Wedding Party
Erin Fast
Matron of Honor
My friendship with Erin goes way back to sorority move-in day. While I hauled endless armfuls of clothes up to the third-floor annex, Erin had already organized everything and was adding the finishing touches to her artfully arranged abode. I remember trying to figure out what to say to her to break the ice, but my mom stepped up and insisted I invite Erin to lunch. She said yes! After that, everything became much more fun because Erin was there with me. Boring sorority chapter meetings transformed into silent giggle sessions. Late-night grocery store visits were spent prancing down the aisles in search of “healthy” brownie mix. And even though Erin is the ultimate go-getter, she somehow always finds time to be the most supportive friend, and I’ll forever be grateful for it.
Alison Carter
Bridesmaid
My friendship with Alison began way back in the sweaty halls of high school, and it was an instant connection. Before long, we were belting out Disney songs while sunbathing at the neighborhood pool. We made near-weekly trips to Smoothie King and embarked on road trips equipped with nothing more than printed out MapQuest instructions and our own gut instincts. Though we went to different colleges, it felt like we were quantumly entangled. Alison would tell me about a night out, and we’d discover I’d had a strangely similar evening. I’d discuss a disappointing encounter with a college boy, and she’d reveal an oddly like event. I think that’s just how great friendships work—even when you’re not physically together, you feel the connection across space and time.
Nahja Martin
Bridesmaid
When Nahja and I first met, we were just two “Yankees” in the motherland, trying to sort out the difference between pants, trousers, and underwear. Our homance, the female version of a bromance, started in our first weeks at Exeter and we did almost everything together. We slid notes under the door of our flatmates and ran away giggling when caught. We helped throw Halloween and toga parties. To commemorate our friendship, we’ve met in different cities around the world at least once a year since our meet-cute. Our travels have taken us down the Danube, into the Sahara, and through the twisting alleys of the Marrakesh markets. Because no matter where in the world we are or what in the world we’re doing, it’s always much better to have my homance partner at my side.
Iga Puchalski
Bridesmaid
I’ve known Iga, Fil’s sister, for nearly four years, and every time I get the opportunity to see her, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to be gaining such a fabulous sister-in-law. Iga immediately welcomed me to the family, and throughout camping trips, art shows, holidays, and everyday visits, we’ve shared jokes and important conversations alike. Some of my favorite memories of Iga take place during the annual Fourth of July family camping trips in the Wisconsin outback. From extreme tubing to late-night bathroom bike rides and family volleyball matches, these trips have been packed with great moments. But most importantly, they gave me a chance to really get to know Iga and appreciate her, if possible, even more.
Adam Olszewski
Best Man
Fil and Adam have been friends since seventh grade. Initially, they bonded over all things basketball—playing countless games against each other and arguing about the particulars of the NBA. But after years of competitive games at the Y, the two have now become more like brothers.
Yianni Paravantes
Groomsman
Fil officially became friends with Yianni during their senior year of high school. They instantly clicked based on their similar sense of humor and European background. Their differing personalities complement each other and bring out the best in each of them.
Jason Judd
Groomsman
Fil’s brother-in-law, Jason has been in the family for nearly seven years. They’ve bonded throughout multiple yearly camping trips and their ability to bring light-hearted humor to any situation.
Kyle Mantick
Groomsman
Fil and Kyle, Kelly’s brother, immediately connected over their love of playing sports and being active. Their friendship has developed over the years while jumping at the trampoline park (Kelly’s idea), playing basketball in the Concordia gym, and hiking in the Rocky Mountains.