Party People
Maura Sarnese
Matron of Honor
Once I started dating my now husband Tim, I was introduced to his best friend Roger and girlfriend Sam. I was so nervous initially to meet them because I wanted to make a good impression and wanted his friends to like me. I don't know why I was worried because we instantly hit it off. Before long Sam and I got very close and were hanging out just by ourselves without the guys! Our annual dashboard dates are my absolute favorite. As a couple we always enjoy our restaurant week adventures and our favorite spot Noodlehead. We have countless memories from trips together!
Tim Sarnese
Best Man
"We met in middle school as two gel-spiked-haired dorks. Throughout our grade school years we shared many classes together and enjoyed playings deck hockey, video games, and fantasy sports. Our relationship truly blossomed in college where we lived together all four years at Pitt. College led us on many adventures (and probably too little class time), but fuck it...we had a blast! Even after college we remained great friends and went on many trips, dinners, and new adventures. I was grateful to have Roger be my BM on my wedding day and I'm honored to be able to return the favor."
Eva Pontoriero
Maid of Honor
I met Sam back in 2013 at the Ross Park mall Starbucks. I was her supervisor and may have been slightly annoyed with her ability to challenge authority (mainly my own authority). As we spent more time together in the small box of a mall kiosk Starbucks, we began to realize we both shared an off-brand sense of humor and a love of judging mall walkers. This 'brewed' into a near decade long friendship, continuing even after Sam left the siren (and her bestie) behind. Over the years, I've shared a few cries but many more laughs with Sam and I'm so excited to be able to honor her and Roger's love for each other on their wedding day!
Jason Mittenzwey
Best Man
"I’ve known Roger for about 15 years. We first met while working on 5G at UPMC Presby. While working as night shift nursing assistants, we endured many hardships including: Needy coworkers, continuous call bells, and cleaning pterodactyls. Our friendship has continued to grow through our mutual love of movies and video games. Even though I left the unit after becoming an RN, we continued our friendship. Some of the best memories I have is of our movie date nights, hiking trips, and hockey games. As we became best friends over the years Roger introduced me to his new (at the time) girlfriend, Sam. We met at the Milkshake Factory and she was quickly won over by my comedic nature. It wasn’t long until we were all hanging out and taking trips together. It is an honor to be chosen as the co-best man for their wedding."
Molly McElrath
Bridesmaid
I first met Sam (and Roger) at a “beer share” hosted by Ryan, whom I had just started dating. Although we may have different tastes in beer, Sam and I hit it off and realized we shared many other interests including dogs, Downton Abbey (among other lavish historical TV dramas), and emo music. We’ve since had lots of great times - the vibes have remained “on” ever since that first game of 3-Man! As it turns out, not only is Ryan a keeper, but his friends are too! I can’t wait to make more memories with Sam and Roger on their wedding day!
Ryan Vigne
Groomsman
Through a mutual friend, I attended one of Roger and Sam’s Halloween parties. Most of my time was spent following Moose around, trying to get pictures of how cute she looked in her costume since I didn’t really know anyone at the time. Little did I know that the people surrounding me would soon become what I consider family. Roger and I got to know each other through our mutual love of beer, while Sam made sure I stayed hydrated (thanks Sam). After conversing about beer all night, I was promptly invited to a bottle share, and our friendship took flight (get it like a flight of beer).
Tabrina Watson
Bridesmaid
Murder, yoga, and Harry Potter. I was fortunate enough to meet Sam through our local My Favorite Murder podcast group. We had a small yoga session scheduled and we could not stop gawking at each other’s tattoos. #didwejustbecomebestfriends? Finally, a link was established, that opened the doorway for our friendship to blossom, from books, beers, murders, music, and long chats about life experiences, I found much more than a friend. I found a truly compassionate, brilliant, and beautiful human whom of which I could not be prouder to stand next too on such a monumental occasion.
Austin Miller
Groomsman
"Austin consistently ranks in the top 10 of Roger’s and Sam’s favorite cousins list. Roger and Austin have spent countless hours playing video games (mostly N64) in Gram’s basement while providing complementary wallpaper removal services using a proprietary biological compound fueled by broccoli and Cheez Whiz. Sam witnessed this phenomenon and had no choice but to fall in love and join the family. Roger, Sam, Austin, and Courtney (Austin’s wife) have since enjoyed many an adult beverage while tolerating nostalgic stories exchanged between the cousins. Austin could not be more grateful to be serving as a groomsman in the marriage of Roger and Sam…so much so that he has vowed to cease lactose consumption for the 24 hours leading up to the wedding. "
Brittany Jones
Bridesmaid
The year was 2013, the mall was a buzz, and the cutest Starbucks barista caught my eye! Luckily, she thought I was cool and wanted to be my friend, starting out with bringing me over my coffee when I couldn’t leave the hut, to finally hitting up a bar after work one day. From there it’s been a whirlwind of laughs, tears, concerts, dancing, porch hangs, and lots of singalongs! Of course, there’s Roger too. He’s the best. The other half of her whole. I’m so thankful to have this duo in my life!
Mike Laurent
Groomsman
Roger and I first met while working at a Pitt psych lab for research credit. We formed a fast friendship while sitting killing time in questionable locations across Pittsburgh discussing hockey, movies, and video games. We both proceeded to be hired by the lab the following semester, officially becoming scientists. My first memory of Roger & Sam together was a trip to Deep Creek – a trip that would later spawn an annual event. The most memorable occurrences of said event was Roger, Sam, Heather (my wife), & I bonding over freezing-basement sleeping conditions and the most expensive spackle that has ever existed. Sam never used to say we weren’t scientists back then…
Thamar Perry
Bridesmaid
How I met your…Samantha. I met Sam freshman year of high school and our friendship developed going to hockey games, dances, Eat n Park, tea parties, dollar movie nights, and bowling. College brought a whole new set of Panda Bear and Squirrel adventures which allowed our friendship to grow even more going to concerts and parties, and we even lived together where the laughs and adventures continued. Over the years we’ve grown up and supported each other through the circle of happiness, sadness, hard times and good times which helped us become family. I’ve been by her side through the frogs and now I am overjoyed to stand by her side when she marries her prince.
Ian Bridge
Groomsman
You don't get to pick your in-laws. So, lucky me that my beloved sister did good when she picked this guy. Except maybe the last name, but nobody's perfect. Once I got over the unfortunate appellation, I found in Roger “The Snack Pack” Potersnak all the virtues I could hope for in a brother-in-law. He makes my sister happy of course, and takes care of her; but he's also approachable, smart, funny, and upstanding in his morals. Our friendship grew even stronger in 2020, when I moved in with him and Samantha. This was a difficult time for me, and he was always ready to listen or lend a hand. Or to just hang out, which was the most important thing. We made a traditional British Christmas pudding. We made sushi (sort of. technically). We watched movies that Samantha would roll her eyes at. We revisited the best seasons of South Park together. In short, he's my bro. And I think of him as my brother, not just brother-in-law. I love the both of them and I'm so thrilled they have each other.
Elyse Kamen
Bridesmaid
Elyse and Sam met through mutual friends and instantly connected. They love the same music and share the same empathic nature! Some of their most memorable times were things like traveling to see florence and the machine and dancing in the rain! Elyse has a dry sense of humor, loves music, adventure, spontaneity, and learning new creative hobbies. Over the years even with some distance from a relocation, Sam and Elyse have stayed very close and been a big support system to each other. Elyse has two boys that are toddlers and spends a lot of her free time exercising and embroidering.
Corey Anderson
Groomsman
"My name is Corey Anderson. I meet Roger while we were both working for UPMC. Roger was a patient care tech and I was an RN. We bonded first over a love of movies and video games. Roger and I worked many night shifts together along with Jason Mittenzwey the three of us were kinda like our own Entourage. If you have a job with friends it makes the work that much better. Through the years (beyond the blockbuster movies) we shared many hiking adventures across western Pennsylvania. We are both passionate about craft beer for which I always value the chance to cheers with Roger. A little about myself: I have been happily married for twenty four years to beautiful wife Monica, and we have two children now in their twenties. I was honored to be asked to be a groomsman and wish Roger and Sam a happy and healthy marriage."
Ashley Mittenzwey
Bridesmaid
I first met Roger through my husband Jason. They became best friends and through time we all became close. I had the privilege of meeting Sam at the milkshake factory 10 years ago were we hit it off right away. Knowing how inseparable Roger and Jason are, it was easy to become great friends with Sam as we would be hanging out together making fun of them. Sam and I further bonded over our love for animals, books, and movies/series. We often joke about who has to care for the others “husband”. Through many girls’ nights out, T-Rex flip cup games, and dancing we continued to grow our friendship. It is my pleasure to assist Sam as one her bridesmaids.
Aaron Marriott
Groomsman
Brother of the groom. Aaron was introduced to Roger at the fine age of less than 1 day old. Despite Roger relentlessly picked on Aaron growing up (undoubtedly a big brother obligation), he has always been one of his biggest role models. Roger and Aaron share a love for Doritos, the outdoors, and Blink-182.
Chanelle Labash
Bridesmaid
Sam and I first bonded while dissecting owl pellets in 5th grade science class. But high school is where our nugget and tator adventures began, from Penguin games to spring break trips, eventually leading to the day Sam and Roger first connected at a party in my apartment. Sam is like family, and I’m excited to be a part of this amazing wedding party!
Dave Lash
Groomsman
Dave met Roger when they were both scholars at Belle Vernon Area, world renowned for having the best academics in the Valley. After meeting, it took them eleven years to graduate from the program, though most would say this is not a reflection on their true abilities. They have continued to collaborate on many projects in both the physical and digital space, making unremarkable contributions to the world of digital entertainment, athletics, and brewing research and development.
Courtlyn Reeves
Officiant
Courtlyn Reeves met Roger and Sam while leaned up against a 1960s Frigidaire in the basement of a home in West Mifflin. It was during this discourse that Roger and Sam graciously considered accepting an urban cowboy into their circle. Their paths soon crossed again later that evening in what fell just short of a physical altercation over some Thanksgiving leftovers of Roger’s uncle John’s famous brandied carrots. A culinary delight, the drunken root vegetables inspired perpetual conversation among the three about what tastes good - from gourmet foods to craft beer to red wine and cheese. After finding such common interests and playing off one another’s dry humor, the three were forevermore family. From exploring breweries in PA and NC to eating tacos and chicken tenders to philosophizing about music, movies, and familial dynamics, Courtlyn always feels right at home when they’re all together. By day, Courtlyn Reeves is a middle school principal in Charlotte, NC. At night, he plays for tips in a local cabaret. Most importantly, Courtlyn is Hadley’s dad. Footnote: Courtlyn also married Roger’s biological first cousin, Sarah, at some point (continued in Part 2).
Courtlyn Reeves (continued)
Officiant
Given his role in these highly anticipated nuptials, please refer to him only as The Very Reverend Courtlyn Reeves. He earned the role after accidentally dropping the F bomb during the blessing at Roger’s (other) cousin’s wedding. In fact, Courtlyn’s booking fee tripled due to high demand, and Roger’s beer budget had to be slashed by 75% to cover the fee. Based on feedback from certain family members, he is currently taking classes and seeking counseling on how to eliminate sarcasm from his vernacular. In all seriousness, being asked to officiate this wedding is one of the most meaningful opportunities given to Courtlyn as he has the highest respect for both Roger and Sam. See y’all at the alter!
Wedding Bios (Sam's Version)
Bride
Copy and paste this link to your browser in order to read the Sam's Version https://tinyurl.com/weddingbiossamsversion
Wedding Bios (Roger's Version)
Groom
Copy and paste this link to your browser in order to read the Roger's Version: https://tinyurl.com/rogersbios
Courtlyn (RP/SB Version)
Officiant
Please read this! https://tinyurl.com/ourversion