Brittany & Ryan
The Simmy Squad
Brittany Simmons
Bride
Ryan is the light of my life. I could tell from the moment I met him, when he couldn’t stop laughing at his own jokes, that he was a precious gem and I would spend forever with him. A few weeks later, our dear friend Emre connected us & Ryan and I met for a date on February 15th (because he wouldn’t go out with me on Valentine’s Day. Weird, right?! Very on brand for me to suggest it anyway though.) Over a few Allagash White’s at the bar, time stood still and our conversation was so fluid. When I left that date, I called my mom immediately and said I was going to marry him. Not sure he knows what he is signing up for, but I expect the French press to continue to be full when I get up every morning, and for heavy handed refills on my wine when I’m in a deep Bravo binge. You da bees baby 🐝!
Ryan Simmons
Groom
Brittany & I first met Thanksgiving Eve night in 2017, through mutual friends. We exchanged some texts leading up to our 1st date in which she asked what I did for a living, & I jokingly replied, that I had fallen onto hard times & recently lost my job. When Brittany still agreed to meet for a drink, I knew she at least had a sense of humor, but come to find out that was just the beginning. She was smart, driven, independent, & of course, beautiful. Oh, & generous (she picked up the tab that night). We also learned of the countless coincidences we shared throughout our past, which added up to nothing short of fate. Brittany & I have been inseparable ever since & no one has ever made me happier. We’re always on the go, living life to its fullest & loving every moment, together.
Susanne Santana
Maid of Honor
I met Brittany through her brother and we’ve been incredibly close since. We’ve shared many great memories in the past years and I consider her a sister. I am so happy that Ryan and Brittany have found each other.
Evan Hunt
Officiant
The brides brother and the grooms soon to be brother in law! Fun fact: I knew Ryan well before Brittany ever did. I will be officiating the wedding and am so incredibly honored.
Victoria Hunt
Matron of Honor
I first met Brittany on a family ski trip where we shared the worlds smallest living space. From living in such small quarters we got to know each other really well and shared lots of wine, laughs, and a love for The OC. We have shared so many memories since that ski trip including family game night, infamous trip to Mexico and our wine trip with Max. Brittany has an amazing sense of humor as well as a creative light that not many people possess. She is an excellent G-dmother and auntie. From meeting “new” Ryan it seems that he only adds to her shine and together they make a strong power couple!
Paul Berzal
Best Man
I’ve been proud to call Ryan Thomas Simmons my best friend since September 1993. Since that first day of fifth grade we have shared countless memories and multiple brushes with death. You’ll just have to tune into my best mans speech to get the real dirt on Simms.
Paige Gilligan
Bridesmaid
Brittany and I met before I entered Jr. High through a mutual friend at the movies. Once I entered 7th grade, we were both on the same soccer and lacrosse team. Ten years later, we live five minutes from each other in Stamford, CT. I met Ryan by accident at Brittany's new apartment. Britt invited me over to see her new place and to have dinner. Ryan ended up surprising her and stopped by too. As I walked through the door, I got to witness their first kiss. Lucky me!
Andrew Murphy
Groomsman
It was an evening of “Legends”, as Ryan called it. A night where you can get reacquainted with anyone from your old hometown. Well the Legend of that evening was an introduction between two amazing people that Thanksgiving Eve and I’m honored to have been a non-sober catalyst when Ryan and Brittany sparked it off. Ryan and I have been best friends since the 1st grade. In the time since then, we’ve been deciphering life’s puzzles like “do we prefer milky or crunchy dog biscuits?” or “who should we spend the rest of our lives with?”. Im glad to hand over the next phase of these important questions to an awesome friend I now have in Brittany. I wish them all the happiness they deserve with each other!
Caitlyn Walley
Bridesmaid
Like Ryan and Brittany met by fate, so did she and I. In the place where all best friends meet - Target. She’s quickly become the soul sister I never knew I needed. Through Brittany, I was lucky to meet Ryan. The both of them have played a huge part in making this Jersey girl feel at home in Stamford. They are the life of the party and the best double date couple to call up on a Friday night. We have made countless memories and I can not wait to be a part of their special day!
Eric Tavares
Groomsman
They call me the “Daily Double” of the wedding party! Friends with the Groom and his family, also friends with the Bride and her family. Still not sure what side I’m going to line up on. Obviously, I will be attending both the Bachelor Party and the Bachelorette Party! Congrats Ryan and Brittany!!!! #classmatesSHS #teacherSHS #Mr.T #coworkerfallintotheGAP #Bestfriends #italy🇮🇹 #4thofJuly UncleScouts #3Bricks #Montreal Let’s get this Party Started! #DJ1969
Colleen Berzal
Bridesmaid
Friend’s that have truly become family. My hubby (the best man) and Ryan (Simmy as I’ve called him for the last 14 years) are best friends. Brittany and I became friends in our high school days. Doing things high schoolers do. Fast forward years later and I will never forget the text message saying,“what do you know about Ryan Simmons?” With nothing but wonderful things to say, These two are made for each other and I am so happy to stand along side as they proclaim forever to each other.
Emre Washburn
Groomsman
I didn’t meet Ryan at the baby sitters, or in grade school. We became friends late in high school when Ryan would finish his closing shift by midnight at a different Stewart’s from the one I worked closing shifts at so we could carpool to keg parties in the woods together. Later in life we would combine forces again, by living together during our first big city experience. During this time we both pushed ourselves to work harder, and play harder, giving us solid foundations for successful and joyful lives. Started from the bottom, now we’re here.
Meagan Keller
Bridesmaid
Brittany and I shared the smallest freshman dorm you could could find at SUNY New Paltz. Second semester, the college gave us the option to split up but naturally we choose to continue sleeping on top of each other for the money reimbursement (always thinking of P&Gs money). The next three years we spent together at 74 but this time we had our own PINK bedrooms. -surprised Kasey didn’t stop us from doing that - If you weren’t already informed, Britt was a “Red Bull Girl” throughout college so I blame all future heart issues on her. I am truly so excited to be a part of this love story between Brittany and Ryan, I know it will be a long lasting magical one.
Ryan Hunt
Groomsman
My baby sister is getting married! Ryan and I on the other hand went to high school together, but we really didn’t get to know each other until after college. We consistently bumped into each other at the local Saugerties watering holes, along with NYC where Emre and Kehoe (who doesn’t know these two, am I right?) lived together. This was all well before Brittany came into the picture. I couldn’t be happier and more proud that my sister found her soulmate and am ecstatic to have Ryan as a brother!
Ali Harvazinski
Bridesmaid
Brittany and I met at the happiest place on earth, SUNY New Paltz. Throughout the years, we would meet up for brunch, happy hours, and beach dates to gossip about our post college lives and try and relive the glory days. Through the phases of life, I have never seen Brittany more happy and herself than when she is with Ryan. These two were made for each other, which is something that was evident the minute I met Ryan and he was wearing a Santa suit. Their love for each other and life size jenga is contagious and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this next phase of their lives.
Chris Helsmoortel
Groomsman
I have been Ryan’s brother for thirty years. We have enjoyed skiing, golf and motocross together. Even though we share no blood relation I have always thought of him as my other little brother. It makes me and my family so happy that he has found such a wonderful woman to become his wife. I am very excited to welcome another little sister. I love you both congratulations!
Kasey Caminiti
Bridesmaid
Not many guys would agree to rock a Hugh Hefner style robe for a slumber party on New Year’s Eve. Ryan is the guy who not only rocked the robe but also accessorized it with his signature Colgate smile the entire night. Brittany and Ryan’s energy together is infectious and they light up every room they enter. I couldn’t be happier that they found each other.
Scott Helsmoortel
Groomsman
Rye Guy is my long time step brother, although, as most of us on here also stated, he is my brother. We were forced to grow up together about 30 years ago. It was apparent from the onset that he and I got along, again, like brothers. From swimming in the new pool at our house to Camp Seewackamano (which we never had any interest going to), to riding mini bikes at his father's. We went on countless adventures growing up and that I will never forget. I'm honored to be a part of he and Brittany's day and I can't wait to partake in the festivities. Beyond happy to welcome Brittany and her family to our family!! Congrats Brittany & Ryan!!!! ***disclaimier: Do not judge me on my dance moves after 9pm 10\31\20***
Georgia Grandstaff
Bridesmaid
I met Brittany when I was three in ballet class and we were best friends ever since. I’ve spent countless hours with her. Countless hours on the phone with her. I’ve known her in every phase of her life. I remember the night that Brittany met Ryan- at a bar and she said she thought he was so cute. I’m so happy that now they are engaged and I can say that my dear friend who I know inside and out has a person who compliments her perfectly.
Anthony Franchini
Groomsman
Ryan and I have been friends since the 7th grade. We became closer as we got older. We not only know all of each other’s best stories, we lived most of them together. Through the years we have not always lived close, but we discovered we could grow separately without growing apart. I am both honored and excited to be part of Ryan and Brittany’s special day.
Aubrey Gatzounas
Bridesmaid
Brittany is my older cousin and we’re more alike than I ever thought. Even though we live in different states, that does not break the bond that we have. The older I get, the more I realize how similar we really are. Although, we are cousins, I think of her as the older sister I never had and I am grateful for all of the advice she has given me throughout the years. I met Ryan a few years ago and the moment I heard their story, I knew they would end up together! I couldn’t be happier for Brittany and Ryan❤️
Andrew Ball
Groomsman
Balls and Simmons met while backpacking the jungles of high school. Being that they both went by their last name first and enjoyed the same after school activities an instant bond was formed. Since then it’s been nothing but laughs and so many good memories they can’t remember them all.
Jessica Simmons
Bridesmaid
When I heard that my brother was engaged to this lovely lady, I thought this quote defined them now and when they become husband & wife “A healthy relationship is one where two independent people just make a deal that they will help make the other person the best version of themselves.” I couldn't be happier for my brother to find his better half. I love you!!
Ryan Clarke
Groomsman
I met Simmons in 1987 at our babysitters. We lost touch until Mrs Johnson’s 1st grade class in 1989, where I followed him around like a lost puppy. We’ve been great friends ever since. 28 years later, He hand fed me a sandwich that belonged to a person next to us at a bar in NH. We were swiftly kicked out and for good reason. It was a good sandwich and he’s a great friend. I’m proud to be by his side through it all.
Brianna Bermudez
Honorary Bridesmaid (long distance in Hawaii!)
Brit and I became BFF at Saugerties Jr. High. Our competitive nature brought us together on the soccer and lax fields. The rest is history...sneaking mini Smirnoff bottles on family vacays and all. Not even 4,975 miles of distance (HI>CT) keep us from seeing one another and staying in touch whenever possible. Despite forcing me to participate in “Teeny Skirt Tuesday” against my will... I wouldn’t change our friendship for the world. ♥️
Alexandra Hunt
Flower Girl
Brittanys god daughter/niece & youngest flower girl. Loves to laugh and smiles nonstop. In her spare time Alex enjoys dressing up for photoshoots in her nursery. She is obsessed with her big brother Max, trying new foods, and relaxing in a long bath. Daughter of Ryan and Victoria Hunt.
Maximus Hunt
Ring Bearer
Brittanys godson/nephew & professional ring bearer. Loves Eric Carle’s “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see?” baby shark dance-a-thons, chocolate, and his best doggy buddy Brady. Single, and ready to mingle with the flower girls. Son of Ryan and Victoria Hunt.
Penelope Helsmoortel
Flower Girl
Ryan’s niece. She loves Elsa from Frozen, and from time to time she can be seen wearing her beautiful blue dress and braided blonde wig screaming "LET IT GO" with passion. Penelope can brighten up any room with her big smile. She loves to dance, and hang out with her big brother Billy. Future suitors, I wish you good luck with asking her out - You'll have to get permission from her retired police officer father! Daughter of Chris Helsmoortel and Ana Mesa.
Collette Berzal
Flower Girl
Ryan’s God Daughter. AKA Letty, or Letty with the good hair. At the ripe age of 2, she is an aspiring singer and performer. You may (or may not) have heard her latest single: “Go Fishing.” She also loves forts, finding the moon, frogs and turtles. Daughter of Paul and Colleen Berzal.
Michael & Christina Hunt
Wedding Hosts
We could not be any prouder of Britt. A beautiful person, inside and out. A great student/athlete and a star of corporate America. We loved Ryan from day one - he is a true gentleman. Although he still owes me 2 pigs, 2 cows, & 2 goats in exchange for my blessing to marry Brittany. I know he will pay.
Greg & Thomasine Helsmoortel
Mother & Stepfather of the Groom
Ryan has been the best Son parents could have. Always happy, optimistic, and has always gone down paths that he lead. He likes tradition and is loyal to his friends and family. He now met his forever soulmate and Greg and I could not be happier❤️