Ashley & Stu
Wedding Party
Lauren Deneroff
Matron of Honor
Lauren, aka Laur Laur, is Ashley's older sister. Growing up, Ashley remembers Lauren taking care of her at summer camp, jokingly failing her in play-pretend school, and giving her fashion, makeup, and dating advice. She is always making our family and friends laugh, and is the best sister a girl can ask for. Lauren works as dance teacher, alongside her husband Joe, a gym teacher, at East Side Middle School in NYC. Lauren is a wonderful mother to her two children Brody, 8, and Harper, 6.
Joanna Marino
Bridesmaid
Joanna and Ashley met in graduate school at the Drexel University College of Medicine. Ashley went on to become a veterinarian, and Joanna is now practicing as an emergency medicine physician in Chicago. While miles apart, Joanna and Ashley have maintained a very close friendship. Joanna and Ashley share a love of romantic comedies, eating gelato, shopping at Home Goods, and so much more. Ashley thinks Joanna has the most unparalleled sense of dry humor.
Cristina Johnson
Bridesmaid
Cristina and Ashley met at veterinary school at St. Matthew's University (SMU) in the Cayman islands. Cristina was already a student at SMU when Ashley transferred there. Cristina invited Ashley to her birthday bash on a Cayman booze cruise and the rest was history. Ashley was a bridesmaid in Cristina's wedding in 2014 in Mexico. Cristina met her husband, Drew, who was also our classmate at SMU. The two now live in California and have two beautiful children, Mila and James.
Lauren Bishop
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Ashley met about 2 years ago while working at Banfield Pet Hospital in Mount Laurel, NJ. Looking for a change at that time, Ashley interviewed for a position at Medford Animal Hospital (MAH). As luck would have it, MAH was also looking to hire a full time veterinary technician. Lauren started at MAH shortly thereafter. Working together each day, their friendship grew stronger. They share a love of country music, animals, and all things girly. Lauren recently got engaged and Ashley will be a bridesmaid in her wedding in September 2019.
Vijay Digamber
Best Man
At age 16, Vijay and Stu (then strangers) met during a YMCA basketball game that got pretty heated. Legend has it.....it was Stu's big mouth which started a fight with Vijay and his brother which, according to Vijay, may have landed Stu in the emergency room. Funny enough, after this fight, the two started talking (while awaiting their rides) and ended up becoming great friends. Vijay is happily married to his wife Janyra (now a good friend of Ashley's) and the father to a beautiful little girl.
Mike Kravitz
Groomsman
Mike (aka Kravitz) and Stu have been friends since middle school. Some of their best memories were working as ride operators at Gillian's Wonderland Pier, along with Stu's other groomsmen, Fratz. As a kid (or an adult), Kravitz is never without a bag of Cheetos or a bowl of ramen noodles while watching the WWF. Stu thinks Kravitz has the best sense of humor and can always make him laugh. Kravitz and Stu have shared many adventures and Kravitz has always been an incredible friend to Stu. Kravitz is now engaged to his lovely fiance, Morgan, and Stu will be a groomsmen in their wedding December 2018.
Mike Fratantoro
Groomsman
Mike, aka Fratz, is one of Stu's oldest friends. They met during high school through Stu's other groomsmen, Matt. As life went on, Stu ended up in San Diego, while Fratz ended up in Arizona. The two would often travel through the desert to visit one another. Everyone who knows Fratz, knows he is an outside of the box thinker and will always be there when you need him. Some of their best memories were working as ride operators at Gillian's Wonderland Pier, along with Stu's other groomsmen, Kravitz. Fratz is still an eligible bachelor and lives happily with his daughter, Ashley, and adorable Boxer, Hemi in Arizona.
Matt Thomson
Groomsman
Matt and Stu met in middle school. They were literally inseparable during their high school years. Growing up, Matt had the "guys hangout" house. Matt and Stu always shared a love of Jeep Wranglers and they often both owned one at the same time. They are also passionate for Manco Manco pizza in Ocean City, NJ. Despite hectic schedules, Stu and Matt still talk multiple times per week and often play often play basketball together. Matt has always been there for Stu, even during the most craziest of situations. Matt is happily married to his lovely wife, Kathy, and they have two beautiful children, Charlie and Parker.
Arthur and Tricia Thurm
The bride's parents
Ashley's parents have been happily married for 42 years. Arthur is a successful dentist and certified dental anesthesiologist. Tricia is a proud homemaker, gym goer, and fantastic cook. As a couple, they enjoy spending time outside (usually with their dog, Tucker) and taking in all that Philadelphia has to offer (especially restaurants). They have always supported Ashley's dreams and aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. Ashley's favorite memories with her parents include their many vacations in the Cayman Islands (where Ashley also went to veterinary school), their trip to Europe, and the many summers they spent down the Jersey shore. Ashley says, "Words can not express the love I have for my parents. They have always given a hundred percent and supported me throughout it all."
Irving and Harriet Zucker
The Groom's Parents
Stu's parents have been happily married for 44 years. Irving is now enjoying retirement after a long successful career in the medical device industry and Harriett is still enjoying her passion of teaching piano. Stu says they have been the best parents he could ever dream of. They were always there for Stu through the good times and the tough times (Stu was a bit of a wild child). In Stu's words "I would not be the person I am today without my parents unconditional love and support throughout my life".
Harper Deneroff
Flower Girl
Harper is Ashley's niece. She's six years old. She has a love of fashion, dancing, and gymnastics. She is super smart and quite the dare devil. She enjoys roller coaster rides with Uncle Stu, beating the boys in corn hole, and shopping with her mommy in NYC.
Brody Deneroff
Ring Bearer
Brody is Ashley's nephew. He is 8 going on 18. He is very witty and always has a smile on his face. He enjoys reading Harry Potter, loves Star Wars, and enjoys sharing ice cream with his Daddy at various ice cream shops in NYC.
Abraham Zappasodi
Ring Bearer
Abraham (Abe) is Stu's nephew. Abe is 6 years old. He is a very confident little guy and isn't afraid to let you know what he wants to do. He loves toys that require building, enjoys doing puzzles with Aunt Ashley, and enjoys throwing the ball for Sammy.
Barkley and Sammy
Our Kids
While they can't be in attendance, these two are the center of our world. They met when we first started dating and have grown quite fond of one another. They keep us smiling and laughing everyday.