The Wedding Party
Maid of Honor - Rebecca Stein
Rebecca is Sara’s older bro, and they’ve known each other since Sara was born. She’s one of Sara’s favorite people, and they both enjoy going to musicals, hiking, and being mean to each other.
Favorite circus act: “Although she usually prefers being closer to hell, aerial performances are her favorite.”
Bridesman - Michael Gadeberg
Michael is Sara’s oldest bro, and she admires him a great deal, even though he and Justin talk about motorcycles more than you’d think any person could talk about motorcycles.
Favorite circus act: “Trapeze. I did circus school for a day once and did trapeze; it was terrifying and super fun.”
Bridesmaid - Alex Gadeberg
Alex is Sara’s sister-in-law, married to Michael, and she is incredibly smart and interesting. Definitely try to corner her at the wedding and ask her about herself.
Favorite circus act: “I like the flying trapeze - To watch not to do; I’m afraid of heights.”
Bridesmaid - Megan Howard
Megan is Sara’s beast friend forever, hetereosexual lifemate, etc. They met in volleyball in middle school when Megan was on the A team and Sara was on the C team. Megan continues to be more athletic and healthy than Sara. She loves mushrooms, owls, and nature.
Favorite circus act: Aerial silks
Bridesmaid - Jacqui Steinman
Jacqui and Sara have been friends since freshmen year of high school when they rode the bus together. No matter what event or adventure Jacqui puts together, it’s always a blast for everyone involved.
Favorite circus act: Acrobats
Bridesmaid - Bria Goldman
Bria(n) and Sara have known each other since having a gifted & talented class together in 6th grade, when they were both very different people than they are now. One thing that remains is their lifelong debate over whether England or France is the better European country.
Favorite circus act: Aerialists
Bridesmaid - Haley Caswell
Haley and Sara met through mutual friends, Sara thinks, on Thanksgiving when they made the correct choice to go to a bar.
Favorite circus act: the tattooed man, if that’s still relevant, “silks, or just acrobatics in general”, “Maybe strongest man? or the witchy shit for the tarot reader?”, “I used to play a clown at a local carnival. And my family collected clown memorabilia, so I grew up with a bunch of clown [stuff].”
Groomsman - Paddy Christians
Paddy and Justin met in high school and have been friends ever since. They both enjoy board games, winter sports (snowboarding and skiing, respectively), metal concerts, biking, trying different kinds of beer, video games, and camping.
Favorite circus act: Trapeze
Groomslady - Kate Sandstrom
Kate and Justin met in college when Kate started dating Paddy and she has been an integral part of their friend group ever since. She is the most talented craftswoman and most dedicated gardener you will ever meet. Furthermore, Kate is always down to join Justin for a haunted house or a horror movie.
Favorite circus act: “I’m a fan of all the circus arts, but since it’s the one I can do, let’s say juggling.”
Groomslady - Erica Lauer-Vose
Erica is Justin’s oldest sister and has known Justin since he was born. They both love animals and scuba diving. She knows the names of all the creatures they see underwater, and is especially passionate about coral.
Favorite circus act: Aerial silks
Groomslady - Jessica Lauer-Schumacher
Jessica is Justin’s second-oldest sister and, as you can maybe tell from the picture, was part of the Royal Court at the Renaissance Festival. As well as being a princess, she is a talented storyteller and mother of two young children. Her husband suggested her favorite circus act might be surviving their children (lol)!
Favorite circus act: “Trapeze act! Especially when they throw someone between the bars.”
Groomslady - Leana Stone
Leana is Justin’s baby sister and is actually who introduced Justin and Sara, as she and Sara used to work together at EPHS. Leana also has two young children, an energetic dog, and a penchant for starting giant projects whenever her life gets too calm.
Favorite circus act: She thinks it’s called a “Cry Wheel”? (See picture)
Groomsman - Mark Calhoun
Mark and Justin have known each other since high school through mutual friends, even though they didn’t go to the same high school. They love board games, but now that Mark has a young daughter, he probably doesn’t buy quite as many anymore.
Favorite circus act: “Flying trapeze because Robin, and also that’s just insane.”
Groomsman - TJ Barber
Justin met TJ through Sara, and they bonded over board games, horror movies, and just liking to hang out and chat. TJ is the resident horror connoisseur for both books and movies, so track him down at the wedding if you want to deep dive on horror.
Favorite circus act: Geek show