Gianna & Zeke
Wedding Party
Katlyn Momberger
Matron of Honor
Katlyn is Gianna's older cousin and Day 1 best friend. Katlyn and Gianna have been practically inseparable since birth, which may explain why listening to their conversations is as annoying as it is perplexing, as they finish each other's sentences constantly. Katlyn and Gianna have navigated their fair share of adventures--both planned and not--and this wedding will be the latest adventure on that list. Gianna feels incredibly lucky to have Katlyn, a loyal and amazing friend, standing by her side.
Melyna Gizzi
Maid of Honor
Melyna is Gianna's younger sister by 6 years. Despite the age difference, the two have always been close as sisters (Gianna taking the role of protective older sister very seriously). But in adulthood, they have become close friends. Melyna is a breath of fresh of air for those lucky enough to know her. Her unapologetic and authentic sense of self is complemented by her animated sense of humor. If she starts talking to you about conspiracy theories, that just means she likes you enough to share her eccentric ideas.
Danielle Wright
Bridesmaid
As one of Gianna's college roommates, Danielle has seen Gianna at her worst and best. Danielle is the "sunshine" of their friend group and has the unique ability to make everyone she meets feel welcome and loved. Danielle is their resident sommelier, as having taken the wine tasting class at University of Dayton ("UD"). She also arguably has one of the best laughs Gianna has ever heard. If you want to get to know her, just ask about her sweet pup, Sunny. She'll probably show you photos;)
Sofia Pattyn
Bridesmaid
Sofia and Gianna met freshmen year of college at the University of Dayton when they lived on the same floor of the freshmen dorm building. After a few drinks one night, Sofia climbed on a table in the dorm lobby and belted Johnny Cash. They've been best friends ever since. Now a doctor AND a mom, Gianna is constantly amazed by Sof. She is wonderfully weird, brilliant, and LOUD--all part of why the two were fast friends and remain so over a decade later. And look out for her adorable daughter, Ally, as the flower girl!
Becky Olsen
Bridesmaid
Being a behavior intervention specialist, Becky is as tough and resilient as they come. And like Danielle and Sofia, Gianna met Becky during her freshmen year at UD. Becky lived right across the hall from Gianna in the the dorms. As the quiet and aloof one in the group, Becky and Gianna weren't immediately best friends. But over time, Gianna discovered the witty, sassy, compassionate side of Becky that she reserves for those close to her. And she is so incredibly grateful that Becky decided to include her in that circle.
Laura Hayes
Bridesmaid
Laura is Gianna's cousin and Katlyn's younger sister. Laura and Gianna have had a more traditionally "sister-like" dynamic--competitive, mercurial, and authentic. As fellow nerds and book lovers, the two have grown closer in adulthood. And for that, Gianna is eternally thankful. Fun fact: If this wedding party had superlatives, Laura would win "Most likely to survive an apocalypse" for her resourcefulness and natured-oriented skills.
Kelly Marcus
Bridesmaid
Kelly is David's (Gianna's brother) fiance and Gianna's soon-to-be sister-in-law. Kelly and David live in Arizona with their two fur-babies. And over the past few years, Gianna has come to know Kelly and truly love her like a sister. Kelly is as beautiful inside as she is outside. She is down to earth and easy-going (a necessary quality to marry a Gizzi), and such a welcome addition to the family!
Olivia Owens
Bridesmaid
Olivia is Zeke's younger (by 14 years) sister. She just graduated from Bastyr University and lives in Seattle. Olivia is a twin and the quintessential "old soul." As such, Olivia can talk to people from all backgrounds and of all ages. A superpower by any measure. But make sure to pay attention or you may miss out on her awesomeness.
Holly Laser
Bridesmaid
Holly is actually Zeke's childhood friend. The two grew up in Michigan and knew each other through their parents, who were educators at the same school. After Zeke moved to Chicago, he learned that Holly was also living in the city so two years ago, Zeke and Gianna invited Holly and her boyfriend to Zeke's birthday celebration. Despite being initially skeptical, Gianna fell in love with Holly when they first met at the party. From there, the two developed their own friendship. And against all odds, Holly taught Gianna how to box over many months of gym trips.
Erica Burgos
Bridesmaid
Gianna met Erica when Erica joined the small civil rights firm Gianna was working at in 2020. And the two became fast friends, in large part to Erica's sweet, empathetic nature. Although Gianna was so sad when Erica moved on to a new firm, the two stayed in touch with a regularly scheduled weekly dates to catch up, and have to this day (unless Erica is traveling through Europe).
Orland Dami
Best Man
There are few things that Zeke can say he's loved for over 30 years; Orland is one of them. Since they were wee lads, they have shared multiple interests in media from gaming, to movies, to books and beyond. Orland is married to Gianna's cousin Sarah, and it took meeting Gianna to get them living in the same state after high school. Now the plan has come full circle and they are as related as they can ever be! To this day Orland & Zeke continue to enable each other in their hobbies.
David Gipe
Groomsman
David and Zeke met while working at Diebold in the Kalamazoo area. David was there to guide Zeke further down the path of hardcore nerdery. He was there for Zeke's first PC build and supplied several of the parts that "fell off the truck." With out David, Zeke would not have entered the world of Dungeons & Dragons, so you can all thank him for that.
Ryan Momberger
Groomsman
Ryan came into Zeke's life by way of MOH Katlyn. Zeke was lucky enough to find an instant friend in Ryan as they share interests in gaming, sports, beer and general tomfoolery. And here's where you're going to start sensing a theme: Ryan and Zeke also play for each other and together in many D&D campaigns
Bailey Schutter
Groomsfolk
Bailey & Zeke met through mutual friends also in the wedding party! Their friendship blossomed for Dungeons & Dragons. Bailey partook in the first D&D campaign that Zeke ever ran and is was his MVP. Bailey is the Padawan to Zeke's Jedi and all thing nerd related.
Jerry Okocha
Groomsman
Jerry and Zeke met through Zeke's childhood pal: Holly (see above). Jerry is Zeke's favorite Eagle's fan. In the short period of time that they have known each other, they have been around for each other's biggest life moments! And they really know how to wait in line (for 3 hours and 20 minutes, not that anyone was counting Disturbia in Downers Grove)
Dillion McGuire
Fairy Godmother
Dillon came into Zeke's life via mutual friends by way of Katlyn (see above). He is one of the most influential diva's Zeke has ever met, and no one wears a breast plate better. Dillon takes the party planning committee to the next level, and is co-host of our favorite event of the year: The Annual Halloweekend™ and is the co-host with the most. There has never been a bad time to be had when Dillon is on the scene.
Jordan Nation
Groomsman
Jordan came into Zeke's life via mutual friends by way of Katlyn (see above above). Jordan is a make up master with such hits like Beyonce, and even going as far as performing his wizardry on Zeke himself. We've never met a more generous, well traveled person and we're grateful to have him in our lives. Jordan is the one person that can out hug Zeke, and those are reserved for him only (stop asking).
Ian Owens
Groomsman
Ian and Zeke met in October of 2002. It's pretty awkward way to meet someone when they walk into the room naked and screaming. But that's what brotherhood brings!
David Gizzi
Groomsman
David is Gianna's favorite brother. He currently hails from Arizona, with his fiancé Kelly (see above). David is a marketing manager "by day" and dog dad "by night." He has a knack for photography, so don't be surprised to see him snapping a photo or two. When it is not over 100 degrees outside, you can find him hitting the links or playing pickleball. Even though he is a Packers fan, David does have some good qualities. He is adventurous, innovative, and observant. But for those who don't know him, he may seem aloof. And while he is probably the quietest of the three siblings, he can still be very loud.