Wedding Party
Dyan Harpest
Mother of the Bride
Dyan grew up in Massachusetts, where she stayed through her college years. After graduating from Bridgewater State, she took a big leap and moved to Florida — where she eventually met Bob. Their story began at one of Dyan’s former restaurants, Duffy’s Diner. Bob was a regular customer who always ordered the meatloaf, so Dyan decided to name her next special “Bob’s Meatloaf.” That special turned out to be one of the reasons Christie is here today! Beyond being an incredible mother and role model, Dyan was a successful restaurant owner, dedicating 30 years to the industry. Now happily retired, she’s enjoying her well-deserved time with family. A few fun facts about Dyan: her favorite music is by ABBA, Aerosmith used to practice in her basement when she was a teenager, and she was once a cheerleader. We are so thankful for you and all that you do, Mom!
Bob Harpest
Father of the Bride
Bob Harpest, affectionately known as “Bob the Builder,” is an incredible role model and father. There’s almost nothing Bob can’t fix — if there’s a problem to solve, he’s the one you call! Born and raised in Ohio, Bob spent his younger years cruising around town in his Camaro and playing football. He’s a devoted Ohio State fan, and the only time you can’t reach him is when the Buckeyes are playing! Bob has worked in the car industry since he was about 20 years old, a career that eventually brought him to Florida — where he met Dyan. In his free time, Bob loves riding his Harley-Davidson around town, often with Christie along for the ride. We’re all so thankful for Bob and everything he does. He’s always finding ways to make the people around him smile. Be sure to catch him proudly walking Christie down the aisle on February 7!
Leslie Dreichler
Mother of the Groom
Leslie grew up on Long Island and, after graduating from high school, she began working in the City while attending college at night and on weekends. Her career led her to Atlanta, where she met Ken, at her bestie’s wedding, in New York. Ken, the groom's cousin, would turn out to be destiny calling, as Leslie caught the bouquet that night. They spent a whirlwind summer connecting through late-night phone calls; rates were cheaper after 11 PM, and exchanged letters every day (before the internet and cell phones). The two hearts, found themselves embarking on an adventure when Ken received a promotion that took them both to Casper, Wyoming. With each new city—Syracuse, NY; Kalamazoo, MI; Vero Beach, FL; a return to Atlanta, and then to Coral Springs, they found their haven, settling down and nurturing their new family under one roof for 30 years, where they raised their two sons, Brandon and Connor. Some fun facts about Leslie is that she met John Travolta and kissed Mohammed Ali! She loves to go to garage sales and estate sales and is always hunting for a bargain.
Kenneth Dreichler
Father of the Groom
Ken grew up in Montvale, NJ, surrounded by an extended family. His dad was from NYC, and mom from Edgewater NJ. He was passionate about playing baseball and basketball throughout high school. In 1978, the Dreichlers moved to Florida, and Ken eventually graduated from FAU. Starting a career in the hospitality industry, Ken began as a valet and worked his way up to General Manager positions, fueling a series of cross-country moves. Traveling with Leslie across the nation, he gathered many experiences to establish a solid family foundation. Recently retired, Ken's career has included various roles outside the hotel industry, but now he focuses on his passions. His love for golfing has him aiming to join a senior league in South Florida. He enjoys tackling projects around the house, working off his own list rather than the typical "honey-do" list. Ken loves the opportunity to help Brandon and Connor, when they call for help with projects at their homes.
Cara Harpest
Maid of Honor
Cara Harpest is Christie’s twin — yes, you read that right, twin! Born just two minutes before Christie, Cara has never let her forget it. Growing up, they did everything together, and beyond being sisters, they are best friends. Despite being twins, they are complete opposites: Cara is artistic and outgoing, while Christie has always been athletic and more introverted. They may not have twin telepathy, but somehow they always seem to anticipate each other’s next move. Together, they are a brunette and a blonde with an inseparable bond. A few fun facts about Cara: she’s a talented singer and performer in several bands, loves cruising in her antique Mercedes, has a passion for cooking, can speak fluent gibberish, and even owns a restaurant. And if that weren’t enough, she’s also one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet.
Alec Dowell
Best Man
Alec Dowell has been Brandon’s friend since eighth grade, when they met playing on the same baseball team — Brandon as a pitcher and Alec as an outfielder. Growing up, they shared plenty of memories, from grabbing pizza at Annie’s after school to cruising around town once Alec got his first car, and spending countless hours together at the baseball field. Even though they went to different colleges, their friendship stayed strong no matter the distance. Alec is married to Karissa, and they have three beautiful children. Fun fact: Alec and Christie share the same birthday. Today, Alec serves his community as a firefighter.
Lindsey Silvestri
Matron of Honor
Lindsey is Christie’s older sister. She’s married to Francisco Silvestri, and together they have a beautiful daughter named Alina. Growing up, Lindsey loved blasting early 2000s hits from her bedroom stereo, filling the whole house with music. When the walls started shaking to her tunes, Christie and Cara knew it was time to jump in, dancing and singing along late into the night. People often say that if you combined Cara and Christie, you’d get Lindsey — she’s the perfect mix of all of us. A few fun facts about Lindsey: she’s a talented singer and dancer, an incredible cook, a wonderful Mother, a lover of animals, and a skilled makeup artist.
Ryan Coleman
Groomsman
Ryan is one of Christie and Brandon’s friends and a key part of their story. Brandon met Ryan back in high school at Stoneman Douglas, well before he even knew Christie. Ryan has always been the kind of friend who notices the little things — and one day at work, he told Brandon about a girl he thought he’d really like. Without missing a beat, Ryan pulled up Christie’s Instagram and encouraged Brandon to check her out. That moment turned out to be the spark that set everything in motion for Christie and Brandon’s relationship. Beyond his matchmaking skills, Ryan has built a successful career in luxury real estate. When he’s not working or helping clients find their dream homes, he’s at home with his four orange cats, who keep things lively. And after a long day, you can bet he’s enjoying a well-made dirty martini.
Valerie Dreichler
Bridesmaid
Valerie is Christie and Brandon’s sister-in-law. She recently tied the knot with Brandon’s younger brother, Connor, in a beautiful wedding in the Florida Keys! Together, they share a furry little family member — Martin, their King Charles Cavalier. A few fun facts about Val: she recently conquered her fear of sushi (a truly life-changing moment!), and she’s an avid reader who even attends a book club, where they dive into their favorite romance novels.
Connor Dreichler
Groomsman
Connor is Brandon's younger brother. Connor and Valerie just got married in early 2025, in the beautiful Florida Keys. Connor and Val met in high school international relations class. Where they became close friends and then eventually something more... Connor is Chief information and Security officer at Unbank. On his days off, Connor loves to golf, spend time with his puppy Martin, fish, and loves to try new restaurants. Some fun facts about Connor are he is a great golfer, he completed the Buffalo Wild Wings Blazing Challenge, and his best experience he has ever done is going in a hot air ballon in Prague, CZ.
Andrea Izique
Bridesmaid
Andrea and Christie met when they were in elementary school. So long ago, we can't pinpoint the exact moment, but let's just say she's been around forever. Ironically, Andrea and Brandon were also neighbors, so Christie would drive by Brandon's house almost every day and didn't even realize. Growing up, Christie and Andrea would call each other's house phones almost every day, so we could hangout and play video games, swim all day, watch scary movies together, play volleyball, and annoy Cara every second we could. Some fun facts about Andrea are that she hates clowns, loves to travel, loves english bull dogs, and is very skilled in marketing.
Zack Miednik
Groomsman
Zack Miednik has been Brandon’s friend since they were just 8 years old. The two first met playing baseball in North Springs Little League and later attended high school together at Stoneman Douglas. Over the years, they shared a lot — from summers at camp and baseball games to their regular meetups at Serendipity at The Boca Raton. Zack has a sharp mind for real estate, loves to golf, and is married to Miranda. They have a beautiful daughter and are expecting their second child soon. Fun fact: Zack actually played a key role in Brandon and Christie meeting for the first time — he brought Brandon into the gym where Christie happened to be interning… and the rest is history. If you spot him during cocktail hour, make sure to say hello!
Haley Kondaki
Bridesmaid
Haley has been Christie’s friend since middle school. The two first met in 6th grade homeroom — history class with Mr. Mullins — and have been inseparable ever since. Throughout school, they ran track and field together, played soccer together, and rode the bus home side by side. Some of their best memories include cruising around the neighborhood on the golf cart with Cara and Andrea, blasting Miley Cyrus on summer nights. Today, Haley works as an ER nurse and is truly incredible at what she does. If you see her during cocktail hour, be sure to stop by and say hello!
Colton Bottomley
Groomsman
Colton Bottomley has been friends with Brandon since middle school. The two went on to attend Stoneman Douglas High School together, where they both played baseball and built countless memories on and off the field. Colton is married to Emily, and together they have a beautiful daughter. Over the years, Brandon and Colton have shared plenty of experiences — from going to tutoring sessions and playing baseball to attending Florida Gulf Coast University together. A couple of fun facts about Colton: he loves spending time out on the water boating, and his very first car was a baby blue Mustang.
Casey Soler
Bridesmaid
Casey has been one of Christie’s friends since high school. They met on the very first day of ninth grade in HOPE (PE) class, making Casey one of the first friends Christie made at Stoneman Douglas. Growing up, they shared a love for volleyball, spent countless days at the beach, and hung out at each other’s houses after school. Casey is married to her high school sweetheart, Wesley, and together they have two beautiful daughters.
Thomas Lamers
Groomsman
Thomas Lamers has been one of Brandon’s friends since middle school. The two played baseball together during their time at Stoneman Douglas High School and have stayed close ever since. Thomas is now married to Sydney, a fellow Stoneman Douglas alum — and fun twist of fate: Sydney and Christie actually shared a physics class back in high school. Thomas and Sydney just welcomed their first child in September 2025, and when he’s not busy being a new dad, Thomas enjoys traveling to Canada every year and spending time in the kitchen, where he’s known for his love of cooking.
Alina Silvestri
Flower Girl
Alina is Christie’s adorable niece, and she has a big personality to match her bright smile! She loves dancing around to her favorite songs, singing at the top of her lungs, and experimenting with makeup—just like her mom, Lindsey. Alina is over the moon about being the flower girl, and she has been practicing throwing petals at home with the kind of excitement only a true little helper can have. She can’t wait to bring a touch of sparkle and joy to the special day!
Paul Dowell
Ring Bearer
Paul is the youngest son of Alec and Karissa Dowell, and he’s so excited to be the Ring Bearer at Christie and Brandon’s wedding! Some fun facts about Paul are that he loves riding the golf cart with his parents, playing on the playground, and hanging out with his “Uncle” Brandon.
Teddy
The Best Boy
Teddy was found on Mother's day on the Train tracks, while Christie and Brandon were heading home at 1 AM. We say that he "fell in our lap" for a reason.
Jet
The Best Boy
Jet was found at the gym back when Christie was single and in college. He was a part of the "package deal" when Brandon met Christie.
Processional
Family Members
Rob Harpest Francisco Silvestri Paul Carchio David Carchio Lynne Carchio Alex Carchio Cody Carchio Cheryl Pascale Dom Pascale Jackie Slinko