Our Wedding Party
I.e. the people with to-do's
And in no particular order — here we go
For those who know, know. For those who don't, go listen to Mona's favourite podcast "No Such Thing As A Fish."
Anna
For those of you who know Mona, you know (of) Anna. The title "Minister of M&M" couldn't be more fitting: part mischief, part memories, and entirely inspired by the joy and laughter she brings wherever she goes. You will always be laughing when she's around.
Back in their school days, she was singlehandedly responsible for turning ordinary days into something hilarious and unforgettable. What could have been just another day became a story worth retelling. Her lifelong duties as Minister of M&M include making sure Mona never takes life too seriously, reminding her of the moments that matter most, and standing firmly by her side through both chaos and calm.
Marius
Marius and Leo started their full-time working lives together more than eight years ago. What began as working side by side quickly turned into a close friendship, with plenty of time spent together both in and outside the office, including many gym sessions in Berlin.
Ironically, Marius first met Mona at a wedding. Since then, the two have enjoyed being the plus ones to many of their spouses' company events, usually making the most of any opportunity to lounge by a pool.
Marius is always looking for his next challenge, whether it is a marathon, Ironman, Hyrox, or some other mission. Mona and Leo have cheered him on from the sidelines, and Leo occasionally joins him. They will be cheering him on for many more challenges to come.
With his mix of discipline, competitiveness, humour, and reliability, there was really only one suitable role for him on the big day: Ring Security. Mona and Leo fully trust him to get the rings safely to the ceremony. And if you want to see just how funny he is, ask him what sound a cat makes.
Eva
Much like Mona met Leo, her friendship with Eva began with an app. They met through Jodel and arranged to meet for the first time in Shanghai, at night, in front of a bar, without either knowing what the other looked like or who they were. Luckily, Eva wasn't there to take her life, but instead has saved it hundreds of times since. As Mona's unofficial personal doctor (yes, she really is a Dr. med.), she knows every uncomfortable detail and somehow always manages to ask for more, with genuine curiosity.
Eva has also been Mona's most loyal travel buddy, always the first to say yes to an adventure (unless she already has travel plans, which happens quite a lot). She has travelled with Mona and Leo through multiple countries, including Mexico, where the three of them usually shared a room. Fair enough to say, they're quite close. Eva is an inspiration to Mona in the way she lives her life, and she can't wait to keep travelling, laughing, and collecting memories with her and Leo for many years to come.
Max
Max has known Leo since 1996, quite literally since birth, and has been a constant ever since. Growing up, he sparked Leo's passion for technology and has always been much more than a brother: a true "Fels in der Brandung", steady, reliable, and wonderfully calm through every storm.
These days, Maximilian is the proud owner of a beautiful house in their hometown of Rosenhagen, speaks fluent Spanish with his wife Grecia, and is the most amazing father to Marlon. He also has a remarkable ability to manage everything life throws at him with discipline and calmness, even when that means heading out for a morning run at 3:30 a.m. Leo is very happy to have his brother beside him as his best man.
Odysseus & Karl
Odysseus
Odysseus is a full-time attention enthusiast and part-time personal space outlaw. If you're sitting, he's on you. If you're standing, he's on your shoulders. If you're sleeping, he's… still on you. Boundaries are merely suggestions in his world. However, introduce a new person or unfamiliar surroundings and this fearless cuddle bandit instantly transforms into a wide-eyed, highly suspicious fluff who must observe all activity from a safe distance (preferably behind furniture). Bold at home, bashful abroad. A true dramatic hero.
Karl
Karl is the thoughtful explorer of the duo: curious, observant, and politely cautious. In new situations, he's actually the brave scout, venturing forward to investigate while Odysseus files a risk assessment from afar. He wants to be close. Very close. But on his terms. He'll sit beside you, next to you, near you, almost on you… but never on you. Picking him up? Absolutely not. Admiring him while he investigates the world like a tiny scientist? Strongly encouraged.