Jen & Sam
Our Wedding Party
Sarah Sherman
Maid of Honor
I think it's been love since 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me' - we watched that movie so many times together that we memorized the entire Dr. Evil soliloquy. Sarah has always had the gift to make me laugh until my sides hurt and her impressions are always somehow so much funnier than the real thing. Though she's been stolen away to New Jersey, she'll always be a VA Lover at heart and we're stealing her back for our special weekend! The only person who's ever been able to make me laugh so hard I cried with just one look; Sarah - it's that raised pinky I'll be looking for when I'm desperately trying to keep myself together at the altar!
Ryan Croft
Best Man
It was the spring of 1994 and my family had picked up and moved to the DC suburb of North Springfield. Being a shy 10 year old in a new home, I knew it was going to be tough. But then, from across the street, strolled in this B-Baller named Ryan Croft. With his Tommy Hilfiger jeans and fly Starter jacket, I knew all my worries would be washed away. In those early years, Ryan and I shared in a deep love for sports, computer games and Tombstone Pizzas. Fast forward 25 years through high school, college, Caribbean islands, marriage and a little sweetie named Caroline June, we still manage to remain close....and are still waiting for that elusive Washington championship parade to roll down 14th St.
Lara Bellingham
Bridesmaid
Who knew that super-cool Senior walking down the hallway in high school would eventually become my Sister-From-Another-Mister?!? Lara might as well be one of the groomsmen since she and Sam have actually been friends the longest and it may have been their genuine friendship that showed me what an amazing guy my hubby-to-be really is. That being said, I've now officially claimed her as my own; my music soulmate, my traveling Brit, my beach-all-day babe - despite the 3,000 miles between us we remain thick as thieves! It means the world to us that you're crossing the country to stand by our sides on our special day!
Jay Hutchison
Groomsman
Maurice Jay Hutchison III came into my life by way of Plano, Texas in the middle of High School our sophomore year. We instantly became friends and sped around Annandale causing trouble in his old school Mazda Protege whenever his dad didn't have the engine in a million pieces on the front lawn. His love of football can only be matched by his loyalty as a great friend and brother. He is someone I know will be with Jen and I on our 50th wedding anniversary and I will always be grateful he came into our lives with that Justin Bieber haircut 20 years ago.
Hana Nguyen
Bridesmaid
When I try to remember when my friendship with Hana Banana really began, I can't help but think back to our Driver's Ed Free period, when we would ask to go in the hallway so we could study for our IB exams without disturbing the rest of the class.....and then Hana would just tell me about how hot Matt Damon was in 'Good Will Hunting'. Aside from being my top informant for the latest Hollywood babes and my style maven (where would my closet be without you?!?), Hana has become one of my most thoughtful friends - always asking me about my day first, even when she's had a terrible one. Fun Fact: Hana may have been Sam's first cheerleader for my heart, weaving her match-making even before I was in my self-denial about my crush for him ;)
Keith Nolan
Groomsman
Still to this day, no one can rock a bowl-cut like my man Keith Nolan did back when we first met in high school. From an early age, this high-energy speed demon and I shared a love of sports and the WWE and even though our playing days are behind us, we will always remain close. He had his chance with Jen at the homecoming dance many years and many grey hairs ago yet somehow I came out on top. He's the kind of guy who will always make you laugh and constantly let you know that he is the best dancer in the room. Looking forward to one last worm on July 7th
Torrie Higgins
Bridesmaid
Our friendship began back in 6th grade, trucking through the halls of Holmes Middle School in our jnco jeans and oversized Nirvana T-Shirts. Needless to say, our fashion sense has changed over the years (for the better thank god!) and as we've moved on to different schools and different States, we always find a way to come back to each other. Despite all the time that's passed and though we may look different, my friendship with Torrie gives me great comfort in the fact that some things never have to change.
Chris Hogeboom
Groomsman
Hogeboom has been a big part of Jen and I's lives for many years and is especially credited with showing Jen that I was worthy enough to get past the "friend zone" many years ago. Him and I have shared a lot of sports and a lot beers throughout the years and he was even gracious enough to house me in his lovely home after college (even though I'm pretty sure I'm his second favorite Molavi he has lived with) He will always be great friend to us both and we are honored that he is going to stand with us on our wedding day!
Kaitlin Molavi
Bridesmaid
Whenever you begin a new relationship there's always the worry about meeting the other person's family...'Will I like them...will they like me?!??' I've been so fortunate to have been welcomed with open arms by all of the Molavi's, but most of all by Kaitlin. A Persian beauty, independent woman, and incredible mother, I'm so lucky to have Kait as a friend and can't wait to be able to call her my sister!
Spencer Launer
Groomsman
Even though Spencer and I don't share the two decades-old history like the other groomsman, his presence in our lives has meant the world to us. I met him whilst we shared a small kitchen space in the now shuttered Ripple in Cleveland Park. At the time, that restaurant left a huge impact on our lives and the sense of love and family within that place was personified by people like Spencer. He, like many others in this city, came to us from across the country and I'm eternally grateful that we all became friends....and it goes without saying that his beard would make even Ron Swanson blush.
Saša Erić
Officiant, Friend, Bosnian
Sam met Saša back in their not-so-innocent days at JMU, where they bonded over Grey Goose Vodka, SpaghettiOs, and all-you-can eat steak challenges. One of our favorite stories about Saša was the time that he hid in Sam's shower after he left for class and stayed there for over 3 hours, just so that he could pop out and scare the shit out of Sam when he came home. Saša is certainly a dedicated prankster, and lucky for us, he's also a dedicated friend. We're so honored he's agreed to marry us!
David Covucci AKA Cooch
Officiant, Friend, Exclusive Member of NPJD.com
Sam can still remember the early days of their friendship, riding the bus to Holmes Middle School, consoling David over his failed Chorus debut. Over the years they've made many memories, from locker room soap fights and prank phone calls, to sleeping in airports and hostels across Europe. He too was instrumental in getting us together and it's only fitting that he will be standing there with us to seal the deal.