Georgette & Charlie
Wedding Party
Georgette Spanjich
Bride
Likes: Charlie, Shark Week, Broadway Show Tunes Dislikes: Spicy Food, Fox News, Waking Up to an Alarm Clock Originally from Long Island, NY, Georgette has lived in Washington, DC since her freshman year at American University in 2006. She is currently executive vice president of Plurus Strategies, a lobbying firm Georgette launched with two colleagues in May 2017. In her professional life, Georgette focuses primarily on national security and tech policy. When she is not adventuring with Charlie, Georgette teaches group exercise classes at their local gym at the Navy Yard, including Bodypump and STRONG by Zumba. She also enjoys hosting dinners and board game nights for friends. Having danced for years as a kid, Georgette continues to study jazz and tap.
Charlie Kerr
Groom
Likes: Georgette, Tanks, Spaghetti & Hot Dogs Dislikes: Traffic, Cleaning, Wind Hailing from Long Beach, CA, Charlie has lived in Washington, DC since graduating from graduate school at the University of Denver in 2016. Since March 2018, he has been an intelligence analyst with the Department of the Air Force, following a stint as an analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency. Professionally, Charlie has focused on Mexico, Central America, Colombia, the Middle East, and Russia, specializing in political and military affairs. In his free time, he enjoys reading cheesy techno thrillers, visiting the various museums in DC, and sharing new experiences with Georgette.
Lauren Spanjich
Maid of Honor
Likes: Frozen, The Hallmark Channel, Baby Goats Dislikes: Sponges, Mayonnaise, Days Without Laughter Georgette has known Lauren since she was born. Growing up, Georgette and Lauren were close as sisters could be, playing make believe and dress up and putting on shows for mom and dad. In fact, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, Lauren would say, "Georgette!" Lauren just bought her first home in Bentonville, AR, where she is an associate manager for Walmart shopper insights for The Hershey Company. Georgette is one impressed big sister! Despite living a time zone apart, Georgette and Lauren still dress exactly the same. They also like to make surprise visits to see one another. Lauren even made a special trip to DC to take Georgette bridal gown shopping for the first time.
Patrick Holder
Best Man
Likes: Trombone, Economics, Burritos/All Mexican Food Dislikes: Avocados, Cold Weather, People Talking/Texting in Move Theaters Patrick and Charlie began their friendship in the first grade and have remained close since. Both have shared many hours playing music throughout middle and high school as members of multiple musical ensembles, including marching band, jazz band, and the notable Orange County ska band, King Otterpop and the Slushtones. While they had been living in separate states for many years, both were excited to finally be in the same time zone, with Patrick (now DOCTOR Patrick) having recently relocated to New York City to put his doctorate in econometrics to good use. Patrick enjoys jamming out on various instruments, as well as being a champion Magic player.
Hilary Friedlander
Bridesmaid
Likes: Cheese, Spicy Tequila Cocktails, New York Times Monday Crossword Puzzles Dislikes: Licorice, Hairballs, Losing at Gingerbread House Decorating Competitions Hilary is Georgette's cousin. A year apart, Georgette and Hilary spent every holiday together as kids. Some favorite memories include home video productions and shared family vacations in the Caribbean and at Mohonk Mountain House. Fast forward several years and Georgette and Hilary have remained close. Georgette was a bridesmaid in Hilary's wedding in Kruger Park, South Africa. Hilary and her husband, Keith, have lived in New York City since Hilary graduated medical school. While Georgette was hoping Hilary might do her residency in DC, she is so proud that Hilary is an obstetrics and gynecology resident at New York University.
Kevin Carter
Groomsman
Likes: Charlie, Throwing Lawn Furniture Into Swimming Pools, Running Dislikes: Magic (Both Tricks and the Card Game), Virginia Wines, The Usos Kevin and Charlie met their freshman year at American University and decided to take over their fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon (they were mostly successful). They shared many exciting years together in college and shared an awesome house with their fraternity brothers. Kevin has built an amazing career since graduating from American and Georgetown, working for the government, as a consultant at Deloitte, and most recently spearheading change in the cyber domain with the U.S. Digital Service. When Kevin isn't closing deals, he enjoys sports (he's a big Georgetown fan), snowboarding in exotic locales, and marathon running.
Abby Matousek
Bridesmaid
Likes: Rock Climbing, Chocolate Milk, Cats Dislikes: (Most) Humans, Sitting Still, Ankles Georgette and Abby met through American University's School of Public Affairs Leadership Program. Back then, they were total opposites. Abby was shy and Georgette was an obnoxiously big personality. They started to warm up to one another during student government cabinet meetings, but it was not until they began working at ML Strategies that their friendship blossomed. For much of their time in DC, Georgette and Abby lived in the same building and saw each other every day. In 2015, Abby moved to NYC to pursue her dream of becoming a graphic designer. She now works for Pentagram, a leading graphic design firm. When not broken, Abby makes it to DC for important celebrations, including Lost Weekend.
Jon Griffin
Groomsman
Likes: A Well Made Old-Fashioned, Woodworking, Aisle Seats Dislikes: Drivers Who Cruise in the Left Lane, Skateboarding Adults, Buses Dressed as Trollies Jon and Charlie lived on the same floor their freshman year and became fraternity brothers in Sigma Phi Epsilon. They lived with two other friends in a shared dorm their sophomore year, where one could easily tell where Charlie's side of the room ended and Jon's began (Jon's side was neater). There were also constant fights over how cold the room would be. Charlie and Jon also lived together in the fraternity house, where Jon ran a tight ship. Since graduation, Jon has served as an Alexandria Police officer. Charlie's Mom insists every police officer in Alexandria is Jon. Jon enjoys video games, hanging with friends, and skeet shooting.
Ashley Wolos
Bridesmaid
Likes: Champagne, Fall Weather, Airports Dislikes: Coconut, Tardiness, Middle Seats Georgette and Ashley first met at American University. Between Georgette's involvement in student government and Ashley's dedication to the university's public relations club, their paths always crossed in the student center. Today, Georgette and Ashley live right down the street from one another in what Forbes has rated "one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world." Being neighbors means that Georgette, Charlie, and Ashely frequently get to enjoy impromptu pool days, dinner dates, and multiple seasons of the bachelor and bachelorette. Since graduating college, Ashley has continued to take the public relations world by storm. She is currently an associate account director for AARP in Washington, DC.
Colin Shelby
Groomsman
Likes: His Fiancee Meredith, Philadelphia Sports Teams, Economic Discussions About the Housing Market Dislikes: Metro Escalator Riders Who Stand on the Left, Humid and/or Hot Weather, Sushi Charlie met Colin his freshman year of college, when Colin was their fraternity president and generously agreed to take Charlie on as his little. They enjoyed many nights of "lifting weights" (playing Magic cards) together, indoctrinating new fraternity brothers, and have remained good friends since. Charlie and Colin share internet memes daily, and often discuss which hot new fad or digital currency to invest in. Colin has since earned one masters degree, is currently working on another, and is working in the world of finance and analytics.
Ben Schorr
Officiant
Likes: Coffee, Podcasts, Family/Friend Adventures Dislikes: Bad Food, Toy Dogs, Horror Movies Georgette called Ben the summer before his freshman year at American University to welcome him to the School of Public Affairs Leadership Program. Ben stalked Georgette on Facebook that summer and scooped her up in a big hug during his very first day on campus. Since then, Georgette and Ben have teamed up on social action projects, worked together to advance a healthcare coalition, and made many visits to each other's families, even after Ben moved to NY. Georgette was also a groomsperson in Ben's wedding to his husband, Adam. After almost five years at United Way Worldwide, Ben continues to make the world a better place as a senior manager for philanthropy and social impact at Kellogg's.
Joe Vidulich
Officiant
Likes: Diet Pepsi, New York Giants Football, Dogs Dislikes: Donald J. Trump, Licorice, Donald J. Trump Charlie met Joe his freshman year of college, when Joe was part of his pledge class in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Being a few years older and wiser, Joe has always been a source of advice for Charlie and many of their mutual friends. Blessed with the gift of gab, Joe made an excellent student body president, and an even greater lobbyist. While he can talk your ear off, he always has something very wise or very funny to say! Currently working for Capital One, Joe is a world traveler, having visited multiple European countries and recently Australia and New Zealand. He also supports his alma matter, American University, and has served as the Alumni Association president.
Dale Michel-Spanjich
Mother of the Bride
Likes: Entertaining, Beaches, Harvest Moons Dislikes: Being Cold, Rude People, Not Being Able to Retire Sooner Georgette always remembers her mom saying there is nothing she wanted more than to be a mom. Everyday, Georgette is grateful Dale is hers! For most of Georgette's childhood, Dale was a stay at home mom, teaching Georgette how to use her imagination, helping her with homework, hosting playdates, and taking Georgette to dance and martial arts. Today, Dale not only continues to be the head of a tight knit family, but she is also a brand associate leader for Old Navy and an active member of her Long Island community. When she is not spending time with family or being the mother of the bride, Dale enjoys going for long walks or bike rides in the neighborhood and relaxing on the beach.
Jo Kerr
Mother of the Groom
Likes: Family, Teaching Aerobic Dance, Chocolate Dislikes: People Who Mistreat Animals, Vacuuming, Oysters Charlie's Mom has been his best friend and number one fan since before he was born, and was lucky to share cherished memories like "special days" at the mall eating Mongolian food, walks in the park, and years of aerobics classes. "Charlie's Mom" was always pushing him to succeed and supporting him throughout his life, including long hours chaperoning with marching band, throwing a football, and even feeding the praying mantis, Gladdis. A lifelong aerobics instructor, Jo has a loyal following of aerobic students who have known Charlie since before he was born. She still teaches aerobics five days a week and volunteers at the local animal shelter, library, and at Long Beach Airport.
Scott Spanjich
Father of the Bride
Likes: Boating, Hot Sauce, Spending Time with Family Dislikes: The Dentist, Working, Cheap Tequila Though it was not easy, Georgette has always admired her dad for surviving in a house of all women. Growing up, some of Georgette's favorite memories include cheering on the NY Rangers and hanging backstage at concerts with dad and asking "what's that funny smell?" Georgette also has vivid memories of putting on her first suits and joining dad in NYC on take your daughter to work day. Now that she runs a business, Georgette can thank her dad for sharing his professionalism and work ethic. Today, Scott is managing director of WildchildContent, a commercial advertising and production agency in NYC. On the weekends, Scott can be found on his boat, 24 FPS, with a fishing pole in hand.
Charlie Kerr
Father of the Groom
Likes: Golf, Great Meals, Relaxing at Home with Family Dislikes: LA Traffic, Late Tee Times, People Who Don't Pay Attention Charlie has always looked up to his father. Whenever there was a problem, or if he was in need of advice (whether wanted or not), Charlie's dad has always been there. He has pushed Charlie to keep bettering himself, from getting into American University, joining the Marines, and earning his graduate degree. Some of the best memories include camping trips with Cub Scouts to Lost Valley, throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Mammoth Lake, and fishing at Convict Lake. Currently retired, Charlie's Dad had a long career in the shipping and transportation industry. An avid golfer playing at least three times a week, Charlie's friends are all amazed at his scores.