meet the party

The embodiment of a home that is always open, Rae Lee brings a deep thoughtfulness to everything she does. The key to her heart lies in little bites of ice cream, wispy white clouds in the blue sky, and based-on-a-true-story, underdog sports movies with happy endings. She is the very best person to have in your corner, no matter what you're facing. Always, her earnestness and care for everyone who crosses her path inspire AJ to be kind and strive for genuine joy in everything she does.

Dave is a nurturer at heart, devoted to houseplants older than his children and to his people just as carefully tended. His dry humor, calm presence, and legendary vesper martinis helped shape a new home that welcomed both his own wonderful daughter and the chaos of AJ’s high school years with grace. Though he believes good decisions take time (sometimes a long time), he always knows when to act and reminds AJ & Cameron that thoughtful deliberation and joy go hand in hand.

Karl approaches life with drive, generosity, and a deep commitment to doing things well. A true Renaissance man with the know-how to make almost anything and a gregarious spirit that gathers friends wherever he goes, he has always made his own luck and been a community unto himself. As a father, he shows his love through constant support and encourages his children to pursue what truly calls to them. Always, AJ will see her funny ears and drive to build things that last in him.

From the beginning, Marguerite chose to know AJ fully and to welcome her without hesitation. She showed up with consistency, warmth, and an optimism that gently finds a silver lining even in the hardest situations. That care shapes the supportive blended family AJ knows today. Always, Marguerite's presence is defined by a generous and genuine attentiveness to everyone around her.

Calm under pressure and unwavering in her purpose, Jenny brings grit and compassion to everything she does. She is a fiercely loyal sister, an extraordinary friend, a kick-ass physician, and the person AJ has trusted most since the very beginning. Always capable, thoughtful, and kind, Jenny is a force to be reckoned with in everything she sets her mind to and is AJ's first and best friend in the world.

A devoted plant dad with a talent for making delicious Mai Tais and taking over a dance floor in the best way, Kalani has woven himself into the family with warmth and good humor. AJ & Cameron have loved growing closer to him over the last two years and always look forward to more time together. He is light on his feet and always a positive presence in every room.

Erik has forever been “Eewee" to AJ (Ace was NOT allowed), and several decades on, he's officiating this whole thing for AJ & Cameron. Erik is many things: a constant in AJ’s life as the big brother she's looked up to, a devoted dad to Isla and August, an enthusiastic football companion to Cameron, and a thoughtful, principled leader. Always, his steady presence has encouraged AJ to pursue her creative dreams and be a leader in her own right.

Miranda shows up fully, fully as a loving mom, partner, and devoted Sopranos fan. For Cameron & AJ, Miranda is always there to hear and appreciate every sarcastic and dark remark on their mind and serve one up of her own. She has been a constant presence for AJ in Erik's life and was the first addition to the beautiful, blended family AJ now knows. Miranda’s hospitality, kindness, and just overall impeccable vibes make her one of AJ & Cameron's favorite people.

Isla stole AJ’s heart the moment she was born, and at eleven she is already a gifted writer, talented artist, and aspiring rock star. She has a true sense of self that makes her one of the coolest people AJ and Cameron know and is an incredible big sister to August. Always, she shows her family how creativity and self-assurance grow side by side.

AJ & Cameron haven't spent much time with August, but every second they have has been a delight. He is another baby who is absolutely entranced by Cameron's aura and the best honorary "AJ" we could ask for. AJ & Cameron are so incredibly excited to watch him grow in the world.

Josie (or Yosie if you're asking AJ) has been a calm, collected counterpoint to AJ's whirlwind since they first met. From shared shenanigans in California, to celebrating her wedding in Madison, to visiting in her home ruled by cats Blue & Bear, time with Josie always highlights her grounded assurance and warm wit. She makes both AJ & Cameron feel like they have not just another sibling to continue growing with, but a true friend.

Andrew has a rare way of balancing strength and softness, from playing on the rugby field, to tending to his thriving community garden, to his heroic devotion to cats he is allergic to. AJ & Cameron were lucky to celebrate his Wisconsin wedding to Josie in 2023, where love and dancing filled the air. Always, AJ & Cameron admire the dedication he brings to teaching and those closest to him.

John has a gift for turning any day into an adventure. From patiently taking Cameron and AJ skiing in Tahoe, to learning how to "take care of” fish (give em a good ol’ bonk) with AJ in Alaska, he brings competence and good vibes to everything he does. Celebrating his beautiful wedding to Tricia was pure joy this past September. Always, his outlook and presence remind AJ & Cameron to keep life simple and full of adventure.

Tricia has an effortless ease that makes people feel instantly at home. Equally happy adventuring with John or settling in for a long game night with family, she pairs athletic grit with grounded warmth and heart. Being included in her world has felt so natural and highlights the incredible partnership she shares with John. Always, time with Tricia feels like exactly where you want to be.

Lauren has a way of staying open to the world, even when things are hard. She has a steady strength that you feel most when you slow down and spend time together. From bundled-up Brooklyn adventures to long family days together "feuding" with Cameron, she brings a sense of fun and grounding that is unforced and genuine. Always, she makes time together with AJ & Cameron feel meaningful.

Warwick is impossible to miss. One, because of his fun and nonchalant attitude that's always ready for a good time, and two, because at 6' 7", he's tall enough to have to duck through most of AJ & Cameron's Brooklyn apartment. From Australia to Austin, he wears his love on his sleeve, especially for Lauren and his sweet dog, Daphne. Always, his chill vibes feel right at home at AJ & Cameron’s table.

Intuitive and big-hearted, Emily has a conscientiousness that makes time together feel special. Cameron and AJ feel her consideration always, whether it’s including them in her yearly birthday celebrations or treating them to the magic of gluten-free waffles in Tahoe. Always, she is a joy to have close and someone AJ & Cameron cherish growing closer to over the years.

Cheryl is quietly strong and observant, with a competitive streak that emerges the moment a board game begins all with the calm focus of a lifelong swimmer. She shaped family trips for AJ through puzzles, card games, and small rituals that made time together feel intentional. Deliberate and reliable, she is the one who sends a note when you need it and consistently picks up the phone. Always, she brings care and attention that stays with you long after your time together.

AJ first truly got to know Tim during her first full summer in New York, when his grounded presence welcomed her in. He clears his head on the lawn mower, loves his dogs and his vintage red truck, and always seems to have a project underway. Generous with his time and attention, he has been an uncle to both AJ and Cameron in every sense of the word. Always, the "Upstate Uncles" take care of the "Brooklyn Kids".

Alex welcomed AJ into his home for an entire summer after meeting just once, which tells you everything about his heart. He leads with generosity, whether buying dessert for others at Balthazar, serving his legendary guacamole, or giving away his clothes, time, and attention without hesitation. Nothing is better than dinner with Alex, where laughter and good food flow freely. Always, his kindness reminds us how lucky we are to have our NYC family.