James & Samantha
Wedding Party
Austin Carpentieri
Officiant
Austin has been the couple's best friend for seven years. By day, he is a respected professor of English at SUNY New Paltz, Marist, and the Culinary Institute of America. But by night, Austin becomes the publisher of a popular local literary magazine. Known for hosting the BEST "family dinners" and movie nights, Austin has always opened his home to Sami and James. The trio could sit and talk for hours about the Sopranos, their favorite video games, and the magical art of bookbinding. He knows more about Sami and James's journey to the altar than anyone else in the world. There is no one more qualified than Austin to marry the happy couple.
Natalie Grober
Maid of Honor
Natalie is Sami's best friend, Maid of Honor, and Baby sister. She is currently completing a Masters Degree in Biomedical Science at Quinnipiac University, so it's safe to say she's really smart. Natalie is witty, courageous, and loves with her entire being. Sami would be lost without their daily phone calls, their semi-annual vacations, and their continually evolving Instagram Message thread. Rosemary Clooney, a long, long time ago sang about a pair of sisters, "Two different faces, but in tight places, we think and we act as one." Never has a sentiment rang so true as with Sami and Natalie.
Gianna Pesci
Bridesmaid
Sami and Gianna have been friends since their freshman year of college (2016). They spent their Sophomore year living together; roommates who were united by the common struggle of "What should I wear when we go out later?" and "Do you want to go to the dining Hall or the SUB?" Gianna, or Gi, as you'll hear Sami call her is not only gorgeous but a talented reading teacher based in Brewster, NY. Sami will always cherish her incredible sense of humor, compassion, and willingness to listen. While they share fantastic memories from college and post college life, Sami looks forward to making many more with Gianna at the wedding!
Kerianne Lavin
Bridesmaid
Keri and Sami have been friends since their first semester at SUNY New Paltz. Keri, who now works as a marketing manager for DIGI America, has and always will be the life of the party. Keri's creativity, spunk, and kindness make her an instant best friend to anyone she meets. If she doesn't make you laugh within the first few moments of speaking with her, then you may need to get your funny bone checked. Sami, Keri, and Sam (bridesmaid) have so many incredible moments together over the years, and cannot wait to make more on this wedding adventure!
Sam Dymtrow
Bridesmaid
Sam and Sami have been 'Sam Squared' since Sophomore year of college. Sam is an incredibly successful mental health practitioner on the Jersey Shore. She is the by far the most patient and easy-going person you will ever meet, but make no mistakes, Sam is incredibly driven and smart as a whip. She will welcome you with a smile and (her instantly recognizable) laugh that will make you feel as if you have known her for years. Ask her about her bunny baby and she probably chat with you for the next few hours without a care in the world. We cannot wait for our guests to meet, and be effortlessly charmed, by Sam.
Danielle Thomas
Matron of Honor
Danielle has been a confidante and friend to Sami since they were first introduced in 2019. Danielle is James's first cousin, but she has become more like a sage advisor to the happy couple. She was a formative influence on James growing up (she was his first babysitter :), and has since become a sounding board that the pair rely on while planning their wedding. Danielle also has the biggest heart! She has two amazing children, and repeatedly impresses Sami with her 'Supermom' skills. It doesn't hurt that Danielle is also fastidiously organized and incredibly willing to speak her mind if she thinks it will benefit those she loves. The couple cannot wait for all their guests to meet Danielle!
Sonny Neville
Best Man
James is only child, but when asked about a brother he always name's 'Sonny Neville' as his "brother from another mother." The two have been almost attached at the hip since kindergarten. Their bond has been forged through their mutual love of European "football," a shared passion for gaming, and years of teenage tomfoolery. Currently, Sonny works in NYC as a successful financial advisor for Meryl Lynch. Sonny is an impressive human being who will blow our guests away with his ambition, wit, and an easy smile.
Spencer Creighton
Groomsman
Spencer and James have been friends since their harrowing middle school crew journey all the way back in 2011. Spencer works in construction management, and will often receive personal credit from the couple for building 'The Academy' in Poughkeepsie, NY (their favorite going-out spot). Spencer is as funny as he is kind and compassionate. He cares deeply about his friends and will be the first person to reach out when he misses them. He is typically the life of every party, but he will have to wrestle with some of Sami's bridesmaids for that honor. Always quick to lend a smile and a helping hand, we cannot wait for our guests to get to know Spencer!
Adrian Dudalo
Groomsman
Adrian, lovingly referred to as Duda, is a trivia and soccer extraordinaire who has been James's good friend since middle school. While Adrian may come off a touch more reserved, he is incredibly observant and will never miss a chance to make a perfectly timed joke. It doesn't hurt that he is also sweet, patient, and a wonderful listener. The happy couple looks for every excuse to attend a fight night or a bar crawl with Adrian simply because they are ICONIC....very much like their wedding will be :).
Anthony Amorello
Groomsman
Anthony, Sami, and James were neighbors in Rosendale for two years. Anthony lived above Sami and James. While neighbors at first, the trio quickly became fast friends, playing Mario Party together, venting about teaching, and re-igniting James's love of Magic: The Gathering. Like Sami, Anthony is a teacher dedicated to serving students in the Hudson Valley. Anthony is kind, a fantastic listener, and would give a stranger the shirt off his back. We cannot wait for our guests to meet Anthony!