Jill & Michael
Wedding Party
Jill Wozniak
Bride
Hi, I'm Jill! Most of you know all of this already, but here ya go! I was born in NJ and moved to NC when I was 8 yrs old where I became a southern girl. I played sports my whole life - mostly gymnastics and volleyball. I went to Elon University where I received a BS, and BA. I received my MS a few years later in forensic science. I started working in the forensic field as an autopsy technician - whoop whoop. I did change fields into a professional setting - staffing and sales (boringgg, but it pays the bills way better)! I grew up around dogs (showing and breeding) with my mom and grandma and now have two GSPs of our own! I now mostly love being outside hiking or parks! I love love love traveling. Most people would say I'm known for being always speaking my mind and down for a good time!
Michael Elefante
Groom
Mike was born in NJ and moved to NC shortly after. He grew up in sports - basketball (led the state in drawn charges) and baseball which he went on to play in college at Elon University. He started off catching and pitched the majority of his career. He received a BS from Elon University in 2015 and played a 5th year of baseball due to redshirting his sophomore year. Mike loves to be outside - hiking, camping and of course fishing (he has fished his whole life). He started his professional career in tech sales and has progressed through a few companies (and cities) to where he is now - networking sales. Mike loves to make homemade tacos, bread and pizza - and Jill loves to eat. Anyone would tell you Mike is a very goofy, warm-hearted guy who has the most fire dance moves.
Linda Wozniak
Mother of the Bride
Linda is Jill's mother. Her side of the family has a English background as she was born in England and immigrated to the US when she was 3 years old. She grew up in New Jersey where she had her career as a Corporate Credit Manager for BP. Once she had Jill, she retired and opened her own kennel and made her hobby of dogs into a second career. Linda, Ed and Jill moved to NC to be closer to Linda's parents in 2000, where Jill grew up. Linda is still heavy in the dog world - showing, breeding, and judging for the AKC. Linda was Jill's Girl Scout troop leader and would always help Jill with homework, throw pool parties AND make all her Halloween costumes and Birthday cakes! Linda's biggest accomplishment - raising the hellion of a child Jill was, without killing her along the way!
Ed Wozniak
Father of the Bride
Ed is Jill's father. He was born in the lower East side of Manhattan where he grew up and went to the NJIT where he did most of his schooling. He built a career as the Corporate Director of Manufacturing Engineering in the International Division for Nabisco. He travelled a lot for work and before and Linda would meet him in different countries to vacation. Ed retired when Jill was born and picked up a hobby to keep him busy such as sharpening knives and shears for hair salons. Ed would do practically anything for Jill such as bringing earrings to high school that she forgot, telling bed time stories, whoop Jill's butt in ping pong and chess, and always make her "say it with a straight face" to see if she was lying. He wanted everyone to know that he is super cute and cuddly.
Janine Elefante
Mother of the Groom
My mom is an ultra supportive, kind hearted and hard working individual. She consistently puts others before herself. My mom has served as a Nurse for over 30 years, with the longest stint being at UNC Hospitals. She has supported me through all aspects of life, especially through sports and other interests growing up, such as fishing. When I was young, she would often wait in the parking lot at a local pond yelling that it was time to leave, only to hear be scream "one more cast!" several times over again. She is a tremendous cook and craftswoman. Most people may not realize that half of the furniture and decorations in our house were either created or refurbished by her. Cooking and DIY projects are both hobbies we share in common. I am blessed to have such a great mother!
Gary Elefante
Father of the Groom
My Dad has always been a role model for me. He grew up in NJ, youngest of seven. He also played baseball in college, at Rutgers University. He had a successful sales career in the tech industry prior to finding much success and a passion as a Financial Advisor. He's always been a diligent worker, husband and father. As a child, I remember him spending countless hours in gyms and on playing fields, coaching youth league teams, and just being there when it counted. My dad loves to exercise and has such a low resting heart rate, you may take a second look to make sure he's still breathing. He's always willing to go out of his way to help others and never afraid to stand up to someone for what's right. I admire his work ethic, honesty, candidness and yes, even his stubbornness at times.
Sloan Watkins
Matron of Honor
I have been friends with Sloan for about 6 years now after complimenting each other on social media. We had known each other for a while from both being in Hillsborough. We immediately became super close, talking all the time and of course going out to eat. Some of my favorite memories with Sloan is running almost every 5K for Angels Among Us, our trip to LA, field parties, her surprising me in Dallas for my birthday, always falling asleep on the couch while talking, and her becoming a mother. Sloan knows every single fact about me (good and bad) and has always been there for me when I need anything. She also stands in as my doctor to tell me I'm not dying from whatever hypochondria is happening.
Claire Robichaux
Bridesmaid
Claire and I have been friends for a little over a year and it honestly feels like much longer. We met in the dog park at our apartment in Austin where her husband forced us to be friends (we were both too awkward to ask). She is from New Orleans and has such a cool cajun soul that hypes everyone up around her. My favorite memories of Claire and I's friendship are endless calls and video chats, killing it in spin class, walks in the greenbelt, and all the game nights. Claire is such a kind human that sees the positive in every situation. She pushes me to be a better person, always has an open ear, is usually the one leaving surprise gifts and the perfect person to die laughing with about anything.
Chelsea Parker
Bridesmaid
Chelsea and I have been friends for about 4 years now. We met bartending at Fitz on Franklin St. and immediately became friends. She is originally from the Greensboro area and has been moving around NC and SC for work (physical therapy - docta docta)! Some of my favorite memories with Chelsea is dressing up with matching outfits to bartend in, hiding in the cooler after a smoke bomb went off, and sharing a NYE kiss. Chelsea is the girl that always will make you laugh and give you the best compliments. She also will always keep her word and is always down for a good time! She has come to visit me in every city I have moved to and I am so grateful to call her one of my best friends!
Melyssa Daulton
Bridesmaid
Missy and I have been friends for about 10 years now! We met in high school and she HATED me at first! She then learned to love me and we became super close! We grew up just miles away from each other which made hanging out super easy. Some of my favorite memories of Missy and I's friendship are being in Ms. Eaton's class, almost getting into fights at bars, visiting you at UNCC, playing in the snow, and going to concerts! Missy and I have seen each other at our best and at our worst. She has always been there for me at some of the toughest times. Sometimes we don't talk for a little bit of time, but when we do - we pick right back off where we left off and talk for hours.
Barbara DeFlaviis
Bridesmaid
Barbara and I have been friends for about 7 years now. We met actually through our ex's (our friendship was the best thing we got out of that)! I became so so close and literately hung out almost everyday! With her being from Durham and going to State, we hung out there quite frequently! Some of my favorite memories with Barbara are countless parties, her saving me and getting me to the airport after a long night, beach trips, many concerts and the fair, and always sharing each other's clothes. Barbara is someone to always be goofy with and would always go with any plans going on. She is also someone that knows the good, bad and ugly about me and will always have my back no matter what!
Bridget Geary
Bridesmaid
Bridget and I have known each other for about 4 years now! She is Mike's cousin on his mom's side and lives in NY. I first met Bridget in NY on Mike's birthday trip. We had so much fun getting to know each other and going out to the local bars! Some of my favorite memories with Bridget is hanging out at her house, going to the local bars, her coming to visit Austin, and the boat party. Bridget has such a fun spirit, is the life of the party and always has a huge smile on her face! She always throws out the best compliments and has the best reactions (especially when we got engaged and when I asked her to be a bridesmaid)!
Brian Elefante
Best Man
Brian is Mike's older brother. Brian is very even keel and easy to get along with. We played sports together growing up, both organized sports and around the backyard with Kevin and neighbors. Some of my fondest memories as a child were spent playing 1:1 basketball on a 6 ft tall Little Tykes basketball goal in our kitchen. Brian went to NC State University and is an avid Wolfpack supporter to this day. He currently lives in Cary and is a Financial Advisor. Brian has recently got the travel bug, and has been on several trips within the US and overseas. He already has a trip planned later this year to go overseas again. I lean on Brian for advice at times, whether its work related, personal, or for help filing my taxes! Brian is a great brother and I'm honored to have him as my co-best man!
Kevin Elefante
Best Man
Kevin is Mike's younger brother. Kevin is very laid back and has a calm demeanor. We played baseball together growing up. Many people in the past have mistaken Kevin and I as twins, but were able to tell the difference by Kevin's bluer eyes, broader shoulders and better hair style than me. Kevin played collegiate baseball at Belmont Abbey College and has since moved to Denver, CO and now enjoys weightlifting, snowboarding and other outdoor activities. If you knew Kevin and I as kids, you knew we often butted heads. Brotherly love I suppose! We have grown closer as we've gotten older. Although he is my younger brother, I often look up to Kevin and admire his accomplishments, friendships he's built, and handyman skills, among other things. I'm honored to have Kevin as my co-best man!
Casey Jones
Groomsman
I met Casey (AKA 'The Moose') on our official visit to Elon, with the baseball team. We ended up being paired as roommates freshman year. Initially, Casey and I may have rubbed each-other the wrong way, he with is care free personality paired with my stubbornness. He quickly rubbed off on me. We are both goofy guys and enjoy sharing dumb jokes. There is never a dull moment while spending time with The Moose. Casey is never to pass up on a beer with a friend and is a great person to give a call and just chat about what's going on in our lives. He knows every lyric to every single song I've heard come on the speakers and often freestyles his own goofy lyrics to songs. Keep an eye out for The Moose shredding the dance floor. I'm confident Casey and I will be friends til we are old and gray!
Andrew Romaine
Groomsman
I met Andrew (AKA Romo) through sports in middle school. I really didn't like him in 6th grade, because he was the tall kid on the opposing rec basketball team that would knock down shots in my face all game long! We went on to play basketball and baseball together through middle school and high school. I found out Andrew liked to fish and also happened to live on a small lake in Chapel Hill. We quickly became best friends and hung out often. Andrew was a very quiet and reserved kid, while I have always been extremely extroverted. You can imagine us bass fishing and me talking my head off making dumb jokes the whole time with few responses from Romo. He is now in Medical School at UNC and will make a tremendous doctor some day soon. I am grateful to have such a great friendship with Romo!
Joey Tomko
Groomsman
Joey (AKA The Bean) is probably the most likable person I've ever been around. He is easy going, has a care free personality and is always down for a good time. I met Joey on our official visit to Elon for baseball and we hit it off as friends. We share a lot of common interests with sports, the outdoors, and investing, among other things. In college, I was notorious for raving the fridge after a night out drinking. The only time I've ever seen Joey mad, is when I ate his leftover stir-fry from Red Bowl. He came banging on my door at 2 in the morning yelling at me. I pretended I was asleep of course. I felt so bad, the next day I ordered take out for him to make amends. We have countless amounts of stories and times of endless laughter together. Proud to have Joey as one of my groomsman!
John Antonelli
Groomsman
I met John (AKA Nelli) my freshman year at Elon. Nelli is an instant role model and true friend. We have always shared common interests, both in fitness and scarfing down plates of food til we keel over. Hanging out with Nelli is like hanging out with the human form of an all natural Red Bull. The guy gives you wings. He is a ball full of energy and is always encouraging others and pushing them to do their best. Nelli is someone you can be around and it's just impossible to be in a bad mood. Nelli lives in Raleigh, NC and is quickly building a successful career at MetLife. He is constantly on the move, traveling across the country and internationally, experiencing new things. I am ecstatic that Nelli will be by my side as a groomsman. I am equally excited to see him on the dance floor!