Erin & Alex
People We Love
Andrea Trahan
Mother of the Bride
A true Cajun mama, her legendary cooking embodies the warmth and love she pours into everything she does. She welcomes any child who steps into her home as her own—just ask some of my or Zach’s closest friends. Her nurturing spirit is a constant source of comfort and joy to everyone she meets. Even though we’re one state apart, our nearly daily phone calls have only made us closer. Words cannot express how truly special you are; Mama, I love you.
Davy Trahan
Father of the Bride
My dad and I have a special connection, supporting me in all my athletic endeavors, from track meets and swim meets to volleyball games. My dad has been there through it all—even during “busy season” (for those who know, that is a big deal). While many say he would do anything for his “little girl,” I’ve also seen that he’s always ready to lend a helping hand to almost anyone in need. I truly look up to him; he is my rock, keeps me grounded, and always knows how to keep life in perspective. Dad, you are the greatest, and I will always be your little girl.
Barbara Shozda
Mother of the Groom
My mother immigrated to the U.S. in the early 80’s, bringing just a couple of suitcases and a few hundred dollars. The same unwavering dedication and high standard that paved her way in America, helped shape me into the man I am today. She has always done an exceptional job putting me in the best of environments to grow—whether it was schools, swim teams, trips, friend groups, ..and the like. She’s a tough cookie, and will always do what she thinks is best for me; even when I'm a pain in her ass! Love you Mamo.
Andy Shozda
Father of the Groom
My dad is the guiding force in my life; physically, philosophically, and spiritually. This man could fix anything, build everything, and invent all. I am truly blessed to have been born into his apprenticeship. He had an uncanny ability to boil down life’s most complex lessons into simple and relatable analogies. He taught me how to be a good man, how to work through struggle, and how to take care of others without expecting return. Andy passed from Cancer in January of 2013 and he’s been guiding me from over my shoulder ever since. Although he never had the chance to meet Erin and our family, I can't help but imagine he’s had everything to do with where we are today and he’ll be with us in spirit on May 3rd. Love you Tato.
Emily Lawson
Maid of Honor
Having been friends since kindergarten and growing so inseparable in high school that people thought we were twins, Emily is the most loyal and true friend anyone could ask for. From daily drives to Crawfish swim practices for years, movie nights, late-night chats and countless laughs, our time together has been incredibly special—words cannot fully capture how much you mean to me. Even though we’re now a state apart, our connection remains strong through three-hour phone conversations, and always being the first friend I see when I come home to visit. I love you forever and ever Em.
Ian Brzeski
Best Man
Ian is my younger cousin and was like my shadow growing up. When we were little, I couldn't even go to the bathroom without him sitting at the door waiting for me. Somewhere along the years, he grew up fast and started setting examples that I would follow. He moved to Texas and married a wonderful girl, with a wonderful family. He’s purchased a home in Houston. And coming this spring, he’s expecting to welcome a daughter to our family. I can’t wait to meet my niece and I couldn't be more proud to be following in Ian’s footsteps as we reach these milestones.
Gabriella Grobler
Bridesmaid
From our first time rooming together at a swim meet, I knew Gabi was special, and life with her has been an adventure ever since. Whether it’s going on African game drives, skating to White Rock Lake, water-skiing for the first time, or jumping off the 10-meter with no fear, she’s always up for anything. She brightens your day just by being around, and over the past four years, she has been my longest-lasting roommate and a steadfast support through tough times. I’m so grateful for my African sister and excited for our next adventures together!
Justin Brzeski
Groomsman
Justin is my youngest cousin and brother of Ian. The three of us grew up like brothers and naturally, Justin has always been the life of the party. With his quick wit and playful charm, he has a knack for getting his way and making any situation a blast. Justin will be flying in from Auburn where he is studying Aviation Management. Coincidentally, Ian also works in aviation data science, similar to their father (my uncle). Between the pilot and two programmers in the family, Justin is the one cut out to lead the BIG TIME family aviation business. Stay tuned.
Grace Morgan
Bridesmaid
The moment Gracie stepped onto St. Michael’s campus in second grade, we instantly became best friends. She truly is one of the coolest and most creative people I know. From middle school through high school athletics, it has been incredibly special to share and support each other’s journeys to becoming D1 NCAA athletes—in volleyball and swimming. I cheered for Rice at SMU volleyball games, and you cheered for SMU at Rice swim meets—haha! Gracie, you’re a bad*ss and an amazing friend, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life.
Sean Gregor
Groomsman
Sean and I have been teammates from the time we were ten to the time we went off to university. We’ve experienced everything together from our biggest swimming successes to our stupidest high school moments. Even though we’ve always gone to different schools, he’s always been my best mate and has always had my back. Fun fact, Sean became a Head Brewmaster at the age of 21. If you enjoy beer, he is your man.
Madison Kinsey
Bridesmaid
A member of the “Frequent Flyer Miles” gang, Madison and I have survived some tough 200 butterfly pace sets together. You’ll never find anyone more hardworking, dedicated, or disciplined. She’s also the best listener, and I treasure our late-night dorm room chats. Madison is the perfect example of how hard work pays off, as she is now a full-time Athletic Trainer at the University of Kentucky for the swim and dive team, her dream job! Madison, you are amazing, and I’m so grateful for our friendship.
Connor Loughlin
Groomsman
Connor and I quickly became best mates in grade school. We always shared the same hobbies: playing backyard/street sports, playing video games, and making YouTube videos. Coincidentally, when our parents met at a parent-teacher conference, they found a mutual love for vacationing at Green Lake, Wisconsin; and it just so happened that the Loughlin’s have a cottage there. The rest is history, and we have been tight family friends ever since.
Keegan Fields
Bridesmaid
Another member of the “Frequent Flyer Miles” gang, Keegan has been there since day one of my time at SMU. Though she was a class above me, we became extremely close right from the start. Keegan was my guide when I arrived on SMU’s campus as a freshman, and I will forever be grateful for that. Our friendship continued as roommates during our upperclassman years, and we still make it a point to travel and see each other almost every year. Keegan is an amazing lifelong friend, and I can’t imagine life without her.
Jason Elder
Groomsman
Jason Elder is the most genuine friend I’ve had the pleasure of staying in touch with. We met at the University of Wisconsin where we were engineering race-cars together. We shared an affinity for metal working in the shop and became a dangerous duo on the foosball tables in the bars around town. Jason grew up in South Lake Tahoe and is naturally one of few people who loves waterskiing and the outdoors as much as myself. The lake trips and mountain hikes we’ve had are among my favorite adventures. Fun fact, Jason captained his boat to support Erin, myself, and our team in swimming the 2023 Trans Tahoe Relay.
Madeline Fulton
Bridesmaid
Maddie and I have literally known each other since birth. As the only two girl cousins on my dad’s side, surrounded by boys for a while, it was inevitable that we’d become close, but I don’t think our family anticipated just how close we’d be. I remember how thrilled I was when you moved back from Texas to Louisiana, and we finally became classmates. Though now the roles are reversed—with me in Texas and you back in Louisiana—it’s amazing to see the incredible woman you’ve become from afar. Maddie, you are so impressive, and I’m the luckiest to call you not only family but also one of my best friends.
Jason Sylvestre
Groomsman
I always introduce Jason Sylvester as my taller and smarter brother. We also met building race cars together at University; however the two of us were Yin and Yang as engineers. Me being quite capable of designing mechanical systems, yet clueless to anything electrical, and Jason, the exact opposite. We always made a great team, not only filling each other's gaps, but also because we had mutual respect and support for each other's big ambitions. When I hear the advice of “surround yourself with people who bring you up”, Jason is always first in mind.
Arya Hotard
Flower Girl
Arya is the daughter of Thomas and Lada Hotard. Thomas, being Erin’s godfather and a significant part of her life, also named Erin one of Arya’s godparents. At 7 years old and just starting first grade, Arya loves the colors red, pink, and purple. Her favorite animal is a puppy, and she dreams of becoming a fireman when she grows up. She’s full of energy and incredibly polite. We love you, sweet Arya!
Zachary Trahan
Groomsman
Zach is my older brother, and I can’t imagine life without him. I know I might have been the annoying little sister—always wanting to tag along with him and his friends—but I cherish those memories from when we were young. Whether it was playing outside together, him patiently teaching me how to play Zelda or Pokémon, or even our little fights, those moments are some of the best times in my life. Zach is one of the kindest and most caring people I know. You are the perfect big brother for me, and I love seeing the incredible man you’ve become. I love you, stinky.
Shepherd McPherson
Ring Bearer
Cousin to Erin, Shep will turn three in March and is great at riding his bike. He knows all his colors and numbers in both English and Spanish. He lives in Senoia, Georgia with his mommy Hailey and daddy Jake.