Wedding Party
Anna Lang
Maid of Honor
AKA Jessie’s maid of ANNA! Jessie signed up to be Anna’s roommate (tracked her down) at IUP for 2 reasons: she was also an English education major, and her e-mail address contained the phrase “toxic sushi.” Since then, Jessie refers to Anna as the roommate of her heart because it seems they have always been roommates during the most important times in both of their lives. Anna is actually the reason Jessie even ended up in Winchester in the first place. So you can blame her for that!
Dale Klobuchir
Best Man
Dale has been Erik's friend going back to the days of Myrtle Elementary. They were bonded over their love of playing sports and became inseparable (As seen by Dale holding Erik's hand at Kennywood). Erik was the star (tennis) athlete and Dale was the star football player, guess who was more popular. Anytime visiting Pittsburgh, Erik has made Dale's house his second home. Fortunately Dale has not charged rent. Distance has only made them closer and Erik never hesitates to call Dale for advice, support, or to complain about Pittsburgh sports.
Emily Gray
Matron of Honor
Jessie and Emily’s friendship dates all the way back to February 21, 1996 because that is when Jessie was born and since Emily is her sister, she had no choice in the matter. Emily is the reason why Jessie is so cool — from her music taste, to her sense of humor, to her clothing (which Jessie ALWAYS asked to borrow and NEVER secretly stole) — Emily can always be counted on for a great time, a deep conversation, and a Confirmation sponsor! #Catholics
Ryan McLaughlin
Best Man
Erik and McLaughlin created an unbreakable bond starting in Middle School. They have many (embarrassing) stories that can not be shared in writing. They are known for being captains of the tennis team with the highest GPA (although they actually lowered it). On the streets Erik and McLaughlin are known for their talents of recreating Michael Cera Halloween costumes (ex Juno). In 2023 McLaughlin and Erik completed a 10 day road trip together without causing physical harm to each other which is a true testament to their everlasting friendship.
Erica Rosko
Matron of Honor
Erica and Jessie’s friendship WOULD have started on February 21, 1996, but let’s just say it took a bit of time for Jessie to become less annoying (hard to believe, I know). But now, Jessie is so thankful to count Erica as not only a big sister, but a best friend. Erica is one of the funniest and wittiest people Jessie knows, has a generous heart of gold, and keeps Jessie on her toes in the family Wordle group chat (JK I am no one’s competition). Jessie credits her good grades in chemistry and math to Erica’s tutoring skills, but unfortunately Jessie ended up at IUP and Erica ended up at Carnegie Mellon. But thanks for trying, sweetie!
Matt Iorio
Groomsman
Matt and Erik's friendship has suffered through the most mentally demanding obstacle since Middle School. Being a Pirates fan. While at restaurants, concerts, weddings, or any other social gathering Erik and Matt are texting each other about the Pirates. Their claim to fame has been appearing on the Pirates jumbotron (multiple times) singing Don't Stop Believing. If Erik goes missing during the Reception, safe to say him and Matt are crowded around a phone yelling at the Pirates.
Maria Newton
Bridesmaid
Maria first met Jessie when she was a red headed vegetarian who hated the taste of beer & wine — and nothing has changed since! …….. But for real, any exciting travel adventure Jessie has been on, Maria has been right by her side. They built houses in Nicaragua, walked about 4 bajillion miles in Rome, dodged traffic in Copenhagen, and hiked the Camino de Santiago together. However, none of those adventures compare to the beautiful town of Jersey City which Jessie would have never had the pleasure of visiting if Maria hadn’t moved there. Thanks for the cultural education, Maria!
Mitch Cholewinski
Groomsman
Mayor Mitch is known by everyone from Pittsburgh, to Austin, to Lincoln Nebraska. Erik was fortunate to become friends with Mitch in Middle School, and Mitch hasn't been able to get away from Erik since. From being roommates and surviving at Slippery Rock University together, to visiting Mitch all of the country, distance has only created more adventures for Erik and Mitch. Most importantly Erik is thankful Mitch has agreed to visit and give Winchester Virginia a second chance.
Kerigan Fabery
Bridesmaid
Jessie and Kerigan’s friendship began in middle school! Well, kind of. It began when they were TEACHING middle school. Kerigan is the epitome of a sweet peach — she’s always looking out for others, thinking ahead, and she’s super hairy like a peach! Oh my god I’m just kidding she’s beautiful. Not only is Kerigan Jessie’s favorite late night dive bar dance partner, she also has literally anything you could ever need in her purse — mints, Advil, mace…She’s the best! And also don’t mess with her.
Thomas Koenig
Groomsman
Erik and Thomas bond at Slippery Rock was created by something special. 4 locos. Erik always says Thomas has had the most interesting life, and if he wasn't friends with him, he would not believe it. Erik and Thomas have been on numerous adventures from New York City for the US Open, Philadelphia to watch the Sixers, or Winchester for Apple Blossom. However, Slippery Rock will always hold the #1 place in their hearts.
Casey Patterson
Bridesmaid
Jessie met Casey at Parks and Recreation trivia because Casey’s team won and Jessie was a really good sport and walked up and shook her hand and congratulated her. God, I wish that were the case. Instead, Jessie said (yelled) something along the lines of “YOU GUYS DON’T EVEN WATCH THE SHOW, YOU DON’T DESERVE THIS” and Casey thought “hm, she’s normal and well adjusted and I’d like to be her friend.” Suffice to say, Casey is never one to judge and is a very understanding friend. Jessie and Casey’s favorite past times are playing Grease by Frankie Valli on TouchTunes at dive bars, texting each other when their stomachs hurt, and forcing each other to go to concerts for bands that the other one doesn’t care about. Fun fact: Jessie and Casey met Erik on the same night, and guess what? They yelled at him, too!
Luke Heeter
Groomsman
Heeter is more than just a friend to Erik. He is a friend with a washer and dryer in his house for Erik to do laundry. Heeter was one of Erik's first friends he made in Winchester Virginia. They go so far back Erik knew Heeter when he had hair! Heeter is one of the most energetic and helpful people Erik has met, whether it's helping Erik move, letting Erik crash at his place, Heeter is always down... As long as alcohol is included!
Katherine Werner
Bridesmaid
Approximately 2 months after meeting Katherine, Jessie texted her saying, “want to go to Denver in 3 days to see the Grateful Dead?” and Katherine was like, “uh, duh!” And that’s what Jessie appreciates about her. But also, Katherine brings a smile to anyone’s face who meets her, and then makes them laugh hysterically 3 seconds later. Katherine is known for her delicious Jell-O shots, beautiful curly hair, and her commitment to the bit. She is also one to send you the most heart felt, kind text about how much she appreciates you as a friend and then all of a sudden you’re crying in front of your students because you read said text at work (don’t report me).
Michael Cramer
Groomsman
To this day Erik isn't sure exactly when Cramer and Erik became friends. One day in high school he ended up in his basement eating free pizza, and ended up there every weekend afterward. Cramer and Erik had a blast at prom dancing together, but our dates probably did not. Cramer will make plans with Erik months in advance that Erik isn't sure if he remembers about, and then shows up at his door with a bottle of Tito's and Red bull.
Melanie Morgan
Bridesmaid
Melanie just does life right, there’s no other way to put it. She is Jessie’s music soulmate, and anytime Jessie travels to a different city to see an Indie band that 3 other people have heard of, Melanie is right there with her. Melanie is always down to go have an elaborate meal with Jessie that involves food most people wouldn’t touch (they once shared a dozen oysters, how romantic), and pair said meal with the perfect white or red wine (they also, way more than once, have shared bottles of wine — VERY romantic)! After said wine is ingested, Melanie will find any piano within a 20 mile radius and belt out the most beautiful rendition of any Billy Joel song. She’s the whole package, folks!
Grant Lay
Groomsman
Whenever Erik received a message from a new teacher looking for a roommate, he did not know what to expect. Turns out he not only found a roommate, but a great friend. From living together in an apartment receiving many noise complaints (the apartment complex was THRILLED when they said they were leaving), to now living in different states, their friendship continues to grow with more adventures.
Grace Ruddy
Bridesmaid
Jessie and Grace met on a roof, and in a very unsurprising twist to anyone who knows them, they were having a very deep heart to heart conversation within 3 minutes. The texts Jessie and Grace exchange can range from venting about their days, sending pictures of their cats, and discussing horrific bloody accidents. Oh yeah, I probably should have mentioned Grace is a nurse. Jessie and Grace can often be seen at their local Mexican restaurant with multiple (empty) goblets of margaritas, solving the world’s problems.
Kobe Phillippi
Groomsman
Kobe and Erik have always made memories hanging out. There are countless inside jokes and memories from their friendship. Erik appreciates that Kobe is a true yinzer. Kobe can always be seen drinking Pittsburgh finest river water at any event (IC Light). During the reception Kobe will be waiting for his moment to shine when "Renegade" is played.
Megan Stephens
Bridesmaid
Jessie met Megan because she was Megan’s mentor at work. Good Lord. Since then, the only mentoring Jessie has done has been helping Megan learn which type of IPAs she likes. Megan no longer works with Jessie (obviously the mentoring thing went super well), but their friendship was built over very long talks in each other’s classrooms, which led to very long talks at Megan’s kitchen table, which led to very long dance/karaoke sessions in said kitchen. Megan is amazing at everything she does — being a mom, being a dependable friend, and scoring us tickets to the Eras tour for a bargain $400 each!
TJ Atlee
Groomsman
Erik and TJ have bonded over the highs and lows of being a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, combined with the same highs and lows of sports gambling. Over the years Erik and TJ have become closer, something Erik did not expect after thinking TJ was more robotic than human. However, Erik and TJ have a connection of athletic dominance seen by very few… Finishing winners for last place in golf tournament 4 times.
Zoe Ndoka
Flower Girl
Zoe will be gracing our presence as a flower girl. There is no doubt she will be the center of attention walking down the aisle. The most stressful part of the wedding will be making sure Zoe keeps blue icing and lollipops away from her dress!
Novalie Stephens
Flower Girl
Novalie is Megan’s daughter, which basically makes Jessie her cool aunt. Even though Novalie is in first grade, she is wiser than any adult could ever hope to be. Jessie and Novalie bonded over their love of Taylor Swift and putting fun colors in their hair. Novalie is known for her love of giraffes and her ability to bring the house down with her karaoke rendition of Sparks Fly. Honestly, I’m a little nervous she’s going to steal my thunder at my own wedding, but I would also be honored.
Logan Rosko
Ring Bearer
Logan is Jessie’s nephew, but he prefers Erik. Logan is smarter than the average 45 year old nuclear physicist. He can trade Pokémon cards, score soccer goals, and do yoga with the best of them. However, he is a Pirates fan, so there will always be a little bit of an ache in his heart. Thanks, Erik!
Fleury
Honor Attendant
Jessie adopted Fleury at the same exact time she found out about Kobe Bryant dying. That’s just a little fun fact I like to tell everyone. She had Fleury long before she met Erik, but luckily Erik LOVES cats so he was super stoked when Jessie and Fleury moved in with him. Despite the fact that all Jessie does is cuddle Fleury, and buy him new toys, and let him lick the yogurt container clean, Fleury bites her hair and cuddles Erik like he’s the light of his life. These cats ain’t loyal!
