Wedding Party

Maria Laurenzo

Maid of Honor

Maria has played so many roles in my life since late high school: a friend, sister, therapist, and a beauty consultant to name a few. With music as a common thread, we’ve built so many memories throughout high school, college, and the first decade of our teaching careers. Our friendship formed between many fits of laughter, tears, Target trips, and failed beauty tutorials on YouTube (I’ll never forget the eyelash perm…).

James Haertel

Bridesman

James, also commonly referred to as “Doc,” and I have been close since we were 16 years old. However, when we first heard about each other, the odds of friendship were slim! After several anxious hours, the audition results at band camp had finally been posted. Both James and I were selected for the top role of “principal flute”- A role meant for the one victorious leader. This was a true recipe for teenage disaster. Our overflowing egos wondered, “Would we really be forced to share such an envied position?” Non-the-less, on rehearsal day I walked up to James and calmly stated, “We are going to be best friends" - This strange, unlikely prophecy was fulfilled and is true to this day. We’ve been the "Wondertwins" ever since!

Nina Merulla

Bridesmaid

As our music careers took off, so did our friendship! What started as two new teachers scouting for survival methods, turned into a soulful sisterhood of encouragement, support, and empowerment. Between yoga retreats, book studies, a trip to see Marianne Williamson lecture in NYC, and several glasses of wine at Grappa ’72, Nina and I are always down for a deep conversation and fulfilling life experiences!

Joey Van Ullen

Bridesman

The musical thread continues to unite this bridal party, and Joey is no exception. Joey and I were also young budding musicians at band camp, attended Crane School of Music together, and continue to play in local musicals together. A dull moment with Joey? Never. From wild Saturday nights at college, to our Pony Bar outing in NYC, to his modern day creative cocktail concoctions, and our soulful, gut wrenching Karaoke nights, the energy has always been alive in this friendship.

John Cox

Best Man

John and I have been best friends since birth. My big brother has always been there as my partner in games, sports, school, and more. Even with his move to North Carolina, we have continued to be as close as, well, brothers. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother and a better choice to be my best man.

Steve McKown

Groomsman

Steve, or Scuba as he is affectionately known as, was my roommate freshmen year at SUNY Oneonta. We became fast friends and have been close ever since. From ski trips we take to him and track trips he and Megan, his wife, make to us, the good times with Scuba will continue to roll.

John Rosano

Groomsman

John, or JR, was another roommate from college who was supposed to be mine and Steve’s third roommate. Even though his room got moved, and he eventually moved to San Diego, John has always made sure to invest his time and energy into his friendships. I am thankful he made the trip from the West Coast and can’t wait to make our way back out!

Shawn Constantineau

Groomsman

Probably the first friend I made outside of family, Shawn and I go way back. From playing Sega Genesis and Playstation as kids, to going out for lunch during senior year of high school, and bonding over gardening (and everything else) now, I am so happy Shawn has moved back to the area and to have him by my side on the big day.

Kinsley, George, and Gordon

Flower Children

Sophia Cox

Flower Child

Sasha

Pup of Honor