LeFlore - Paulsen Wedding | The Wedding Party

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The Wedding Party ...

Relation: Partner in Crime, Merry-making
Location: Austin, TX, City of Sun, Heat, and Hippies
Inspiration: Michelle has been my friend and support system since we met at Saint Louis University in 2003. After surviving three years of cohabitation in Saint Louis, her hometown, we parted ways only to coincidentally find ourselves together again in Austin. Michelle has spent more concentrated time with Ben and me than anyone should have to, and has been friend and advisor to us through every step of our relationship- from first date to engagement ring choice. She keeps me sane and calm when I’m stir-crazy, fun and interesting when I’m boring, and I cannot wait for her to stand beside me on my big day!

Relation: Sister of the Old and Wise variety
Location: San Diego, CA, City of Year-round Outdoor Air Conditioning
Inspiration: Alice is and always has been my haven and my voice of reason. She listens to me scream, cry, laugh and rant, always offering a perspective I cannot find myself. When I was ten, I could knock on her door across the hall and tell her anything that was on my mind. I rely on the same support now, across time zones and through life phases, when I’m overwhelmed or overjoyed. She is a wealth of knowledge and experience who has nothing but my best interest in mind. She is my big sister, and I’m proud to have here with me on my big day!

Relation: Sister of the Loud and Organized variety
Location: Seattle, WA, City of Rain, Cold, and Yuppies
Inspiration: Confidant, advisor, adventurer, entertainer, workout buddy- there is no side to me that Laurel cannot compliment. Perhaps the trick to our compatibility is that we spent the first 10 years of our relationship fighting out the kinks. It could also be the 2100 miles between us (a little distance never hurt anybody.) Either way, I would not be the person I am without Laurel’s continuous influence. She teaches me to be better and inspires me by living the example. She is honest with me, open about herself, and objective in everything. And on top of it all, she makes me laugh until my face hurts…every time I talk to her. My big day would not be my big day without my sister!

Relation: Fellow Foodie and Urbanite
Location: Ann Arbor, MI, Las Vegas, NV, Austin, TX, Name-a-City, Italy, and any kitchen in between
Inspiration: Ms. Dunbar is an anomaly in that she is both six years younger than me and possessing of a broader, healthier life perspective. We met at culinary school in 2010, and quickly bonded over a love for Italian cuisine and culture (she is, to date, the only blonde-hair, blue-eyed Michigander to speak and cook fluent Italian.) Since then, I have come to know Caroline as an extremely warm and accessible individual who inspires me to live from day to day with grace and an excessive amount of positivity. I count myself lucky to have happened upon her in life, and I’m honored to have her in my wedding!

Relation: Cousin, Co-cavorter and Reveler
Location: Danbury, CN/Armonk, NY (Or as she puts it, “Proud Texan stranded in the Northeast”)
Inspiration: Catherine has played witness to every awkward phase of my childhood, as well as several family holiday-style events. So I don’t technically need another reason to invite her to the party. But in recent years, I’ve been able to get to know Catherine in her full-blown, adult version. She is independent and fearless in her endeavors. She is also charismatic, the best party favor a bachelorette or New Year’s party ever had, and as easy to talk to as someone I see every day. She is the embodiment of strength and charm, and I’m so excited to have her there on my wedding day!

Relation: Genius Brother
Location: Clayton, MO
Inspiration: Billy is my little brother and, as such, we share many common personality traits. Lucky for him, those traits only seem to be the good ones. He also seemed to only pick up the positive traits of my two other siblings (Sarah and Mary). In short, with Billy, I think my parents got everything right. Currently, Billy holds residence in my old condominium in Clayton, MO. He is an aspiring architecture student at Washington University in St. Louis. One of my all-time favorite activities is hanging out with Billy in our parents' basement.

Relation: Genius Friend and Fellow Golf Addict
Location: Austin, TX
Inspiration: I met Brian while attending Nipher Middle school. Our friendship had some bumps early on and didn't fully solidify until our college years, but throughout I've always respected him as an intellectual. These days, Brian is finishing up a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Texas and resides, in Austin, with his wife, Leah. I consider Brian one of my closest friends with few weeks going by where I don't see him for one recreational reason or another.

Relation: Future Brother-in-law and Alaskan Cruise Champion
Location: Seattle, WA
Inspiration: Aaron and I are linked, obviously, by our attachments to a certain pair of sisters. That said, had we met under different circumstances I honestly believe that we would be very good friends, largely in part to our similar senses of humor. When left to our own devices, Aaron and I can spiral into absurd one-upmanship. And, while we both find it incredibly amusing, I'm not always so sure about Anna and Laurel. Professionally, Aaron is a committed and very hard working employee of Boeing. He and Laurel recently purchased their first home in the Seattle area. And last, but definitely not least, Aaron and Laurel will be first-time parents in early 2012.

Relation: Coolest Guy I Know
Location: St. Louis, MO
Inspiration: Andrew is one of my oldest and closet friends. We met in high school, but didn't truly cement our friendship until our freshman years of college when we were placed in the same dormitory. It was at Schurz where Andrew and I first competed on the video game gridiron, an activity we would find ourselves repeating more than I can possibly believe. Andrew's seen me at both my best and my worst, and never once can I say his friendship has wavered. Presently, Andrew resides in St. Louis. Whenever I make it up that way, I can tell you, without a doubt, I find a way to meet up with him (regardless of the time of day).

Relation: Favorite Cousin
Location: Bull Valley, IL
Inspiration: Jason and I grew up apart, yet together. He in the Chicago area, and I in St. Louis. We would see each other frequently though at family gatherings, each time a little older, each time a little different. Regardless of personal change / development, however, we've always connected. Maybe its the result of being of shared bloodlines, or maybe its the result of having a common disdain for the Chicago area's baby bear baseball team. Either way, I always have a great time when visiting my cousin ... Also, check out that dog of his. What is that thing?