Annie & Gabe
Wedding Party
Elena Beckman
Maid of Honor
Lucky enough to have someone as special as Elena to double as my sister and lifelong best friend, there is no one more loyal and incredible I could have chosen to stand next to me! I cherish our differences, and celebrate our similarities. Elena is such a passionate person about so many things in life like travel and sports, and places deep value in the relationships she forms with others which is what makes being close to her so special, I love you X a million sis.
Lorenzo AND Paolo Manalo
Co-Best Men
Brothers? Yes. They are. Friends of Gabe's since Highschool these two have shaped the man he is today through *mostly* interpretive dance demonstrations performed biweekly. Lorenzo's skills include sleight of hand, sleight of foot, and being mindful of his allergies. Paolo, dubbed a knitting master at the ripe age of 10, moved to Seattle a few years before Gabe, and made him feel right at home. Paolo can write poetry, but he still can't read it. These two are great people and better friends. Co-best-man fight to the death at the end of the party will decide who is the BEST man. They both have nice calves
Dani Sassower
Bridesmaid
My future sissy in law! Although this day will make it official, both Dani and Becky have been at sister status for years. I've always looked up to Dani much as I do to Elena, she has always made me feel so protected and cared for, our close relationship is something I never want to take for granted, I cherish it everyday! Dani is a powerhouse in all aspects of life, and has carried that into motherhood so gracefully, feel lucky to have her stand by my side!
Ryan O'Connell
Groomsman
Ryan is a man of conviction, a man of purpose, and a man who will likely corner you in a conversation about the geological history of America. His Christmas list for this year includes a trilobite fossil, glow in the dark Heeleys, a cape, and true loves first kiss. With those first three, I don't think he'll have a hard time with the 4th. In College he saved his apartment (where he lived with Gabe, Lorenzo and Harris) from a robbery by walking in mid-theft and saying sternly to the robber "Hey, stop. Put that back". He says things with confidence even if he has no idea what he's talking about. Ice skating championship of 1992 and you're really going to have a strong opinion? Yes. Ryan is a great friend.
Becky Sassower
Bridesmaid
Another sissy in law alert! Becky is just that effortless ray of sunshine, and she has just made me feel loved from the very first time I met her in that movie theatre bar in between a Sunday double feature. Becky exudes nothing but love and positive energy, and her ability to feel the emotions of everyone around her in such an intense way is just such a beautiful and unique thing. She has the most special soul, and I feel so proud to call her a sister and to have her stand by my side!
Adam Bernstein
Groomsman
Adam is beloved to all Gottliebs and Sassowers for his acute ability to call in a panic and scream "where's GABE" or storm into an apartment uninvited and scream "where's GABE". Adam, aka Berny, does everything pretty aggressively. You didn't think I'd use the word aggressive to describe the way someone visits MOMA alone on a Sunday night, but that's because you don't know Berny. He's not allowed back in the Madison WI art museum. That's a real fact that you can ask him about. He has called Gabe every Friday since 2017. Adam officiated Gabe & Annie's "fake" wedding in Madison, so he's been around since the start. When Gabe asked him to be a groomsmen his response was "so, who's officiating?". Watch out Mr. Gottlieb. No kids were invited to the wedding because of Adam.
Melissa (Mel) Quirk
Bridesmaid
This gal is so incredibly special to both Gabe and I, and know that she will remain a big part of our lives for many years to come. Mel knew us both very well apart, before she knew us together, and she will always get the acclaim of "calling it". It is impossible to feel anything but happiness whenever you are in her presence. She is an incredible human being, so hardworking and compassionate, with such an amazing ability to cherish and pursue all the good things in life. Mel was my roommate in college as well as after college, and our time as roommates will always be one of my favorite phases of life. Her energy is contagious, and her friendship irreplaceable, we feel honored to have her be a part of our day!
Grant Paley
Groomsman
Grant, known for his business acumen, and competitive spirit, is strangely passionate about high school football. Frighteningly so. Grant is fluent in 1 language, and taught himself everything he knows with the help of books, and schools and teachers. He can golf, and if asked, would describe himself as an aquatic person. Grant always has the answer.
Rachel Thompson
Bridesmaid
Rachel is the most spirited and lively friend I think I have ever had. We were roommates for much of college, and there was not a single day that wasn't filled with laughter, love, and ridiculousness. Whats so special about my friendship with Rachel, is that from the moment we met I felt as though I had known her my entire life. There has always been that feeling of "home" and comfort in our friendship, we treat each other like sisters. Even through the amazing years of silly adventures, we can always support and understand each other on a deeper level, and often anticipate when the other might need a check in. Rachel is the biggest cheerleader to her friends and their happiness, and I can't wait to have her stand by us on our big day!!
Brian Wold
Groomsman
Brian Wold will be at the wedding
Kelsey Linsmeier
Bridesmaid
Kelsey and I's wonderful friendship actually started the summer in college that I met Gabe, and the memories haven't stopped since! Kelsey is one of the most patient and understanding friends I have ever had. She is so smart and hardworking, while somehow managing to be incredibly fun and laid back at the same time. Kelsey rarely says no to an adventure, and because of this we have shared such incredible life experiences together from our young days at lollapalooza, to hikes, girls trips, and everything in between. We both really cherish the close friendship we have, and I feel so lucky to have gotten three years with her as my roomie :) Honored to have someone like kels stand by my side!
Joe Pappas
Groomsman
Jozepy has been a true friend to Gabe since they met in Seattle. When Gabe tore his achilles, Joe pushed his wheelchair around and ate his pain pills for him, because that's what friends do. Gabe and Joe often facetime, whether to talk about visit plans, or so Gabe can take in the stunning views of West Lafayette Indiana. It really is beautiful this time of year. An Ohio Native, this will be Joe's first time wearing a Kippah, and his first time meeting any of Gabes friends or family except Paolo and Ryan! Joe has met Annie.
Maggie Hannigan
Bridesmaid
There is no one quite like Maggie, and I love her SO much for that. From our shameless and shared love of trashy reality tv to our obsession with ordering Sunday night take out, we were truly a roommate match made in heaven. Maggie is all of the things, goofy yet so level-headed, loves to plan yet is so flexible, loves to be girly but also hates it some of the time. Its like no time has passed whenever we see each other, and if I was ever stranded on a desert island and offered three things, it would be a couch, a TV playing Vanderpump Rules, and Maggie Hannigan.
Matt Alexander
Groomsman
Friends since Kindergarten and that's all there is to it. These two made long-distance work with annual trips in college. Just wouldn't make sense getting married without his oldest friend standing up with him. Moshe.
David Gottlieb
Officiant
Father of the Groom, and a proverbial Cy Young winner of officiating, David is one of the only men brave, and crazy enough to marry a religious woman with two daughters. With that experience he is no stranger to high-pressure situations, and managing dynamic fast paced teams. Among his other accomplishments, he credits his career in real-estate for giving him the skill, knowledge, and eloquence that he uses to deeply move the people he marries, and their beloved guests. Get ready to cry, Grandma! This will be the 3rd wedding he has officiated of his 3 children. That's right, he's hitting for the cycle too. A historic performance is all but guaranteed. David played mens softball for several years.