Samantha & Tom
Meet the Team
Brana Chereshskaya
Maid of Honor
Brana "adopted" Samantha in 2018 and the rest is history! You can find them eating sushi, walking around their second home Westfield, or texting 24/7. The similarities between Tom and Brana are so crazy, Samantha has started a list!
Michael Galdes
Best Man
Michael and Tom became fast friends confirming what career they shouldn't be pursuing during science core classes sophomore year at UCI. Finding non-traditional ways to enjoy science classes became calling their friend group "Swag Van" for a while, developing a one-sided FIFA rivalry and living together in Newport. After taking a gap year living on a boat, Michael decided to reunite this dynamic duo by coming to UChicago law. Now married or engaged dog dads living in LA some may say they've changed, but we know Michael's speech will only paint a picture of a man that's been this domesticated all along.
Sam Fudge
Bridesmaid
A new Fudge, Sam and Samantha met in 2017 at work where they were both initially afraid of each other. After spending a week in Dallas for work and going to a Mav's game they bonded over drive thru Taco Bell that they promised not to eat in the Uber. After getting home that same night Sam asked if Samantha also wanted to order McDonald's, Samantha of course said yes and Sam's response was "I already did" (did everyone follow who said what in this sentence)? That was the moment they became friends! You can find them sipping margaritas, walking from point A to point B, or walking around Westfield (possibly with Brana).
Andrew Davis
Groomsman
Tom and Andrew had their beginnings as preschool classmates and McPlayPlace friends. After going to different elementary schools and not crossing paths much in junior high, they reunited by joining the high school cross country team and picked up right where they'd left off. Tom was the introverted member of this pair during high school, and it wasn't very close as Andrew could be found running around campus with a Stanley Cup replica after the Ducks won. Despite living in different places over the years until recently, they've remained good friends. Andrew will also be a breath of fresh air to some by being the only non-lawyer groomsman.
Michelle Thrun
Bridesmaid
Samantha's little firecracker. Samantha and Michelle started off as friends, later became roommates, and then became inseparable. Whether they were in Boulder or Denver or somewhere in between you could find them going to Yoga (it was a phase), cheering for the Buffs, or eating pho at least weekly.
Matt Honig
Groomsman
Tom and Matt's friendship started during Tom's senior year of college when Matt was a pledge in their frat. Shortly after Tom had declared he was checked out of greek life and had enough "little bros" (it sounded cooler then), he was intrigued when the pledge he'd heard was a political campaign manager prodigy scheduled his pledge interview. Immediately after this Tom decided he did not have enough little bros and the rest is history. Tom and Matt lived together in LA for 3 years during Tom's first 3 years of biglaw and Matt's entire law school career, so needless to say they've helped each other get through some things.
Kimmie Kreuzberger
Bridesmaid
Samantha and Kimmie spent hours in the pool swimming countless laps, filling every weekend with swim meets, and hours on FaceTime when they went to separate schools. You can find Kimmie babysitting her fur nephew, skiing in Vail, or exploring her new home of Denver. Regardless of what she's doing Kimmie is a lifelong friend and we can't wait to celebrate with her!
Kevin Fu
Groomsman
Tom and Kevin lived across the hall from each other in the dorms freshman year. They decided to venture out of the dorms by going to some interesting Irvine parties and rushing frats together. While they ended up picking different ones, this didn't stop them from keeping the adventures going. Kevin also gave Tom's parents a nice and memorable welcome home one time. After graduation they picked different law schools and different cities to start their careers in, but enjoy an occasional dinner in New York when work travel gives the opportunity.
Emily Headden
Bridesmaid
Samantha met Emily her sophomore year of college when they lived in the same dorm. They became fast friends and later on roommates (hey Michelle). You could find them eating Taco Bell after a late night, going to Efrain's or Chez Thuy, and deciding they NEEDED a new sheet set at 11pm on a Wednesday, did someone say Target run? We can't wait to hit the dance floor with you and party like we're 21 again.
Omar Ammash
Groomsman
Tom and Omar lived together during the first year of law school and despite being victims of Tom's sleepwalking phase (don't worry Samantha, not currently a thing) and the ups and downs of Omar's Minnesota sports fandom respectively, survived 1L year. They decided to do it again second year and added raising a puppy to the mix, and let's just say their friendship fared better than the carpet of that apartment. In addition to being Samantha's predecessor as a co-parent, Omar also precedes Samantha as the person Tom relies on to plan trips and both Omar and Samantha refuse to eat leftovers.
Ashley Jamal
Bridesmaid
In 2017 when Samantha came to LA to interview with LifeSpan she met Ashley, a fellow Colorado Buff and Post Malone lover. They quickly became friends and soon after roommates (with Brana). You can find Samantha and Ashley seeking out gluten free food, falling asleep mid conversation or getting Missy Elliot and Ciara confused. We’re so excited to celebrate with Ashley and her new husband Dave in a few short months. (Fun fact, Ashley and Emily went to the same high school)
Trey Chenier
Groomsman
Trey was a member of "the other apartment" during the first two years of law school and (not that everyone else on this page isn't) stands out as a genuinely nice guy. He also routinely dwarfs Tom in pictures and causes steakhouse waiters to call Tom "little buddy" (could be worse we suppose). He became a lock for the wedding party when he gave Samantha her all-time favorite balcony tour. Tom and Trey have had plenty of good times traveling with the broader law school group but also branching off on their own, from finding alternatives to a P!nk concert in Budapest to London to Seattle.
Mariann Howland
Bridesmaid
Mariann is Tom's older sister and arguably our #1 supporter in the Instagram comments section (step up your game other bridesmaids)! While she's busy getting her PhD in Minnesota, we've enjoyed her visits home over the years and seeing her when we were in Minneapolis and are excited to have another occasion for her and her sense of humor to come back to SoCal.
Craig Fligor
Groomsman
There are two sides to every coin. Craig is the smartest of the law school friend group, first to get married and first to be a parent; he also can't help but corner you into betting him on a WAC football game and recently started driving a boat that was still connected to the dock. Only time will tell which side of Captain Craig we'll see at this wedding. Having Craig and his wife move to SoCal unexpectedly a few years ago was a nice surprise and now pays off for them with one of the shortest commutes to the wedding.
Kimberly Howland
Bridesmaid
As Tom's younger sister and a straight shooter, Kimberly has been known to tell it like it is to Tom. Early in the relationship she said to him at a family event "good job but how is this girl dating you?" -- thanks for the kind words! But we know that Kimberly always has our backs. She was the one that made our engagement possible as a surprise by "meeting us for happy hour" and taking pictures of the big moment. We're excited for her to be a part of the next big day too!
Ryan Scarcella
Groomsman
Tom and Ryan's friendship started on an "eventful" walk through Hyde Park one night when Ryan was a 20 year old 1L (if you don't know him set aside any stereotypes you're thinking of based on this--it's quite the opposite). Tom has always said one of his favorite things about Samantha is that she's unapologetically herself--perhaps the only person that's moreso this is Ryan, except in addition to making no apologies for being #BLESSED he might take it a step or two further.
Jason Hufendick
Officiant
The other member of the "other apartment" in law school and the guy you can always count on to be down to do something, Jason grew up in Southern Illinois with an address on a U.S. highway and turned into a successful New York bankruptcy lawyer. The fact that you'll see both sides on display together with a unique sense of humor that includes a love for trolling people is why we thought he'd be a perfect officiant for our wedding.
Stanley
Ring Bearer
This day wouldn't be complete without Stanley having a part! Please excuse his kisses and excitement to meet everyone.