Wedding Party
Torrie
Maid of Honor
Torrie is Samantha's younger sister and built-in best friend. Although 4 years apart, the two are very close and share a special bond. As kids they often played house, lifeguards, and reenacted nearly every Disney movie. They worked at Codman Pool for 6 years and enjoyed teaching kids how to swim and working with each other. All grown up, Torrie and Samantha love shopping, going to the beach, watching rom-com movies, and also have an unhealthy obsession over the three family dogs, Bruno, Maggie, and Gigi! Torrie and Samantha enjoy a quiet night in drinking wine, watching Schitt's Creek, and of course, snuggling with the pups. Espresso martini's from Café Vitorria's is a must when they go out. If Torrie is missing any of her clothes, she knows to look in Samantha's closet because there is a good chance Samantha took it and claimed it as her own. Torrie is an incredible sister who is kind, thoughtful, and brightens up any room. She is nothing short of a blessing to have her as a little sister.
Alicia
Bridesmaid
Alicia is John's older sister and has become one of Samantha's closest friends. They first met back in 2015 at Johnny's St. A's baseball game and bonded over teaching. At the time, Alicia was a 1st grade teacher and Samantha was studying to be a teacher. Over the years they have enjoyed many brewery and winery outings, vacations to Newport and Cape Cod, and game nights. Alicia is kind-hearted and has a great sense of humor which is why she is one of Samantha's role models and has always looked up to her like a big sister. Alicia got married in October of 2022! Samantha enjoyed being a part of her special day, and now, Alicia and Samantha will be sisters!
Lauren
Bridesmaid
Lauren is John's older sister and has become one of Samantha's closest friends. They first met at Johnny's St. A's baseball game back in 2015. Samantha has always loved Lauren's taste and style. The two bond over their love for charcuterie boards, fashion, and helping others. Lauren is genuine and thoughtful which is why she is one of Samantha's role models and has always looked up to her like a big sister. They have enjoyed traveling together during the summers on Cape Cod and in Newport. Lauren makes the best itineraries and always finds the most aesthetically pleasing places for everyone to spend time together. She is a sweet soul and Samantha is excited to have her officially as a sister!
Colleen
Bridesmaid
Colleen is Samantha's cousin but in actuality, their relationship is more like a sisterhood. Growing up they enjoyed their time on the beach with Nana and Papa and swimming in the pool on Indian Path and on Carol Drive. Colleen, Torrie, and Samantha could be found playing "mermaids" in any body of water. The girls still enjoy the pool, just with the added flair of a refreshing mimosa or white claw. Colleen has always been a cheerleader to Samantha. She is so thoughtful, a little bit sassy, and has the best and most infectious laugh! Samantha is truly blessed to have Colleen by her side now and always.
Eleni
Bridesmaid
Eleni and Samantha first met at a family friend's camp (Corrie's Camp) in the early 2000's. Good old middle school soccer brought them as close as ever. Over the years they enjoyed high school together. They took child development, played soccer, and ran indoor and outdoor track together. Eleni and Samantha love a good Friday night watching Peter Pan the live action version while eating Chineese Food, parasailing on Cape Cod, and eating copious amounts of ice cream. The two can always be found laughing (unless Les Misèrables is on), making faces at each other, or just acting crazy. All joking aside, Eleni is so humble and genuine. She encourages others to be their best and has taught Samantha to reach for the stars. It is so special to have an icredible friend for so long. No matter how much time passes between visits its like they never skipped a beat. Their frienship is invaluable.
Brianna
Bridesmaid
Brianna and Samantha have been best friends for ages. Thankfully, their brothers were in the same first grade class which sparked a tight Hopkins-Kennedy family relationship. From holding a lemonade stands on Blossom Circle to afford Dunkin back in '04, to Babson Soccer Camp every summer, to walking 3 miles in 10° weather for Shake Shack in college, to studying for the MTEL's together, Brianna and Samantha have been side by side through it all! Now a days the two have the most fun relaxing by the pool, going on double dates, singing Justin Bieber on full blast, and making each other laugh. Brianna is a caring and compassionate friend who always is willing to lend a listening ear. Briana and Samantha have a cherished and unbreakable bond.
Brooke
Bridesmaid
Brooke and Samantha met in what felt like the wild wild west. This actually just translates to their first year of teaching in 2019. Brooke was teaching 1st grade and Samantha 2nd, and the two have been inseperable ever since. Before COVID-19 stopped the school year short, they often found themselves at Primos, online shopping, grading, lesson planning, and of course, venting, or hanging out at the convent. At the end of a crazy day, there was nothing better than walking down the hall to eat secret stashes of candy hidden in their rooms. The pandemic did not put a pause on their friendship. Brooke and Samantha had daily calls to figure out what the heck remote teaching was and weekly Zoom's to keep each other sane. These days they enjoy a good Sunday brunch, shopping spree, and a classic wine and sushi night. Brooke and Samantha are still teacher besties to this day and always will be.
Taylor
Bridesmaid
Taylor and Samantha have been close friends since high school. Sophomore year they were in the same English class and bonded over the intense weekly vocabulary quizzes. They would start every morning together taking snap chats with their friends and joking around in the library. They were lucky enough to run track together and one fun season of cross country their senior year! Taylor and Samantha enjoyed Friday night football, eating ice cream out of coffee mugs, sleep overs in Taylors allergy friendly basement, and a trip to Ocean City! Fast forward to adulthood, Taylor and Samantha love catching up over a glass of wine with a side of buttery popcorn, reminiscing on the "care-free" days, and making new memories to be remembered for years to come. Samantha is lucky to have a life long friend like Taylor!
Jenna
Bridesmaid
Jenna and Samantha were fast friends Junior year. They shared a love for science, soccer, and Taylor Swift! They were partners on and off the field as co-captains and lab partners in Anatomy and Physiology. Jenna and Samantha enjoyed planning pasta dinners, taking bus selfies, going to Friday night football, sleep overs, and of course, attending T-Swift's Red tour! Jenna has always been a thoughtful friend who will lend her ear and give good advice. Now, Jenna and Samantha love a good old fashion girls night or going out on group dates. No matter the plan, there is always laughter and a great time! Samantha is lucky to have a life long friend like Jenna!
James
Best Man
James is John’s little brother (in age definitely not in height) and one of his closest friends. Growing up they were always there for each other, even though they are 4.5 years apart. Whether it was going to the same school together at SPCC from K-8, on family vacations in Newport or the Cape, or traveling to Alicia’s basketball games on a weeknight in New York, James always made it great time. James loves to explore, travel, and try new things but he’s always down to have a more low key night (which is John’s preference) playing board games, watching movies, going on late night drive thru trips, you name it. John couldn’t be luckier to have James in his life not only as a brother, but as a best friend.
Chad
Groomsman
Chad is John’s brother in law. Chad’s always ready to go for a day out in Worcester with John’s family and significant others. He’s a big Worcester guy! Whether it’s checking out new local breweries, going on trips with John’s family to Newport or the Cape, or just hanging around talking tv shows over whiskey, Chad is always down for a good time as long as circles are out of the equation. John looks forward to seeing Chad every Wednesday's for trivia (shoutout Sutton Six!).
Matt
Groomsman
Matt is John’s sister Lauren’s fiancé. John met Matt while he was in college when he first started dating his sister and have grown much closer over time. Matt’s always ready to go out to a nice dinner or brewery with the fam and does it with two thumbs up. We have great times together on family trips whether it be down the cape, Newport, or VT. Matt never turns down a good fire pit or a new spot for some drone footage. Matt might not be the best at family game nights but he’s always willing to hang out and have fun doing it.
Andrew
Groomsman
Andrew is Sammy’s youngest brother and John has been lucky to see him grow up into to the young adult he is today. Andrew immediately made John feel comfortable and welcome when he first started dating Sammy and began meeting all of the Kennedy clan. Andrew is always ready to play some scrabble, sing some Selena, get some take-out Chateau, or crack a joke (or even offer to call John on his long commute to/from work).
Kyle
Groomsman
Kyle is one of Sammy’s younger brothers and the biggest world traveler known to man. John’s always ready to talk bout the latest and greatest of the most recent and next trip with him at Sunday night family dinners. He always has a new police story to tell or news to share so we can live vicariously through him. Kyle is a go to friendly face for John to talk to at family events (which is helpful because Sammy can talk for hours)!
Ryan
Groomsman
Ryan is one of John’s closest friends from college. John and Ryan grew closer each year throughout school, eventually becoming roommates Junior (Falvey days) and senior year, then later again after college in Brookline. Ryan’s always ready to go watch a game, go to breweries, you name it. He’s the host of the group whether it be in Somerville, Exeter, Brighton or Eastie (rip) and is willing to have John stay over on the couch. He’ll never turn down a good time (especially not a Quiet Few trip) or a harbor walk. Ryan is always there for John to talk to about anything.
Case
Groomsman
Case (not calling you Tom even here) is one of John’s closest friends from college. Case lived next door to John freshman year and they quickly became inseparable early on at Saint A’s. Case was always around ready to hang and binge some TV, have a couple drinks, or go on a crazy adventure (hopefully not mixing them together too much). Some of our best times include trips up to VT (even though I’m a flatlander), going out in Manchvegas, Michigan, DC, golfing, you name it. Case had moved around a bit after college but now is back in the area and our friendship has picked right back up like nothing changed.
Garv
Groomsman
Garv was John’s freshman year college roommate. They were selected to be roommates due to their passion for Blink182, which is another reason to be thankful for them besides their music. Garv and John had an immediate connection both being from Central Mass and going to school up in NH. Little did they know they’d become such close friends walking into Dirty Dom freshman year and then again roommates sophomore year before he became an RA later on. Garv was always there for John during school and even after college they still play video games every week and catch up.
Zack
Groomsman
Zack was John’s first friend in high school and has remained one of John’s closest friends. John met Zack at preseason sleepover soccer camp out in the Berkshires (which was more like cross country camp) as a freshman which helped kindle their friendship. They quickly became friends and later on roommates after college living in Brookline together (throwback to Stearns). Zack’s go with the flow attitude makes him always down to do something and have fun doing it. He is the voice of reason for our group and is ready to give his stamp of approval (or denial) when we have crazy ideas. Zack also introduced John to anime which always gives us something to talk about. Thank you Mom for forcing me to go to soccer camp, but it fortunately pushed me to meet Zack.
Nick
Groomsman
Nick was one of John’s closest friends from college. Nick lived right across the hall from him freshman year and quickly introduced himself asking if we had Madden (which we didn’t) but that did spark the friendship. John’s not always the most social person but Nick brought that out of him as much as he could at school since he knew pretty much everyone and always had something going on. Nick and John ended up being roommates Junior and Senior year, and even lived in the same building the summer going into Senior year. Even though Nick moved down outside of DC little after college, they have remained close and travel each year to see each other.
Kaushik
Groomsman
Kaushik is one of John’s longtime friends from high school. Kau and John grew close early on in high school bonding over their love of basketball both playing together in the old gym at Worcester Academy (or at Westborough Swim & Tennis) and fantasy leagues. Kau is somehow even still the GM in fantasy football to this day (even if he finished last this past year due to a lack of team leadership). Kau and John lived together a year after college into the start of COVID in Brookline and in that time grew closer during quarantine. Kau is always there for a quick call with a good “yo yo yo” to catch up.