The Wedding Party
in order of appearance
Sarai Pegram, matron of honor
Sarai and Jo met at radio astronomy camp and became lifelong friends. We’ll tell you more about it when Sarai sends in her bio.
Paul Urriola, best man
Paul Urriola is Ian’s younger brother and has spent his lifetime following in the footsteps of the kindest, most wise, hilarious, and handsome man you’ll ever meet. Growing up, the two shared a bedroom until high school where they watched many a late night talk show (Conan is/was peak fr fr), shared many a giggle, and Ian even taught Paul a few crucial things about life 🕊️ ✨ 🐝
“Hey Paul. Guess what I learned in school today?!” (I’m sure their parents are still grateful to this day they didn’t have teach their youngest about life’s ~greatest mysteries~ ).
Thank you for coming out and supporting this beautiful beautiful couple as they embark on the rest of their lives together. A lifetime beside Ian is truly a lifetime with the best.
Pamela Schwarz
Pamela and Jo met one fateful evening in 2009 when Pamela performed a one-woman show of Les Miserables in their dorm room. The two quickly became friends and even SAI sisters. They bonded over a love of music, religion, and silliness. Since then they have traveled to several countries together - eating, dancing, and exploring.
Zach Cohen
Zach has known Ian since their freshman year of college, when they both took a math class geared toward non-math students. Ian for some reason agreed to be Zach’s roommate, and they lived together the rest of their time in school in three different apartments. Hijinx, which may or may not have involved lightsaber duels and flying gourds, ensued.
Ethan Shearer
Jo and Ethan went to seminary together. It was mostly ok. Now they do a podcast. That's generally going better for them.
Andrew Hunt
Andrew has known Ian since middle school when they met in Youth Group at church and generally got on splendidly. He even lit some of the musicals Ian sang in during high school. They have stayed in touch since then and continue to have great conversations around faith, food, and generally trying to be good people. Andrew cherishes the “On Wednesdays We Destroy the Patriarchy” mug that Ian gave him (not pictured) and usually fails to drink from it on actual Wednesdays.
Leigh Fairley
Little Bobby taught Leigh everything she knows about the stars. While she’s no longer directly teaching students, Leigh remained in education and doesn’t think she would have had Addie Jo and Morehead not sparked her interest and enthusiasm for educating kids! She currently serves as the managing director of programs for an education non profit in Wilmington, DE where she also lives with her tiny dog (she’s 70 pounds), Pinto Bean. She’s had the privilege to know and love Addie Jo for more than a decade and can’t wait to celebrate them and Ian on their special day.
Andreas Weide
Andreas met Ian his freshman year of college in church. They became fast friends and roommates for the rest of their time at AU, living in what could only be described as a monastical setting, communing on their favorite Chinese food. Ian, being a whole year ahead of Andreas, was able to take the younger man under his wing and instruct him in some of life's most important lessons that he still cherishes today. Such as, the correct viewing order of Star Wars movies (4, 5, 2, 3, 6), the importance of accepting free pizza whenever it is presented, and the value of unwavering grace and support from friends.
Joy Parker
Joy is a software developer currently living Colorado Springs, CO where she volunteers at the zoo. She hails from Hickory, NC where her family moved when she was 12 years old - in fact, her 12th birthday was celebrated 2 weeks late with other kids her own age who her dad (who had just gotten a new job) thought she would like. There she met Jo - one of the most incredible, kind, and intelligent people she has ever known. They track their friendship’s age by her sister’s birthday as she was born a month before that slumber party. (Their friendship can almost rent a car.) Since then, they have remained friends across states, continents, and the occasional ocean. She is so grateful to know Jo and looks forward to their friendship continuing to age - can’t wait until they’re over the hill together.