Deb & Nati
Wedding Party
Netanel Draiblate
Groom
The groom was born in Israel to a family of musicians, a passion he pursued since age six. At the age of twenty-two Nati moved to the United-States to pursue several degrees in music leading to his role as Concertmaster of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra where he later met Deb. On May 1st, 2021 following an ASO concert Nati received a musical question from Deb to which he replied "Glad you came! Let's grab a bite sometime soon". Four days later they met at Joss Cafe in Annapolis, finally Nati's plan can take flight. Deb initially thought that the meeting was related to relationship cultivation between a concertmaster and a board member…the relationship part was spot on!
Deborah Howe
Bride
The bride grew up in California and followed her passion for the humanities to Michigan, where she studied English and Philosophy. She later earned her law degree in Virginia at Washington & Lee University and eventually settled in Annapolis to begin her career as a trust and estate attorney. Shortly after moving to town, she met Nati, the concertmaster of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Their first date was sushi on Cinco de Mayo, and by the third, he was flying her in a Cessna to Ocean City. The rest is history!
Yoni Draiblate
Best Man
“Can you get the light switch?... No, you get the switch!...It’s your turn”. When two siblings live in a joint modest room in Israel, who gets to turn the lights off at night becomes a philosophical debate, once you can settle that debate, it seems like the world’s problems are magically solved. True to form as the best man, Yoni is always around offering solid advice. Living in Florida with his wife Kimberly and children Jonathan and Benjamin, Yoni is a dedicated father, exceptional musician, and the wittiest person you’ll ever meet.
Julie Voydik
Maid of Honor
Growing up just a couple of years apart, Deb and her sister Julie were inseparable—occasionally even performing the “Sisters” duet from White Christmas for an audience of amused (and patient) relatives. After retiring from her Berlin duet days, Julie enlisted in the Army, serving as a medic in Iraq. Following her military service, she returned to school, earned her MD, and now works as an emergency physician in New Hampshire.
Lou Berman
Groomsman
If you look for a well-rounded man, artist, professional, and family man, you found him! Lou Berman is an accomplished endodontist, lecturer, pianist, and graphic designer. Lou’s pride is his family, living in Annapolis with his wife Laurie and Rudy (Woof Woof) he is a father of three boys. Lou and Laurie opened their home to Nati in the earlier days of his tenure at the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and kept being close friends ever since. Lou is both funny and intellectually captivating making any time spent with him just fly by.
Katilyn Kotchka
Bridesmaid
Katilyn moved to Annapolis when her husband, Will, was station at Fort Meade and met Deb through their church. Quickly recognizing a kindred spirit in each other, Katilyn and Deb (and their dogs) became fixtures at each other’s homes. Always up for an adventure and for the opportunity to put her stellar cooking skills to use, Katilyn dove into Deb’s idea of an “international night” where they pick a cuisine and then cook a full meal as authentically as possible. Deb and Katilyn kept up their international nights until Katilyn moved to Washington State (with Will and their dog Coda) where she now studies geology at Central Washington University.
William Nerenberg
Groomsman
Bill and Nati met for the first time in 2007 at the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore. Bill is a renowned artist manager, teacher, and philanthropist. He profoundly influenced Nati’s life personally and professionally. Bill is a phenomenal cook, husband, father, and grandfather and an avid supporter of the arts. If you have a chance to meet Bill you’re in for some amazing stories and one of the most interesting, wholesome conversations with the kindest man out there. Bill lives outside Baltimore with his wife Dorothy and two fun dogs, Phoebe and Isabel.
Tamra Harris
Bridesmaid
Tamra and Deb became fast friends while attending law school together at Washington & Lee University. Tamra is a runner, lover of the outdoors, and dog mom to Remi (an Australian Shepherd). In law school, Tamra would often hike with Deb on the trails that run through the Appalachian hills—thanks to Deb’s sense of direction they’d rarely end up on the intended trail. Now, Tamra and Remi live in Chattanooga, Tennessee where Tamra is an associate with Holland & Knight practicing in their False Claims Act defense group.
Bill Sturm
Groomsman
Did you design your own home? Bill, an architect by trade did! A sustainable, green, lovely home in Lake Forest, Illinois tells you all you need to know about Bill: Attentive to detail, refined, smart, open-minded, and forward looking. Bill and his wife Gail hosted Nati during his performances with the Lake Forest Symphony, and quickly became close friends. Some of Nati’s favorite times are conversing with Bill and Gail over the dinner table with lots of depth and laughs. Bill is a father of two exceptional individuals. We also shouldn’t forget Cleo the cat. Bill and Gail hosted Deb and Nati during their first joint vacation in 2021.
Rena Serrato
Bridesmaid
In 2021, Deb’s friend Scott brought his new girlfriend, Rena, to Bible study with him. Learning that Rena enjoyed running, Deb invited Rena to join her on her Saturday morning runs. Now, with hundreds of miles under their belts, Deb and Rena still run together a couple times a week. Rena, an engineer at Northrop Grumman, lives in Annapolis with her husband, Scott, her dog Rue, and by the time of the wedding their baby boy.