kids, Mike aspired to be like his older brother Scott. After all Scott did get all the cool toys, he got to stay up later, and at one point, believe it or not, he even had better hair. While the reasons have changed, Mike still looks up to his brother and is happy to be able to call him his best man.
Groomsmen
Jesse Conrad - Mike thinks his sister chose wisely when she married Jesse and having him as part of the family has really made having a sister worthwhile (Kim, Lauren absolves herself completely from this statement).
Brian Demoss - Brian and Mike met when they were in college at Mary Washington. The two can often be found together sipping scotch announcing to the world that they are "business men" after all isn't that what business men do?
Ben Byrnes - If you happened to be strolling past the Hyperion Espresso coffee shop in downtown Fredericksburg during the late nineties, you probably would have happened upon two extremely attractive young college students sitting outside drinking Americanos, smoking cigars and talking about the mysteries of life. Ben was one of the first people Mike met at Mary Washington and they have been friends ever since. Although they mainly could be found at Hyperion during the week, you could also find them turning up at J. Brian's for White Russians during the weekend (bear in mind they were in college so 'weekend' is a fairly relative term).
Chris Rattican - Mike's excited to have Chris as one of his groomsmen. You pick why: A) Having Chris as a groomsman will help even things up with Lauren's 13 bridesmaids. B) Having Chris as a groomsman will keep Little Carol happy. C) Having Chris as a groomsman means Mike won't be the only one picking on the bride.
George Bush - George kind of invited himself to be part of this event. He's going to be out of a job come January and didn't have anything to do that weekend.
Matrons of Honor
Meredith Pawson - Meredith and Lauren have been best friends since pre-school. They grew up together and in college lived together during the summers when Meredith took classes at NC State.
Emily Schofield - Emily was one of Lauren's first friends in the DC-area and they were roommates for about six years. When Lauren and Mike got engaged Em came over with her famous wedding binder, a must-have for any bride. Em and her husband Bear recently welcomed their son Henry into the world.
BridesMaids
Jennifer Bemisderfer - Jen and Lauren met in the PR department at NC State and they both ended up in the DC area. Jen lives in Arlington with her high school sweetheart (now husband) Jake and her dog Suzie, who Lauren & Mike try to take on a regular basis. Jen is expecting a baby in February. Say it with me now, "Jen will not go into labor Jan. 31st" "Jen will not go into labor Jan. 31"
Shanna Edwards - Shanna and Lauren met in college when Lauren needed a roommate and somebody who knew somebody who knew somebody suggested Shanna. They became instant friends and have been close ever since. Shanna recruited Lauren to the DC area and soon after moved to Kansas. Assistance in convincing her and her Great Dane to return to DC will be appreciated.
Carissa Englert - Carissa and Lauren worked together a few years ago. They were lunch pals who referred to themselves as "lovely ladies who lunch late". Although they no longer work together, they have remained very good friends.
Leigh Muller - Leigh and Lauren have been friends since birth or close to it. Leigh lives in Durham with her husband Pete. Lauren once received permission to be Pete's "date" for a wedding that Leigh was in. Lauren has tried to rent him out since with no luck.
Lisa Welch - Lisa is one of Lauren's long-time friends from Roxboro. Let's skip how they met because it involves a story of tap shoes, purple outfits, and silver sparkles. Lisa is a teacher and lives in Durham, NC with her husband Jeremy and the loves of her life...her two dogs, photos available upon request.
Theirs
Trevor Janik (Ring Bearer) - Our favorite little man is in charge of the rings at the wedding. Although, Lauren and Mike are slightly scared the rings are going to get lost in a Thomas the Train toy, we are putting faith in Trevor, Mike's brother's son.
Lucy Conrad (Flower Girl) - We're pretty sure Mike's sister's daughter Lucy is going to steal the show at the wedding. She may very well be the cutest two-year old girl we've ever met. Lucy is known for her "naked running", but we are hoping she keeps her dress on for the ceremony.
Kimberly Conrad (Reader) - Mike's sister Kim is a trooper. She'll be flying across the country to attend the wedding only a month after having her second child. Some may call her crazy, but that's what we love about Kim--she'll do anything for you.
Dana Janik (Reader) - When it comes to sisters-in-law, Mike lucked up. His brother's wife Dana is the best and has been a welcome addition to the Janik clan. Both Dana and Mike have a special bond in that they've had to deal with the trauma of sharing a room with Scott.