Wedding Party
Steve Rainstein
Best Man
An Argentinian, ex-golf pro from Buffalo that makes a mean peanut butter & jelly sandwich, and is always down for a good time. He'll dazzle you with card tricks, and leave you scratching your head after listening to him try to tell a story. No one can navigate their way through social media with more speed and grace, and no one can get more out of a button down shirt. Steve and I connected post-college, while living in Manayunk through our good friend, Bill Corbett. Ever since, he has been motivating me to become a better bowler, baggo partner, volleyball teammate, bocci ball player, slam ball champion, pool shark, quarters/beer pong & flip cup player, along any other competitive activity that most people don't take very seriously.
Cristina & Veronica Lopez
Maid of Honor
Cristina and I met in college, quickly became roommates and naturally became best friends . Shortly after I met her twin sister, Veronica, and made other, some what identical best friend. They unofficially officially made me their younger Spanish sister. Cristina loves her fur baby Nala, traveling, and cupcakes. Her biggest fears are choreographed dances and worms. She has the biggest heart and longest index finger I've ever seen and she'll shove a girl if you need her too. Veronica loves make-up, art, and sunshine. Her biggest fears are botox and worms. As clammy as her hands might have been, she has always there to hold mind when I needed it.
John Leighton
Groomsman
A Nicholas Cage look alike that fancies himself as a day trader, and is only one shower away from coming up with his next big idea. John has never met a dance floor that he didn't like, and has a really hard time not ordering chicken parm when it's on the menu. John and I first met in high school when he was into racing cars while wearing oversized leather jackets, and Timberland boots. You could say that it was somewhat of a slow moving friendship at first, but after both choosing Villanova for college, and John maturing in both fashion and his choice of personal transportation, the friendship began to grow. Post-college, we bought houses across the street from one other in Manayunk for our 'College Part II' years, and we now live 10 minutes down the road from each other.
Ally Liptock
Bridesmaid
Ally is my cooler younger sister. She has perfected the art of selfie taking and doesn't go a day without sending a snap chat. Ally is a country girl, a family girl, and a Pittsburg Steelers girl. During the week, she is crushing through her Sophomore year at Millersville and on the weekends she's snuggling with the dogs or crafting up a project made out of wine bottles or mason jars. Ally is a natural with kids and will make the best aunt ever one day. Although there is an 11 year age gap between us, I can always turn to Ally for advice. Whenever we are together, we are laughing, especially if our brother Joe is there too. We are either cracking up about an Impractical Jokers episode or something weird our dad said or did. She is not only my sister, but a best friend
Mike Martin
Groomsman
You may already know him as 'Mr. Last Night'. He's the guy that you want on your team... for everything. He can convince the checkout clerk at the local grocery store to switch hairdressers, while getting a free pack of gum, and can finish his beer... and yours in the blink of an eye. Mike and I met on the beach, went to Villanova together, and shared many years of memories while living in Manayunk. If you're looking for a quality piece of clothing, but don't want to pay top dollar... Mike knows exactly where you can find the best deal. He's always the life the party, can talk to anyone about anything, and has every significant moment of our youth documented on camera.
Kristen Kondor
Bridesmaid
Kristen is my partner in crime. From shopping trips to happy hours (which lead into after hours), whenever we are together we have a good time. She is the a cat lady and I have learned to accept that. Every time you see Kirsten, she will be in a different pair of shoes and she's always dressed to the 9s. Kristen has a heart of gold and is one of the most genuine people I have ever met. I knew the first night we hung out, we would be life long friends...and it wasn't the tequila shots that her boyfriend insisted we did that made me think this. My favorite memories with her include: when we took a trip to her home town in Vermont, our Greek nights at Zorbas, and the time she "won" the night & got the tambourine.
Greg Pera
Groomsman
He recently traded in his bow ties for cement mixers, but he's still the same guy. An ideal night for Greg is cooking you dinner, having a few too many glasses of Crown, and being in bed by 9:30pm. He'll be the first to tell you that nothing good happens after 10pm, and after sharing a shore house with him, and spending many nights out in Philadelphia together... it's hard to disagree. If I had met Greg earlier in life, I'm convinced that by now I too would have a shaved head, and own more multi-colored pants than than there are colors in the rainbow. He's punctual and he's professional, but get him dressed up as Santa Clause, and try telling him it's time to go home.... you will be blown away by the reaction you get.
Nell Hoving
Bridesmaid
Nell and I were introduced through mutual friends who thought we should work together. Sure enough, we have collaborated on a handful of projects but more importantly, we became besties along the way. Our birthdays are a day apart and we love celebrating together. We share a love for 90s hip hop and cheese. She's the only one who can convince me to go to a Salt-N-Pepa concert, that Toby really does have a voice and gives the best Valentine's Day presents and that "big chompin" is one word. Even when Nell is having a bad day she is smiling. Her corky sense of humor and contagious laugh always lifts my mood. I've watched her grow in career and it has been inspiring, but the most special moment was seeing her baby bump grow bigger and bigger, and becoming the an amazing mom she is today.
Bill Corbett
Groomsman
A man of many talents, who's wit and humor are on another level. A singer, songwriter, poet, freestyle rapper, and prank call specialist. He may change his hairstyle in unison with David Beckham, but that's just a weird coincidence that's been going on for years now. Bill and I met in high school, and I quickly learned that he was very different. He rarely slept, his car was always about to run out of gas, and he had an incredible tolerance for expresso. When we went away to college, Bill was all about making sure his boys stayed in touch, and stayed a close-knit group. He's got a big heart, and even bigger thighs. He nearly brought down the house dressed as Serena Williams for Halloween one year. However, looking past his oddly shaped body, the guy can throw one hell of a frisbee.
Elisa Makoon-Singh
Bridesmaid
I met Elisa through my maid of honors and the four of us formed a sisterly bond. Elisa is the smart and witty friend and gives the best advice. She has a clever response to practically anything and if she laughs at something you said, it makes you feel like the funniest person in the world. Elisa rocks pant suits during the week and dr martens on the weekends. You might catch her on Telemundo or read something smart she's published in the Philadelphia Bar Association magazine. She loves Jared Leto, rock climbing and and anything sparkly. Elisa always makes sure your wine glass is full and can whip up a mean meatloaf. To me, Elisa is the older sister I never had and I look up to her in so many ways.
Tom Groark
Groomsman
He's the tallest country fan that you'll find in New York City. His dance moves are simple, and easy to learn... you just jump up & down, and scream the lyrics with your arm in the air. He's one of the most reliable people you'll ever meet. If Tom says he'll be there, you can guarantee that he will. Tom and I met at Villanova before he had a cell phone. It was hard for him to make plans back then, so we decided to take him under our wing. No one could have anticipated just how many citations he'd ultimately rack up at the time. Tom is a guy that appreciates the little things, and that's probably why we hit it off so well. He really appreciates chips and salsa. You don't ever want to try to share this popular snack with him. It's really just best if you get your own.
Erika Croce
Bridesmaid
Erika and I share a love of all things rustic and moscow mules. We connected instantly, and her smile and laugh made me feel right at home. I couldn't ask for a better sister-in-law. It feels like we been family forever, even in just the three years that I've known her. Erika is impossible not to like and impossible not to hear. She doesn't have what Pop Pop would call an "inside voice", but that's ok by me. She seems to always be happy, and can often be seen cracking herself up by her own stories. It's impossible not to laugh and have a good time when she's around. She's also one of the hardest workers I know. It would not shock me at all if she ends up running 5 Below one day.
Tyler McAllister
Groomsman
He's the brother I never had, and the provider of fun facts that I never knew. Whether these facts are ultimately true or not really doesn't matter to me... the creativity and thought behind some of these statistics and correlations are so mind blowing that you can't help but respect anyone that would take the time to pull them together. I always know how fast storms are moving on other parts of the country, and never have to google first half scoring percentages for any player... in any sport. He's all about family, and has two of the best kids I've ever met. He makes a great fire pit, and loves rocking out to good music. He may track the price of milk and yogurt closely, but he puts great value in a burger and a beer with the family.
Alyssa McAllister
Bridesmaid
She's the mother of my two favorite little people, and the type of mom that I hope to be one day. If you know Alyssa, you know that she lives her life for her kids, and is all about family. She went out of her way to make me feel a part of the family from the moment I met her, and has felt like my sister-in-law for a while now. Some fun facts about Alyssa: she loves to organize leftovers into tupperware, makes the best pound cake I've ever had, and has Honey's gravy recipe down pat. She has so problem acting goofy, which is probably where James & Brynlee get their silly faces from. Alyssa has always been there for Matt and I. She's been my wedding & house consultant too.
Joe Liptock
Groomsman
An east coast kid, with a west coast swag. He's cooler than I'll ever be, and I can accept that. A chemical engineer that plays the drums, and looks like Vinney Chase. He's an extra medium, so shopping is fun and simple for him. All of his clothes fit him exactly as they should, and I imagine that they're all from cool stores that I would never have the patience to track down. To say the least... I'm jealous. Joe and I met a few years ago after I started dating Amanda. After meeting Joe for the first time, I instantly felt like I had known him for years. His stories were hilarious, and his humor was off the charts. He's got a way about him that is impossible not to like... and anyone that can pull off a bolo tie before the age of 5 is ok by me.
Brynlee McAllister
Flower Girl
We are known to her as "manna & matt matt"...or sometimes just "matt matt". She loves dog dogs, dog dog fruit snacks, and dog dog songs. If there is one thing that this adorable two year old and I have in common, it's food. Brynlee's favorite time of day is breakfast, lunch, & dinner, and she will do anything for a cookie... and she's going to want two. We also both appreciate being bold and creative with our fashion statements... and, ok, we both might be a little over emotional at times too. She loves to do just about anything her brother James does, and she gives the best hugs...and I loveee hugs! She's the life of the party at just two years old & has gotten really good a shaking her booty... which I've also been working on.
James McAllister
Ring Bearer
He's the coolest 5 year old you'll ever meet. He knows more about construction vehicles and construction equipment than I could ever learn in a lifetime. He's patented so many dance moves in his short career, it's hard to imagine that he can barely read. "The Octopus Wave", maybe his most well known dance move, is full of so much emotion, creativity, and energy, that you can't help but be excited for what he plans on unveiling on 5/11/18. He's got a huge heart, and can often be found giving his family fashion and decorating compliments to help boost their confidence. He may go to bed before 8pm every night, but when he's up, you better believe that he's ready to bring it.
Joseph Liptock
Father of the Bride
He's the father of the bride, and my future father-in-law. Some know him as Country Joe, and others know him as the Music Director at Mount Zion Church. In either case... once you see Joe in action on stage, you quickly realize how cool this guy is. There are few people that I know that can work a crowd like he can. I'm really just thankful that he's accepted me into his family even though I can't carry a musical note to save my life. It was abundantly clear from the moment that I met Joe that he was all about family. Family game nights out in Honey Brook often reminded me of hanging out with my own family, which is probably why I always felt right at home. He loves The Beatles, a round of golf, and, most of all... Buddy.
Donna Liptock
Mother of the Bride
She taught me popcorn makes a great dinner, its never too early for wine & Bon Jovi is one of the greatest musicians of all time. I fell in love with Donna the first time I met her, and was thrilled when she and my dad got married. She is my stepmom and my friend. Donna is always a good time, whether we our shopping at country stores, playing games with the family, or...drinking wine! I admire the relationship her and my dad have. Donna loves to dance, especially country line dance, and I am pretty sure she will be the first and last person on the dance floor the night our wedding!
Sharyn Wismann
Mother of the Bride
There is no happier morning person than my mom, which is probably why I enjoy calling her every morning for our daily chat. My mom is my rock, my inspiration, and my best friend. Its from her that I developed a love for fashion, as I can remember admiring her closet as just a little girl. She's my favorite shopping buddy, yoga partner, & lunch date. We can do anything together and have fun. She taught me Home Goods is everything, extra crispy pizza is the best kind of pizza, and theres nothing like a fresh cup of coffee before starting your day. The greatest advice my mom ever gave me was "surround yourself with people who make you laugh".
William Wismann
Father of the Bride
Bill is also the father of the bride, and also my future father-in-law. You may know him as 'Billy from Philly. He's the type of guy that makes you want to be a better man. He's up at 3am, and working all day until it's time for a cocktail. There's nothing he can't fix, no project to big to tackle, and no time to waste. I first met Bill a few years ago when I started dating Amanda, and immediately felt welcomed into the family. What I love about Bill is that he appreciates the simple things in life... an early morning fishing trip, a round of golf, a glass of Crown, hanging with Sienna, and an Eagles victory on Sunday. He makes a mean pot roast, and makes my cleaning and organization skills look like a disaster. I'm constantly taking notes from him.
Joe Croce
Father of the Groom
He's the father of the groom, and it's hard to miss him in a crowd. He can usually be found holding court, telling embarrassing stories about his children, or ripping on any one of the groomsmen... or Amanda. The appetizers, wine, and 'bug juice' seem to constantly be flowing whenever he's around. After you've eaten enough for 3 days, there's typically some type of group game or activity that follows bringing everyone together. He's normally in the process of nursing back to health some self-inflicted injury that he's recently endured. He thinks 'roadies' are 'roaders' and 'car bombs' are literally any cocktail that you're able to create with the ingredients that you have in your fridge. No matter how late the party goes... he's getting up to play tennis the next morning.
Amy Croce
Mother of the Groom
Her real name may be Amy but everyone in the family refers to her as 'Honey'. She loves a good John Denver song, and still hasn't figured out the meaning of "A Horse with No Name". Honey welcomed me into the family by marching around the kitchen island with a trumpet in her hand, and James as the line leader, with a blanket tied as a cape around his neck and all! Since then, we've had memorable family vacations, plenty of happy hours, and Red Gold Sunday's. She has the biggest heart and not a selfish bone in her body. She's always there to give great advice, and will help you find a solution to any problem you're currently facing. Honey opened up her home, and allowed Matt and I to live with her for 6 months, which ended up being a blast... even though Pop Pop will never admit it.