Wedding Party
Lilian Canales
Maid of Honor
My big sister (though somehow I ended up taller!) Lilian has been leading the way for me my entire life. She’s the person who taught me how to do my hair, blend my makeup, navigate school, college, and all the twists and turns of adulting. She’s one of the hardest-working people I know and truly sets the bar for everything she does. She’s also the best dog aunt to our Gunnar, always ready to step in and care for him like he’s her own whenever his pawrents are out of town. More than anything, she’s been my lifelong role model, my safe place, and the person who always believes in me even when I doubt myself. I couldn’t imagine life without her steady guidance, unconditional love, and laughter through it all. Having her by my side on one of the biggest days of my life feels exactly right—because she’s been by my side through every chapter, helping shape the person I am today.
Petar Bogdan
Best Man
Dragi Bogdan College roommates turned lifelong partners-in-crime, Bogdan has been there for it all, late-night laughs, epic travels, and yes… that unforgettable kayak incident that the rivers of Hercegovina and the locals will never forget :) From shared adventures, across adopting kittens to embarrassing moments we’ll never fully explain, he’s been by my side through thick, thin, and questionable decision-making. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine anyone better to stand next to me as I marry Karen. Cheers to laughter, friendship, and the guy who somehow survived it all! 🛶😂🍻
Lauren Hopkins
Matron of Honor
Lauren has been my best friend for as long as I can remember, my confidante, my sounding board, and basically my other half. She knows what I’m thinking and feeling before I even say a word, and she’s been there through every single phase of my life, from crazy teenage years to this exciting new chapter. She’s my fitness guru, my go-to for advice on everything from workouts to life decisions, and the most incredible mama to our flower girl, Emma, who also made Filip and me officially “Auntie and Uncle.” With every stage of our friendship, we somehow manage to get even closer, growing right alongside each other through every milestone and season of life. Lauren is the kind of friend who shows up without being asked, who loves without limits, and who makes every moment brighter just by being in it. There’s truly no one else who could fill this role more perfectly, she’s been my rock, my sister by choice, and now she’ll be right beside me as I marry the love of my life.
Mario Malčak
Groomsman
My first violin Mario Travel buddy, problem-solver, and full-on Excel freak, Mario has been by my side for adventures big and small, most memorably our 26-day road trip across the USA, where somehow he managed to sleep through a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. And then there was the time my dad “promised” a 20-minute hole-digging job that turned into six hours of pure labor… after which Mario could barely move. Through laughs, misadventures, and a few “how did we survive that?” moments, he’s proven he’s the guy you want standing next to you. I couldn’t imagine saying “I do” without him there.
Sam Maier
Bridesmaid
Sam has been my best friend since childhood—the one who’s seen me through every stage of growing up. Her family became a second family to me, and her kindness, empathy, and loyalty are unmatched. Sam has always been that friend who just shows up—whether it’s for a laugh, a cry, or a spontaneous adventure. She’s the person who makes everyone feel cared for and understood, and her heart is as big as her smile. When she’s not being the most supportive friend anyone could ask for, she’s doing one of the most selfless jobs imaginable: helping bring new life into the world as a labor and delivery nurse. She’s one of the most compassionate and resilient people I know, and I’m so lucky to have her standing beside me as I take this next big step.
Goran Zoroe
Groomsman
Gogo the masked avenger Zoroe My oldest friend, I was literally his first friend, meeting him the day he was born. Growing up in the same neighborhood and spending summers in Pag, we bonded over rock and punk concerts, late-night PlayStation marathons, and a shared love of music that still sticks with us today. Gogo is clever, witty, and somehow both philosophical and mischievous, like the time he tried to convince me that cats can speak when they’re in distress, or when he would demolish an entire jar of pâté with just a spoon. Through endless laughs, ridiculous debates, and moments that left me literally in tears from laughing, he’s been by my side through it all. I couldn’t imagine standing at the altar without him there, sharing that same mix of humor, creativity, and lifelong friendship.
Maja Donadić
Bridesmaid
Maja is Filip’s sister and one of the kindest, most genuine souls I’ve ever met. From the very beginning, she welcomed me into their family with open arms and made me feel instantly at home. She’s incredibly intelligent, thoughtful, and hardworking, someone you can always count on for wisdom, perspective, and the perfect dose of humor. I see so much of her in Filip, her drive, compassion, and quick wit, and I absolutely love the bond they share. Maja has such a calming, grounding presence, the kind that makes everyone around her feel at ease. I’m so grateful to now call her my sister too, and I can’t imagine this day without her warmth, laughter, and heart as part of our celebration.
David Canales
Groomsman
David Smoke & Torque Chef David is Karen's brother, but from day one, he’s treated me like a brother and my gateway into the family and the guy who gave me his blessing to marry his sister. Car enthusiast, grill master (after I taught him the proper Croatian fire technique), and the man with the best beard in the business. Incredible host, amazing cook, and always looking out for his sister, having him stand by my side at the altar, keeping an eye on his sister while sharing laughs and memories, makes this day all the more special.
Deb Maldonado
Bridesmaid
Deb is my best friend from law school and truly one of the funniest, boldest, and most entertaining people I know. I was honored to stand by her side as a bridesmaid at her wedding, and now it’s her turn to hype me up on mine! She’s the ultimate girls’ girl, always cheering her friends on, always the first to celebrate a win (with champagne in hand, of course). Deb is the kind of person who brings energy, laughter, and life to every room she walks into, and she has the biggest heart underneath all that sparkle. I can’t wait to have her infectious spirit lighting up the dance floor and making sure every moment of this day is filled with pure joy.
Olivia Piluso
Bridesmaid
Olivia is my person, our biggest cheerleader and the first person I told that I knew I was going to marry Filip. We met in law school during a mock-trial competition where, fun fact, we were actually adversaries who couldn’t stand each other at first. But once we got to know each other, we realized we were basically the same person, and destined to be best friends. From law school to our first internship and job together, she’s been by my side through it all. She’s witty, loyal, and the definition of a ride-or-die. Olivia is the kind of friend who always makes life more fun, more meaningful, and a lot more memorable. Filip and I both adore her, and I couldn’t imagine saying “I do” without her right there cheering us on.
Tim Hopkins
Groomsman
Tim PRESENT YOURSELF! Tim is our flower girls dad and Karen’s matron of honor husband. From day one I met him, he embraced me as part of his family - trusting me with his newborn daughter and welcoming me into his family. A firefighter, mission-driven, and ridiculously strong (he even trains people to parachute jump), Tim somehow makes saving the world look effortless. Case in point: at Saratoga, we waited from 5am for the best table, and thanks to his lightning speed, he led us past everyone else to claim it. Cool, dependable, and always in control, having Tim at my side on the wedding day means I know nothing can go wrong.
Emma Josephine Hopkins
Flower Girl
Emma holds such a special place in our hearts. She was born right around the same time that Filip and I started dating, and from the very beginning, she’s been a bright little light in our lives. We’ve loved watching her grow into the sweetest, happiest, most easygoing baby and we’ve cherished every moment with her. One of our favorite memories will always be the night we babysat her when she was just six weeks old—swaddling her, rocking her to sleep, and realizing how much joy and love this tiny human brought into our world. She truly makes everyone smile just by being in the room. We feel so lucky and blessed to have her be a part of our lives and even more so to have her walk down the aisle as our flower girl on such a special day. We love you Emma Jo!