Wedding Party
Suz McCann
Maid of Honor
We first met while sweating it out in a bootcamp workout class. We had to run and run and run and run, and I noticed Suz struggling...it was a tough run after a tough class..., and so I stayed with her just to give some encouragement: "you can do this" "you got this" "almost there"...you get the picture...because who doesn't like receiving encouragement during a tough time! We were instant friends after that. We made sure to go to the same class, workout in the same groups, and soon we were hanging out outside of working out. It was a very easy friendship to form, but anyone could easily be friends with Suz; she's the best friend a girl could ask for, and she is the best MoH a bride could ask for. I consider myself lucky to know her and have her be such an important person in my life.
Rita Mason
Bridesmaid
We're first cousins, but we're also friends. We've managed to be in touch and hangout since we were kids even though we grew up in different states! We've shared a friendship (cousinship? either way) filled with pranks and practical jokes, which were mostly at Rita's expense...sorry, girl! But we were young and girl's (me) just want to have fun. We've shared secrets and stories. We've laughed and cried. I know she will always be an important part of my life because so many of my best memories include her. I look forward to creating many more great memories in the future with the addition of David and Sean by our sides. I'll always have her back because she's more than just family; she's one of my greatest friends.
Jiana Eadeh
Bridesmaid
Another cousin I used to torment. Maybe I have a problem? No...it was all in good fun (for me). As she grew older, she blossomed into a beautiful, intelligent, and well-rounded young woman. I'm very proud of who she has become and who she has yet to become. I know she will go on to do great things with her life, and I'm privileged to be able to witness that. I'm happy to have her as part of the most special day of my life.
Leslie Bader
Bridesmaid
My sister-in-law! A beautiful woman with a beautiful heart to match. She came into my brother's life early on, and into mine as well. I've always known her, but only recently have I really gotten to know her more as a person, and what a wonderful person she turned out to be! I have always wanted a sister, so I am so blessed to be able to call you one. I look forward to growing closer as the years go on. After all, you'll need breaks from my brother every now and again...that's what girl time is for! I'm so happy to have her be a part of this special day!
Joel Terranova
Best Man
From hitting the links for 18-holes, strolling the strip in search for our next craps table, rolling rocks at the bowling alley, and sitting on our couches 1,000 miles away playing Halo, Joel has been there with me for everything. Just before I moved, a real estate transaction gone bad left me in a predicament, but Joel and his wife, Kaela, opened their doors to me for 3 months, even with a newborn baby at home, and I'll be forever grateful for his help during that difficult time. He's like a brother to me, and now in his new chapter in life, a great husband and an amazing father too. Even though we no longer live in the same city, or state, we remain close. I'm so excited to have him here for our wedding day!
Mike Menges
Groomsman
Another friend whom I consider to be a brother, Mike and I actually met when we were neighbors; he had a basketball hoop and I didn't, so it stands to reason that to gain access to that hoop I would need to become friends with the hoop owner. And so basketball turned to roller hockey, and golf, and when it snowed we played Playstation (or xbox), or built forts and lego baseball stadiums in my basement. I'm so glad I made friends with that hoop owner because Mike has become one of my greatest friends. On top of being a great friend, he is a fantastic husband and father. I'm excited to have him as a part of our wedding!
Alex Naticchioni
Groomsman
The budding-entreprenuer, Alex moved with Mike to Long Beach over 10 years ago to follow their dreams of warm weather and a sunny SoCal lifestyle. Alex gave me a place to stay while I found work and my own place when I decided to follow them and make the jump as well 3 years ago. Family does that, and Alex is like a brother too. We've seen some great concerts, taken a few amazing trips, and spent hours hacking on the golf course. He's one of my best friends for now and always. I am so excited to have Alex here for our wedding day! Oh--he makes the best beef jerky on the planet too! (www.lbjerkyco.com)
Albert Bader
Groomsman
Brother to the bride and soon to be my brother-in-law: Albert, being the older of the two, watched over Laura and passed on his "wisdom" to ensure that she made it through school and life successfully. He taught her to navigate and read the world around her; he taught her how to not succumb to peer-pressure and not worry about what others think; he taught her to always be herself and to be proud of who that is. His influence in her life has led her to become the strong and independent young woman with whom I fell in love. I look forward to getting to know the man who had such a huge influence on who Laura has become in the years to come. And I look forward to calling him brother.