Alex & Savannah
Wedding Party
Magdalena Flynn
Matron of Honor
A casual work conversation about Wine and Spanish Tapas turned best friendship! Maddie and her boyfriend, now husband, had moved to Dallas from Boston and it did not take long to learn her and her family were from Spain. My families Spanish Tapas bar became our go to place. Our friendship grew very organically and is the perfect example of genuine affinity! Maddie is the most gracious host and spending time on her roof top patio, and now backyard pool, will always be a staple in our lives together. Passing time with Maddie is just effortless, and in a complex and busy world I treasure all the time we get to spend together! Time stops and I wish the weekends would never end! Maddie is the most down to earth human, and always keeps me focused on what truly matters in life!
Matthew Ciancimino
Best Man
THE KIDDDDDDD! Matt, my Best Man and older cousin, is the closest thing I have to a brother. Although we live over 1,700 miles apart, our brotherhood and friendship has remained as close as ever. We, along with his beautiful bride Alicia, and my bride to be Savannah, FaceTime weekly, travel and laugh until we cry at pretty much everything we do. It’s the kind of brotherhood you’d go into any situation with, good or bad, and regardless of the outcome, come out full of laughter and stories that will last a lifetime. It feels like just yesterday I was standing on the altar with Matt as he said the two most important words of his life, now it is an honor to have him standing next to me, as my Best Man, on the most important day of my life. "Wasn't Me!" “Drink a beer!”
Sahar Mehdi
Bridesmaid
My first few weeks at college, I was in awe of this girls amazing eye brows. I just had to meet her! Funny as that sounds, I mean it! Sahar is such a beauty inside and out! Our love for one another and friendship continued to grow over a mutual obsession for J.Crew cardigans and moleskin planners... oh, and cats! After college, Sahar has been a steadfast friend through all of lifes adventures. A fellow art and poetry lover, she is my go to pal for concerts and exploring. Sahar has been a mentor to me over the years and she continues to amaze me with her accomplishments! Along the way, she has become one of Alex's biggest fans. When she had foot surgery in 2012, Alex made sure we had a party for Sahar and carried her up the steep front steps to her favorite bar for a nightcap.
Patrick Coleman
Groomsman
PC! From rivals in high school, to best friends and roommates in college, Patrick and I have been on quite the adventure together. From Austin College two-a-days, to pledge-ship, to The Duplex, to weddings and now babies, we have always been right there for each other, regardless of the situation. We have laughed A LOT, cried once or twice, drank too many beers to count, and have made countless memories that I will cherish forever. Three years ago, I was honored to be the Best Man in Patrick and Hayley's wedding, and Savannah and I are blessed to be Frankie Jane Coleman’s Godparents. Words can't really sum up this on-going friendship. I am honored to have him stand by me on the day of my wedding! P.S. We are also actually twins and share the same birthday, "September 1,1989!”
Kristin Mannari
Bridesmaid
When I found out that Alex had THREE sisters, I knew I was in for some grueling new girlfriend interrogations. Kristin was my hardest critic, but we really hit it off over a giant bowl of guacamole during a famous Mannari pool day. Kristin is passionate about her family & has been an amazing sister to Alex over the years. She often has a hard time understanding how, after EIGHT years, I still find Alex's garbage jokes hysterical. All three sisters have been incredibly welcoming & inclusive of me from the beginning, but I knew Kristin was on board when she made an off handed remark about how truly perfect we are for one another. Easily my favorite Mannari sister, I have learned so much from her about life & I am so excited that "the rat" will be standing with us on our wedding day!
Matt Houston
Groomsman
MATTY-ICE Matt and I have been friends since our years at St. Mark’s. I knew, at this time in my life (6th grade), that this friendship would be everlasting. I mean, how many people do you know who would not only write their own science notes, but also write their best friend’s notes as well, in even better handwriting than his own (broken arm) That’s the kind of guy Matt is! Over the years, he became the hot shot on the basketball team, the king of Mario Party and even scored a touchdown, ya know, stuff typical linemen don’t do! (TD was called back due to a holding call on me, still hates me to this day!) I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that he and his family have always been there for me, and here he is again, standing with me on my wedding day! “Strong side, RIGHT SIDE.”
Kaitlyn Mannari
Bridesmaid
Alex's middle sister, and I immediately hit it off! There has not been a dull moment since. She is easily my favorite sister! Kait likes to get the games and party going wherever we may find ourselves. Kait has a knack for always keeping dice, a deck of cards, a formal ball gown, polaroid camera, art supplies, and more on the ready so we are never caught off guard when the moment strikes. We have spent countless days drinking wine by the pool and countless dollars on impulse purchases at Target. When costume parties come up, Kait is your go to girl for creativity. Kreete, just like the rest of the incredible Mannari family, lives every moment to the fullest takes a mundane daily activity & makes it a cause for celebration. Very happy to haver her along for the ride of our lives!
Scott Cottingham
Groomsman
SCOOT!! Scott and I became acquaintances during a baseball trip to Hawaii my freshman year of college. I say acquaintances because, if you know our personalities, you know that we both try to be bigger, louder and crazier then anyone else in the room. Well, Scott is 6’6 so he wins there. He’s louder then Dustin Snapka, so he wins there. And he’s one crazy dude, so we'll call that a tie! So, the “how we became friends” story goes like this. It was Halloween, sophomore year of college, Scott, dressed as Big Bird, me as Italian Chef Mannari-o, and one beer pong table! Needless to say we won every game and ended the party with a bang! There was no question whether or not he would be standing with Savannah and me on our wedding day S - “Moose, what do we bet?” A - “$1,000 on black!” S- “Done”
Meghan Mannari
Bridesmaid
Easily my favorite Mannari sister! Meghan is the most relaxed of the crew, and we are often on the same wavelength when it comes to things. The first few years Alex & I dated, Pigeon was away at school, but we always found an excuse to get to LSU for a weekend of volleyball, tailgating, & daquiris! Whenever Meghan did come home from college, the entire Mannari clan would assemble. I had never seen a family that enjoyed being together this much! Their love for one another & their group mentality is infectious. Meghan is an integral part of this! I always find myself trying to keep up with megs iWatch activity rings, and she is always encouraging me to be better than the day before. I look forward to all the years of beach vacations & family time we have in our future!
Kevin Farrell
Groomsman
K! As two dorky freshmen walking into the world of Bishop Lynch, Kevin and I had no choice but to become friends. Now, if you know Kevin, he, like myself, thinks he is the best at everything he attempts. Yes, he is fast, but I’ve seen faster. Yes, he is a good receiver, but I’ve seen better. Yes, he can play beer pong, but everyone knows, I am way better. The thing that Kevin does best without even realizing it, is being a friend. He’s there for every phone call. He’s there for every bad situation to make you laugh. He is even there when all you really want to do is punch the giant oak tree in Phil’s front yard. Kevin is a long time friend and it was my honor to stand beside him and Hallie on their wedding day. I am now equally honored to have him stand beside me on ours! “Daaanimals”
Mary Alice Hairston Plumlee
Bridesmaid
Way back in kindergarten, Mary Alice befriend the new girl. Her jolly warm disposition and knack for keeping me out of trouble made us inseparable growing up. I was the most terrible athlete, ever... but MA and her sister took me along to enough soccer practices over the years that I at least know most of the rules. Mary Alice and I are known for our fun dress up dance parties in elementary school, our Mi Cocina dinners in high school and heart to hearts as adults! Our mothers were best friends, and while Cheryl is no longer here with us physically, I know she would be so proud of the women we have grown up to be! I cannot imagine where I would be in life with out this true friend! I am thrilled she will stand with Alex and me on our wedding day!
Chris DiCerbo
Groomsman
Dicer-Bro! Chris and I, although destined to be life-long friends like our moms, became friends in Mrs. Tully and Mrs. Connor’s pre-school classroom. We were two four-year-old boys, out to rule the world, and of course The Gully (or drain) behind my house in New York. Over the years, Chris and I have stayed in touch, reaching out to one another any chance we get when visiting NY or TX. From cruise buffets, trivia and King of the Hill episodes, to uptown bar crawls, and late night Wataburger with The Replacements (poor Savannah), we have had an absolute blast! Thanks for being a part of our day! P.S. If any one is looking to buy something from crate and barrel, you should consult with Chris first. He has some seriously good taste for that store, just ask Savannah! “Like a bull ya know!”
Kersti Merusich
Bridesmaid
Choking back tears as my mom pulled away from my first college dorm, I took off down the hall to check out my neighbors. Only one door was open, so I knocked and introduced myself to Kersti and her roommate. We made plans to go to an orientation meeting that night and never looked back! We could not have been more opposite. Athlete v. Socialite. Kersti wears 5+ nail polish colors per manicure coordinated to the season while I've worn only 5 shades of neutral in the last 10 years. We lived together more of college than we lived apart. We were alway spotted together, either at basketball events or joining each other at our rival fraternity events. Everyone knew we were a unit. To this day she is still the only person who can beat Alex in Disney Trivia, and we love her for that.
Andrew Ciancimino
Groomsman
The DOC! Andrew, also my older cousin, is the taller, wiser, more charming version of his younger brother Matt. Although we live over 1,700 miles apart, our brotherhood and friendship has, also, only gotten stronger over the years. Andrew is "the go to guy!" He is the guy you call on in any crazy situation, and believe me, I've called him a number of times! I am blessed to be the Godfather to one of his three handsome little boys, Matthew, and also had the pleasure of standing by him when he said “I Do” to his beautiful wife Karen! Now it is his turn to stand with me on the day of my wedding, and I am truly thankful to have such a humble and honorable cousin/brother, like Andrew, to stand with Savannah and myself on the day of our wedding. “Get down men!!”
Hayley Coleman
Bridesmaid
When Patrick Coleman brought this beauty into my life, I had no idea what to expect! Patrick was Alex's best college pal & has been around from our day one. This OU sorority girl came into our lives & we were so happy to see the brightness she brought to Patrick. We instantly wanted her to stick around. Watching their love story unfold, I did not expect to fall in love with her myself! Hayley is my first call when I have news - good or bad! She is my confidante & so enjoyable to be around, even though she likes football as much as the guys - leaving me the "odd man out" every fall. Weekly dinners & scary movies w/ the "Colemannari" family are always a highlight. Alex & I are so happy to have these lifelong bests & consider ourselves so lucky to be godparents to their first child!
Aziz Kobty
Groomsman
Prince! Aziz and I became friends over a friendly game of Madden. It was the 4th quarter of a very close game. I had the ball, down by 3, with 23 seconds to go. I took a timeout, reached for a sugar cookie, took a bite and said, "Let’s kick a field goal and send this into overtime!" I grabbed another cookie, snap was good, hold was good, kick was GOOD! I had tied the game, or so I thought! Aziz jumped up, laughing hysterically! I looked at the score, it read 23-22. Not only had I lost the game, but my hopes of becoming a math tutor as well! Although I lost the game, it will forever go down as my favorite Madden game. There is never a dull moment with Aziz. He can take the ugliest lemons, yet make the best lemonade, and for that he will be a life long friend. "Bro, I got bottle service.”
Kate Wofford
Bridesmaid
Waffles! Kate and I met over our spring semester freshman year of college. I cannot remember the exact moment, but something clicked because it seems like she has been and always will be a constant in my life. I find myself, on a daily basis, picking up habits and life hacks I learned from Kate. I cannot promise that she feels the same about my obsession with olive oil as a quick fix for most things...but I can dream. Camping out in college, beach trips, walking across campus late at night, spending our first year out in the real world together, I could go on forever! Kate makes you want to dream bigger&achieve more. She has a wicked love for peanut butter& writes the best love letters! Alex and I adore her, and are very excited to have her dance the night away with us at our wedding!
Austin Light
Groomsman
Rusty DJ!! Austin and I became friends our freshman year of college during...yep, you guessed it, fall camp! As a freshman in college, Austin was a big, bearded, burly individual with grapefruit size gages in both of his ears. He was a monster, and one hell of a football player. His home, in Whitesboro, TX, was our home away from home during fall camp. His incredible mom Shar-bear would not only feed, but also send leftovers home with, six large football players at least once a week. Today, the Austin we once knew has changed. He is now skinny, clean-shaven, strapping and has no earrings! But, with all of the crazy physical changes, the goofy, silly, crazy, genius Austin Light still exists. He has been one of our best friends for years, and many more to come! “Heelloo RUDIS!”
Alicia Ciancimino
Bridesmaid
I flew into NY after Christmas one winter during a massive blizzard to meet Alex's family. After hours of delay/diversions, I was able to finally meet Alicia! We played cards, laughed the night away, and finished the night with late night sledding. We were fast friends, and over the years have become family. My favorite vacation partner, there is no one I would rather spend my days with. Alicia is the most down to earth human, and I spend all my time hunting for our next vacation spot/cheap fares to NYC for a 2 day get away. She helped orchestrate my surprise proposal in San Diego & spent the weeks/months leading up to it covering my tracks &keeping my head in the clouds. The thought of sharing my life, alongside hers with Alex and Matt, makes me giddy!
Matt Mendenhall
Groomsman
The Dude! Matt and I met freshman year of high school playing baseball for the Friars. Mid-way through our freshman season, we were traveling to St. Mark’s in Dallas when someone had the brilliant idea of holding up an inappropriate sign (not to be repeated) that was reported to the school. The following day at practice, we ran and ran until we were all sick. To this day, I still remember the look on Matt's face, no matter how many poles we ran, the kid never lost his smile! It’s just the way he lives life. The small things don't matter, and every situation is better with Matt around. He is my cart buddy on the golf course, and without a doubt, the best person to play golf with. I am proud to call him my friend and groomsmen! "Quit looking at me swan”
Erica Demeis
Bridesmaid
When I met Erica, I had no idea what a treat I had discovered! Such a relaxed easy going person with the most genuine nature. Erica always says what she feels and you never have to wonder where you stand with her. She loves her family, and her family has always loved her friends. I have such fond memories having dinner with her parents, and enjoying whatever food craze her dad is on... from carrot juice, to making his own jerky. In recent years, we have lived very close and have sushi weekly to keep each other up to date on important television developments. She thinks Alex is as funny as I do, and we both get a kick out of hogging the television during "important" week night sporting events.
Victor Moellenhoff
Groomsman
The Worm! Victor, my ‘lil bro in the fraternity, is the wild man of the crew! Every group has that one guy that rallies the troops at 7:00am and forces you to stay out until 3:00am. Yup, that’s Victor. Whether its Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Saturday, Victor is always ready to have a good time. Spring semester of my sophomore year, Victor's freshman year, rolled around and the two of us became very good friends. He and Savannah had been friends, meeting in biology class during fall semester. As the weather started warming and the fish started biting on lake Texoma, Victor played a huge roll in getting Savannah and I together. He drove us to Lake Campus to go fishing, where some great memories were made. I am honored to have him as a groomsmen to make another great memory! “Hey Moose...”