Mena is my younger brother by two years, yet we were basically cut from the same cloth — same hobbies, same interests, same friends, same everything. Even our teachers at school would say that he lived in my shadows. We have had each other's back since day one, so having him as my best man was a less than easy call. Just don’t be fooled if he suddenly pulls that weird serious face he does...you know, the one where he is trying to act all deep, but just ends up looking confused. Classic Bulk.
Karine Fahmi (Karkoura) - Maid of Honour
Despite being four and a half years younger than me, we get told that we look and act more like twins than her and her actual twin (sorry Alex). I remember being so obsessed with Karine as a baby that I named my baby doll after her, but things quickly changed as soon as she learned how to talk back…Karine is the fiery and brutally honest, but selfless and severely loyal friend that I am so lucky to call my sister (and maid of honour - I know she’s dying for recognition on that one).
Marcos Elchagie (Shags) - Groomsman
The only person Danielle ever saw as a real threat to our relationship. My friendship with Marcos kicked off in early 2012 at the local gym where he said, “let’s meet here and train every day together, and I will get us to become the same size as that big white guy over there.” Those "training sessions" quickly turned into daily check ins filled with laughs, banter, and the occasional heated argument. Our only real problem? We’re just too funny.
Marina Eskander (Octopus) - Bridesmaid
While most of you know her as Esky, I know her as Octopus. Marina and I have been best friends since we were in grade 4 and after stumbling across the saying - “friends come and go like waves of the ocean, but true ones stick like an octopus on your face” - nothing felt more accurate about our relationship. We have been through every major and minor life stage together, and so naturally, I could not get married without her by my side.
Amir Fanous (Mez) - Groomsman
Always M for M. Same middle school, same church, same neighbourhood, same first car, same job, and now even the same hairlines. There’s never a dull moment with Mez. Amir and I have been best mates for the last 16 years, going through every stage of life side by side, and there was no way I’d be up here without him.
Sara Eskander (Sosta) - Bridesmaid
The fourth pea in the Fahmi-Eskander pod! Sosta has been my second younger sister that I have been so fortunate to grow up with - from doing school drop-offs, filming sibling iMovies together, and pulling pranks that often ended up in tears, to now having her by my side on the big day. Life is exponentially more fun, spontaneous, and full of love with her in it, and I simply could not live without her and her impressively flexible dance moves.
Jonathan Ghattas (Gonny) - Groomsman
Gonny and I became close in 2018, all thanks to a uni deal where we helped a mate start a conversation with the love of his life, and in return, scored his study notes. Let’s just say derivatives weren’t exactly our strength. With Gonny, it’s always laughs and good times, so you’ll definitely find him tearing up the dance floor on the 30th.
Youstina Kelada (Nana Banana) - Bridesmaid
Time is not a factor in Nana and I's relationship, since it did not take long at all for her to become one of my closest friends and partner-in-crime. There is not a moment where Nana and I aren't laughing together - whether it's with each other or at each other (or more specifically, at her laugh). She has been one of my go-to-girls for absolutely anything and everything, and there’s no way I could imagine this day without her standing beside me.
Fady Ghaly (Fofa) - Groomsman
Known for his signature fade and that iconic Palm Angels shirt, Fofa and I have been best mates since 2008. We’ve been through just about everything together — from lazy Sunday afternoons playing San Andreas to accidentally re-enacting it on the Monash Freeway. Over the years, he has been the guy I turn to for a laugh, a deep chat, or to simply do absolutely nothing with. Loyal, loud, and always up for a good time, it wouldn’t be the same up here without him.
Melania Iskandar (Mels) - Bridesmaid
Mels has been one of my best friends since high school, and it only took attending a One Direction concert together and dropping our entire life’s savings on VIP tickets to know that I had found my soulmate. Since then, our friendship has strengthened with each day through our mutual love language of bullying one another and eating Thai food. She is the pocket rocket everyone needs in their life, with a heart too big for her body, and I could not imagine getting married without her by my side.