Wedding Party
Harry Barzola
Groomsman
The Groom's earliest memory is of Harry's thoughtful gesture of secretly bringing him snacks into their room as a small child. This is where the grooms love for cream cheese began (slap that on some saltine crackers and it'll change your life). Just like that small, caring gesture, Harry has continuously strived to be the epitome of an older brother throughout the groom's life. United by their shared passion for soccer (just don't ask them what club team they root for,) and food, they've spent countless hours on the field, playing winning eleven (the superior soccer video game) and over the parrilla. As all stories go with brothers, Harry is also the cause of many injuries the groom has received, the best one being a scar on the top of his head (ask him!). The groom forgives him since Harry brought Dragon ball Z into his life, which is the greatest achievement humanity has ever had, ahead of making penicillin. Social and known for talking way, way too much, you can catch Harry chatting it up with anyone and being a great dad to his son Rocco (see: Rocco Barzola) As the groom prepares to embark on the journey of marriage, he is so happy to have Harry by his side.
Vinny Barzola
Groomsman
Ah yes, the younger brother. Closer in age, they spent much of their youth playing with the neighborhood kids. This boy sure did love climbing things, hiding, and getting in trouble (like the time he once sleepwalked almost all the way to a nearby K-Mart for a late-night shopping spree). Known among the groom's friends for his casual approach to clothing, he's often spotted with a minimalist wardrobe, much to their amusement. Vinny has an unusual talent (luck?) for racing videogames- the closest the groom has come to violence is when they used to play racing games as kids. How does he do it?? The groom avoids them entirely now. Eventually, Vinny became old enough to join the Barzola soccer clan. Individually, the three brothers are formidable players. Together, they have a pitiful 0.08 percent win rate. Like having Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe on the same team, you just can't have too many stars playing at once. The groom looks forward to having his little brother fist-pumping his way to glory Jersey-style to ring in this joyous occasion.
John Butryn
Groomsman
By the Book Butryn, they call him. But don't let his safe, white man demeanor fool you. This guy was the original rebel without any cause. On a trip to the Jersey shore in the mid-aughts this little devil got a ticket on the boardwalk and snakebite piercings all within 48 hours. A gentle emo kid dressed in all black with luscious scene hair covering his face, he and the groom became fast friends in high school. Together, along with the gang, they would spend their nights drinking in the Butryn Family basement, eating way too much of Mr. and Mrs Butryn's food, and singing whole albums loudly into the night (we are so sorry Adam and Karen.) John Henryck Butryn would also go on to change Mark's life by introducing him to many of his favorite bands like Sigur Ros, Explosions in the Sky, and The Smiths. Most people wish they could have a friend like John, as he is the most earnest, thoughtful, generous, and loyal pal anyone could ever have. He also takes way too long on the tee box. While the groom sometimes misses John's old rambunctious ways, Mark is still thrilled to have him as a part of this wonderful celebration and in his life. You'll be able to spot him, as he will be the groomsman observing his companions with a mix of amusement and mild concern as they embark on their escapades.
Andrew Rassekh
Groomsman
There is only one Rassekh in this world. This story starts, as many others do, with the grooms heavy disdain towards a soon to be friend. In fifth grade, Rassekh was the new kid in town. He wore a leather jacket, had blonde tips, and insulted the groom the first time they met. As fate would have it, the groom would sit at a lunch table in sixth grade that would change his life (for the better?) and connect him to many friends he still has to this day. Rassekh was also there I guess. In all seriousness, Rassekh, like many of his friends are like brothers to him. With a glance they both know what the other is thinking. They have spent many hours conversing about their misery, listening to Brand New, and playing MK2 at the Persian Palace (AKA Rassekh's house). The groom notes that Rassekh is the funniest human being on the planet, even when he doesn't want to be. A softie at heart, he is known for always having a quick quip and for his tall tales. Rassekh once convinced their whole middle school lunch table that a girl overdosed on mustard after breaking into the cafeteria at night and that Poland was invaded in two days during WW2.
Kevin Yarleque
Groomsman
The groom....never liked him. They technically grew up together as they went to the same school first through twelfth grade, though Kevin was a year Mark's senior. He liked cars too much. That's all Mark knew about him and all he needed to make a rational, long-lasting judgement. This lasted until The Groom was 18 and their mutual friend, John Butryn, invited him to their usual hangout spot, the dungeon AKA Rassekh's basement (for more see: Andrew Rassekh). Much like how Prince Charming felt when he first gazed upon Cinderella walking into the ball, Mark knew they would be close. Since then, they have spent many hours begrudgingly playing video games together late into the morning, watching anime, and hanging out in companionable silence as they also share a mutual emotional constipation. Kevin is now one of Mark's best friends and the groom cherishes Kevin, his wife, and children as his own family. Mark still doesn't get the car thing.
Andrew Serafin
Groomsman
Technically the groom's oldest friendship, Serafin and Mark were in school together since kindergarten. Serafin swears the groom outed him about his crush that year (where are you now, Tracy?) but Mark denies this slander. They "officially" became friends at the majestic middle school lunch table (see Rassekh above) where the groom holds his most fond memories. While not always the closest of the bunch at a young age, they have really hit the ground running since their 20's, and now talk almost every day in some form or another. The groom is incredibly appreciative of this new dynamic and loves Serafin dearly even though he is the ultimate contrarian-fence-sitter. Seriously, Do. Not. Engage. Him. In. Discussion. You can catch this pair on discord playing games, out golfing, or hanging out every weekend. Known for his constant positive demeanor, infuriating knack for carnival games, and making up his own vocabulary (which somehow works), guests can catch Serafin at the wedding cutting some rug. He is the worst fisherman on the planet.
Axel Dougar
Groomsman
Axel, promptly rebranded as "The Ogre", moved to Mark's hometown in 9th grade and they quickly became friends but Mark doesn't actually remember if that's true. Axel constantly talked about his old dirt town. Unsympathetic to the transition of moving somewhere new, Mark and his friends would make fun of where he grew up. The joke persists to this day and Mark won't even entertain the idea of looking at listings for houses there (Even though he still lives in his mother's basement). At some point, Axel also unjustifiably stabbed Mark in the arm (Ask him). Regardless of all this mistreatment, Mark still fell for Axel due to his long blonde hair, chill nature, skateboarding skills, and vast music taste. If there was a group of people in a random town, you could bet that they knew Axel. The groom supposes that he was/is a pretty cool guy. Mark is forever grateful that they met and intends to be friends forever as promised in their yearbooks.
Justin Yarleque
Groomsman
This is probably the oddest friendship origin story here. Way back around 2018-2019, the groom would frequent Justin's house as he became closer friends with Kevin (See: Kevin Yarleque). One night, with the party winding down early, the gang was playing ping pong until only the groom and Justin remained. For reasons unknown, they went on to play ping pong until 7 in the morning. There was no agreement or acknowledgement to do so, few words were spoken, and it was beautiful. This was an especially fun night as Justin and the groom were the only ones in the group that had hands when it came to ping pong. From then on, they both started hanging out (sometimes without Kevin but don't tell him), and have spent many fun nights playing videos games, drinking, and traveling. The groom credits Justin for getting him into the gym resulting in his current immaculate figure. Mark considers Justin a close friend and is happy that he will be there to celebrate such an important day. The groom often can't tell which brother he likes more. Don't tell Kevin.
Rocco Barzola
Ring Bearer
Rocco is Mark's nephew and as far as Janine's concerned, the best part of this deal is getting to be Rocco's *official* tia, after many years of being great pals. Funny, kind, and smart, Mark and Janine can't think of a better guy to entrust with such a huge responsibility, as Rocco has proven himself to be the best of the Barzolas during his short seven years.
Denise Colletti
Bridesmaid
The original artsy Colletti Cool Girl, (TM) Janine's big sister Denise, has been a beacon of inspiration and warmth throughout the bride's life. Janine considers herself incredibly fortunate to have had such a wonderful, nurturing, and fun-loving older sister to look up to. From memorable family skiing trips (where Denise displayed remarkable patience as the bride and her cousin Talia mischievously repurposed her husband's snowboarding butt-pad as a flag) to their unforgettable family journey to Italy (where Denise once again exhibited admirable patience amid the bride's youthful antics and angst), they've always shared joyous moments together. Denise's impact extends far beyond her family circle; she dedicates herself to uplifting others through her remarkable talents and boundless compassion. Whether she's enriching lives through art therapy for humans or providing love and care to vulnerable elderly greyhounds, Denise consistently utilizes her superhuman levels of love and empathy to make the world a brighter place. Gifted in so, so many artistic pursuits, Denise has bestowed upon the bride a treasure trove of exquisite handmade quilts, hand-crocheted garments, mail art, collages, and ceramics, including the San-San-Kudo set for this special occasion!
Marion Deutsch
Bridesmaid
The worst period of Marion's life was undoubtedly the month she had to wait for Janine to be born, as they had previously been hanging out in utero at various work functions their mothers attended together in 1991. She has since never left Janine's side through every birthday party (like the unforgettable moment at Marion's 5th birthday when Janine "assisted" in present-opening with a loud "kowabunga!") to cherished trick-or-treating escapades (an annual freezing-cold highlight that never failed to thrill Janine's father,) graduation, and life milestone. Marion holds the esteemed position as Janine's first point of contact for any major news. Janine cannot envision a life without Marion by her side, their friendship serving as an anchor through a lifetime. Marion somehow simultaneously shoulders the heavy burden of being the life of every party, and keeping a strict bedtime of 9 pm. If anyone is in doubt about which of the bridesmaids she is, she will be the first one on the dancefloor, shimmying to Gloria Estefan, and possibly sneaking in micro-naps between festivities.
Pamela Dang
Bridesmaid
Joined by their mutual love of cinema, musicals, old Hollywood, Disney, period romances, and good food, it's unclear whether these similarities occurred naturally or whether Janine's entire personality has been formed as a three-decade-long con on Pamela's part to indoctrinate her younger cousin into liking all the same things as she does. Regardless, Pamela has been more than a cousin to Janine, but a lifelong friend and confidante. She is one of the most resilient, strong, and thoughtful people the bride knows. Pamela has left an indelible mark on Janine's life, enriching it with her friendship, humor, sage advice, and impeccable taste. Their conversations often inexplicably drift into their family's Hawaiian dialect, despite both growing up outside the islands (Janine's pidgin is undeniably the poorer and whiter) Anticipating their golden years, Janine eagerly envisions a future reminiscent of the Sakamoto sisters, Pauline and Jane, with Pamela by her side. They've long planned to reside near one another, relishing in regular adventures together, going "holoholo" and talking story, reminiscent of the inseparable bond shared by their treasured Grandma and Aunty.
Lindsay Cummings
Bridesmaid
It was love at first "O gash" when Janine met Lindsay in grad school. They quickly became inseparable, sharing countless trips to the mall, study sessions, restaurant runs, hikes, happy hours, birthdays, dinner parties, yoga classes, and performances, solidifying their friendship over their two years together in Arizona. Lindsay is Janine’s role model for ambition, achieving nearly anything she sets her mind to. Lindsay isn't just the kind of friend who insists on taking you to the airport for your 6 am flight but also surprises you at 4 am with doughnuts. Whether it's visiting Janine during her opera gigs (flying to Texas, driving 10 hours roundtrip from Chicago to small-town Iowa), or even opening her home and lending her car to Janine and Mark on her own wedding weekend, Lindsay (and her husband Chris) are among the most generous friends Janine is fortunate to have.
Julianna Escalante
Bridesmaid
It is unclear when Juli and her husband Kevin transitioned into two of Janine’s closest friends, though somewhere between their introduction to the bride as one of Mark’s best friends and his wife, and the now endless barrage of memes they send the bride on an hourly basis, it came to pass. Always armed with words of encouragement or advice and a sympathetic ear, Juli’s companionship became Janine's lifeline during lockdown, as they embarked on walks, outdoor day trips, and long talks. One of the bride's most fabulous friends, Juli both models for, and encourages the bride to be her most confident, vivacious self in turn. Juli always manages to keep the bride's life interesting whether it be going out on the town braving NYC Cinco de Mayo crowds to go to a Harry Potter bar, or keeping the bride on her toes (ask Juli about the gender reveal for her daughter and Janine's part in it) You can find the pair many weekends taking turns lounging in each other's houses, and though Juli keeps trying to convince Janine to move to Europe with her, Janine cherishes having such a wonderful friend living just on the other side of their suburban New Jersey town.
Genna Gozenpud
Bridesmaid
Yevgeniya Stanislavovna Gozenpud, the attorney formerly known as Genya has been, in Janine's opinion, exceptionally tolerant of the bride's antics for the past 25 years. From their first meeting in the second grade in which Janine immediately invaded her personal space and administered a ribcage-crushing death hug, to the many times in high school where she would calmly listen as Janine would ask Genya in a panic "WHAT assignment was due today???" Genya has been one of Janine's most gracious and welcoming friends. It has been one of the great joys of Janine's adult life to have her childhood friend living within driving distance, and Genya is only person worth the hour-and-a-half drive to Brooklyn on a Friday night for. Genna is one-third of the group formerly titled The Barbarian Two Plus Donkey.
Matthew Matruski
Bridesman
It is unsurprising that after spending twelve years of grade school together (minus one year separated in 9th grade which the bride has selectively blacked out of her memory) taking turns being the most dramatic friend, that both Matt and Janine have ended up in the entertainment industry. Matt takes after his mother Carol, Janine's favorite teacher of all time, in his ability to balance calling the bride on her BS (ask about Janine's sudden-onset-cleanup-time-nausea in elementary school!) with the kind of unconditional support that sustains a friendship through a lifetime and makes the recipient the best version of themself. Matt is one-third of the group formerly titled The Barbarian Two Plus Donkey. (... the bride is the Donkey, for those interested)
Grace Marie Bernier I
Bridesmaid
Grace Marie Bernier I: the One and Only, and Janine spent more time together in their late childhood and adolescence than most people spend with their actual siblings as teammates on their local artistic swimming team, then known as the BGC Gaviatas, a group of lifelong soul sisters now known as the Synchro Biddies. Grace and Janine now gaze longingly most nights in each others' direction across the Hudson River from their respective homes in Manhattan and New Jersey. Grace also deserves a round of applause for agreeing to be in the bridal party three months after her own wedding.
Nelson Migdal
Officiant
Nelson and his wife Joyce are Janine's Uncle and Aunt in every way except blood, and two of the most generous souls she knows. Joyce and Janine's mom were roomates-turned-sisters in graduate school, and started dating their future husbands around the same time. Notably, Joyce and Nelson were integral members of the bride's parents' wedding party. Janine spent many happy weekends growing up visiting and spending time with Nelson, Joyce, and their children, her cousins Talia and Corey. Mark and Janine are thrilled to have Nelson as their officiant, both for his wonderful oratorial skills, but also because the Migdal Family represents what love and lifelong commitment looks like, not just between spouses, but between cherished friends.
Kyle Naig + Véronique Filloux
Musicians
Kyle and Janine met at the end of a summer opera gig in 2016 and Kyle simply refused to stop being friends. Janine considers Kyle one of her best friends both because they are close, but also because Kyle is one of the best of the best at being a friend. Kyle's partner Vér is an astonishingly beautiful soprano who Janine is lucky enough to call a colleague and a friend and who has, on multiple occasions, saved Janine's broken brain on an opera contract with her talent and her good company. It is a special gift to have them make music for the wedding, as their works can usually be heard in opera houses across the country. Janine has the Los Angeles Times review of their last Southern California performance cut out and saved next to her master's degree.