Francesca & Amanda
Wedding Party
Anna Wentland
Matron of Honor
Amanda's Party How did you meet the bride: I met Amanda in 1998 (wow!) when she moved into the same neighborhood as me. Favorite Memory with the bride: To pick “my favorite “ memory would be dam near impossible. So without thinking to hard about it, something that jumps right out at me are all the sports games we attended together. From tailgating for the Bills to Bandit parties in the plaza, if you were to see me and Amanda out together you know we were having a good time…. And probably a tequila shot or two. Something about the couple: I can’t actually remember the first time I met Franki, but I do remember Amanda first telling me about her and there was something special right away.
Mackenzie Haley
Bridesmaid
Amanda's Party How did you meet the bride: We met in middle school and became almost instant friends Favorite Memory with the bride: I'm not sure it's possible to choose just one. I think back at my school years and Amanda is in almost every memory. We played volleyball together (and she was kind to me eventhough I was terrible!). I went racing with her as often as I could. We had many adventures in her mustang with little Charlie in my purse. But most of all my favorite part of our friendship is it's strength. I have been states away from home for over a decade and Amanda is still one of my truest friends. It doesn't matter how long it's been since we've talked or seen each other, we will always have each other's best interest at heart. She's a one of a kind friend. Something about the couple: I unfortunately have not spent much time with Franki, but I don't know there have been many phone calls from Amanda talking about how madly in love she is with this woman and how perfectly they fit. I know that anyone that Amanda loves has to have a good heart and know that Franki truly makes her happy.
Shelby Janca
Bridesmaid
Amanda's Party How did you meet the bride: We met in school at bowling. Favorite Memory with the bride: There were too many that I don't remember due to recreational activities but we always had a great time! One that sticks out is we were searching for geocaches and it started to rain. Being in such a rush to find the cache we were careless leaving the keys inside the locked car! Regardless of our circumstances we always have a good time, we danced in the rain until help arrived. It was one of those memories you always think back and laugh about. Also to mention the imaginary unicorn in the backyard... Something about the couple: Each time we get together there are always laughs and it's always a good time. The best was when Amanda first told me about Franki and you could see how excited she was to see where this would go and that she was the one.
Kimberly Klinger
Bridesmaid
Amanda's Party How did you meet the bride: We are sisters so through our parents. Favorite Memory with the bride: Traveling to and exploring Ireland, especially the Cliffs of Moher. Something about the couple: I always look forward to visiting and playing the most complex board games with Amanda and Franki. Throughout the years we have played countless hours of games.
Gabrielle Ward
Bridesmaid
Amanda's Party How did you meet the bride: Some point in High School through mutual friends Favorite Memory with the bride: Looking back, I cherish countless moments with Amanda. I smile thinking about her waking up after her graduation party, and saying “Hey Deb, when did you get here?” Amanda brought such joy when she gave me my first puppy niece (even though she bit my behind while I slept on her parents' floor!). We've had so many adventures together – dancing on a fire pole at Seneca Lake, pedaling rail cars through the Catskills on my birthday, that time she nearly sank a pontoon boat, and even when she managed to glue her toes together on my wedding day. But my most treasured memory is from when I felt like everything was crumbling around me. Amanda dropped everything, took off work, and told me to come over. We spent the whole day in our pajamas, watching movies and eating popcorn while I cried on her couch. I think we ended up ordering Bella pizza too. Even now, I tear up thinking about that day. It showed me that with a friend like her in my life, I would never truly be alone. Something about the couple: I've realized that attempting to assemble or move furniture with just Amanda would be challenging, but having Franki there makes it bearable because we both suck at it and can laugh together when Amanda gets frustrated with us.
Erin Dougherty
Maid of Honor
Francesca's Party How did you meet the bride: I met Franki in 2005, when we were miraculously placed in the same 6th grade class. Favorite Memory with the bride: There are truly too many to count, but I loved when she would drive to my college just to pick me up for the weekend and drive me back 2 days later. Whether it was Oneonta or Geneseo, no matter the distance the hours always flew by talking about everything and nothing and jamming to One Direction. Something about the couple: Franki and Amanda are two perfectly matched nerds, balancing each other out with their own unique weirdness. I look forward to seeing the life they will continue to build together and cherish the part I play in it!
Travis Kowalski
Best Man
Francesca’s Party How did you meet the bride: I first met Franki back in middle school scavenging for snacks when she offered me a Jolly Rancher. Through our mutual friend Shannon, I was introduced to Franki’s infamous movie nights, which were less about films and more about laughs, late-night chats, and good company. Over time, we grew inseparable, and she became more than a friend — she’s a sister to me. I’m beyond grateful for her friendship and can’t wait for the future she and Amanda will build together! Favorite Memory with the bride: Some of my best memories with Franki are from our vacations — whether it be NYC, Vegas, LA, or Maui. It’s not just the big moments, though, but the spontaneous ones, like the time we took too many edibles in LA and stormed out of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant. Or our Vegas days, laughing by the pool and trying (and failing) to hit it big. She’s the life of EVERY party, and I’m lucky to have shared these adventures with her. The best is yet to come! Something about the couple: Franki and Amanda are the ultimate duo — fun, genuine, and always up for an adventure. Whether they’re hosting pool days or seafood boils, their home is always a blast. What I love most is how they show up for the people they love. Franki lightens the mood with humor, while Amanda is the one you count on in tough times. Together, they’re a perfect fit, and I’m lucky to be part of their world. Their love and energy are a true force of nature!
Shannon Madera
Bridesmaid
Francesca's Party How did you meet the bride: We met on day one of 8th grade. Our lockers were arranged alphabetically and fate stuck us side by side. In a rush one day, she turned and stabbed me with her pen. I looked up shocked and caught a glimpse of a Zac Efron lunchbox in her locker. We bonded over a love of Summerland and stayed side by side in lockers and life ever since. Favorite Memory with the bride: This question is impossible to answer but at the core of our friendship is our drives. Franki and I found ourselves when we had no destination and New Music Tuesdays to attend to. We would stop to pick up the new Taylor Swift album, the best snacks, or a spicy Sprite from McDonald’s and just go. We would be frightened by deer, find the prettiest views, and outrun our fair share of danger and excitement. But mostly we talked about life, the things that scared us, and what we wanted for each other. My happy place is Franki’s passenger seat. Something about the couple: Franki and Amanda are constantly choosing each other. When the going gets tough, they get tougher. There is no force of nature that can divide them once they’ve set their minds on something. They protect each other. Amanda keeps Franki steady and Franki keeps Amanda wild. They are not trying to change one another but remembering always the quirks and little things that led them to this celebration of love. They deserve the most happiness.
Samantha Rosen
Bridesmaid
Francesca's Party How did you meet the bride: I’ve known Frankie since she was born - she’s my cousin, and it’s been so special to watch her grow into the amazing person she is today! Favorite Memory with the bride: Some of my best memories are with Frankie - it’s impossible to pick just 1! Christmas Eves in Utica (and finally getting to join the Babes crew when we were old enough), family trips to Vegas, gambling at Turning Stone, summer days at Darien Lake, and doting on her when she was a baby like she was my own! Something about the couple: Frankie and Amanda have such a strong love and respect for each other, and they balance each other perfectly!! One of my favorite moments was when they drove to Indy for a wedding and didn’t tell me until they arrived - classic Frankie!
Sarah Stanchak
Bridesmaid
Francesca’s Party How did you meet the bride: Franki and I met our freshman year of high school though friends and when she sat next to me in women's choir! (Where she lip sang the whole year including when she had to go sing in a trio in front of the whole choir). Favorite memory with the bride: Narrowing down my favorite memory with Franki is way too hard but one of the most memorable parts of our friendship was our trip to Jamaica! For anyone who knows Franki or myself we are not planners by any means, so the two of us going on a trip alone was dangerous. We ended up getting flights canceled amongst other problems but still we have great memories and stories we still bring up to this day. My favorite being letting Franki whip us around on a four wheeler in the middle of no where Jamaica because she knew I was too scared to drive (and she only got one warning from the workers). Something about the couple: For years Franki has been my go to person to hang out with and now that we are both in relationships it's the same fun with double the people! When me and my husband want to do something or go to dinner Franki and Amanda are the first people we ask to go with us. And when my husband is gone at work, Franki and Amanda are my favorite people to third wheel, and it helps that they are only two streets over! I am so happy to be apart of this beautiful day and cannot wait for two of my favorite people to tie the knot!
Bane
Ring Bearer
Bane met Amanda when he was a week old and Franki a few months after. His favorite memory with the brides is playing water balloons in their pool.
Skylar
Flower Girl
Skylar is thrilled to be the flower girl!! Her favorite memory with Frankie and Amanda is from Trish’s wedding - where they spent most of the day together getting ready and then danced the night away. She can’t wait to do it all over again, but this time for Frankie and Amanda’s special day!