Wedding Party
Stephanie Reilly | Matron of Honor
Stephanie is Michelle’s music-loving younger sister and proud dog mom, who has Michelle’s back no matter what. Growing up, she was Michelle’s partner in crime, whether it was putting on an impromptu after dinner performance of Build Me Up, Buttercup or being “Michelle the Magnificent’s” magician’s assistant. Even though they are four years apart, they are always on the same wavelength, so it’s only fitting Steph will be by Michelle’s side on her next adventure!
Jennifer Ciotta | Maid of Honor
Jennifer is Michelle’s spirited youngest sister, Disney aficionado, and Cricut master. She is the most outgoing and energetic of the Ciotta sisters and is the best hype woman you could ever ask for. Finding even more in common as the years go by, Jenn and Michelle have a shared appreciation for sans serif fonts, a well-edited TikTok, and The Pioneer Woman. At the wedding, you'll find her tearing up the dance floor or taking Instagram photos for anyone who asks – she knows all the tricks to capture your best angles.
David Lin | Best Man
Dave and Mike met in the Nashua Catholic Junior High School lunchroom as seventh graders. What began as a few LAN parties hosted by Dave and his brother, Jim, evolved into more than 20 years of video gaming, attending PAX conferences, and most recently, an interest in card and board games. Dave plays tennis, pickleball, basketball, and swims, but you may also spot him at the speedway honing his racing skills, on the hunt for unique jeans, or just reading a good book while preparing dinner.
Allison Astolfi-Jan | Bridesmaid
Allie is Michelle’s future sister-in-law, aka Mike’s younger sister. She is an avid hiker and skier, crafting queen, and preschool teacher. Allie was on the Track & Field team at Middlebury College and received her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Boston University. She also has an energetic puppy and just moved into her forever home. Michelle is excited for her and Allie to play more board games in the future and officially be sisters!
Megan Fariello | Bridesmaid
Meg and Michelle met in middle school where she introduced Michelle to Monty Python, deepened her love of Star Wars, and opened her eyes to the art of the mixtape (er, mix-CD). Meg has her PhD in Cultural Studies, is a film and culture critic, writer, researcher, and just general go-to for all things film and pop culture related. No matter how much time has passed, Meg and Michelle are able to pick up right where they left off when they’re together.
Alicia Gutman | Bridesmaid
Alicia and Michelle became friends in high school. She is the Freddie Mercury-loving hostess with the most(est) and is the board game queen – from Disney Villainous to Mölkky, whatever we’re playing, it’s always a good time (not to mention the delicious snacks and drinks to go along with them). Alicia and Michelle bonded over their love of a good Murder Mystery party and are overdue for a Doctor Who marathon.
Jason Jan | Groomsman
Jason is Mike’s brother-in-law. Mike and Jason bonded at family board game nights soon after Jason began dating Mike’s sister, Allison. They've strategized together over games ranging from Pandemic to Farkle. Most recently they’ve begun playing regular bi-weekly games of Gloomhaven. When he’s not spending time with the family or gaming, Jason can be found golfing, skiing, hiking, or walking Oliver.
Caitlin Keane | Groomswoman
Caitlin and Mike were friends in high school, and spent more time together after reconnecting in New York City, where they both moved after college. She is fluent in French and throws the best theme parties. Whether Caitlin and Mike are bowling candlepin at Leda Lanes, carving down the slopes on a weekend ski trip, or gallivanting through The New York Renaissance Faire together, in the words of Carly Rae Jepsen, "It’s always a good time!"
Michelle Maher | Bridesmaid
Michelle M. and Michelle first met in Mr. Granshaw’s fifth grade class and bonded on a field trip to Mystic Aquarium – they were the OG M&M (sorry, Mike). From going on safari in Africa to meeting penguins in Antarctica, she has traveled to all seven continents. Michelle M. was also with Michelle when she first reconnected with Mike after college at a comedy theater in NYC. She’s been with Michelle through all big life moments, so naturally she had to be part of the bride squad!
Kevin Rahman-Porras | Groomsman
Kevin and Mike have been designing games together for more than a decade. They crossed paths in design courses at New York University’s Game Center, where Mike was studying for his Masters degree. What began as a series of class projects soon turned into the founding of a game development company and the release of a mobile game (Don’t Fry the Frog!). Both now work at Outlier.org, designing ways to make higher education more affordable and accessible. Outside of work, Kevin is a gamer, dog owner, avid traveler, and an expert at finding the nearest Warhammer store in every country he visits.
Aaron Rasmussen | Groomsman
Aaron and Mike first met at an underground poker night in the basement of a brownstone on the campus of Boston University. He is an entrepreneur, inventor, game designer, writer, director, and multimedia maker. After college, they reconnected on the show floor of New York Comic Con, where Aaron was promoting his latest startup. Together they founded a small video game company and developed the award-winning video game, BlindSide (which is currently being developed into a feature film). In 2018, Mike joined Aaron as the first employee at Outlier.org, where they are building the future of higher education.
Samantha Trebesch | Groomswoman
Samantha and Mike met on their first day at Boston University and quickly became close friends. From their brownstone dormitories across the street from one another on Bay State Road, they pursued everything the school and city had to offer, from late night walks down Comm. Ave and into the Common, to living in the dorms over one Summer to work as RAs. Other favorite activities included sharing smoothies and conversation at BU’s Late Nite, playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on GameCube, and catching a movie at the Regal Fenway. Although Samantha and Mike live farther away from one another now, they always look forward to the chance to catch up and fill each other in on their newest adventures.
Henry | Ring Bearer
Henry is Mike and Michelle’s favorite salsa-loving toddler and son of their friends Caitlin and Nicole. He is a fan of space, Curious George, and Elmo. Mike and Michelle hope to one day see this young hero participate in the Boffer Wars Adventure at The New York Renaissance Faire. Unfortunately, Henry will likely be disappointed there will be no hummus at the wedding – sorry, Henry!
Sari | Flower Girl
Sari is the effervescent daughter of Mike’s college friend, Samantha and her husband, Jon. Mike and Michelle bonded with Sari during a visit to Disney World where they posed together for a series of truly iconic Star Wars-themed photos. She loves competing in sports, writing stories, making up dances with her friends, and is a GREAT babysitter for her baby brother, Drew. When the time came to find their flower girl, Mike and Michelle knew Sari was the best padawan for the job!