Wedding Party

Mary Beers

Lady of the Realm

I first met Anna when she was suddenly dropped into my life as my baby sister, lol. We weren't always close as children, but I am forever grateful for how we have become much better friends as adults! One of the things I appreciate most about Anna is her curiosity about the world, and I'm so glad she found an adventure partner in Jordi. I can't to celebrate them as they embark on their next adventure as Mr. and Mrs. Ewing!

Sydney Ewing

Lady of the Realm

I met Anna fall of freshmen year at Slippery Rock, and what a ride it’s been since! Truthfully, I can’t tell you how we went from strangers to besties so fast, but Anna will tell you it all started when she “needed Jordi’s sister’s approval, and she accidentally touched her butt the first time we talked”. 😉 Over a decade later - Anna is my first call, my confidante, and my best friend. I couldn’t be happier for her to OFFICIALLY become my sister! Cheers to my bestie and my brother finally tying the knot! 💍 I love them both so, so much.

Laura Anderson

Lady of the Realm

Anna and I have known each other practically our whole lives-we grew up going to the same church since we were babies! Like many iconic friendships, ours had a rocky start. We actually couldn’t stand each other at first and spent most of Sunday school arguing over who was really best friends with the same girl. The turning point? Realizing the girl didn’t actually want to be friends with either of us (lol). From that moment on, we ditched the rivalry and started hanging out-and just like that, we became best friends. Even though we live far apart now, Anna always makes time to catch up when she’s back in town, and our friendship has remained strong through all the years.

Liz Souders

Lady of the Realm

I met Anna back when she still had a southern accent! We started working at the ISD in Hancock, MI at the same time, and I remember seeing her red, curly hair and thinking, “She looks young—like me!” (Though she never lets me forget that she’s actually younger.) I hoped we’d be friends, but I was a little shy around her at first… until I arranged a staff Secret Santa and just so happened to pick Anna on purpose. I got her earrings and hoped she'd like them. We officially bonded at a staff meeting about vegetables—seriously. Neither of us knew what kohlrabi was, and from there, we hit it off. Before I knew it, we were fast friends! Naturally, I became close with Jordi, too. I have so many great memories of Game of Thrones watch parties, hanging out at their cozy apartment, and going on little adventures in Copper Harbor. I remember shopping with Anna when she found out she was going to be an aunt, and later, telling her I was pregnant. We’ve shared so many big and beautiful moments over the years. Even though we live far apart now, our Snapchat streak is never-ending (BANANA CLUB FOR LIFE!!!! *Bethie too*), and somehow, we never miss a beat. I’m so happy Jordi put a ring on that diva, and I can’t wait to celebrate at the wedding!

Mayra Morgan

Lady of the Realm

I met Anna in Houghton, Michigan—a little town in the middle of nowhere—while I was finishing my doctorate at Michigan Tech and Jordi was just beginning his. From the very first moment I met Anna, I felt an instant connection. Her warmth, genuine kindness, and fun-loving spirit made it so easy to feel at home around her. She has an incredible gift for making people feel heard and valued, and I knew I could trust her with anything. Over time, Anna became more than a friend—she became family. I’m truly honored to stand by her side as she begins this beautiful new chapter with Jordi.

Jaclyn Schmitz

Lady of the Realm

In 2016 while in undergrad, I became friends with some guy on campus named Jordi. Anna and I first met when she came to Ohio to visit him (I think they were dating or something?). Ever since, our friendship has blossomed over many a board game, cup of coffee, and inter-state adventure! 

Megan VanderVoord

Lady of the Realm

Our friendship isn’t your typical “instant connection” friendship. Back in Fall 2018, Anna and I worked at the same place in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula but barely even spoke. After the roof caved in where my classroom was at, I decided the “Yooper life” wasn’t for me and left. Anna took over my teaching position, and our para-educators kept saying, “You two would be best friends,” which felt random at the time. How would they know? Turns out, they were right. We started texting and talking, bonding (or, let’s be honest, trauma bonding) over the chaos of teaching up north, but still didn’t really know each other. Fast forward to Summer 2023, when Anna moved just 32 miles away, and suddenly, meeting up became easy. We started hanging out at our favorite tavern, and everything just clicked—the laughs, the deep talks, the “Oh, that happened to me too” moments. Now, here we are—not just friends, but with a bond that feels like it was always meant to be.

Beth Bertucci

Lady of the Realm

I met Anna in 2019 after Liz introduced me to her. I had no idea that my life would be forever changed by meeting two of the most incredible friends. Lifetime friends. Kindered spirits. Family. Now the three of us have formed what we call the Banana Club and we have been inseparable since. My friendship with Anna (and Jordi) began when I first moved to the Keweenaw. I recall our first “breakfast for dinner” date with them at the Kaleva Cafe. I imagine they too were wondering where our friendship would lead. I left the cafe that night with so much love and light in my heart. In the weeks that followed, we spent many movie nights, board game nights, and breakfast for dinner dates together. My life was forever changed for the better. On one such breakfast date Jordi took my phone. “I’m adding an event to your calendar. Hanging with Anna. You two need to hang out more.” My phone still buzzes every Wednesday at six o clock in the evening reminding me to hang with Anna. While we haven’t had a proper Wednesday date in a few years, Anna and I talk every Tuesday afternoon while we each take a walk. It’s a highlight of my week and brings me so much joy. We chat school, life, and now wedding plans. I’m so thankful for these Tuesday dates! Anna is one of the truest friends a person could ever have. She is genuine, kind, and such a wonderful companion. I am so thankful that she is my friend, and that she gets to spend the rest of her life with her best friend. Cheers to Anna and Jordi!

Bri Rodgers

Lady of the Realm

I’ve known both Jordi and Anna since we went to college at the ‘Slimey Pebble’ (Slippery Rock University)! Anna and I even lived in the same building, a floor apart, in college! We got into a lot of different activities and shenanigans those years. Since then, life’s taken us to different places, but thank God for technology so we can have our holiday movie nights via Messenger! I’m so thankful to be able to celebrate them now!

Michael Crone

Knight of the Realm

Hi I'm Mike, I met Jordi in grade school, and we were in scouts together. I went to his house every morning to get a ride to school. So pretty much from the beginning. Something about myself: I'm a DIY-er and like to build things. I also like hiking and camping out in the woods.

Raju Pusapati

Knight of the Realm

Greetings, I am Raju, dark knight of the great northern realm of Minnesota. I met Jordi in Ohio during grad school, 9 years ago. We met outside the library, waiting to get in, for a boardgame meetup. About me, I play volleyball, video games for fun and do some photography as well.

Dan Morgan

Knight of the Realm

I met Jordi sometime around 2013-2015 through my wife (I don't normally meet people. Hermit life style). I’m a big nerd, ranging from anything from D&D to Warhammer. Decently handy, and I love cats.

Christian Johnson

Knight of the Realm

I've known Jordi since we were very little, we went from trading Pokémon cards in grade school to running cross country together in high school. Jordi's been a lifelong friend and a day 1 homie. Something about myself is that I'm a local artist in Warren, I make art out of old things! Most mediums are sculpture, collages, and mixed media paintings. Jordi actually has a collection of my art pieces from the time I started creating in high school! lol.

Ayush Chutani

Knight of the Realm

Nathan Britton

Knight of the Realm

I've known Jordi basically my whole life, like 30 years. We met at church. And I'm recently addicted to legos.

Tyler Derrick

Knight of the Realm

Hey everybody this is Tyler, I'm Jordi's sister's partner. I've known Jordi all of those soon to be 3 years. I'm a huge fan of basketball, travelling to all 50 states, video games, my dog and new adventures.

Chris Grigsby

Knight of the Realm

Hey! I'm Chris. I met Jordi at Michigan Tech before running away to Texas where I now live. I like to smack kids in online games with Jordi by my side haha. Specifically Fort and COD.

Michael Traverso

Knight of the Realm

Hello, I'm Michael Traverso. Jordi and I met in his undergraduate at Slippery Rock back in 2012! He lived just down the hall from me and we became fast friends. I still remember our late night Sheetz runs! I'd consider myself quite the nerd. I'm a huge fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pokémon, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Also, a fun fact, Jordi was the best man at my wedding in 2021, and my wife Ashley and I are expecting our first child right around Jordi and Anna's wedding.

Dean Piocquidio

Knight of the Realm

I met Jordi at college at Slippery Rock 10 years ago (I think) and I believe we met at improv club. I'm a huge Mtg and D&D fan.