Wedding Party
Catherine Connolly
Matron of Honor
Cate and I have been best friends for about 8 years now. We met at Russell Sage College, and I did not like Cate. However, we worked on the same cardiac floor as nurses, and have been inseparable since. Cate is intelligent, witty, hilarious, fiercely loyal, and kind. We have too many memories to even count, whether it be throwing up in buckets in FL, dancing in the rain, at the bar, on the streets, etc. or movie nights with Taco Bell. We're soul sisters, our one brain cell wired together, working over time. Cate is someone who shows up for you, everytime no matter what. She has been the best friend I could ever ask for. To know you, is to love you. I clearly didn't know you very well when I didn't like you. I truly don't know what I'd do without you, sister!!
Kathryn Ziegler
Bridesmaid
Kate and I became best friends in 2nd grade-middle school, I practically lived at her house, and she at mine. From playing sims, to riding bikes, to messaging our crushes on AIM, we grew up together. We reconnected in our late teens. She has a way of making you laugh no matter what the situation is. From dancing on the counters to WAP, to taking annual trips together we always have a good time. We took a cross-country trip a few years ago, and I can confirm she is Sacagawea. Ask her about her quote notes. She is a rare mix of organized and calculated, but has the ability to switch to carefree and spontaneous. She is one of the smartest people I know, shares my dark humor, zest for travel, and is someone I charish as a great friend, always.
April Grogan
Bridesmaid
April and I met in 2018, where we worked together at the Cheesecake Factory-what a time to be alive. April is kind-hearted, generous, and emphatic. We became BEST friends after pretending to work out together in the gym. We went to Hawaii together, survived camping in the jungle, and the club in the big island. Does not matter what we're doing- dancing on the island to "me n you" by Cassie, driving cross country to a sketchy motel, or just hanging out April is one of the funniest people I've met, coming back with the most out-of-pocket witty responses. When I decided to start travel nursing in Texas, she didn’t hesitate to come along and has been there since. Her free-spirited energy is infectious. No matter how much time passes, it's just like I never left. Ilysm!!
Taylor Head
Bridesmaid
Taylor is my adventurous, creative, and big-hearted little sister. I used to love pulling pranks on her (sorry, Tay), and she'd tell my mom I'm "looking" at her, now she's out hiking after dark with her camera, chasing scenery wherever we go. We've come a long way since then. Her determination to turn something ordinary into a project she won’t rest until completing is truly admirable. She helped me pick up my new kittens, and took them under her wing when I went traveling as a nurse, without question. She would give you the shirt off her back. I love you so much, and I'm forever grateful for you !
Danielle Head
Bridesmaid
Danielle is my caring, strong, ambitious and adventurous big sister. Whenever she calls, I truly don't know what's going to come out of her mouth, there's never a dull moment with her. From childhood adventures to all the late-night talks as adults, she’s been my constant. I once took a cross country trip with her on a whim, with no agenda, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Your ability to make it up as you go, unafraid to take chances is inspiring. No matter what life throws at you, you just keep going. I love you so much, I don't know where I'd be without you!
Joanna Maminakis
Bridesmaid
Joanna is my future sister-in-law. When I first met her in 2021, she quickly made me feel like part of the family. She’s kind, funny, and has this amazing way of appreciating the little things in life. She keeps things simple, makes everything more fun, has a solution for every situation, and has a genuine energy that instantly makes you feel comfortable. I've loved getting to know her over the years, and watching her step into life as a new mom has been so special. She's my bonus sister, and I’m so lucky to be gaining her as family, and to have her by my side.
Steve Romano
Best Man
Steve and Chris have been best friends since their college days at Western New England University, where they met in 2012. Their friendship started over a mutual misery of the Yankees sucking, and a shared pack of cigarettes. From that moment on, it was chaos. Whenever Steve’s around, there’s guaranteed to be laughter (and probably at least one wildly inappropriate joke). He has a knack for making light of any situation, and has been an exceptional friend of Chris's. Although he lives in NYC, he always makes time for his friends. We are thrilled to have him as the best man, and can't wait to hear his speech (he is a speech writer for a living)
Joseph Groat
Groomsman
Joe and Chris have been best friends since pharmacy school back in 2012, and after living together for years, they’ve basically become family. Joe’s talents include expert-level rage baiting, quick out-of-pocket comebacks, and keeping Chris humble. But beneath all that chaos, Joe is the friend who notices everything—what you need, how you’re feeling, and the perfect moment to crack a joke that makes everything better. Even though they live far apart now, they still catch up almost every night while gaming, yelling, and probably feuding with a few 12-year-olds who have become their sworn enemies. We’re so happy to have him in the wedding party!
Steve DiReda
Groomsman
Chris and Steve have been friends since early high school. Back then, Chris was basically a weekend resident at Steve's house, and together they played every sport under the sun—always managing to end in a tie. Now they still golf together, keeping that same competitive spirit. Steve is very maticulous, noticing details that others might miss. He is also fun, reliable, and smart. He's the kind of friend who genuinely values his people; even when life gets busy, he’ll call just to check in. We're so happy to have Steve a part of our big day!
Manny Maminakis
Groomsman
Manny is Chris’s older brother. Having grown up together, they shared and still share the same nerdy hobbies and inside jokes since they were kids. As Chris grew up, the dynamic shifted and they went from brothers who hung out to friends who actually enjoy spending time together. Manny has a daughter named Athena, who will be one of our two flower girls. Watching him evolve into a parent has been amazing! He owns his own business while balancing dad life, and I'm happy that he'll be by Chris's side.
Brett Mikolajczyk
Groomsman
Brett and Chris have been friends since elementary school, and no matter how much time passes, they always pick up right where they left off. Brett is someone who never takes himself too seriously—easygoing, fun to be around, and able to make the best of any situation. He brings a laid-back energy and a good time wherever he goes. The two of them also share a love of gaming, and many of their best “hangouts” happen over a headset, laughing and catching up. We're so excited to have Brett in the party !
Matt Todd
Groomsman
Chris and Matt have been friends since high school, and continue to stay close all these years later. Matt is the kind of person who shows up for the people he cares about—reliable, steady, and loyal. Even with their busy schedules, they still make time to get together often. Matt is kind, generous, and genuinely thoughtful, always finding small ways to make others feel appreciated, he never hesitates to reach out and catch up. We're so excited to have him in the wedding party!
Athena Maminakis
Flower Girl
Our cute niece will be one of the two flower girls. She's spunky, sassy, and fun. We can't wait to have her be a part of our day.
Emerald Spring
Flower Girl
Emmy is our new adorable niece. She will be one of our 2 flower girls. Born just in October, she will be about 6 months old come the wedding. Can't wait to watch her grow, and so excited for her to be at the wedding.