Debbie & Devin
Wedding Friends
Devin Hood
Groom
"D-Hood" I have been friends with each of the the groomsmen since I was 18 (Bryan since 16, Eagles Baby!!!). On paper the group seems a random collection of misfits, however, we're all up for any experience that comes our way if it means hanging with friends or trying something new. I've considered myself beyond fortunate to call these guys my best friends over the past 14 years (& counting) and we couldn't be happier that they're up there with us as Deb and I move onto the next chapter in our lives together.
Debbie O'Neill
Bride
I'm incredibly lucky to have all of these fantastic women standing up there with me on my big day! Each person is so special to me for different reasons. Katie and Julie - my older and younger Sisters, no-one knows me like they do. I'm so lucky I got them as sisters who know what I'm thinking just by looking at me. Sheena and Mary represent the Irish side of my heart and Katie and Lisa, the American side. Four of the most loyal, fun loving, hilarious friends I could ask for who have always supported and encouraged me from day 1. Dev and I are so happy to have these 6 brilliant girls part of our day!
Andrew Parkin
Best Man
"Just Drew" When he's not on the Bags Court (Losing to Devin..) he'll decidedly be ready and willing to get into some sort of shenanigans. From Cross-Dress Home Run Derby in the dorms to turning a beach volleyball court into a 40,000 gallon pool (again, really sorry about that, SAE...) there is not an activity (or costume) that this man would turn down. I've been fortunate enough to share holidays with his family (even gained a second mom) and I don't think there is someone out there who places a stronger value on friendship than Parkin. An excellent ring-leader for getting into trouble and making sure that our quarterly visits always happen, he arguably is the straw that stirs the drink.
Katie Chegwidden
Maid of Honor
My oldest sister, my second mother! Couldn't be happier to have Katie standing next to me on my big day! Katie has the biggest heart and although she likes to act like she isn't, she is a complete softy so mark my words - she will be crying like a baby;) Katie is not only a great Mother to her two gorgeous kids but she's a great sister, wife and friend and really does have one of the biggest hearts. She's always just wanted the best for all her siblings and has been a huge factor into moulding the people we've all become today.
Koury Reid
Groomsman
"KoKo Baby" Fellow physics & movie buff, Koury and I were a dynamic duo in college (he also the treasurer and I the social chair) Devin: “Koury, I need $2,000 to turn the chapter room into an indoor waterpark…” Koury: "That sounds epic, I’ll let the guys I've 're-worked' our food budget..." In addition to the invaluable lesson that his mother has taught our group, Koury brings a truly positive energy to all aspects of life. He carries a great youthful mentality that reminds you not to take everything so seriously and enjoy the moments you’re in (and that a dress shirt and literally nothing else is great sleep attire..)
Julie-Anne O'Neill
Bridesmaid
My younger sister who is probably the funniest person I know! Even though she's younger than me, she gives me the best advice and is way more mature than I am! I'm really glad she's willing to stand up there with me given we tormented her for years because she's left handed. She's still sensitive about it. It's ok Jules, we know, left handed people are smarter... Jules is the type of person that once your in her inner circle, you're in for life. She is so incredibly caring and loves her friends like no other. She's the type of person that you could call at any time of the night and she'd be there, in a flash, no questions asked.
Bryan Martinez
Groomsman
"Cat Man" Bryan transferred to my high school our junior year. Despite him abandoning our County-Leading basketball team for our LAST PLACE BASEBALL TEAM, I was able to move past this and forge what is now my oldest friendship (I'd like to think that his Achilles literally exploding when he tried to guard me in city league 2-years ago was divine retribution for this betrayal...) He has a very subtle knack for somehow being both the voice of reason & chief instigator, which along with his dedication & focus to family, is something I've always tried to emulate. So if you need a solid power forward, an adequately decent/somewhat passable baseball player or just a great friend, look no further than the Cat-Man himself. #Meow
Mary O'Sullivan
Bridesmaid
One of my oldest and dearest friend's in the whole world - I've known Mary since I was about 10 years old. Seeing as we started off with an immense "townie vs culchie" rivlarly, I'd like to think we've really come full circle! Mares and I have the unique ability to laugh so hard that no sound comes out for at least 3 minutes! Mary is one of those best friends that everyone should have, solid as a rock, always there and always up for a laugh. She has the biggest heart and doesn't realize how great of a person she really is. She's kind beyond measure and is one of my favorite people.
Ryan Fragale
Groomsman
“Little Italy” When he’s not getting crossed up on the basketball court (again, by Devin..) you’ll likely find him doing some physical activities. Also known as “Game 7” in our college pick-up gym, you’ll be hard pressed to find a fiercer competitor. From his shimmery bowl cut above, to his perfectly blow-dried hair freshman year (#Volume) Frag’s passion is infectious and prevalent in everything he does.
Sheena Donnelly
Bridesmaid
One of the best friends a girl could ask for - I'm so happy to have Sheena standing up there with me on my big day! If anyone can tear up a dance-floor and get the party started, it's Sheena Donnelly! Always the last one standing and the life and soul of a party! Shish is fiercely loyal & so considerate. She always makes you feel like nothing is too much and goes out of her way to make everyone in her life feel special. She's would do anything for her friends, always has a smile on her face and is so loved. Anyone who is lucky enough to have Sheena as a friend knows what I mean.
Turtle Escoto
Groomsman
“Mark” I first met Turtle during one of his and Jeff’s many to Santa Barbara to visit Drew (Turtle’s childhood friend) and we hit it off right away. Essentially a latin version of the pillsbury dough man (seriously, try and tickle him when you see him..), his caring nature, always open attitude & love for the "performing arts” make him a great addition to any activity.
Katie Fellenz
Bridesmaid
My very first friend from Santa Barbara! Katie has been nothing but a positive ray of sunshine in my life for the last 12 years. I'd actually be lost without her. She has known Devin and I since day one so it really wouldn't be the same without her up there with me. We get along so well because we both love to be in bed asleep by 9pm:) She's definitely the ying to my yang! Katie's upbeat, ambitious, sweet personality is infectious and inspiring. She is so kind natured and loving and just wants everyone to be happy. She's my one in a million. She radiates and lights up any room she walks into.
Jeff Aaron
Groomsman
“El Jefe” Don’t let the mountain man appearance fool you, Jeff is essentially a red-headed teddy bear. We share a a love for cooking (you're welcome Debbie & Daycia!), Hockey (GoAvsGo!), and the seemingly odd combination of fast food and fine wine while trying to get through Nightmare Before Christmas (my favorite movie that I still don’t think he’s ever finished). An amazing friend, father & husband, Jeff is a constant reminder to keep your true priorities in focus and to always find a way to make the lives of those close to you better.
Lisa Thomsen
Bridesmaid
My beloved Lisa, more affectionately known as "Pete" or "Peter"! We have the same nickname for each-other - it's a long story! Lisa is one of my best friends and showed me how to have fun in SB! She (after some convincing) welcomed me into her world and I haven't looked back since! I think we get along so well because of our mutual love of napping and carbs. Lise and her family not only invited me into their home during holidays, but they've genuinely made me feel part of their family. Being so far away from home, this is really special to me and she's become like a sister to me. One of the most thoughtful, loving friends I could ask for. She will listen to me talking about the same old thing for hours and our instant connection from day 1 can't be broken.