Matron of Honor

Donavie D'Costa

Donna and Tanika have been best friends for so long, their origin story is more folklore than fact. Some historians trace their friendship back to the sixth grade when Donna was barbarously excluded from Tanika's pink pajama party; others argue it is even older— that Providence rendered them friends, sisters, and soulmates in spirit before they had even met in person (and had the opportunity to wreak sleepover-related havoc). 

Despite living in different countries for the past decade, Donna and Tanika have shared in all of life's joys, sorrows, victories, and losses. Now - following Donna's beautiful wedding in 2022 - they get to share in the surreal experience of being each other's Maid and Matron of Honor. 

For guests who have yet to meet the delight that is Donna, keep an eye out for her at the bar where you will find her knocking back a beer, on the dancefloor where she will be harassing the DJ to disobey Tanika's no-corny-pop-music orders, or at the nearest laptop where she will be drafting an urgent employment contract (she's only a kick-ass lawyer, NBD). 

Bridesmaid

Rashi Dalmia

Rashi is one of those people whose existence really threatens the adage, "God has no favorites." She's beautiful, brilliant, fiercely loyal, and her taste in music is very unique. (Ever heard of Eminem? Didn't think so.)

Tanika and Rashi met in middle school and have been inseparable ever since. Through all the emotional changes from adolescence to womanhood and the geographical changes from living in the same city to being thousands of miles apart, this tag-team has remained constant in their love of two things: each other and Pizza Express.  

If, at the wedding, you suddenly feel overcome by a strange, intoxicating desire to quit your day job, move to an Island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and pursue your passions as a diving instructor, you've likely met Rashi. And if not, don't worry because she will seek you out and force you into viewing a camera roll full of manta rays and sharks until you do. Either way, you win.

Bridesmaid

Claire Errington

If one person is responsible for the early viability of Jamie and Tanika's relationship, it's Claire. More specifically, the occasion of Claire's 21st birthday, which gave Jamie the opportunity to bring Tanika to Edinburgh and meet his (entire) family after (just) three weeks (WEEKS!!!) of dating. (It's either "when you know you know" or "stupid is as stupid does" and we're going with the prior, thank you very much.)

Claire and Tanika's story begins with them as unlikely acquaintances brought together by their shared love of Jamie. But it ends with them as friends, sisters, and partners in crime brought together by their shared love of brunch dates, fuzzy slippers, and ganging up on the aforementioned (and often outnumbered) gentleman. Of all the presents Tanika has received from Jamie, she is most grateful for the gift of knowing Claire, whose kindness, intelligence, and strength know no bounds. 

If you don't see Claire at the wedding, you're either at the wrong wedding, or she finally got off the waitlist for a Taylor Swift concert. In the more likely event that you do see her, here are four topics of conversation she's guaranteed to be impressed by: British sports, American sports, women's sports, and - you don't watch women's sports?!?! - you're out, pal.

Bridesmaid

Rossilynne Skena Culgan

Tanika knew she had found "her person" the moment she saw Ros walk into class and whip out (and layout in perfect symmetry) a binder full of color-coded readings, a flask of tea, a container of oatmeal, and a pencil case with enough pens to fill all 100 hands of Briareus. A woman after Tanika's heart, Ros also arrived early, because, obviously. 

An old soul with a penchant for midi-dresses and red velvet cupcakes, Ros is a force to be reckoned with. Not (just) because she could solve world peace if given the reins, but because she toes the line between precision and passion like no one else. Because she stands up for what she believes in and believes - sincerely - in what she stands up for. Because she is all the things Tanika both wants to be, and wants to be around.

If you see Ros at the wedding, do not mistake her for the wedding planner (although you can bet she will be the most on-time, well-prepared, and ready-to-go guest in attendance). Do not also mistake her for the bride (she has been warned against wearing her green Ted Baker midi to avoid drawing in too much attention). And finally, do not - I repeat - DO NOT - follow her on Instagram only to send her a press release or pitch: if she doesn't block you, Tanika will. 
 

Bridesmaid

Bori Ahn

At the core of Bori and Tanika's friendship is one simple and fundamental tenet: they know too many incriminating stories about one another to ever stop being friends.

Bound by late-night escapades through North Melbourne, an un-Godly number of trips to TGIFs, and unending philosophical conversations on unassuming social media platforms (LinkedIn is not it, Bori), this multi-year sisterhood has waded through the many treats, thrills, and tribulations of young-adulthood, and is still only getting started.

If you see Bori at the wedding, firstly: lucky you, secondly: yes she is as intelligent as she sounds, and finally: no you are not alone in having no idea what constitutes the perfect "aegyo-sal," but like Selena Gomez pre-Justin Bieber, Bori will "Tell [You] Something [You] Don't Know."

Best Man

Benjamin Griffin

Ben and Jamie were eight years old when they first met in primary school. Ben, a seasoned Watsonian, and Jamie, the new kid on the block, started off as archnemeses following a territorial dispute of immense proportions. That is, Jamie (chaperoned by his parents) went on a movie date with a girl (chaperoned by her parents) Ben fancied. The UN almost stepped in. 

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Since then, a lot has changed for Ben and Jamie. (Not their height, but I digress.) Together, they have competed in international pipe band championships, trekked the great mountain ranges of Nepal, watched every Lord of the Rings movie ten times over, and navigated the thrills of life in London as flatmates (and fellow mouse-catchers).

If you're a guest hoping to meet the kindest, smartest, and most talented eye surgeon in Europe, Ben is your guy. Just don't ask him to partake in anything remotely resembling a competition because he will risk your friendship, his physical health, and the collective peace and safety of various world nations in order to win. 

Groomsman

Kush Bowry

Kush and Jamie met at law school in a chance encounter that changed the world. And by changed I mean threatened the supply of energy drinks anywhere within a 20-mile radius of The University of Newcastle between 2011 and 2015.

From staying up all night studying the law to staying out all night breaking it (Jamie's dance moves constitute a criminal category of their own), this brotherhood has shared in many of life's greatest thrills. For example, without Kush, Jamie might never have witnessed the majestic migration of wildebeest out of the Masai Mara on a sunny afternoon in Kenya. And without Jamie, Kush might never have witnessed the similarly majestic migration of something-resembling-wildebeest out of The Liquid Room after a night out in Edinburgh. 

Kush is the best friend a man can have. He's kind, caring, and always down for a good time. Although, if you see him at the wedding and are wondering why he's at odds with the bride, it's probably because someone had the temerity to ask him how it feels to be Jamie's second favorite Indian person. 

Groomsman

Siddhant D'Souza

Known as "Sid" to his friends, "Siddy" to his sister, and "Italian model" to his mom, this socks-with-sandals-wearing, Dostoevsky-reading, Spotify-stealing, Autogrill-afficionado is above all things, AN ENGINEER. (The aforementioned Indian mom wrote the latter part of this bio.)

Sid and Jamie's first encounter was back in 2016 when Tanika summoned up the courage to bring her gora boyfriend home for the holidays. While initially unsure, Sid was immediately bowled over by Jamie after listening to him rap all the words to Nas' "New York State of Mind" (the hours of practice paid off).

Since then, this jocose twosome have shared many roles: amateur sports commentators, aspiring castle owners (or jesters, depending on who you ask), and dedicated chauffeurs tasked with driving a very important, esteemed, and somewhat insane family all across Southern Italy. 

If you see Pietro Boselli at the wedding and are confused by his attendance, surprise! You've just met Sid! Oh, you thought you could laugh at a joke about the bride's baby brother? How very brave of you.