Cassie & Nick
Wedding Party
Lucas Marchesani
Best Man
Lucas and I have been best friends ever since he moved down the street when I was 9. We were a 'third son' to each other's mothers and there were probably stretches of weeks that we spent more time at each other's houses than our own. For the sake of both of our future careers, we decided to attend different colleges because we both knew we would have way too much fun together at the same school. Even as we've gotten older and see each other less frequently it seems like nothing has changed with our relationship and we can pick up right where we left off. Lucas is truly a once in a lifetime friend and I'm proud to call him by best man.
Alex Salter
Groomsman
To no one's surprise Alex is the groomsman that I've known the longest. In fact, wildly enough, I've known him longer than he knows himself (ya know, since memory doesn't really become concrete until around 2). It's been frankly amazing to see Alex blossom from a little kid who wanted to be exactly like his brother into a confident young man that seems truly comfortable in his own skin. Whether we're bantering with TV/video game/movie quotes that no one else in our family understands, playing video games in which you win 75% of the time, or you're trying to explain an insane math concept that's miles over my head, I truly enjoy all the time I have around you.
Brad Harthshorne
Groomsman
Brad was one of the first friends I made at Pitt. Between our strenuous uphill walks in the freezing cold to volleyball practice and finding out we lived 20 minutes from each other in York, we quickly became close. Brad is easily one of the funniest guys I know and a go-to friend whenever I want to make a fool of myself (see picture). Even though we're now adults and see each other less, it still seems effortless whenever we have the chance to get together and I'm thankful for that. From when we were freshman making very questionable decisions together until now, making decisions with a bit more forethought, I'm glad to have you as a close friend.
Michael Stelmach
Groomsman
It's crazy to think that in the span of two months in 2015, Mikey and I went from acquaintances to really good friends. I guess that's what happens when you share an 1 bathroom apartment and take accelerated O Chem 2 together. During the next two years we hung out more and more to the point where I pretty much just walked into your place senior year. I was so pumped to learn that Mikey and I were both doing gap year programs in Philly and it made the move so much easier knowing that I had a friend there to hangout with. Although we've both been bogged down by the demands of med school and have seen each other less frequently, the times we get together are always filled with ridiculous banter and of course countless dabs.
Ryan Scandaglia
Groomsman
So funny enough, this guy was in my freshman seminar class and I think I called him a different name for that entire semester. For real, I don't think I called him Ryan once. Anyway, fast forward 3 semesters later and we were part of our fraternity E-board together. Ryan's personality is magnetic; he's easily one of the most charismatic and funny people I've ever met. My parents even went so far to say that we're a 'comedy act' when we get together and I'm attributing 99% of that to you. We've been lucky enough to see each other a few times a year now after graduation and it's been a blast every single time. Pitt homecoming will be marked on my calendar every year and every year I know just the guy who will be down to go no matter what. Blessed to have you as a friend.
Michael Arcieri
Groomsman
Michael was my very first friend. Our dads knew each other well before we were born and from the ages of 1-6 we were pretty much always together. We have countless stories stemming from our ridiculous childhood imaginations that we could talk about for hours. In the past couple of years we've re-connected more and I'm so thankful for that. Although our conversations now are more focused around medicine, Michael is still so good at finding the humorous side of things that he's is one of the few people that can have me laughing so hard that I start gasping for air. I've really appreciated your perspective on medical school and that even in the doldrums of studying there is light at the end of the tunnel. So glad to have you as my friend.
Abyana Davila
Maid of Honor
Aby is just one of those friends that's so much more like family. We met the first night of our freshmen year at Pitt, and have been glued at the hip ever since. As one of the strongestwomen I've ever met, Aby is always there to be my rock when the going gets tough. But I can also always count on her to have so much fun- learning tap dance routines, frolicking around Oakland, and even making a guest appearance when Nick and I got engaged! We both hope to end up in central Pennsylvania so there are lots of dog park dates and someday baby play dates in our future!!
Emily Salter
Bridesmaid
My soon to be SISTER!!! The first day I met Emily was honestly the best day. The weekend of her senior homecoming Nick and I went back home to York so I got to have all the fun of helping her get ready. We spent hours talking on her bedroom floor about everything under the sun and from then we both knew we were going to be sisters for a lifetime. Emily is so wise beyond her years, I absolutely can say I look up to my little sister! She can light up a room in two seconds flat, and can spread the joy of Jesus with a light so strong it can't be denied. Em, you're my greatest encourager and I don't know how I made it so long without you. I can't wait for a lifetime of late talks, work outs, and so much more!
Ashley McGaffin
Bridesmaid
Ashley is my oldest and longest friend. Fifth grade girls scout a brought us together when we were so young, then we both moved to the same school both in sixth grade, then again in seventh grade! I believe God gave me her through all those transitions to be my anchor amidst the chaos-and she has been just that since then! Lots and lots of sleepovers transitioned to long distance visits in college, and even though we’re far apart in distance now, I know I can still ALWAYS count on her, and I always will be able to!
Taylor Norris
Bridesmaid
Taylor, where do I even start. She's my tiniest, but fiercest friend. It's incredible how quickly a rigorous academic program can bring two perfectionists together. Taylor has had my back every single day in optometry school, and I am so insanely blessed to have a friend wired just like me, and can show up with her pup at the drop of a hat. Even as new friends, her open heart made it feel like I had known her my whole life. Taylor's energy is nothing short of contagious, and you can't help but find yourself laughing when you're with her. You can count on her to light up the dance floor and getting everybody to join in on the fun!
Emma Thompson
Bridesmaid
Emma is my most creative friend! As a fellow OSU optometry alumni and roommate, Emma had the very tall task of keeping me in line and on track all four year of school (which was no small feat!) Not to mention, she was a very active planner of all our theme parties! Through everything, Emma is ALWAYS so dependable; and so so fun to have in my life! There will always be lots of laughter, activity, and silliness when she’s around.
Nikki Auble
Bridesmaid
Nikki is another one of my roommates from Ohio state college of optometry! We spent many a late night up studying at our apartment dining table for exams, watching too many episodes of Vampire Diaries together on lunch and dinner breaks, and of course getting take out any chance we could get (shout out Pot Belly!) But more importantly than all that, Nikki is a praying friend. Whatever the situation is, I know she is always willing to pray for me and I am so thankful.