Victor Szalankiewicz
Aleksandra Gargulinski
Victor Szalankiewicz
Aleksandra Gargulinski
April 27, 2024
Schedule
Friday, April 26, 2024
Welcome Dinner
7:00 pm - 10:30 pm
8100 Loisdale Rd, Springfield, VA 22150
Myla Azer (Aunt of CJ) and the Buck family would like to welcome you to the family by hosting an open house style welcome dinner for any friends and family in town the night before the big day! Drinks and light food will be provided. *The bridal party will be at the rehearsal dinner until 9:30 but plan to stop by after!
RSVP
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.
Travel
Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Springfield
Room rate is valid until 4/1
Shuttle
Reception Shuttle
April 27, 2024 4:15 pm - 11:00 pm
A complimentary shuttle is being offered by the Buck Family for all the guests to and from the reception. The schedule is as follows: 4:15PM 56 Seater bus from Embassy Suites to River View 4:30PM 32 Seater bus from Embassy Suites to River View 5:00PM 56 Seater bus from Embassy Suites to River View 5:15PM 32 Seater bus from Embassy Suites to River View 5:45PM 56 Seater bus from Embassy Suites to River View 6:00PM 32 Seater bus from Embassy Suites to River View 8:00PM 32 Seater bus from River View to Embassy Suites 8:45PM 32 Seater bus from River View to Embassy Suites 9:30PM 32 Seater bus from River View to Embassy Suites 10:15PM 32 Seater bus from River View to Embassy Suites 11:00PM 32 Seater bus from River View to Embassy Suites
Registry
Wedding Party
Meg Gargulinski
Maid of Honor
Meg obviously can't remember meeting Ali (since they were 2 and 0 at the time) but their mom tells them that Meg was obsessed with Ali from the minute she saw Ali and they've been (mostly) inseparable since then. (When I say mostly, I apologize for the Dollar Store Barbie and also yelling at you for your tattoos). Meg wouldn't be half the person she is today without Ali. Meg feels like Ali is the yin to her yang, the Heineken to her dirty martini. Have there ever been such sisters who were so different yet so compatible?
Tara Van Zoeren
Bridesmaid
Ali has known Tara her entire life (although Tara, unfortunately, had to survive her first two years without Ali). While Ali was the younger cousin, it was Tara who always felt (and still does!) honored and giddy whenever Ali chose HER to hangout with. Their earliest days were spent playing dress-up, having sleepovers, and making increasingly unflattering home video skits (all led by Meg, of course). These all gradually gave way to the deepest kind of friendship Tara has ever known, filled with enriching discussions about existentialism, sharing the joys and trials of motherhood, and, of course, peeing their pants from laughing while running a joke into the ground. Oh while we're here, did you get that celebratory bottle of sparkling apple juice I sent to your house...?
Helen Rockelli
Bridesmaid
Ali is, in three words, one of a kind. To know her is to be frightened by her, and to love her leaves your life altered forever. More than a friend, she becomes your confidant, your sherpa, both the angel and the devil on your shoulder. Our friendship, founded in Whoville (literally), is one of the greatest sources of joy in my life <3
Charlotte Bryan
Bridesmaid
Charlotte and Ali met in 2010, where, over the course of the following four years of high school, would bond in art class, over tea, over a (questionable) haircut (from Ali), and upon finding a worm in a Safeway sandwich. Those initial roots ran very deep, as the two have not yet run out of things to bond over to this day! Now, however, it's less to do with sandwiches and more to do with sitting around a table and chatting for hours. And I wouldn't have it any other way, because there are few friends as dear as Ali, as thoughtful, and whose presence is so magnetic.
Sophie Frelk
Bridesmaid
Ali and Sophie met when their lockers were assigned next to each other on the first day of high school. They agreed to be friends over a firm handshake. Throughout high school and beyond, they shared a common insatiable curiosity about the world, a disregard for policies, a love of jokes taken way too far, a strong desire to find fun and adventure in every day life, and an appreciation for the deeper realities surrounding us. Sophie admires Ali for her commitment to the true, the good, and the beautiful combined with her ability to even make the most sober topic funny and light. When Ali told Sophie about CJ, she knew that Ali had found someone who could see her good and accompany her along the path she was walking in a way she hadn't found anywhere else. Sophie looks forward to many more adventures refined by Ali's constant friendship as life continues to unfold.
Avelyn Heltzel
Bridesmaid
Avelyn considers the beginning of her friendship with Ali to be the one week Meg went out of town and left the two of them unsupervised. Unchecked, they ordered take out and treated themselves to nice dinners out all week, spending an amount of money that Avelyn doesn't feel comfortable disclosing on this wedding website. They've spent countless hours laughing, crying, and singing annoying jingles together ever since. Avelyn feels so lucky to have a friend (or a shadow sister as Avelyn's therapist once said) like Ali in her life.
Emily Szalankiewicz
Bridesmaid
When I was a freshman in high school, Ali was the enigmatic junior who everyone in my class thought was the coolest. I never really saw her, but I'd hear stories about how she wore feather earrings and skipped enrichment to go read under the staircase. I didn't think that years later she'd be re-introduced to me as my brother's new girlfriend. The whole time they dated, my mom and I had secretly hoped that this would be the girl that CJ would end up with. If you spent even just a minute with the two of them, you'd know why. In the end, the girls in my class were right. Ali is not just one of the coolest people I've ever met, but also one of the most perceptive, intelligent, magnetic, compassionate, and compelling people I've ever met. She is one of those rare people where just being in the presence of her energy makes you view the world a bit differently. I'm so happy to finally be able to call someone my sister, but I feel especially lucky that it ended up being her.
Micayla Starnes
Bridesmaid
Ali and I first met in 2021 when CJ had her over at his place. I think she was introduced to me as a friend, but I could tell there was something more between the two. I remember thinking Ali was so cool, yet so down to earth at the same time. Since then, I had always hoped that she would stick around. Ali is someone you can be yourself around and truly brings out the best in people. I couldn't be more thrilled to call her family and be a part of her big day!
Teresa de Aristegui
Bridesmaid
Picture this: more than a decade ago, when we first met, Ali couldn't stand the sight of me. I mean, she wouldn't even talk to me! But she's as honest as they come and straight-up told me so. Little did we know, beneath those initial impressions a truly pure, intense, and genuine friendship was simmering. Fast forward 13 years and here I am, hopping across oceans just to celebrate this one-of-a-kind human. When I reminisce about our journey, my mind is flooded with memories- endless chats, (awkward) silences, getting tangled in weeds (literally), listening to music and podcasts, making questionable life choices (and some surprisingly good ones), and experiencing all sorts of firsts together. Ever since she was a little munchkin, Ali's been proving that following the crowd is for the bland and boring. She's a rare breed, with a natural ability to lead without even realizing it. In this crazy journey called life, there are certain people who leave an indelible mark on your soul. DiagonAli, you're one of those rare gems.
Juliana Funkhouser
Bridesmaid
Juliana and Ali go way back to elementary school days. Kindergarten, to be exact. They then got back in touch in college at UMD and became roommates. College was a wild ride but they always had each other to lean on through it all. From Turf Tuesdays to SATC wine nights, Juliana and Ali will always share nostalgia for their College Park days. They will carry these memories, as well as a shared love for Tame Impala, for a lifetime. College Ali and Juliana would be ecstatic to know how their lives are now, with two loving men in their lives and growing families. Ali is the most caring, thoughtful friend and Juliana is so excited to be there for her on her most special day.
Connor Robertson
Best Man
I could hear wedding bells from our first rugby practice together. I just thought I would be the one in the white dress...
Joe Bruchalski
Groomsman
I don't even know this man
Drew Von Rinteln
Groomsman
CJ is the kinda friend you call to make a good time out of any situation whether it's a concert, a $10 rave, hitting the gym, a trip in the back of a coup, or long nights losing sleep over an engineering assignment. He is a true varsity friend. Any occasion without CJ is one that could be improved.
Michael Hulcher
Groomsman
CJ is my brother. My captain. My king. I am fortunate to have such a great person in my life and we have spent countless hours together from weekends "in the mines", axe throwing at Llama Vista, skiing in PA, post hiking Waffle House trips, and a phenomenal 4th of July weekend in NC where I serenaded his family with my take on Travelin' Soldier by the Dixie Chicks. I am excited to call Ali my sister. My captain. My queen. Here is to all of our adventures going forward!
Michael Miller
Groomsman
I truly could not tell you the first time I met CJ. But from the moment I did meet him, he was always there. Whether it was in the depths of barracks suffering, or the front row of a backyardigans paint party thriving, he was always there. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Robby Rogers
Groomsman
Slinky is the one guy who would move mountains to help a friend in need and never ask for anything in return. From his family adopting me during military training, to blacking out together in Richmond, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Lexington..... forgot there's a character count... CJ has always had my back and taught me what the true meaning of friendship is. Welcome to the family Aleksandra, I see you're already proficient at alphabet soup last names! Also if thats too long just put "We Ride"
Ross Condrey
Groomsman
At some point both of us were cast into a realm way above our pay grade. After swinging out of our weight class in all arenas someone up and decided that being married and having kids was a good idea for both of us... The damage we could do to some poor bar's flooring is now much more embarrassing considering the people we now can claim on taxes. But that doesn't make it any less fun.
Todd Pinney
Groomsman
I can't remember how we met, the parties we went to, or how to spell his last name. But I couldn't ask for a better beer-ball partner, party host or friend.
Will Mertz
Groomsman
As a weeee little jellyfish lost on the sandy beach CJ came to my aid and picked me up and somehow gave me mouth to tentacle resuscitation and that was 2014. Since then I've been suctioned to his side and my best friend and confidant ever since.
Ben Szalankiewicz
Groomsman
I've known my brother from a very young age. If you know anything about CJ, you know he's one of the kindest and most caring people you will ever meet and that you would be lucky to have him call you a friend. LIES! That is what the media wants you to think. Do not be brainwashed people. This man would regularly make me play him in Madden and then hit stick me as Brian Dawkins. The humanity! Even worse, despite the 5 year age difference, he would challenge me to MW2 Rust 1v1s. No remorse, no class. Unfortunately, what they say about him is true. He has been a constant presence of leadership, kindness, and selflessness throughout my entire life. CJ, you're the best brother anyone could ask for and a better brother than anyone deserves. Love ya bro.
FAQs
Question
Are my kids welcome?
Answer
Kids are welcome! If you are planning to bring your children, please reach out to CJ and Ali directly.
Question
What is the wedding attire?
Answer
Please dress in cocktail attire!
Question
Is there a hotel block reserved for guests?
Answer
Yes! We have a block reserved, please refer to our "Travel" section on our homepage for further details on how to reserve your room
Question
Is there parking at the church and reception venue?
Answer
Yes! There is a parking lot reserved for guests at St. Aloysius in DC, and there is ample parking at our reception venue, River View at Occoquan
Question
Will there be transportation provided?
Answer
Yes, there will be a shuttle from the Embassy Suites in Springfield to and from the reception venue.