Wedding Party
Pam & Tracy
Amanda's Aunt & Uncle
Amanda was raised by her grandparents, leading to a special bond with some of her aunts and uncles. Growing up, Tracy made sure she had a normal childhood--hiking, rollerblading, and watching wrestling with him and his kids. He also helped peel the garbage can out from her car's undercarriage when she backed over it, among many other good deeds over the years. His greatest deed of all, though, was marrying Pam. She embraced Amanda's whole family, and soon they were an extended pack with the traditions Amanda had always dreamed of--family football games, big holiday parties, and hugging *every single person* before you leave. Tracy and Pam have been by Amanda's side through so many of life's moments, and since the great Derby party of 2022 they've hugged Dave into the fold. We're so grateful for their support on our wedding day and every day. Fun fact: they were married right here at Dexter's Inn back in 2017, but they first dated in junior high school!
Liz & Alan
Dave’s Mom & Dad
Dave's parents, Liz and Alan, met at a Jewish singles event. They hit it off but soon after Liz was stuck in the hospital with mono. She wouldn't let Alan visit since she wasn't looking or feeling her best but he kept in contact and saw her as soon as he could. They married in Worcester, near where we live, in May 1985. That means by the date of our wedding they will have had their 40th wedding anniversary. Over the years they've supported Dave in whatever he was interested in. Whether it was karate, engineering, or a brief interest in guitar. After a now famous dinner party, where they met Amanda, they were quick to welcome and accept her into the family. Since then we’ve both been on the receiving end of their support, and we’re so grateful for their guidance and help on this and all of life’s occasions.
Hayley & Tania
Maids of Honor
Hayley, Tania and Amanda met on a recreational kickball team while living in greater Boston. The team won a championship, and none of them really contributed. These days Hayley lives in Detroit, MI and Tania lives in Asheville, NC. Despite the distance, the three have been able to navigate life together by sharing their deepest and most random thoughts as voice notes for the past several years and calling it a podcast. Select pod titles include: “It would be weird, but it’s Alaska,” “People cut cocaine with drywall,” and “The ‘bread is bad’ generation.” Once upon a time in December 2021 the topic was Violin Dave (The groom’s “cute guy I just started talking to and will refer to based on one of his stand-out traits” name).
Mike J
Best Man
Mike and Dave met way back in 2nd grade. One day during recess they both got called in for roughhousing—Each was given the chance to blame the other and get back outside, but both stayed quiet despite the consequences. After that they became fast friends, navigating life with older sisters together along with high school, college, dating and everything in between. One time Dave’s mom voiced a little concern about his updated profile photo on social media—It was of the two of them in lederhosen at Oktoberfest and they looked so good together that she thought ladies might assume Dave was spoken for. Little did she know it would be Mike’s dog, Hank, that would reel Amanda in. Since then the three of us have enjoyed many meals, concerts and movies of varying quality together.
Kelly
Bridesmaid & Officiant
Kelly and Amanda joined forces when Amanda’s uncle started dating Kelly’s mom back in 2013. Getting immediately embraced into Kelly’s family has led to many special memories with her over the years, big and small. The two share January birthdays, a love of singing, and sensitive souls that mean they're always there for each other. Kelly and Amanda have had some great times--from impromptu late nights at the Cripps Resort to frolicking the hills of VT. Watching Kelly's kiddos Logan and Aria grow is one of Amanda's greatest joys, and missing out on a childhood of recording choreography videos on VHS with Kelly is one of her greatest sorrows. Kelly embraced Dave and made him feel part of the family from the beginning, even letting us play photographer at her and her husband Steve's vow renewal. We’re overjoyed to have her be the one to marry us!
RJ
Groomsman
RJ and Dave started their friendship as young kids trying out Kenpo karate. They kept practicing and moving up together until they were both 3rd degree black belts. Growing up, they lived two streets away from each other, meaning a short walk in either direction could lead to some basketball, reaching for the leaderboards in Halo, or several episodes of the Simpsons. Their proximity and mutual interests brought their families together, and they've since enjoyed many years of collective memories, including several summers at Squam Lake. Their parents still get together on Friday nights for happy hour all these years later. Amanda met RJ and his wife Izzy over tapas early in our relationship, and everyone quickly hit it off. She's enjoyed two summers at Squam so far, and the four of us have linked up for outings in Maine and at that other NH lake too.
Sarah
Bridesmaid
Sarah and Amanda met when Dave hosted family dinner to get everyone together in the eary days. Sarah is Dave's sister--the scar on his hand is from her. Mini chicken parms were on the menu that fateful night, and the effort involved meant that they weren’t ready until like 9pm. Dave didn't have seating for Sarah's daughters (flower girls Emma, Hannah and Amelia) so they picnicked on the ground using a blanket. Amanda would learn later that Sarah was a fan of the question "Is it a big problem, or a small problem?" and take the philosophy to heart. Over the next few years the two ladies would share the load of keeping Dave humble while also embarking on death-defying hikes, handling uncooperative Airbnb hosts, and camping under shooting stars, among other exploits.
Scot
Groomsman
Dave wasn't too sure about Scot when they first met. To be fair, Scot was dating Dave's sister, Sarah. Somehow Sarah didn't scare Scot off and the two got to spend more time together. Over the years, Dave was able to see what a great guy, brother-in-law, and father he was. Dave and Scot always have a good time together, whether its making a brief pit stop at a hole-in-the-wall brewery on the way to get groceries and talking about our own future brewery or hanging at a weekly family dinner. Scot is always there to give some advice or help with a plumbing issue or just explain how amazing the filtration system at Great Wolf Lodge is. Scot met Amanda with the rest of the immediate family at an amazing dinner put together by Dave. He was his normal outgoing and friendly self and made her feel like part of the family.
Robin
Bridesmaid
Robin and Amanda first bonded as coworkers at a toxic startup right after college, microwaving s’mores in the break room and bringing their pets (Robin's dog and Amanda's cat, both in ties) to work. Within the first few weeks of their meeting, Robin got roped into helping Amanda’s boyfriend at the time plan a surprise birthday party for her…all the while knowing Amanda was trying to figure out how to end things. Through life’s twists and turns since then Robin’s always been there, sometimes in an accidentally matching outfit and always with an open fridge. Amanda has lived on her couch on several occasions, and they both serve as each other’s “tell it like it is” friend. When Robin agreed that Dave was the one…that was big.
Alex
Groomsman
Alex and Dave first met freshman year at UMass Lowell. After many snowboarding trips and a little studying they turned in their capstone project, ready for the next adventure. The two would go on to enjoy training together for Spartan Race, exploring the Caribbean with friends, spending holidays together (Dave got to play Santa for Alex's family twice), and more. Eventually they'd become coworkers, blowing off steam with sushi boats and potential side hustles. If you're looking for watch re-selling advice, look no further. Don't ask them, just stop looking. Alex was one of the first friends Amanda met, and he immediately set her at ease with a warm welcome. Since then, we’ve been able to enjoy spending time from coast to coast with Alex and his girlfriend Brittany.
Chelsea
Bridesmaid
Craigslist: proof good things happen in weird places. Amanda and Chelsea became roomies and instant sleepover pals in their early 20s. They've racked up quite a few memories since--from Tuesday 2am brass concerts to idyllic Gilmore Girls-inspired getaways. Amanda somehow tricked Chelsea into becoming a cat person (a true feat, given the allergy situation), and they’ve spent years falling asleep mid-movie on the same couch. These days, things have come full circle: We're practically living with Chelsea and her cat Willow as we house hunt in her area—proof that some friendships are built to survive just about anything. Both will usually agree it's time for little something sweet to eat, but their other quirks aren't exactly complimentary: Chelsea strolls, Amanda zooms; Amanda doesn't do cold, Chelsea doesn't do heat. No matter the tempo or temperature, they’ll always show up for each other.
Pat
Groomsman
Pat and Dave first met through Alex--he introduced Pat to the UMass Lowell friend group everyone was a fan. Soon after, Dave would get the chance to join the guys as their coworker, and they'd get to hang out frequently. Some of Dave and Pat's common interests include horror games, time travel, LOTR lore, pairing Big Buck Hunter and Japanese whiskey, and pineapple jalapeño pizza. Back in the day they would regularly link up on Friday nights for some pie or dive bar Indian food, video games and darts. At the time of writing these bios, the two are enjoying the same work lunch each day: rice, beans, ground turkey and vegetables prepped by Dave on Sundays. Pat and Amanda met at a Worcester WooSox game and though they couldn't agree on how exciting baseball was they still had a great time. Without Pat, she wouldn't know that the easiest way to identify a Banshee is to use a Parabolic Mic and listen out for their unique screech.
Shayna
Bridesmaid
Shayna and Amanda were randomly assigned roommates in college at UNH. They share the kind of enthusiastic, mischievous energy that escapes too many people after childhood, and have engaged in many shenanigans together as a result. Some of their misadventures include losing skateboards at sea (RIP flowboard), sneaking into homecoming through the woods, and giving an epic karaoke performance at a roller rink in the middle of the day even if the young patrons weren’t feeling it. On their most recent outing at the time of writing this, a hike brought them to the top of a wildfire observation tower where they found a retired ranger inside monitoring a blaze as a volunteer. When they're not trespassing, singing, or boarding, Shayna and Amanda are swapping advice and support on whatever's top of mind, with no filter and no judgment. Who knows what’s next for them, but if they ever need bailing out Dave will be there.
Abby
Bridesmaid
Abby and Amanda met in the NH woods around midnight--They were on a very wholesome night hike sponsored by their UNH dorm, and Amanda had a better flashlight so Abby linked arms. Name a better meet cute, we'll wait! That goofy night quickly blossomed into dying their hair red, becoming improv groupies and many late nights not studying in the Scott Hall lounge. Eventually they met each other's families, and Amanda learned of their mutual love of sleeping with the fan on and clean, dry kitchen sponges. They’ve been lucky to stay close since those days, and have enjoyed multiple getaways with Pepper, among other adventures. Dave met Abby and her husband Jon on our way back from our first ever vacation in North Carolina. Since then our collective escapades have included hikes, breweries, and one very sweaty music festival.
Mike A
Groomsman
Mike and Dave met by chance during the UMass Lowell days--Dave had an extra room in his apartment and when he turned to the internet for help, luckily Mike answered the call. Over the years they traversed quirky roommates, trips to Moe's, and nosy HOA presidents. There was also that rafting trip where they managed to stay aboard, but never did find that skunk that was lurking around camp. Mike introduced Dave to one of his favorite bands, Lord Huron, and has given him an excuse to explore the west coast since moving there with his wife Kayla. We were lucky to stay at their home in San Diego awhile back--hiking, tasting Arely's finest treats, and adventuring with their pups Clark and Louie. When we're not on the same coast, Amanda enjoys falling asleep to the dulcet tones of the guys killing demons online.
Amelia, Hannah, and Emma
Flower Girls
Amelia, Hannah and Emma have been a part of Dave's life since they were born in 2015, 2018 and 2020. When Amanda got to meet them, she quickly embraced auntie life. Together we’ve enjoyed many family trips to date, including adventures such as hiking, camping and emu attacks--almost always with a lake nearby for jumping off the paddle board a minimum of 587 times. We’ve also feasted on lots of family dinners, celebrated holidays, and had the pleasure of being audience members for countless impromptu dance and gymnastics performances. When it comes to having a good time, the girls know what they're doing. They'll be bringing joyful disorder to the processional, as formally requested by the bride.