Samantha & Michael
Wedding Party
Ashley 'Jankie' Paradiso
Matron of Honor
Jankie and I met at UCSB cheer tryouts in 2007. I thought she was WAY too loud and out-going for me during those first couple of days. Plus, she is drop dead gorgeous so I was a little intimidated to say the least. However, those first days passed by and developed into a friendship better known as a kinship. She is the sister of my heart, and I could not love her more! Jankie and I graduated UCSB together and this past May graduated from USC together, so we are now Gaucho-Trojans together! She graduated with her Masters in Education and aspires to be the hottest middle school math teacher. She is married to Alan Paradiso--who is one of Mike's Groomsman, and is incredible all on his own. Her family also includes a fur baby--Rumpy, and her parents are my family also. I love you Jankie!
Kenneth 'Kenny' Williams
Best Man
Kenny and I have definitely had our ups and downs. We are both strong minded people and unequivocally stubborn. However, he has also been one of my best friends throughout the entire time I have known him. I've learned so much from him over the years, from cooking to camping to gaming and to beard-care. He's been like the big brother that I've never had. I've known him since he started dating my sister--Jennifer-- about 12 years. Together they have my two amazing nieces Maggie and Alice, and his son--Little Kenney. He works for Apple and is owner of the fine beer you will partake in at the wedding-- Inland Empire Brewing Co. So drink up!
Katie 'Bug' Armbruster
Matron of Honor
Bug is my amazingly talented and beautiful sister who I have the honor of calling a friend. There are so many stories to share, but I wish to just tell you about how wonderful she is! She is currently studying to become a Physician's Assistant out at Kalamazoo, MI. She has a grey police bunny named Judy Hops. She is married to my favorite brother-in-law--Ben, and she is crazy talented with crafting and having a green thumb. My favorite time with Bug is when we have random dance parties trying to outdo each other with the most awkward dance move. (Please ask her to demonstrate her pterodactyl dance move at the wedding--it's epic). Honestly, every time I am with Bug is a great time! Love you Bug!
Zach Morand
Groomsman
This is the one and only picture I have of him smiling. We have been best friends since sixth grade about 1996. 23 years strong. Ever since he was the Indian in the Cupboard kid and I was Lockerhead, our friendship has stood the trials of times through ups and downs--but many more ups. We share a passion for gaming, guns and beer. Prost! Zach is married to the lovely Tasha. Together they have four beautiful monsters together. Currently Zach is abroad saving the world one Coast Guard mission at a time.
Melanie Sciuto
Bridesmaid
Formerly 'Miss Melanie Male' and I met in gymnastics way back when. She was way too cool for me, but one day we were conditioning partners and realized during all those V-ups that we were friends. I competed against her and couldn't beat her for the life of me (except for bars), but I was so proud of all she had accomplished and couldn't have lost to a better person! To this day she is a health aficionado and continues to push me to be a better person. Mel is another sister of my heart. We competed together, switched to cheerleading together in high school, and then continued to love and support each other to this day. She is currently working at the Hotel Del Coronado, and is married to a hunk of a man--Alex. Together there family is completed with their fur baby--Pipa! I love you Mel!
Jon Torrijos
Groomsman
Met the kid in high school. We ran and stuff together. He was beaten in a 3 mile race by a larger kid one time. Somewhere around that time he also threw a burrito at my face and ruined my Hawaiian shirt... I did get to run in League Finals though so.... Jon is a Doctor of Chiropractics. He is married to a lovely woman named Rachel with whom he has two little ones.
Nicole Saulovich
Bridesmaid
Nicole and I met at USC in our Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She was the intimidating, smart, go-getter, and just like my other bridal party she is an incredible woman. We both were teaching assistants for Analytical Anatomy, and are both Members of the Order of the Golden Cane together--the highest award given through our program. To say she is wickedly smart is an understatement. Add in the fact that she is a caring, driven, and fun human being and she is the trifecta! She was the ying to my yang during school, and I would not have survived without her. She is quickly becoming a sister of my heart, and I could not be happier to have her be a part of my bridal party. Love you Nicole! Also tell your fur babies--Bandit and Ari hello from me!
Alan Paradiso
Groomsman
I met Alan through Manta and Jankie (his wife). He's a cool guy. I like him because he is as silly as me. He has great hair. We share similar personality traits. We're going to start a motorcycle gang one day. He is my groomsman. He is married to my bride's Matron of Honor--Ashley 'Jankie'. They have a cat. We love going to Disneyland and other fun adventures together, minus the cat who rules their home.