Josephine & Nicholas

Introducing Katie Whalley, the incredible sister I never had, my Maid of Honor, and soon-to-be my sister-in-law! Our story began in 2014 when I met her brother, Nick, and from that moment, Katie’s warmth and kindness drew me in. We quickly formed a bond that has only grown stronger over the years. Whenever Katie and I are together, we can be found at the nail salon, a workout class, or passionately singing karaoke in an Uber. Together, we’ve celebrated her journey from high school to college, and now, as she dedicates herself to making a difference as a Development Coordinator at SpringSpirit, a nonprofit close to her heart. With her infectious spirit and unwavering support, Katie is not just my maid of honor, but soon-to-be family and I am so thankful to have her by my side as we embark on this new chapter together.

Meet Gabriela Vega, my oldest and most cherished friend, and soon-to-be one of my radiant bridesmaids! Our journey began way back in kindergarten in Olympia, Washington, where fate united us as part of the dynamic duo in our friend group, the Fantastic Four. Bonded by our shared experiences of having foreign parents—hers hailing from Puerto Rico—Gabriela quickly became an integral part of my life, with her parents becoming like second parents to me. Her unwavering loyalty and support have been constants throughout the years. Josie remembers fondly their childhood adventures, from our trips to Mexico and Puerto Rico, to “the list” and “the box”, to our clandestine beef jerky feasts at the Valley Fitness Center. Gabriela and Josie also spent countless hours in orchestra together, from 2nd grade to senior year of high school, where Gabriela played the violin and Josie the cello. During this time, they learned to communicate and have full conversations with facial expressions alone. As I embark on this journey, I am so thankful to have Gabriela by my side, my best friend forever.

Introducing Sarah Burdette, the effervescent and vibrant soul who has been by my side since our kindergarten days and a cherished member of our Fantastic Four! Bonded not only by our long-lasting friendship but also by our shared journey as gluten-free warriors, Sarah’s passion, outgoing nature, and infectious energy light up every room she enters. We used to spend hours on our landline phones, talking about everything under the sun, from our goals and dreams to our love for kombucha. Together, we navigated the ups and downs of growing up, bonding over our shared experiences of having little brothers and countless hours spent in classes together. Josie and Sarah also did debate together in high school! Together they crafted wild oratory stories, and would wake up at the crack of dawn on Saturdays for tournaments. Sarah was the best debate partner one could ask for! With Sarah by my side, laughter is never far away, and I’m endlessly grateful to have her as not just a bridesmaid, but a lifelong friend.

Introducing Bianca Gomez, the final member of the Fantastic Four and one of my closest friends since kindergarten. Since a young age, Bianca and Josie bonded over their love for pranks, MTV TV shows, and horror movies. Little did Josie know that her all nighters watching gory horror films with Bianca actually prepared her for her future in orthopedic surgery! Josie fondly remembers the days after school spent hanging out at Bianca’s mother’s restaurant, devouring chicken teriyaki, talking about every topic under the sun. Bianca’s adventurous spirit led Josie to briefly join her in the world of cheerleading in middle school, though she quickly retreated while Bianca continued to soar throughout high school. Bianca is currently living the dream in Hawaii, and Josie couldn’t be prouder or happier for her!

Meet the incredible Dr. Vassiliki (Vicky) Mirisis, my partner in crime throughout medical school and beyond! From cramming for exams to trying experimental work out routines to whipping up gourmet meals after class, every moment was an adventure. I lived with Vicky all 4 years of medical school, and the last two with her amazing husband Taso and cutest puppy ever Leo- I miss those days coming home to my second family. Vicky’s culinary skills are matched only by her knack for uncovering the coolest spots in NYC – seriously, she’s like a walking Zagat guide! And when it comes to fashion and makeup, she’s the ultimate guru, always keeping us ahead of the trends. Dr. Mirisis is currently a pediatric emergency medicine fellow at Yale. Dr. Vassiliki Mirisis: the bridesmaid extraordinaire, the ultimate foodie, and incredible pediatric emergency doc!

Meet Dr. Desiree Livinsky, the force of nature who’s been lighting up my life since medical school. I remember fondly our days and nights studying together in the medical school library, and even sleeping on patient exam tables the night before the test! But outside of school, our adventures together have taken us to the far corners of the globe, from the sunny beaches of Aruba to the bustling streets of Taiwan and China, and even to the vibrant markets of Kuala Lumpur and Penang. But beyond our travels, Desi has been my confidante and go-to source for sage advice on just about everything. It’s no wonder she’s such a natural in her role as a psychiatrist. And of course, I can’t talk about Desi without mentioning her other loves: her wonderful husband Ross, their adorable baby Henry, and their mischievous fur baby, Bandito the cat. Their little family is the epitome of love and happiness, and I feel blessed to be a part of their lives and have them as an example as I embark on this journey!

Introducing Reiley Callahan, the vibrant soul who entered my life amidst the electric energy of Bonnaroo Music Festival, where our friend circles intertwined and formed an unbreakable bond. Alongside her partner Joey, Reiley quickly became an integral part of our lives, sharing countless weekends of music, laughter, and exploration in the bustling streets of New York City. From exhilarating concerts to cozy rooftop gatherings and culinary adventures at new eateries, our shared experiences have been unforgettable memories.

Our New Year’s Eve traditions, spent basking in the warmth of Costa Rica’s beaches or the vibrant energy of Florida, have become cherished rituals of celebration and togetherness. But it’s not just the grand moments—Reiley’s unwavering presence and genuine warmth shine brightest in the small gestures, like the way she made my 30th birthday an occasion to remember. Reiley’s innate ability to make everyone feel special is a testament to her boundless kindness and generosity of spirit. As I embark on this journey into marriage, I am immensely grateful for Reiley’s friendship, her unwavering support, and her unwritten promise to continue filling our lives with laughter and love.