Wedding Party
Sophia Smith
Maid of Honor
Sophia has been Allie’s closest and best friend since they met on the first day of high school in 2010. Sophia walked up to Allie in homeroom at orientation and found out they had the same first period class (shoutout music class!). From that moment on, they were inseparable. Sophia and Allie have lived in separate states for the past 12 years but their friendship has only gotten stronger. Allie especially appreciates Sophia’s (very) blunt honesty and admires her ability to make everyone around her feel special. Allie is so happy to have her best friend stand by her side on the biggest day of her life.
Vlad Shevchenko
Best Man
Austin and Vlad met in 4th grade when they were assigned a science project together. Despite being in separate schools since the 6th grade, Vlad has become like a brother to Austin and an adopted member of the Luera family and Vlad's mom, Irina, a second mother to Austin. Austin is honored to have Vlad stand next to him on his special day.
Allison Fresella
Maid of Honor
Allison and Allie have been best friends since “meeting” on day 1 of graduate school (they went to undergrad together too and were almost roommates, but that’s a story for another time). Allie’s favorite memories with Allison include turning her into a swiftie, playing mastermind every night together for over a year, and traveling to and from each other’s states for weekends together. Allie loves how much she and Allison have in common; they never run out of things to talk about and advice to give each other. Allie can’t wait to have Allison by her side on her big day.
Matt Markiewicz
Groomsman
Austin and Matt have been best friends since 6th grade math class. They enjoyed games of hide and seek with their backpacks which has bonded them together ever since. Austin and Matt have continued to share the same passions and interests (and they've even expanded interests from hide & seek) since then. They enjoy hiking and are always scheming their next moves in life. Austin is excited to have Matt's support on his wedding day.
Xoe Riefner
Bridesmaid
Xoe and Allie met when Allie started dating her brother - and she is SO excited to officially call her a sister in September! Xoe and Allie have always had a lot in common and especially enjoy solving (fake) murders and reading books (about murder…). They love game nights and playing keno and always have a great time together. Allie is so thankful to have Xoe standing by her side for her wedding and to consider her family.
Jason Riefner
Groomsman
Jason and Austin met when Jason started dating his now wife and Austin's sister, Xoe. Jason and Austin enjoy drinking cold beers together and family game nights. Austin looks at Jason as the brother he always wanted but never had and especially appreciates his funny stories and one liners. Austin is proud to have Jason's support on his big day.
Sarah Yasenka
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Allie met in 2018 when she started dating Allie’s brother. Sarah and Colin were married in 2024 and Allie is so happy to have her as a sister-in-law and officially part of her family. Sarah has always shown unwavering support for Allie and is a very important person in her life. Allie is so excited for Sarah to be part of her wedding this time!
Colin Walker
Groomsman
Austin first met Colin (Allie's brother) in the early days of dating his bride. Austin has enjoyed learning tips and tricks from Colin's golf game and taste in beer - but still prefers his Miller Lite. Austin is excited to gain another friend and a new brother-in-law.
Colleen O’Connell
Bridesmaid
Allie and Coll met in Spanish class freshman year of high school. They quickly became good friends and spent their entire high school career together (along with Jenna and Sophia). The four of them spent so much time together that they were known as “the clique” to others at the school. Even though they have lived in different states for the past 12 years, they’ve remained the best of friends and look forward to girls weekends in Maine. Allie is so happy to have Coll by her side on her wedding day!
Ivane Khmaladze
Groomsman
Austin met Ivane during their time as volunteer firefighters. Ivane has become one of Austin's closest friends and older brother - often providing his wisdom and great conversation about life. Austin admires Ivane's mechanical expertise and work ethic and appreciates how Ivane has always looked after Allie like a family member.
Katie Bagley
Bridesmaid
Katie and Allie have been best friends for the past 17 years. Despite never going to the same school and living in different states for the past 12 years, they have remained as close as ever, traveling between Maine and Baltimore to see each other each year. Katie and Allie enjoy scream singing in the car (especially to Tswift) and attending concerts together (especially Tswift). Allie is so thankful for Katie’s constant support for her and her relationship and can’t wait to have her next to her on this special day.
Christopher Books
Groomsman
Austin and Chris (aka Books) met day 1 of the Baltimore County Fire Academy. After six months of training, they had already built a lifelong friendship that has only grown closer. They have spent a lot of time camping, fishing, and drinking at the Cork Bar together. Austin appreciates Books's frequent phone calls and check ins which usually turn into long conversations filled with genuine advice. Austin's excited to have Books join him in celebrating his big day.
Claire Smith
Bridesmaid
Claire has been one of Allie’s closest friends since they met on day 1 of graduate school at Loyola. Some of Allie’s favorite memories with Claire include their year of being roommates (during Covid, both working for the same district at home as virtual SLPs), happy hours, and watching trashy reality TV together. Claire recently moved home to Texas but they are still the best of friends despite the distance. Allie can’t wait to have an excuse to have Claire in Maryland again and to have her standing up next to her for her wedding day.
Haseeb Durrani
Groomsman
Haseeb (aka Durrani) and Austin also met at the Baltimore County Fire Academy. Since then, he has been a tried and true friend. Austin admires his consistency in all facets of his life - often times leading to great discussions and shared passions for both the fire department and life. Austin is looking forward to having Durrani stand alongside him in support of his marriage.
Savanna Bartas
Junior Bridesmaid
Allie has been babysitting Savanna for the past 9 years and now considers her family to be some of her closest friends. Savanna’s mom is even Allie & Austin’s officiant! Savanna has always been the little sister Allie always wanted but never had. They love to watch musicals together and spend days out on the boat. Allie is so excited to have Savanna (and her sister, Marina) be a part of her bridal party.
Marina Bartas
Flower Girl
Allie has been babysitting Marina since she was 3 weeks old. Marina and her family quickly became close family friends of Allie’s (Marina’s mom is even Allie and Austin’s officiant!) and they have spent many days out on the boat, at home playing just dance, and watching Disney movies on repeat. Allie is so excited to have Marina (and her sister, Savanna) be a part of her special day.
Hudson Riefner
Ring Bearer
Hudson is Allie and Austin’s oldest nephew. They love Hudson’s sweet soul mixed with complete goofiness. Hudson is so much fun to play with and especially enjoys playing video games with Uncle Aussie and Aunt Allie. Hudson is always quick to give you a compliment but can also give a great knock knock joke when requested.
Berit Franks
Flower Girl
Allie has been Berit’s babysitter for the past 7 years (since she was 3 months old!). Berit has always been Allie’s “mini me” as well as her comedic relief. Berit and Allie love to have their pizza and movie nights together. If you need some sass in your life, Berit is your girl. She has the ability to make everyone in the room laugh no matter where she is. Allie is so excited to have Berit be a part of her big day!
Tucker Riefner
Ring Bearer
Tucker is Allie & Austin’s youngest nephew and is Allie’s bestie since day 1. Tucker is also Harley’s biggest fan! Aunt Allie and Uncle Aussie love to play hide and seek, wrestling, and everything in between with Tucker. If you need a good laugh, Tucker’s the one to go to!
Carson Luera
Junior Best Man
Carson is Allie and Austin’s sweet boy who joined their family in February. He is a ray of sunshine and the happiest baby they know. Austin is so excited to have Carson as a junior best man and is looking forward to bringing him down the aisle. Allie is excited to walk down the aisle to both of her guys!