Sam and Zach
Meet the Wedding Party
Samantha Haar
Bride
Sam is at all times caring and it comes up in her work and her personal life. She works as a Veterinary Technician and is currently the head of her surgery team. All things in her life lead back to animals, from her work to her 3 fuzzy freeloaders (cats) at home. Somehow Zach found a way to fit in. When she's not taking care of animals she enjoys getting drinks with friends, enjoying warm weather and avoiding all things cold.
Zachary Payton
Groom
Zach works for the Postal Service as a Mechanical Engineer and occasionally gets to travel for his job. When at home, you can find him either working around the house, playing videogames or mastering another stringed instrument. Zach's new passion since living on his own is cooking; having full creativity in the kitchen is something he looks forward to. Sam enjoy's this hobby because she gets to be his forever "taste tester."
Jane Haar
Mother of the Bride
Currently retired, dedicated many years to the General Accountability Office in Washington, DC. As someone who was, "born 100 years too early" she is a cowgirl at heart with an adventurous spirit. Spending time outdoors gardening, working on arts and crafts and making homemade jelly are some of her favorite hobbies. With having a daughter who is just as spirited (a handful you could say), she is ready to welcome the son she always wanted.
Catherine Payton
Mother of the Groom
Currently retired, she worked as an accountant and in the library over the years on top of raising three kids. She now volunteers at the local elementary school. She enjoys spending her time gardening, kayaking and happy hour. Loves watching tennis and going on walks with the dogs. Having raised three boys, she is looking forward to accepting a daughter into the family.
Steve Haar
Father of the Bride
Worked in carpentry over the years for several companies before retiring. As a person who "can't sit still," he returned to the work force helping out at his brother's company. Growing up it was clear he had a refined green thumb and is a great caretaker to his succulents and flowers. In his free time, he enjoys browsing and creating new recipes, keeping busy with fun projects and dabbling in craft beers. Having two quarky daughters, he is happy to finally have a son for the first time.
Edward Payton
Father of the Groom
Works as a Press Operator at the Washington Post and does sign post installations on the side. Always willing to help out friend or family, he is a dependable handyman. Works on cars, upgrades bathrooms, fixes anything and everything. When he isn't working he enjoys spending his time on the water, fishing. He is a proud father and can't wait to finally have a daughter.
Jeanie Haar
Maid of Honor
No matter how far we are from each other now as adults, Samantha and I always had a very special bond as kids. She was my baby sissy and she made me a a big sister. We grew up with a little zoo of animals which always kept us entertained and inspired Sam to become a Vet Tech. I always wanted to make something involving animals a profession, but wasn’t nearly as smart or dedicated as Sammy to actually go through the intense schooling. Samantha has a true heart of gold and one of the biggest animal lovers I know. I look up to her in so many ways, and I’m excited to watch her walk down the aisle with the love of her life! Cheers to my little sissy and her Zach!!
Ryan Anderson
Best Man
Ryan and Zach met freshman year of college at Virginia Tech and have been friends since. After graduating they were roommates in Fairfax, VA for a couple of years. He now works as a Software Development Engineer for Amazon Web Services. Him and his wife Mara now have two dogs and two cats that keep them quite busy.
Lesly Molina
Bridesmaid
Sam and I first met at NVCC vet tech program. Odd little bean I must say, but she has the biggest heart and puts other people’s needs first before her own (I truly do admire her for that). We sat next to each other and talked about god knows what, but that’s when our friendship began. From there we had done our summer internship and grew more as friends. We had lots of fun decorating Dr.Morris office for his bday and laughed at Dr.Bradley calling me his little brown girl. Sam you've been there for me through thick and thin. From my first breakup to visiting wineries to drink our sorrows away. I can honestly say that hanging out with you is truly an adventure. I’m so happy that you’re getting married and letting me be apart of your big special day! ! I love you Sam!! :D
Shawn Payton
Groomsman
Zach's younger brother. They pretend to not get along, but mostly have very similar interests. Shawn is a broadcast engineer at Fox 5 and works on the morning news broadcast. He graduated from Old Dominion University and is an avid guitar player. Shawn will be pretending to be a bouncer for most of the event.
Joyce Lee-Han
Bridesmaid
Sam and I met 8 years ago, as a trainer & trainee at our old job. It didn’t take long before we recognized each other’s quirks and became best work buddies, known as the infamous cookie & cream! After countless nights of after-work drinking session and inside jokes, we became really good friends outside of work as well. After we both left our old job, we don’t get to see each other as much as I’d like, but when we do, it takes seconds to catch up and endless conversation/reminiscing/laugh follows! I’m super excited and honored to be a part of her big day! Ps. Can’t wait to include married life in our future convo! & live happily ever after :) xoxo
Robert McAlpine III
Groomsman
Bob and Zach met freshman year of college at Virginia Tech and have been friends since. After graduating they were roommates is Fairfax, VA for a couple of years. He now works as a Software Engineer at Parry Labs in Alexandria, VA. He is a man of fine tastes and enjoys cooking and trying new wines.
Lauren Ray
Bridesmaid
In June of 2019 I interviewed at the Veterinary Referral Center. I met Sam as the lead tech of the surgery department. She was wearing her maroon scrubs that were short enough to be capris and I loved that she didn't care. Once we started working together we quickly realized we had similar senses of humor, a love of wine and anime. We have become close friends over trips to a haunted trail, vineyards, and girls' game nights. I am honored to be a part of Sam and Zach's big day.
Jake Payton
Groomsman
Zach's youngest brother. After graduating from high school he has been exploring his interests to determine where his future lies. Enjoys video games and sleeping in late. He is quiet, but likes to crack jokes when you're least expecting them.
Jessica Millburn
Bridesmaid
How we met and how we became friends are very different. We met on a tour through VRC right before I was offered a job. Now the exact moment when I knew we would become friends is a little fuzzy, however, the memories that led to that point are not. For instance, the many hours spent in the “speakeasy” talking about all of life's issues and how we can’t wait to drink wine and go to the Renn fair together. The great moments of you dancing through the surgery window, squawking like a bird/velociraptor hybrid, running around in a trash bag dress, or our matching onesies for the company Christmas party. I can’t wait to share your big day with you and move into our lives as married women! The meow-wow’s are all going to be married!!!
Kyle Stegner
Groomsman
Kyle and Zach met freshman year of college at Virginia Tech and have been friends since. After graduating they were roommates in Fairfax, VA for a couple of years. He now works as a Systems Engineer at Leading Systems Technologies. He and his girlfriend Zadaai have two cats and enjoy going out and staying in equally.
Hannah Craig
Bridesmaid
I met Sam when I moved from California to Virginia and started working at the same veterinary hospital. She was one of my trainers there and the thing I remember most was her willingness to not only help me, but trust me. You could see her heart of gold immediately. I appreciated her so much. Then the next thing I knew, she was this wide-open, effervescent, crazy, incredibly fun human and I knew she wasn't just a work friend. I was right! Meeting my meow-wows was one of the best things I could have stumbled into. I can't wait to stand beside Sam as she and Zach start this new adventure!!
Peyton Hoge
Groomsman
Peyton and Zach met freshman year at Virginia Tech and have been friends ever since. Lacrosse, skiing, rock climbing, martial arts, obstacle course racing, hiking, and pretty much any other sport you can think of, Peyton will have a story to tell. He is a new homeowner outside of Richmond, VA and works as an Industrial Engineer at XPO Logistics.
Julie Rupert
Wedding Planner
Julie has been a huge help in helping Zach and Sam identify and select caterers and vendors for the wedding. If you need help finding where to go you can reach her at 443-955-8945.