Meet the Parents (& Friends)
The Wedding Party
Victoria Chandler
Mother of the bride
Victoria is native to Toronto, and is the origin of why Jennifer has the last name Chandler. Jeni took on her mother’s last name as an homage to her grandparents, who, alongside Victoria, were instrumental in supporting and encouraging Jeni to pursue music. There are many shared memories on the lake in Muskoka during Jeni's childhood, as well as Victoria being the real reason Jeni is a dog fanatic!
Debra Braaten
Mother of the Groom
Debra grew up on Long Island and, with her husband Allen, is celebrating over fifty years of marriage, a union Trevor has always looked to as the model. A natural in sales, she has poured her passion into real estate, her own business, and wedding venues alike. From her, Trevor inherited his work ethic and the drive to do his best, and finding Jeni may be the best he has ever done.
Michael Szelag
Father of the bride
Michael is originally from Warsaw, Poland, and has been Jeni's rock her entire life. With an elite cycling career in his younger years, Michael also served as Jeni's coach in her youth. We can't wait to watch Michael walk his daughter down the aisle and hand his youngest daughter off to Trevor.
Allen Braaten
Father of the Groom
Allen is a gentle soul, deeply musical and especially gifted on the guitar, the spark behind Trevor's own creative side. A passionate boater, he was always eager to get the family out on the water, where so many of Trevor's happiest memories of excitement and togetherness were made. Fifty years in, he and Debra remain Trevor's example of a true partnership.
Amy Craib
Co-Maid of honor
Amy came into Jeni's life at a Mosaic church retreat, where the two became soul sisters within hours. She's a diplomat who has represented the United Kingdom at the United Nations, and a mama to little Jonah with a baby girl due right around the wedding. Her husband, Jamie, is the officiant and MC. A true family affair.
Brian Gambino
best man
Brian is Trevor's oldest friend. They met in 1998 at drama camp, during a pivotal period of Trevor's life, and the name proved fitting for all the drama they would weather together in the years since. There is no joy, hardship, or wild chapter the two have not lived through side by side. A JetBlue captain and passionate traveler, Brian is happily married to his husband, Jon.
Hannah Pena
Co-Maid of honor
Jeni met Hannah on the very same night she met Amy, while they led worship together at that retreat. She's a gifted worship leader and vocalist who founded her own ministry, creating space for other worship leaders to rest and refresh. For Jeni, she has been a safe harbor and redefined what sisterhood feels like.
Matthew Szelag
Man of Honor
Matthew is Jeni’s older brother (alongside her sister Jessica and other brother Sasha). They’re so close in age that he always felt more like a twin, and growing up Jeni copied everything he did, from snowboarding to once having matching cars. He's a true Renaissance man, gifted in woodworking and design, and last year became a dad to sweet Max. Titles like Man of Honor or Bridesman fall immensely short when attempting to capture the depth of what he means to Jeni’s heart.
PaGet Stephen
Bridesmaid
Paget is Jeni's dearest New York bestie. They were college roommates at The New School, studying music and collecting the silliest memories together. She's a talented singer and performer who now runs her own wedding planning company, and recently became a mama to little Hugh. Jeni stood beside her as a bridesmaid in 2023, so this feels beautifully full circle.
Kevin Murphy
Groomsman
Kevin and Trevor bonded early on in high school over a shared heart for service. For eight formative years they worked side by side, and every good season and hard one only knit them closer. That kind of bond does not fade. Kevin is married to his lovely Bianca and dad to KJ and Deacon, two boys who love teasing Uncle Trevor, just like their father, and always in good fun.
Claire De Sevigne
Bridesmaid
Claire is Jeni's cousin, and though they're technically second cousins, they've always felt much closer. Like Jeni, she's a singer, a world-traveling opera singer who recently understudied at The Metropolitan Opera. She carries a cherished piece of Jeni's mother's side of the family, so having her stand alongside Jeni feels like bringing her grandparents' presence into the day.
Joe Leggio
Groomsman
Joe and Trevor met in college, where Joe admired Trevor's mind so much that he gladly shared his business school exam answers. Trevor's answers, of course. They have only grown closer since, building their careers side by side in New York and chasing the same standard of excellence wherever they are. Joe knows Trevor inside out, and the feeling is mutual. He is happily married to his husband, John.
Kate Smith
Bridesmaid
Kate is Jeni's longest, dearest Canadian friend. They met in high school when their boyfriends played in a band together, spending weekends at the gigs. Today Kate lives in Ontario with her partner and their pups, working in cancer rehabilitation. Her late mother felt like a second mom to Jeni, which makes having Kate beside her mean even more.
Troy Braaten
Groomsman
Troy is Trevor's younger brother, just five years apart and bound by a lifetime of shared memories. They grew up on the same family vacations, even the same elementary school teachers, and countless hours lost in computer games. As boys they built forts, went exploring, and got into all the mischief young brothers do. Today Troy is the best uncle Aksel could ask for, and adores him to no end.
Monika Meskyte
Bridesmaid
Moni and Jeni met about ten years ago in New York through their former church. She was finishing her Master's at Princeton and commuting in to lead worship, and the two bonded fast over music and ministry. A decade younger than Jeni, she's also the wisest, most grounded soul Jeni knows, and a steady, prayerful presence beside her this September.
Jamie Craib
Celebrant
Jamie Craib, husband of Jeni’s Maid of Honour, is a dear friend to Jeni and Trevor. An accomplished NYC actor and model raised in Scotland as a pastor's son, Jamie has a recognized call from God on his life, and his prayerful heart and kind friendship make him our perfect Celebrant. We are honored to have him bless our covenant of marriage on our big day.
Malu
Dog of Honor
Malu is Jeni’s first dog before blending her life with Trev and Aksel. They had three and a half years together as best friends and Jeni considers Malu her soulmate dog on every level. She is the love of Jeni’s life (sorry Trev!)
Aksel
Dog of Honor
Aksel is pure perfection, a good boy who brings joy to everyone lucky enough to meet him. He lives to cuddle and somehow always knows whether you need comforting or celebrating. He was Trevor's faithful companion before Jeni came along, and now he could not be happier to have a mom looking after him too.