Love City Brewing

Welcome Party

Vie by Cescaphe

Wedding Day

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Wedding After Party

Our Wedding

Zoe's POV

Jack and I met at work in a time of tremendous change for me. In the whirlwind of a new city and a new job, I was instantly drawn to his sense of humor, his warmth, and his data processing skills. We spent the first few years of our relationship as friends, exploring this city we love so much as well as most higher education mechanical rooms across the county. As we navigated our independent lives, we kept coming back to each other as friends, companions, and confidants. Simply put, I could not shake Jack; I was in love with him the whole time.

Jack and my story doesn’t come down to a specific location, time, or event, but rather, it’s the last seven years we’ve spent navigating our independent lives together as partners. Jack and I have lived apart, we have lived together, we have been sick, we have been healthy, we traveled and stayed-in, have changed jobs and moved houses and cities, and we have always come back to each other. After all, he is my friend, companion, and confidant, and I am excited to soon add another label to that list… my husband!

Jack's POV

We were coworkers first, friends second, then after many years of friendship, a couple. I often say that our story is not your typical love story, but what I love about it is that it's real and genuine, and is a story of two people who just couldn't seem to stay away from one another. Early on, I would tell my Mom about what I was doing, who I was hanging out with, etc. and the name "Zoe" kept coming up in conversation. My Mom eventually told me a story about how someone she knew was friends first with their eventual partner to which they said, "I just one day realized life is just that much better with them around." I realized at that moment that having Zoe in my life just made everything that much better. In my early to mid 20s, while Zoe was attending high school yearbook meetings, planning proms, and asking permission to leave the house on weekends (probably), I was living the bachelor life in Connecticut and Philadelphia. I wanted to go places: tailgate as many Eagles games as I could, road trip across the country, go to all the concerts, etc. I was also actively going to weddings all over the country, seeing all of my best friends marry their soulmates. I always liked adding a fun adventure on the way when I took these trips, like going to Cooperstown to see the Baseball Hall of Fame on my way to Sonni and Kol's wedding. And as single man for most of my 20s, I often went on these trips alone or sometimes not at all. While I was ecstatic for my friends, I couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of the heart that I hadn't found that "one" yet to be able to share all these things that I wanted to do. Of course, I didn't know who that "one" was yet, but little did I know it was Zoe the whole time. I love how much we've supported one another along the way. Since we've been together we both have changed jobs multiple times, had surgeries, and had deaths in the family that we helped each other get through. We've also invested in each other's futures - Zoe moved to Vermont for a year for her MBA, and I moved to Miami for a year to pursue a career change - all while the other stayed home to steward the Philly life we love so much. Zoe has been the spark in my life since we've been together. We've driven to the mountains (Philly to Montana). We've driven to the edge of the country (Philly to Key West). We've driven to the desert (Philly to New Mexico). We share music. We've been to music festivals and see music as much as we can. We tailgate, we go to sporting events. We go to museums. We travel. We see movies, we go out to eat at restaurants. We cook, we order in. We go on walks. We go on hikes. We play frisbee golf, we play real golf. We're spontaneous. We're predictable. We're everything I've always wanted.

Our Story

Photos

Officiants: Andre Kurtz and Brooke Lummis

Andre and Brooke are Zoe’s brother and sister-in-law. When we sat down to think about who should marry us, we knew we wanted it to be someone who was close to us, understood us as a couple, understands marriage and what it means, would enjoy this task, and loves public speaking. Immediately, the answer was clear.

From Zoe: As an older sister, watching Andre and Brooke fall in love and grow up together taught me what love and commitment was, and what those things meant both in theory and in practice. As Jack and my relationship really started to have legs, the two of them opened their hearts and family to us, embracing and celebrating us. We are siblings, friends, and co-adventurers, and it feels right to have them facilitate this next step in our lives.

From Jack: Let’s first establish the fact that I hate Andre Kurtz. The man has the GALL to be naturally amazing at the game of golf despite only starting 3 years ago. In all seriousness, Andre and Brooke just may be the two most thoughtful and caring people I’ve ever met. Given the physical distance between us all over the years, it’s silly to think I’ve only really been around them in person around 4-5 times, but I feel like I’ve known them for years and years. That’s because when they’re with you, they are truly with you. I look up to them both as people, and they have a relationship that I look up to as well. I’m just so happy they’ll be the ones marrying Zoe and I on our special day.

Most call her Julia, I call her JC both because those are her initials and because she is my personal savior. For the last decade, JC has been my classmate, group project partner, roommate, teammate, colleague, roommate again, my emergency contact, and my best friend. Today, Julia is the maid of honor because she and I cannot legally be sisters (though she is adopted, so there’s always a chance for a biological connection).

Maid of Honor: Julia Cunningham

To the man willing to drive to the Lower East side at 4am to buy beer the day after Thanksgiving. To the man that played my favorite band on his phone while he took our engagement photos for free. To the man that once left work in the middle of the day to meet me on a train platform to give me $20 in cash that I didn't have and desperately needed. To the man that helped me get kicked out of my first bar ever in just the coolest way possible. To the man that suggested that we shave our heads if the Phillies won the World Series (happened). To the man that wrecked the buffet at the Harrow Club this morning. To the man that wore a full tux to play golf. Without pants. To my best man, my brother, Rob Kasten. Whether it's watching a series of incredibly scary or depressing movies, listening to obscure music, or crying together about the latest state of Philadelphia sports, we have a relationship that is truly one of a kind. Strengths: making Manhattans, piano, movies, patent stuff. Weaknesses: Interior Egyptian decor, Gin Blossoms - Allison Road karaoke (Now Playing: The Who - Baba O'Riley)

Best Man: Rob Kasten

Julia (“Dubs”) is the nicest person you will ever meet and probably the smartest, though you may have to push past her weird pronunciations of commonplace words (I kid). She is talented, beautiful, kind, and amazing, and constantly shows up for her friends. Speaking of everyone, congratulate her on all the amazing design work she did for this wedding. None of us deserve a Dubs in our life, but I am so grateful I have her, and I try to be worthy of her daily.

Bridesmaid: Julia Wieczorek

Jeffrey "don't call me Jeffery" Pride. One of the founding members of the infamous band, "my water broke" along with Filippo, Michael, co-creator of the now cancelled "Juji Dance", the Milano's whisperer. Jeff and I have been buds going back to high school at Holy Ghost Prep and then college at Duquesne. There is truly no one on this earth I'd rather read a used car magazine with whilst sitting on a street sidewalk eating a cheesesteak at 2am than this man right here. Remember, you can always ASK if restaurants ID for alcohol purchases or not. Strengths: Bobby Clarke impersonations, setting rat traps, hiding glass bottles, helping me into my pajamas after Super Bowls, accounting. Weaknesses: gin buckets, "Happy Bus surfing". (Now Playing: Dexys Midnight Runners - Come On Eileen)

Groomsman: Jeff Pride

Madison is my forever teammate. Madison and I have the truest trauma bond of all the bridesmaids, going back to our shared experiences in lane 2 (the superior VCSD lane to be in) and continuing into living together in adulthood. We have experienced every emotion together, sometimes in the span of a 2-hour practice and have truly shepherded each other through life. Love you! (Not) sorry for forcing everyone to notice you!

Bridesmaid: Madison Carroll

Now THIS is my fight song. Amy and I are like peas and carrots. She taught me how to swing. I taught her how to dangle. Amy's been one of my best buds going back to our days at Duquesne. She's had some cool jobs. She once worked for Mickey Mouse and was somewhat singlehandedly responsible for sending each citizen of the United States of America 47 promotional emails from Dick's Sporting Goods (where every (style) szn starts) in December 2018. You can typically find us sitting on a friend's couch in their basement screaming lyrics from Mulan while watching The Lion King. If you want to know her nickname you'll just have to ask her for yourself. Strengths: Hoarding shoes, helping fill our red headed friend quota, withholding shoes, beef jerky, hiding Apple products in ovens, Duquesne Facility emesis bingo. Weaknesses: convincing people Avatar is a good movie, "Just Married" wedding signs, has loose ankles (Now Playing: Bob Seger - Night Moves)

Groomsman: Amy Nix

When I need help, I call Mae. She is the best problem solver you will ever meet and a genuinely smart and kind person. Her mind works in amazing ways, and she has taught me so much in life about perseverance, patience, and communication. When we were in grad school together, she used to make me ask her questions in class for her because she was not confident in her English, which is ironic because her voice is so strong. Te quiero mucho, mi amiga favorita. Hopefully we are always together.

Bridesmaid: Mae Diaz Cabrol

My good buddy Mattress, ol' Field of Dreams, himself. Truly honored to have been a part of Matt's wedding where I was fortunate enough and blessed to be able to bring my DJ skills to life, I couldn't be happier than to have Matt with me on my wedding day. Matthew is now a full-on banking Pittsburgh yinzer with an affinity for Minnesota-based athletic teams. He's also been known to be my shaman in times of Big-Birding, as needed. Strengths: Parking Lot fishing, crediting cash. Weaknesses: sugar (Now Playing: G-Eazy, No Limit)

Groomsman: Matt Field

Ian is the most chaotic person I have ever met, and being (best) friends with him is so fun. Ian is always the most genuine person in the room, whether he is genuinely having fun bullying you into playing poker, or genuinely reading someone for filth for their ridiculous opinions, he approaches everything he does with love and an intensity you have to respect. I have never laughed as hard as I have with Ian, no matter where we are in the world or the circumstances we find ourselves in. A true Sagittarius.

Bridesmaid: Ian Quinn

Richard, don't call me Dr. Dick (but actually call him Dr. Dick), Meagher lives his life a quarter mile at at time. Rich has been one of my closest buddies going back to the days of Holy Ghost Prep and Duquesne. Some say his many travels to Wuhan, China inspired the creation of the game Electric Boogaloo: Pt. 2. At times throughout the years when people can drift apart due to the busy-ness of life, Rich has always been there to keep our friendship and traditions alive. He has been truly #family. I can't wait for him to meet Zoe for the first time on our wedding day. Strengths: Beer, as long as its a Corona, tuna sandwiches (sans crust), psychology stuff, swords, Moana lyrics. Weaknesses: tuna sandwiches (sans crust) (gluten), shower curtains. (Now Playing: Bleachers - Rollercoaster)

Groomsman: Dr. Richard Stephen Meagher, C.S.Sp.

Sophie and I were college freshman year roommates with seemingly nothing in common except a genuine love for each other. What is a pretty cliché story on how we met is wasted on Sophie, who is the most breathtakingly unique person I have the pleasure of having in my life. She may not think she is, but she is bold, and unafraid, and goes after what she wants, no matter how hard that thing is to get. She told me once she had never straightened her hair, which will mean something for those who grew up with frizzy, curly hair. I think of that often when I need some courage.

Bridesmaid: Sophie Dewil

Mike Field, elder brother to fellow Groomsman Matt Field, and I hit it off from the beginning when he would come and visit Duquesne our Senior year. My man would come into town, we'd have a great time, and he'd still wake up early Sunday mornings to make it to Church. Mike was also my first roommate when I moved to Philadelphia, a time where we thought living above an outdoor beer garden seemed like a really good idea. We've bonded over the Phils, golf, and coo- (nevermind), and he's introduced me to some great people and traditions over the years, including The Mummers Parade and crew where I am proudly known as simply "Nighthawk". Strengths: Parochial school discipline strategies, sugar. Weaknesses: Changing putter grips. (Now Playing: Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror)

Groomsman: Mike Field

Sam was my first best friend in many ways. She welcomed me to Boston with open arms, always looking out for me at school, introducing me to friends, and teaching me the correct pronunciation of towns. Sam has always been the best cheerleader, forcing you to believe in yourself. She shows up as her best everyday and so inspires everyone else to show up as their best as well. She is unstoppable and a gift to have as a friend.

Bridesmaid: Sam Clifford

How has this man never lived in the city of Philadelphia? My cousin, Philly Steve, our Chairman of the Michigan Chapter of Philadelphia sports fandom, and proud, self-proclaimed "South Philly Scumbag" has been my partner in crime since we were in diapers. We have a special bond that I cherish, and a set of stories of our escapades that make me laugh just thinking about them. Mom - next time we drink beers in the back of the tailgate of a truck at 3am in the driveway after an Eagles game we'll be sure to be quieter. Strengths: optimal game viewing management, Yuengling pours. Weaknesses: Black Cherry Bud Light Seltzers (Now Playing: Kings of Leon - Notion)

Groomsman: Stevie Quarry

Ramya and I have been friends for probably twenty years. We grew up together, all the way in the mountains of Colorado, and we are still tackling life together in these northeastern streets. We recently accomplished a life-long dream of ours to take a European vacation together, and I am so excited to live the rest of our dreams. It’s an amazing gift to be friends with someone through all seasons of life and get to really live out our dreams together as adults.

Bridesmaid: Ramya Depa

Claire was my original Regina George. Not because Claire is mean, but because she is effortlessly cool and I still want to grow up and be her. Claire and I were inseparable in middle school, just to be completely separated for all of high school and college. However, when we reconnected (over music in New Orleans, which is so us), I realized while we both had grown tremendously in our experiences, we were still at the core the same girls who would watch music videos of our favorite goth bands in the middle school hallways. She is my sarcastic twin flame with a truly dark sense of humor, making her such a light in my life.

Bridesmaid: Claire Newman

Wedding Party

Please find a booking link to the wedding room block below, available for our guests until August 28th, 2026.

Zoe & Jack

Zoe & Jack

Registry