Erica & Matthew
Wedding Party
Victoria Zivic
Matron of Honor
"I met Erica at Old Dominion University where we were in the same sorority. We cemented our friendship after college when Erica moved to Virginia Beach. We are always there to celebrate each other's wins and comfort each other in times of loss. I am excited to be a part of Erica and Matt's big day!"
C.J. Barton
Groomsman
"25 years ago, I met Matthew Banks at my very first hockey practice at Strawbridge Skating Center. I was the new kid of the team, and he was the only one to give me the time of day. Soon after, Matthew and I became very close friends. So close that our hockey coach thought we might be lovers. LOL. Matt has always been there for me through thick and thin and will always be the most loyal, and in every sense of the word, truest friend that anyone could ask for.
Joelle Downes
Maid of Honor
"Erica and I met at a Yard House for a friend's birthday dinner. I had heard a few things about Erica from friends but needed to meet this girl for myself. She has now become one of my best friends. We share the same intense gutter-roll man laugh that just escapes from our bodies, in sync, without any hesitation. She is someone to literally drop everything, like cancel an appointment 20 minutes prior to save me in the HRBT. Erica is a friend who supports you, checks on you, encourages you, listens to you, and is always there. I am so grateful for a wonderful friend and I've enjoyed our activities like; walking out dogs, rating restaurants, making mermaids, going to concerts, taking birthday shots at midnight, eating brunch on mother's day and so much more. Cheers to Erica and Matt.
Luther Woodruff
Groomsman
"Matt and I met in kindergarten but didn't really become friends until high school. He was friends with some of the guys I was befriending. It was all down hill when we found out we lived down the street from each other."
Aaron Holliday
Bridesman
"Erica and i met over a decade ago when we were freshman at ODU. Over the years, Erica has been there to celebrate my accomplishments and support me in my times of need. I have never known someone so loyal and authentic. I could never count the ways my life has been impacted by having her in it. I couldn't be more proud to celebrate this special occasion with one of my very best friends."
Kristen Pariser
Groomswoman
"Matt is my big brother so i have know him for my entire existence. Growing up together with siblings means that you always have a co-conspirator to get in trouble with, a role model, a friend, and a lifetime of memories. Even though as siblings we sometimes fought, since Matt was the oldest he was also often a protective big brother. I am thankful to have you as my big brother. I value our time together and am happy you have found someone to spend your life with. Congrats Matt and Erica!"
Megan Barton
Bridesmaid
"Though Erica and I have only been friends for a few years, it feels like I've known her a lifetime. She's one of the most caring and compassionate people I know. Always willing to put others first, she truly cares about the people that are important to her. I'm lucky to call her a friend."
Nathan Banks
Groomsman
"Growing up, my brother and I didn't always get along. At a young age he would pick on me, as many older siblings are known to do. However, as time went on, this would change. My brother would always look out for me, guide me with advice, and lead by example. On more than one occasion, I have been told that Matt and I have similar personalities and mannerisms. This isn't really surprising. I always looked up to and admired my brother. He was always strong, intelligent, poised and selfless. I would try my best to mimic him because I wanted to be like him. He has been more than just a brother to me. No person has been as great of an influence on me and the man I am today, as my brother. I love my brother and will always be grateful for him and the example he set for me."
Kacy Smith
Bridesmaid
"I have known Erica since the day she was born. Our moms were not only sisters but the best of friends. Growing up Erica looked up to me (not sure why) she was happy being my "tagalong younger cousin". Over the years I have had the pleasure of watching her grow into such a beautiful woman inside and out. She has ALWAYS held a very special place in my heart.From the first time we spoke about Matt, to the first time I met him, I knew she had met her match. It is exciting to see her finally find the yin to her yang and experience the happiness she brings to others."
Wesley Williamson
Groomsman
"I’ve known Erica her entire life; she’s my younger sister. Erica is an extrovert, and lives life loud. She places great value in family and friends: in the relationships you build with them, and in the experiences you have with them. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Matt. He can be quiet and reserved, with a remarkable calm about him. I have learned he places similar value in family and good friends as my sister. Together, Erica and Matt make a wonderful pair. They provide balance to each other, and highlight each other’s strengths. Matt’s taciturn pairs with Erica’s boisterous. Soon, they will commit to each other, creating a family together. I am eager to see where they go, and am excited to call Matt my brother."
Madeline de Almeida
Bridesmaid
"Erica and I have known each other since diapers! Thats a given when you're family. We used to see each other during the summer for reunions and enjoy camping trips together as kids. We became close later in life when my aunt Paige became sick. When I would come up to spend time with my aunt, Erica would come home to spend time with all of us. I will never forget our New Years Eve trip in 2014 at the Willowbend house. Through these unfortunate circumstances our bond and appreciation for each other grew. While I have many wonderful memories with Erica,I would have to say feeding baby Kangaroos in Australia with her takes the cake. Erica is one of the most loyal and selfless people I know. I am so honored to be apart of this celebration for Erica and Matt and their exciting future together!"
Drew Pariser
Groomsman
"I have known Matt for over 10 years. Over the past 10 years there have been good stories and stories I don't remember. There has been one thing that has not changed about Matt and that is he is a very loyal friend and I know he will always be there for me no matter what."
Ashleigh Osborne
Bridesmaid
"Erica and I met at work 3 years ago. I knew her as the loud, funny girl that worked across from me before I ever actually met her. After meeting her, I knew instantly that we would be work friends as well as someone I could go to anytime I was having a tough day. Now I'm lucky to be able to call her one of my close friends, as well as an amazing, kind, hilarious human and am so thankful she's in my life."
Matt Dula
Groomsman
What can I say about B E Z….became friends in the 6th grade…played hockey together all the way through high school..def had some crazy party nights and some wild road trips. I know him and I are usually the last ones up at the end of the night…Most of all he is my best friend.
Michelle Padua
Mother's Keeper
I met Erica in 2006 when I attended my first Williamson Thanksgiving as her cousin, Scott’s, girlfriend. I didn’t know if his family would like me. Would I remember their names? Later, I learned Erica was determined to dislike me. Scott wasn’t just her cousin but one of her best friends. I passed the test because now, we’re good friends also. 14 years later, we've conspired on surprises, collaborated on holiday meals, abstained from seeing movies until we could attend together, shared inside jokes & made a myriad of memories. I’m honored to hold the title of Mother's Keeper on this special day. Knowing how amazing of a woman Paige was, I’m moved that Erica requested I fill this role. Remember: if you have to drink to have a good time, the campground is not the place for you!
Scott Padua
Usher
"Some people are lucky enough to have that friend with whom they can go long spans of time without seeing each other, but when they get together it's like it's only been a moment. Well, I'm even luckier, because that person is my Cuz, Erica. We've been that way for years. At the very least since that family reunion, when I did NOT sprinkle sand on her. Every time we get together we reminisce about past adventures and create new ones, usually within the same hour. Whether its having a good time at Green Briar or taking down a shelving unit, we always have a blast, and there will be a story about it. Looking forward to creating many more stories to reminisce about!"
Harper
Dog of Honor
"Finally my parents are getting married!"