Kat & Zach
Bride's Army / Groom's Team
Jay Kilmartin
Officiant
I met Jay- Liz’s boyfriend- 6 years ago. Since then we have cooked, laughed hysterically, picked on Liz lol, memorized “ The Machine”, picked on Liz some more, sang “ You’re Welcome” loud as hell in the car, and drank entire pots of coffee in a sitting ;all while picking on Liz lol. Jay Jay has been there for a lot of not so great times and turned them around. He’s basically become like an older brother and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Jessica Voss- Kat's Sister
Matron of Honor
We've sort of known each other....my whole life? Jess is the best big sister anyone could ever ask for. We're 9 years apart but we've always been close in a weird way....even when I took her stuff all the time growing up lol. She introduced me to the Beatles, Smashing Pumpkins, Marilyn Manson and so many cool bands. She showed me how to stand out, how to take care of others, and she made me an Aunt 3 times. I am truly blessed. There is no one else id love to go to Fridays with and make the waiter feel super uncomfortable. Love you Jessy.
Ashley Hayes
Maid of Honor
We met in 6th grade because my mother and her sister Devyn worked together. We soon became SUPER close and became family. We have seen each other through some of the best and some of the worst events in life. But no matter what she had my back. Her family has become mine and vise Versa. Late night movies, baking cupcakes at 2 am, halloween hayrides, scary movies and the playing the sims until 7 am the next day. Ashley is one of my sisters through and through <3. I don’t know what I’d do without her. And yes she will call me an emotional pisces when she reads this lol.
Josh Potter- Zach's Brother
Best Man
I've known Josh his entire life. He was my first and only thought for my best man. He was my first friend. He can be a stubborn person but he has always had my back. Looking back at it now- I really appreciate my mom making me take him everywhere I went because I was never alone. I'm glad that as we've grown up we've stayed close. I'm also thankful that he lives with me because I can spend time with him and make new memories with my brother everyday. I appreciate him being around, because I know one day he will start his own journey. Josh, I know I don't say this a lot but I hope you know how much I love you. I will always have your back; no matter what.
Sarah Chiarella
Bridesmaid
Sarah came into our family over 10 years ago. She started dating my brother Michael and she fit right in. Our family loves her! She introduced me to the foo fighters( one of her favorite bands) She is my Disney OBSESSED sister in law now! And because of her our family grew and we met her parents Julie and Rich, and her sister and her boyfriend Veronica and James. Now that she and my brother have a son I couldn't be more blessed and thankful that I get to be an aunt again! She has always been there to celebrate with me and I couldn't have built a better sister in law. She Is truly one of a kind.
Mike Chiarella- Kat's Brother
Groomsman
My brother has always been a daredevil. BMX, quads, tree forts etc. He taught me how to take chances, to try new things, and to do things that scare you. We grew up watching WWE wrestling and tried the moves on each other much to the dismay of my parents insurance. He taught me how to ride a bike, how to ride a manual quad, how to drive and how to do front flips on our trampoline. I still remember when we went to the pit and went sledding, jamming in the car on the way to our grandparents, and making our family laugh. He introduced me to Ska Music and used to make me mix cd's all the time. I still have some. Those are some of the greatest times I had growing up. Spending time with my brother, learning new things, and listening to music. Wouldn't change it for anything.
Liz Alexander
Bridesmaid
I have known Liz for 23 years....where did the time go? I met Liz on the bus and then in the neighborhood we grew up in. I was getting bullied and she helped me bury the kid in my sandbox. Classic. We have spent our lives growing up together and becoming more and more like family. From Comedy specials, to first cars, first loves, 95.9 the rat in her chevy Malibu on the way to high school, coffee and tea, Tim Burton and Mel Brooks Movies and inside jokes. Liz, Jay and her Family are and will always be precious to me.
James Smith
Groomsman
I've known James for ...too long. He worked with me at the Chelsea years ago and we bonded through work and similar interests in Anime, games and shows. We have played numerous games together like Destiny, Yugioh and DC Deckbuilder. I've grown fond of him coming to my house every 3 days or at random and he is always welcomed in my home. I consider him a very good friend.
Nikki Lynch
Bridesmaid
I met niki in middle school on the sidewalk- a mutual friend introduced us. That same day we kept seeing each other in the halls and by the end of the day- I was on the bus heading to her house to hangout. It became known in her house that when id come over, id open the front door, say hi to her parents, walk into the kitchen and make coffee. No questions asked. In high school id stay over and we'd attempt to watch complete DVDs of the Anime " One Piece" in a night, then get Allstar bagel on the way into School the next day. We have done photoshoots, had bbqs, and played every storyline of Monster Prom. Nikki is my opposite- I like black and white, she likes a rainbow explosion. I like the mountains- she likes the beach. She is one of my closest friends and she is my family.
Kareem Cole
Groomsman
The man I tend to see EVERYWHERE. The man that has a thousand jobs. I've known Kareem since the library days. Playing card games and hanging at the library every Wednesday. We would talk about music, what games were out and anything at all. We bonded over responsibilty and working. We could talk for hours about games and Anime. Granted we've never spent much time hanging out- because of work schedules but I'm happy to see him whenever I can- just to catch up. He is one of the people that I wish I got to hangout with more. Im glad he's here.
Dan Shawlinski
Groomsman
Dan" Knuckles" Shawlinski- also known as my dad's favorite gremlin. I've known Knuckles since we first moved to Toms River years ago. In my words he has a personality set on random. He is one of my favorite people to talk to and listen to his thoughts because they are a wonderous experience. He was one of the first people I thought of to have as my groomsmen. He is one of my favorite people to hang around because he is very spontaneous even though he looks like a gremlin with a paper towel glued to his forehead( Pompadour).
Kelli Kokulak
Bridesmaid
I met Kelli through Zach. I gave her 20$ to drive his brother home. She looked at me like 0.o? We started hanging out, shopping, and going on adventures. We've grown closer and closer and helped each other through the rough patches that other's might not understand. She may be 5'3 but she is a force to be reckoned with. She stands up for what she believes in and will always have her friends and family's back. There have been so many times we've laughed until we cried, screamed songs in the car and made people question us. But one thing that has always been consistent is that no matter how long we may go without seeing each other; we can always go right back to where we left off. But now, We have wine nights and harass our guys with sponge bob meme's. She is one of my truest friends.
John Kokulak
Groomsman
John" Coco Puff" Kokulak. Yes John, I am going to refer to you as Coco through this whole thing. Deal with it. I've known Coco for a LOOOOOOONG time. I met him through- from what I remember- Kelli( His other Half) our friend Adri and Paula. We would go to Anime and Literature Club together after school. I found out he lived blocks away and I told him we should start hanging outside of school and clubs. To the point that I convinced him to bring over his own Xbox so we could Both play Elder Scrolls: Skyrim together. At one point he was over our house so much my parents said "Just move in" So he did! And I was super happy. Fast forward a few years and we tag teamed in Destiny 2 together. He is one of my brothers and of course I would have him in this group to stand with me on my wedding day.
Bri Cajipe
Bridesmaid
I met Bri through Zach- he worked with her boyfriend- now husband Josh. They thought we could do a double date but Bri and I both thought" oh man I don't get along with many chicks I hope she's chill." Welp we were both right and wrong. We sat awkwardly across from each other and Bri said something hilarious and Instantly I knew we'd be friends. We started texting each other, sending meme's gifs and just random stuff. The four of us would go on ramen, sushi and bubble tea adventures. Anime conventions were our biggest trips to date. Once when we were driving she fed me chicken nuggets and thus she became my nugget wife. Bri and I asked each other to be bridesmaids in our weddings the same day, We cried hysterically. Zach and Josh laughed at us. She is a true blessing.
Josh Cajipe
Groomsman
I met Josh at the Chelsea where I worked for 5 years. We bonded over our common interest in Anime and Video gaming- that soon expanded into involving our significant others. Since then, we have gone on double dates, Traveled NY together, gone to Anime Conventions, car shows and many adventures together. Kat and I walked in his and Bri's wedding in December! When I want to try new restaurants or food- I always ask him because he knows just where to go. Any day could start off as going to the City to get Ramen or something- and we'd meet up with a friend of his and end up in Queens getting Roti from a Caribbean Restaurant at midnight. Whenever I think of traveling, I think to include him and Bri. I am anticipating many more adventures in our future,especially cause we're basically neighbors.
Mat Mulroney
Groomsman
I met Mat working at Primark. We had the same job title but he thought I was a supervisor...thats cause im loud, oh well. He soon became like a little brother to me and we would grab coffee, or talk about family. We'd joke about being uncomfortably Italian, entemanns and Sanca( if you don't know, you can't sit with us.) For the past 4 years we've become like family. He Britt and I are a crazy trio and once we've had coffee....its a wrap. My little joochie brother has grown up and continues to make me proud. But don't forget Mat....you gotta " Show up to Party."
Dharma Voss
Bridesmaid
Dharma is my 14 year old niece. Creative, funny, brilliant, intelligent and beautiful. Dharma came into my life when I was 13. I wanted to grow up and become someone they could look up to and could rely on. When Dharma formed their own friends group they referred to me once as " My cool Aunt Kat" * Achievement Unlocked* Cool Old Person Award. I wanted nothing more than to be that cool aunt. Watching them grow up has been the most amazing experience. I am so proud to call Dharma my niece. My beautiful, crazy, unique, walking meme of a niece. I will always be there for you Little One. Always.
Matilda Voss
Junior Bridesmaid
Matilda is my 9 year old niece. She is so crazy intelligent it knocks the wind out of me. She was only a month old when Zach came into my life. Matilda is my beautifuI, cuddly, spontaneous dancing, teacher correcting partner in crime. I can't wait for the day when she is a famous Paleontologist and continues to make me the proudest aunt ever. Tilda face, aunt Kat loves you so so much. A million hugs My Tilda.
Jackson Voss
Junior Groomsmen.
Jackson is my 7 year old nephew. He came into the world very sick, but this strong little boy wasn't going anywhere. He is my first nephew and my favorite boy. When Jack said my name " Aunt Tat" for the first time after being non verbal I cried for hours. That was so special and I will never forget it. From Dunkie Donuts- for a pink donut of course- to flirting with the nannies at the mall, to stealing my heart. Jackson Christopher you are my most favorite handsome boy ever. Aunt Kat is amazed at when you've accomplished and how far you've come in your first 7 years. I can't wait to see what you do next. No matter what I will be so proud of you and will celebrate your victories! I love you monkey man <3
Nova Potter
Our Dog-ther Nova Marie Potter
Though she will not be in attendance. We wanted to introduce our sweet girl. Nova is our honorary fur child. She is our baby girl and the first dog we have ever had together. She may be a pain in the ass but when when we come home from rough days at work and she is happy to see us - it makes it all worth while.
Linda Chiarella
Mother of the Bride
My mom and I have always been close. She worked nights while my dad worked days but she'd always make things special for us. When we couldn't go to the movie theater- she'd make us one in the living room. Our favorite, drink, snack and blanket on the couch, a rented movie from Blockbuster and all the lights off. When the power would go out- we'd play board games by candle light. She invoked my love of reading. Starting with Harry Potter when I was in 1st grade. That was our time. To read, to be together. She fueled my love of being Norwegian. Bring us to spend time with my grandparents- spending xmas eve with them and traveling to Vasa in the summer time! She is why I try every day to be just a little bit better than yesterday. My mom is my world.
Michael Chiarella
Father of the Bride
My dad has always been a hard worker. Working multiple jobs, and also helping out friends when they needed it. He always instilled in me to help others, to care for your friends like family. He introduced me to punk music when I was very young and jamming out in the car was our thing. Social Distortion was our favorite. I'd come off the bus and you could hear my dad's stereo from the street. He used to tell people that I'd listen to a song once and then know all the words. He showed me how to be brave and keep it together when things were tough. Not many people know but my dad bought my first camera. He believed in me and helped me start photography. That camera and that belief in me is why I was published Nationally. Without words, my dad has always told me he loves me, and he's proud.
Lorraine Potter
Mother of the Groom
I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for my mother and father- sentimentally and physically. She is one of the most hard working people I've ever known in my life. She is a very loving woman who cares deeply about her family. She is always striving to work better and I love her more than I can think of. I can't wait for the day where she doesn't have to work anymore so she can finally relax. I'm always excited to see her and my grandmother off on their adventures. Whenever my mother tells me about her day I am always grateful to hear her voice and I treasure everything she says; except for when she's mad. I will always cherish my mother.
William Potter
Father of the Groom
My father is stubborn, crazy, loud, eccentric, and free spirited. But he is also hardworking, dedicated, strong, brave, and smart. Whenever I have a rough situation I think to call him because he has always looked out for me. When I think of him I remember watching Forest Gump and crying at the end. He'd call me his little Forest Gump. I don't know why. I have so many memories of going to the mountain houses and spending time with the potter side ;All the second christmases and group birthdays. Growing up my dad was usually working. But now that he's retired we're able to do more together like our family dinners and spoiling mine and Kat's puppy Nova. He helped me fix up my first home and I will always be thankful. I love you dad, even though I don't always say it.