Francine & Jonathan
Wedding Party
Nikki Pocetti
Maid of Honor
From the first night that we met at a party in the Meridian at Penn State we were inseparable and wrecked havoc around Penn State's campus together. You have stood by my side during my reckless party stage, all night library sessions, navigating through nursing school, the rollercoaster of pregnancy (throw-up and all), and every event in between. I know I can count on you to roll around the city with me after day drinking with me, or to be a shoulder to cry on. Nikki is the most hardworking nurse I know (she has to lead the world record for working overtime). She is nonjudgmental, compassionate, reliable, and driven. Whatever she does, she gives 100%. She holds every desirable quality that one would want their Maid of Honor to possess, and I am fortunate that she will be mine.
Harry Steele
Best Man
Uncle Harry.. the man, the myth, the legend. Harry is Jonathan’s uncle, but he was also his father figure growing up. Jonathan has always admired Harry's ambition, drive, and work ethic. Harry is the man who literally works 7 days a week but will still find time to make it to every event, even if it is to sit through McKayla's preschool dance recital. When Harry isn't working, you can catch him on the dance floor with an audience around him while he breaks out his dance moves and does a split or two. Harry is a great friend, a mentor, and an amazing uncle. The day Jonathan told Franny that he loved her and wanted to marry her one day, he said "I would only want to have a wedding if Harry was my Best Man." Harry is the best man they know, and they are honored he will be by their side.
Brittany Sadar (Williams)
Bridesmaid
She is my older sister and one of my best friends. Growing up with 3 older brothers, she prayed for a sister daily until I arrived. She is my protector, my confidant, and my voice when I’m afraid to speak up. At 4 years old a group of kids started a fight with us at the playground because we wouldn’t share our gummy bears, and I recall Brittany holding me on one hip at 10 years old, while she fought off a swarm of kids with one hand. She’s always there for me no matter what and I always feel a sense of safety when she is around, because even as adults she would fight off a group of people to protect me. She is beautiful, bold, and has a big heart. She will be by my side on my wedding day and until the end of time. She may have wished for me, but I’m the lucky one to have a sister like her.
Jason Steele
Groomsman
Jay is Jonathan’s older brother and lifelong friend. Jason is not only Jonathan's brother, but has also been a big brother to Franny from the beginning and became one of her friends as well. He is extremely generous, always a good time out, and fun to be around. Franny and Jonathan could never thank Jay enough for being the #1 Funcle (fun uncle) to Max and McKayla. He spoils them to the point where everyday is Christmas when Uncle Jay is there. He does not only spoil them with gifts, but also makes sure he is in attendance for their games, school performances, and the weekly ice cream trip. He is a prominent figure in their lives, and both Jonathan and Franny appreciate his relationship with them. It was a given that Jay would be a groomsmen, but they cannot wait to have him by their side.
Cindy Williams
Bridesmaid
I met Cindy when I was 5 years old and she was brought home from the hospital, making me a big sister. Cindy was the little sister that would tag along on my play dates, interrupt my sleepovers, and as kids I viewed her as my "annoying little sister". No matter how mean of a sister I have been at times, Cindy has always looked up to me with admiration and pride. While she may look up to me for being her big sister, I have always admired her desirable characteristics. Cindy is more compassionate than I could ever imagine being, she is more forgiving than most, she is optimistic, and she is humble. I witnessed her transform into a confident, intelligent, and fun-loving young woman. I am fortunate to have a sister like her to have as a bridesmaid, and a forever friend.
Naeem Congo
Groomsman
Naeem is Franny’s eldest brother. From changing her diapers or being her camp counselor, Naeem has been there from the very beginning. He might come off as quiet at times, however he is a comedic genius (trust me, follow him on Facebook for a good laugh)! Naeem is also non-judgemental and extremely accepting. He immediately welcomed Jonathan into the family with open arms, and both Jonathan and Franny cannot wait to have him standing by their side on the big day.
Crista Ferkler
Bridesmaid
Crista was one of the first friends I made during high school at Prendie. I don’t recall how we met because it feels like I have known her forever. Throughout the years I’ve lost contact or have grown apart from childhood friends, but Crista has shown me that true friendship continues to grow even over the longest distances. She lived in Georgia for a few years after college, but was always there if I needed her and when she came home we would pick up where we left off without skipping a beat. I love that she is free spirited, non-judgmental, and adventurous . She is my forever partner in crime from skipping class to make Jell-O shots in our school uniform, to being there for all of my children’s big events. Thanks for never leaving my side, and for being by my side on my wedding day!
Bobby Williams
Groomsman
Bobby is Franny's older brother, although some might think he is her twin. Throughout Franny's childhood, Bobby was her main babysitter. Bobby spent many days teaching Franny how to play video games, teasing her, chasing her around the house, and torturing her by asking her how his hair looked a million times a day. You can always count on Bobby for a good laugh, although it may be at the expense of other. Bobby initially appears extremely quiet, however once he opens up you realize how intelligent and talkative he can be. Jonathan and Franny cannot wait to spend their wedding day with Bobby by their side!
Amanda Consolo (Penta)
Bridesmaid
I met Amanda in high school and after many sleepovers, beach trips, and family parties spent together I became an honorary member of the Penta family. Amanda might technically be an only child, but I’ll always consider us sisters. I love that Amanda is never afraid to be brutally honest, and I can always count on her to tell me the truth about whether I look horrible in an outfit. Amanda is the friend who keeps me grounded, and is my voice of reason when I consider making questionable decisions. I can’t thank her enough for sticking by me, for all of our memories, for letting me borrow Deb for motherly advice and as many debwiches that I could eat, for showing me the most sincere support and unconditional love. She is the definition of a true friend, and I am lucky to have her by my side.
Patrick Williams
Groomsman
Patrick is Franny's older brother, role model, financial advisor, realtor, and friend. He is the sibling who has sat through most of Franny's softball games and cheerleading competitions, has seen her off for numerous school dances, and has even helped move her in/out of Penn State (we can't forget the time all of my belongings flew off your roof/down the highway on our way to move me in freshman year). He is her number one go to for questions or advice, no matter what the topic is. We cannot wait to add groomsman, to Patrick’s title and have him by our side on our wedding day.
Meagan Sparacia
Bridesmaid
I met Meagan during Junior year of college, right before I found out I was pregnant with McKayla. At a time when I was vulnerable, afraid, and felt alone; Meagan gave me her love and support. She proved that friendship truly isn't about who you've known longest but instead about who has come into your life and never left, despite hardships. Meagan is generous, caring, and humble. She has dropped everything to be there for me and also McKayla. Whether it is skipping class to babysit, having sleepovers with us, or making McKayla a rainbow unicorn cake when it is actually Meagan's birthday; she is always ready to do for others, without expecting anything in return. She is a true friend and McKayla's Penn State Aunt, and we are both honored to have her in our lives and by our side forever.
Anthony Maggitti
Groomsman
Jonathan met Anthony during Kindergarten at Stonehurst elementary school. They went through school together, played T-Ball together, and grew up together. Now over 30 years later they have the privilege to watch their children become best friends, attend school together, and play sports together (while Jonathan and Anthony coach them). He goes to show that while we all may take different paths in life, that it doesn't matter which path we take or where we go because true friends are able to take a little bit of each other everywhere. Anthony is the friend that Jonathan can call if he needs something or if he just wants to grab a cup of coffee and reminisce on their childhood; he is always there. We cannot wait to have Anthony by our side on our wedding day!
Lyndsay Haverdink
Bridesmaid
I met Lyndsay through mutual high school friends, but we grew close at Penn State. She had the pleasure of sharing a bunk bed with me as we lived in condemnable conditions in the Meridian...I’m not really sure how either of us survived that year. Through countless drunken heart to hearts & endless dance parties in our room to T-Swift, she became the person I could go to for love, laughs, support, and honesty. I recall many times that we would sit on our bedroom floor and reveal our deepest secrets and insecurities. We would discuss our hopes to one day move on from the Penn State frat boys with salmon colored shorts, and find our future husbands. I am fortunate that college brought us together, and that our friendship continued to grow even after our college years.
Francis Campuzano
Groomsman
Jonathan and Fran both grew up in the same neighborhood, and they first met each other around 4 years old. Fran was Jonathan's childhood best friend. Jonathan says that some of his earliest childhood memories consist of playing G.I Joe's with Francis at his house. Their friendship continued to grow from young children into young adults riding bikes and skating around the neighborhood. The two of them were inseparable for most of their life, and even lived together at one point. Years later and they are still able to pick up where they left off, as if no time has passed. Jonathan is excited to have Fran by his side on his wedding day, while he gets to marry the other Franny in his life.
Stephanie Balsama
Bridesmaid
Steph was one of my friends freshman year at Prendie. We grew apart during high school, but became friends again after we both became mothers months apart. Now we are not only just best friends, but we also get to raise our daughters together as best friends. Steph probably has a million friends, because she makes everyone feel like a Star and being around here immediately uplifts you. She is the girl who will be dancing on top of a bar or singing karaoke 100% sober while having the time of her life. She is also the person who will drop everything to help take care of a complete stranger she just met. That is just the kind of person she is, Steph is extremely outgoing, carefree, and kind. I’m sure she will be by my side on my wedding day making me laugh and reminding me that I’m a star!
Joseph DiMarcello
Groomsman
Jonathan met Joey when he was around 12 years old when they both were riding bikes around Chapmen park. Throughout their adolescence Joey was Jonathan's partner in crime, and they literally did everything together. Despite attending separate Middle Schools they managed to hang out almost every day. Over the years they have always been able to pick up right where they left off, no matter how long they may go without seeing each other in between. They could spend hours laughing about childhood mischief they got into, even if they repeat the same stories a million times. Jonathan shares some of his favorite memories with Joey, and he looks forward to spending his wedding day with Joey by his side.
McKayla Steele
Flower Girl
McKayla is Jonathan and Franny's first child. She is the star of their life, the world, and most likely will be the star of the wedding. McKayla is intelligent, inquisitive, beautiful, and compassionate. She has the ability to light up any room she enters, and people are instantly drawn to her. She is her mommy's best friend, and also a daddy's girl. She truly believes this is her wedding, and we wouldn't be surprised if she insisted to have the first dance with her dad. She will make a stunning flower girl, and we cannot wait to see her walk down the aisle.
Marlon Sadar Jr.
Junior Groomsman
Marlon is Brittany's son; Franny's eldest nephew and Godson. Franny has been in his life since the second he entered the world (literally). He was the first baby that she ever cared for, and the love she has for him is immeasurable. Franny has watching Marlon take his first steps, learn to talk, potty train, attend his first day of school, and everything in between. Marlon was only about 3 years old when Franny and Jonathan met, so he was their practice for future children. Franny has been by MJ's side since the beginning, and she looks forward to him being by her and Jonathan's side on their wedding day.
Maximus Steele
Ring Bearer
Max is Jonathan and Franny's youngest child and only son. He completed their family and taught them patience, understanding, and joy. He fills the house with laughter, and sometimes yelling (but lets focus on the laughter). You can never predict what Max might do next, and it is thoroughly entertaining to watch his daily antics unfold. He is their wildcard. We will all be hoping and praying that Max successful makes it down the aisle, but nobody would be surprised if he ended up running the other way or if he had to be drug down the aisle by his sister. Even if Max might try to lick the icing off of the cake before Franny and Jonathan it, they would not want a wedding without him there. He will be the cutest ring bearer, and we cannot wait to see him in action.