Chapter 5 - The Cast of Characters

Groomsmen:

Dave and CJ at work

Dave and CJ have been brothers for almost the entire time they've known each other.  Not long after Dave was brought home from the hospital, CJ said to his aunt Stephanie, "Ya know, the baby is nice and all, but don't you think they probably want him back at the hospital now?"  Things pretty much followed that course for the next 31 years.  Last year CJ was honored when Dave asked him to be the best man at his wedding, and today CJ is thankful that Dave is doing the same for him. Dave is a proud Gaucho, graduating from UCSB with a BS in Business Economics.  He loves sports and absolutely bleeds Dodger Blue and 49er Red...depending on the time of year.

Max and CJ at Work

Max was the first friend CJ made when he moved back to LA from Chicago.  After a few weeks of not knowing anyone at Moorpark College and drinking alone in a dark room, CJ was desperate for someone to talk to.  He noticed that he and Max had the same phone, and used that to start a conversation.  Little did CJ know that the phone was just the first thing we'd have in common, starting with a rabid love of the Lakers, and the fact that for a few months in 1991 they lived down the street from each other, went to the same church, and probably played pick up basketball with each other at the park. Max is working on selling his first feature length script, and keeping his wife Maliabeth happy, because she's WAAAAY too good for him!

Keith and CJ at Work

 
Keith and CJ became friends early in the fall of 2003 while they were both competing on the Moorpark College Forensics team (AKA MoFo).  Over the years they've become travel buddies, taking numerous trips to San Fransisco, Las Vegas, and even as far away as Chicago. Keith is a casting director and uses that to help pick up ladies in the finest bars and restaurants in Studio City, where he now resides.

 

Mike and CJ at Work

 Mike and CJ met doing karaoke at a dive bar in Simi Valley.  CJ impressed Mike with his mad mic skills when he dropped hits like "Ice Ice Baby".  The two have a friendship based on CJ making jokes about Mike being short and Mike saying "What's the capitol of Thailand?" then punching CJ in the nuts and shouting "Bangkok!"






Bridesladies:
Lindsay is Leigh's little sister. When they were kids, Leigh and Lindsay liked to play dress up and would fight over the most sparkly outfits. Lindsay's nickname as a kid was 'Lindsday Lauper' and she was a total wild child, but has since mellowed into an old married lady with a cool job in the home beer making business. Lindsay has a great sense of direction and a fantastic ability to take control of a situation. If you're ever lost in Budapest without a map, you'll wish you had Lindsay by your side.




Leigh and Olivia grew up in the same neighborhood, had friends in common, and played kickball together a few times as kids, but didn’t become friends until freshman year of high school. They bonded over a lack of desire to help their fellow students paint a mural, and the discovery that they had the same birthday. Twenty-two shared birthdays later, Leigh and Olivia are still ”hangin’ tough 4-ever!” 

When Shelby was born, she was the smallest baby Leigh had ever seen in real life. Shelby eventually grew to be the size of a normal person, and has become the bravest, most generous kid that Leigh knows. Shelby is a great singer and piano player, and has a special talent for spotting the best shells on the beach.

When Leigh and Kaylie met, they shared an instant connection – mostly because they both enjoy tickle fights and books about mermaids, and because Leigh was totally impressed by Kaylie’s hip-hop dancing skills. Leigh can't wait to visit Dollywood with Kaylie someday!

 



CJ and Leigh want to send a special shout out to some other super fantastic people who have agreed to help them out: Luke, Jack, Jake, Sammy and Hallie. Woop woop! You guys are the best! These are some of the most awesome kids ever, and CJ and Leigh are honored to have them be a part of the big day!