The Wedding Party
The Bride: Julia Popowych
When I first met Henry he described his ideal first date; taking someone behind the scenes at the zoo his Mom worked at to see the penguins. The way he described it, totally caught me off guard and I found myself hanging onto every word he said. We spent night after night together during the first COVID lockdown but, it was from that first moment that I knew life with him would be full of adventure. Since then he’s become someone I rely on, someone who picks me up (even when I don’t want to be) and my best friend. I can’t wait to marry him and spend the rest of our lives together.
The Groom: Henry Ballentine
Julia and I met right at the beginning of the first Covid lockdown. At the time, almost everyone we knew had left Rochester, and our little pod of friends came together in the twists of fate. Together, we watched movies (The Gentleman, Jojo Rabbit, and Ford vs. Ferrari) night after night, swapping stories and dreaming up plans for what we’d do when the ‘two weeks’ were over. Eventually, the new normal set in - and Julia and I started getting closer and closer. March became May, and our friendship became a partnership. I’ve never looked back once.
The Maid Of Honor: Sarah Popowych
I am very excited for Julia and Henry’s wedding and watching them grow together as a couple. As Julia’s big sister, I am so proud of the young woman she has become and that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Henry. I am looking forward to the countless ways I can embarrass them both leading up to the wedding. Cheers to Julia and Henry!
The Best Man: Michael Vaughn
Hi! Im Michael, I met Henry in the sixth grade, and through middle school, high school, undergrad, graduate school, and our full adult lives beyond I've been lucky not just to see Henry grow, but to grow with him into the men we are today. Over the years we've seen a lot, and I'm excited for the next chapter. I'm grateful to be there to see Julia and Henry get married, and can't wait to see what the future has in store for both of them together.
The Matron of Honor: Jenny Schultz
Hi! I’m Jenny I met Julia through Phi Delt as we were the first two sweethearts. We became really close in Henry’s last year. My favorite things are: Starbucks, crafting, traveling, and trips to target (usually all with J when she’s in town). I can’t wait to celebrate my favorite couple getting married with you all!
Groomsman: Ezra Schultz
Hi! I'm Ezra, I've known Henry since his freshman year at RIT, we quickly bonded over our shared Jesuit high school experiences, namely the Kairos retreat and how much that time meant to us and helped challenge us to be better men. From that moment Henry became an instrumental figure in my college career, from helping start our fraternity together, to sharing meals in Ritz while discussing everything from our ideals and how to help give back to our community all the way down to what video games we're currently playing or who the Tigers are going to beat next in hockey. I was so excited when Henry and I matched as big and little, he became the younger brother I never had, someone I could confide in, trust, and who always had my back. When he told me his plans to propose to Julia I couldn't have been more ecstatic. Julia is an amazing friend to my wife and I and someone who brings out the best in Henry and who supports him completely. I'm thrilled to be a part of their big day and support and celebrate this wonderful duo as they begin their journey as a married couple!