Linh & Samuel
Wedding Party
Liz Doro
Maid of Honor
I’ve known Liz since freshman year of high school and she is the strongest, most compassionate person I have ever met. The dedication she puts into her career and relationships are just a few of the things I admire most about her. Living in Wilkes-Barre while she lived in Baltimore allowed me to see her more often and provided a sense of comfort that only comes from a friendship that has lasted as long as ours. I am lucky to have a friendship filled with so much love and laughter. Favorite memories: after I went through my first break up in high school you gifted me sleeping shorts and nail polish because I was sad, New York trips, yearly reunions at St. Brendan's, getting matching tattoos, and our traditional Luna dates.
James Weiner
Best Man
James and I spent four years together completing our doctorate degrees at the University of Louisville. James has done more for showing me how to be an adult and a good person than just about anyone. From teaching me to love your passions to showing me how to be a great partner for my wife to be, James has always been there. He is one of the most selfless individuals that I know as he is always willing to go out of his way to bring others happiness. While he is a Duke fan, we will do our best to not hold that against him. Favorite memory: We would go workout after classes sometimes. About 10 minutes into our 5th or 6th workout, James turned to me and asked if I wanted to do some “12-ounce curls.” We found ourselves at Mellow Mushroom for happy hour shortly after.
Erin Manlick
Maid of Honor
Erin and I also met in high school where I infamously forced her to be my friend and I have never regretted it. As the other part of our trio, Erin is by far the wittiest and most loyal; always quick with the punchlines and one of the first people to reach out and provide support when you need her. When I need a laugh, talk about politics/pop culture, or need to vent about life, Erin is my go-to person. My life would be immensely boring and bleak without her and I’m grateful for the many years of friendship she has provided. Favorite memories: Liz planned a visit to Louisville to see me and Erin surprised me by being her chauffeur from the airport, She’s the Man and taco dip nights, matching tattoos, and the absurd left turn.
Ryan Schmidt
Groomsman
Every younger brother grows up knowing that his older brother is the person he will look up to the most. What I appreciate most about Ryan is that he always has included me in his life whenever possible (despite me being the younger annoying brother). He would invite me over to stay with him when he was in college and I was 12 or 13. He took me to the 2011 Rose Bowl, my favorite sporting event of all time, and paid for everything when I was a poor college kid. He and his family even schedule vacations around his siblings (like their Fall break vacation to Wilkes-Barre, PA). He is a great older brother and has provided one of the best role models in my life. Favorite memory: 2011 Rose Bowl. Ryan provided one of my favorite life memories with an awesome vacation to Santa Monica, CA.
Leah Sonnenburg
Bridesmaid
Through a case of mistaken identity, Leah and I met the summer before our senior year of college. Since then, we have made countless memories from Jersday Thursdays to the Kentucky Derby to wine meet ups at Toot & Kate’s in Verona. An aspect about our friendship I have always appreciated is being fully present with each other. Long distance friendships are not the easiest and sometimes we go a while without seeing one another, but when we do we try to make the most of our time together. Favorite memories: almost going into a stranger's apartment while trying to look for our friends' apartment, beer darts before Summerfest, and quitting my phonathon job during college so I could watch the Badger basketball game with you at Howie's.
Patrick Siwula
Groomsman
Pat and I happened to live with each other sophomore year of undergrad, despite barely knowing one another. Pat and I have spent many hours playing video games, biking to the park to throw the frisbee, having philosophical debates, and, most importantly, laughing. One of the things that I respect the most about Pat lives his life to the fullest and includes as many people as possible in that life. Favorite memory: We ordered a Papa Murphy's Pizza from the parking lot because we didn’t want to wait inside and watched them make the pizza. Pat went in and retrieved the pizza. He came back out with a survey that if we filled out at a later date, we would get a cookie. We spent the next 10 minutes debating if we would shamelessly walk in and get the cookie.
Stephanie Weiner
Bridesmaid
Stephanie and I met through Sam and James (Best Man and Steph’s husband) who were in the same PhD program at Louisville. Three words to describe our friendship would be sushi, wine, and support. Throughout the years, Stephanie and I have created such a unique and wonderful bond and have been there for one another through many challenges and successes including supporting the guys’ dissertation process, long distance relationships, new jobs, and engagements. My friendship with her is one of the highlights of my time in Louisville. I was honored to be by her side for her wedding and so thankful she’ll be by mine. Favorite memories: her wedding, of course; Bachelorette and wine nights, happy hours that turned into mini bar crawls and too many Moscow mules at O'Sheas.
Padraic Emerine
Groomsman
Padraic is one of the most loyal friends I know. His willingness to stand up for those close to him is one of his best qualities. Even though distance and time has forced us apart, Padraic is always the one to pick up the phone and give me a call to catch up. We probably debated and argued the most (mostly about sports), but Padraic has always been fair in his arguments (except for saying Joel Stave was terrible… all-time winningest Badger QB, man!). He has pushed me as an individual to be better and happier, while constantly supporting me in every achievement and mistake I have made. Favorite memory: That first time we visited Padraic in Colorado. We had a hike on one of the most beautiful mountains I have ever witnessed, but it was right after a long night out.
Bryan Hamann
Bridesman
I met Bryan in 2016 when he first interviewed at Bellarmine University. We worked together in the Student Activities Center and have been friends ever since. From spinning cotton candy to chaperoning dances, some of my fondest memories from Bellarmine are working at Bryan’s events with him and some of our favorite coworkers. Since the day I met him, Bryan has always made me feel included and has brought so much joy into my life. Favorite memory: one of the first times Bryan and I hung out was to create his costume for the Halloween dance at Bellarmine. Us chaperones were going as characters of Alice in Wonderland and we created his top hat out of a pizza box and fabric. Second favorite memory: “I Do Declare…”--Kentucky Derby 2018.
Bryan Gentilini
Groomsman
Bryan and I were roommates all four years of undergrad and even spent a few years down near Louisville together. He has undoubtedly been the biggest supporter of his friends that I know. Bryan is always going to be there when you need him to, always willing to spend time together (even if distance is a factor), and shows many of us how to genuinely care for your friends. Additionally, Bryan was oftentimes the life of the party in college. Whether it was his charisma, ability to relate to others, his DJ skills, or his fantastic party lights, Bryan's ability to ensure that life is fun is second to none. We've had many fantastic memories together: The Safe Bus, 1300 Pine, Summerfest, the Bourbon trail, New Year's Eves, Colorado, etc. Favorite memory: All of Bryan’s birthdays during college.
Jackie McNatt
Bridesmaid
I also met Jackie when she interviewed for her position at Bellarmine University in Louisville. At the end of her interview day, I was walking her out the building and before exchanging goodbyes we looked at one another and she said, “I’m a hugger!” and I exclaimed, “Me too!” That was the start of our beautiful friendship. I’m grateful to have Jackie in my life as someone who radiates positivity and has always provided me a space of solace. Plus, she loves pineapples just as much as I do. Basically, she is AH-MAH-ZING! Favorite memory: when Jackie came to see me during the fall of 2019, we went to New York City for the day and saw Lion King on Broadway, which was the first time either of us have seen the show, followed by a fantastic Italian dinner.
Logan Linscheid
Groomsman
There are very few people that are one the same wavelength as me. Logan is one of those people. We have the exact same humor, love the same movies, and adore the same sports teams. We might not talk for a few months, but when we get together, he and I are automatically synced in an instant. Logan is a kind soul who always looks out for other people and wants everyone around him to have a good time. Quick to make friends with strangers, Logan is as personable as they come. He is also has smart as they come and we have had many of great conversations surrounding House or How I met Your Mother. Favorite memory: Cuddling and raising Padraic’s KDA on Modern Warfare 2 while listening to Summer hits of the 90s.
Matthew Studinski
Usher
Studs is one of the most caring and thoughtful people I (Sam) know. Meeting in college, Studs was always soft-spoken and willing to include everyone in his plans. We spent many nights gaming, hanging out, and enjoying life. Post college, we were able to both live in Pennsylvania for a time. I recall the first time Linh and I met up with Matt and his wife Kaitlyn in State College. She remarked how they were so in love that you could see it in how they looked at and spoke of one another. They certainly have been a model couple for us in the past few years. Favorite memory: The countless times playing Pokémon Stadium with Pat and Brandon. Hearing Matt and Pat talk about the strategy and intricacies of the game was so impressive.
Michael Kaul
Usher
Mike didn’t come into my friend circles until my junior year when he came to La Crosse for a weekend. I instantly liked him as we laughed, hung out, and partied together the entire weekend acting like lifelong friends. Mike grew close with Linh and I when he came down to Louisville before visiting his sister in Nashville around 2016. He stayed with us and we got to know Mike very well. Whether it is Madison or Milwaukee, Mike always finds time to spend some time with us and show us a good time. He's been a great friend and has helped me grow as an individual far more than he knows. Favorite memory: “And I said, I will not give you another take, Scorsese, unless you tell me the story of when you and Denini had your pow-wow. Scor-sazaaaaa… all day long with Scorsazaa”