kelly mceldrew, maid of honor
At the age of 18 months, Caitlin gained her first friend in her sister, Kelly. Smart, quick-witted, observant, hilarious, energetic, strong, non-judgmental and loyal to the soil. No one else has seen Caitlin's very best and Caitlin's very worst like Kelly has, and the love and respect Caitlin has for Kelly gets stronger every day. Kelly is a priceless source of soundminded advice. She is also the unofficial (yet undisputed) Queen of Sea Isle City. Making her the Maid of Honor was the easiest decision about planning the McBat Wedding.
stef swanson
Besides Kelly, Stef is Caitlin's oldest friend! They met 18 years ago, on a dusty cinder track at St. Rose of Lima CYO practice. Stef and Caitlin grew up together, cracking each other up during workouts and long runs, much to the chagrin of their coaches. Stef and Caitlin weave their own hilarity into every situation they find themselves in. Stef is a staple of Caitlin's adult existence. She has been by Caitlin's side during tears of laughter, tears of rage and tears of sadness. Stef is beyond a best friend to Caitlin, she's a dad.
Liz sanders
Friends who run together, stay together. Liz is another one of running's greatest gifts to Caitlin. Caitlin and Liz quickly became best friends, having met at cross-country camp their freshman year at Oberlin. Passionate, curious, fearless, empathetic and supportive, Liz and Caitlin could talk for weeks straight and never run out of things to discuss. Liz was also the earliest supporter of McBat. Liz is a fountain of knowledge and inspiration for Caitlin. Musical soulmate and forever friend.
julie doyle
Julie is the essence of charm! Caitlin was lucky enough to live with Julie her senior year at Oberlin. Julie loaned Caitlin her black boots and Caitlin never gave them back; Julie never said a thing except "They look good on you. You can have them." It was then that Caitlin knew it was love. Julie is smart, selfless, creative, and absolutely hilarious. She paves her own way and attracts good things because she is so wonderful. Julie has an amazing ability to put things in perspective and turn every situation into fun. She has empowered and encouraged Caitlin with her positive and fun loving energy throughout their friendship. Big-hearted, and open minded; to know her is to love her!
JESSI BARBER
Jessi is Caitlin's right hand! How amazing to have met her the summer after graduating from Oberlin, despite having never met at school. Jessi showed Caitlin her colors soon after they met, lending her gardening expertise to Caitlin & helping her rip crab grass out of her garden for an entire Saturday. A few years later, Jessi flew down to San Diego to help an emotionally wrecked Caitlin drive back up to San Francisco after dropping Andrew off at the Pacific Crest trailhead for his (first) five month thru hike (we stayed with Julie on or way back North ️). Jessi is the definition of a ride or die. One of the greatest listeners, full of passion, awareness and creative energy, she is an inspiring friend!
JALEESA GARLAND
Caitlin and Jaleesa met as roommates in Berkeley and Jaleesa quickly became one of Caitlin's best friends. Jaleesa is generous, hilarious, big hearted. She is an amazing listener and advocate for her friends. Her drive and determination are inspiring to witness. Her open mind and positive energy are contagious and have helped Caitlin out of many frustrated funks. Her positive energy is so powerful that she was able to get Caitlin to attend a dance workout class. She is always there to listen or drink a glass of wine or dance to Too $hort. She has become family for McBat.
Ryan Batjiaka, Best Man
Andrew's first friend and adventure buddy. Ryan is Andrew's go-to man for all of his wild adventure planning. Ryan has always been a source of encouragement for Andrew. Smart, patient and perceptive, Andrew could not ask for a better brother and best man.
Kosuke Hata, ring bearer
Andrew and Kosuke have been buddies for 16 years now! Few people understand Andrew's quirks as well as kosuke. Kosuke's primary responsibility as a groomsman is to keep our wedding weird.
Wally Hays
Andrew and Wally met as high school jocks at lick wilmerding 16 years ago. Hence, no one is as good at peer pressuring Andrew as Wally is. And few people on Earth can make Andrew laugh as hard as Wally can.
Jimmy McEldrew
Aka the Bobbing Bucket. Doctor Jim is Caitlin's treasured little brother. He is smart and grounded and really fun to hang out with. He has always been an amazing brother & source of advice for Caitlin. He (in cooperation with Michael McEldrew and Ryan Desch) has made Andrew cry-laugh more over a single weekend than anyone else ever has. Doctor Jim is going to keep Andrew laughing on his wedding day.
Ben Bradley
Andrews fellow adrenaline junky, Andrew and Ben met at lick wilmerding 16 years ago. Andrew and Ben love skiing and biking together. Of course Andrew has to have Ben by his side as he embarks on the most high-adrenaline day of his life!
Bobby Steigelman, Ring Bearer
Bobby is Caitlin's little cousin. He's smart, hilarious, and a natural born entertainer, so he gets a strong supporting role in the McBat wedding.
Albert DaVila
Andrew and Albert met at Oberlin 11 years ago. Since then, Albert has joined Andrew and Caitlin on many glorious and inglorious camping adventures. Albert was one of the first supporters of McBat, and he is a best friend to Andrew and Caitlin.
Katie Desch, Flower Girl
Every wedding needs a cheerleader! Marriage is a team sport, right? Katie is going to cheer us down the aisle. Katie is graceful, artistic and sweet. She is the youngest McCullough cousin. Her premiere appearance as a flower girl!
Michael McEldrew
Aka the wandering ion. Mike is Caitlin's treasured little brother. He has always been a grounding force and huge supporter of Caitlin. Andrew and Caitlin were lucky enough to spend Summer '16 with Mike (and Ryan Desch!) in California. During that summer, Andrew, Caitlin, Mike and Ryan went camping together, ran together, and went to feativals together. They had the best summer ever, and managed to not get struck by lightning, despite the odds. Mike's support is crucial in Andrew and Caitlin's relationship and especially on their wedding day.