Koumbara
Victoria and Maria first met in 2009 at Ionian Village, a summer camp in Greece. Their paths crossed again when Victoria moved to Richmond with her husband, Dean, and they became best friends from the first day she arrived. Victoria has been the best friend a person could imagine, and her kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, and positivity are infectious. Now that Victoria is back in Clearwater, she and Maria can easily have two-hour phone calls to ensure they hear every detail of each other's lives. When Luke and Maria were deciding on the Koumbara, there wasn't a second of hesitation that Victoria was the perfect person. After all these years of being best friends, Victoria and Maria now get to be family!
Koumbaro
Dean and Maria became pals when he moved to Richmond to serve as the church’s youth director. Maria showed him some of her favorite Richmond spots, and once Victoria joined him in the city, Dean was officially stuck with Maria as a lifelong friend. Over the years, they’ve shared countless memories -- from Christmas tree shopping and rooftop dinner parties to trips down to Clearwater. Dean and Luke quickly bonded over fishing and Luke’s deep appreciation for Dean’s perfectly crafted Negronis. They feel so lucky to have Dean as their Koumbaro; his support is one of the greatest gifts they could imagine.
Matron of Honor
Maria and Meg became instant best friends when they met at a New Year’s Eve party to ring in 2011. From that night on, they were practically glued together until Meg’s travel nursing adventures took her up and down the East Coast. Even with the distance, their friendship has only grown stronger. There are few people who can make Maria laugh harder, and she proudly calls Meg “my most fun friend.” Maria couldn’t be more excited to have Meg by her side as her matron of honor, making the day even more special.
Best Man
Cam is Luke’s son. He’s the man. When Luke asked Cam if he wanted to participate in the wedding festivities, Cam remarked, “Are you kidding?!? I’m going to be the Best Man!” Now he is. Easy choice.
Bridesmaid
Kristina is Maria’s first cousin and lifelong partner-in-crime. Even with all the moves that came with Maria’s Navy family, staying close to her cousins was always a priority. In 2007, Maria and Kristina spent a summer together in Greece, which cemented just how important they are to each other. They’ve made it a point to keep visiting ever since -- Kristina to Richmond, and Maria to Seattle.. Most recently, in May 2024, Maria had the honor of being Koumbara at Kristina and Chris’s wedding. It’s true: cousins really do make the best friends!
Groomsman
George is Maria’s younger brother. He and Luke met at a birthday party for George’s daughter, where George stunned Luke by hugging him tightly upon meeting! When Luke expressed his surprise at this impromptu expression of brotherly love, George remarked, “We hug in this family!” Well, now Luke and George are family, so the hugs will continue for many years! Beyond physical affections, George is a talented graphic designer, dedicated family man, and noted connoisseur of single-malt scotch.
Bridesmaid
Tessa is Luke’s youngest sister and one of the big reasons Luke and Maria first met! She and Maria first hit it off in Barcelona over the famous wine-pairing lunch, which led to them spending the whole weekend together. Since Tess lives near Raleigh, Maria has been able to see her often over the past year and a half, and their friendship has only grown. Tess is the queen of charcuterie boards and themed parties, and she has a way of making everyone feel like they’ve known her forever.
Groomsman
Chris and Luke also met in May 2012 when Chris stuck his head out of Jamie’s window during a Memorial Day BBQ and shouted something to the effect of, “Go back to where you came from! We don’t take kindly to your type around here!” Luke then discovered that this crazy man lived two doors down! Despite this, Luke and Chris began to bond, first over marathon Sunday football sessions in Chris’ man-cave and subsequently during spirited rounds of Jeopardy, where Luke would routinely clobber Chris with his extensive knowledge of Shakespeare, French poetry, classical music, and all other things useless. Since then, the two have been great pals and have shared many adventures. Chris is a fledgling mixologist and often plies Luke with delicious cocktails as they debate the world’s problems long into the night. He can also remodel a bathroom and fix a car, being thoroughly versed in the “man-knowledge” of which Luke is sadly devoid.
Bridesmaid
Joanna is Maria’s older sister by just 16 months, so they’ve grown up side by side from the very beginning. Visits to Sarasota to see Joanna and her family have kept their bond strong, full of shared memories, laughter, and plenty of inside jokes. Maria has always admired Jojo’s outgoing personality, her quick wit, and her unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Her humor and energy make every moment together memorable, and Maria is so grateful to have Joanna and her children a part of the wedding day.
Groomsman
Brian and Luke met in the summer of 2019. Luke’s friend and colleague Amy accosted Luke in the faculty lounge one day and demanded that their families hang out. A few weeks later, Luke brought his son to Amy and Brian’s pool and the two gents were properly introduced. After a few more hangout sessions, Brian’s gruff Ohio facade gradually faded away and now the two are good buddies. Luke and Brian can frequently be found enjoying cigars on Brian’s porch (sometimes discussing the magical wonders of Ohio cuisine!), watching football and soccer, or consuming ribeyes at their favorite local haunt, The Peddler. Brian is also one of the few men that Luke trusts to grill meat properly.
Bridesmaid
Betsy and Maria first met in 2014 when they both began teaching at Trinity. As colleagues in the English department, and even sharing a classroom for a few years, they quickly became inseparable. In fact, many people at school still confuse the two of them (it's most likely the similar hairstyles). Over the years, they’ve traveled across the U.S. and Europe together and stood by each other through life’s highs and lows. Betsy was one of the very first people to hear about Luke and has been a steadfast supporter from the start. Maria can’t imagine her life, or her wedding day, without Betsy by her side.
Groomsman
Jamie and Luke met in May 2012 when Luke looked out the second story window of his new house and saw a large, shirtless, Hawaiian-looking man mowing Luke’s front yard. Luke went outside to thank this kind stranger for his selfless deed and discovered that Jamie was his next door neighbor! Since that time, the two have formed a great friendship, based on their mutual love of fishing, bourbon, cigars, travel, and delicious food. And while not actually Hawaiian, (Slovak and Chinese! Who saw that coming?!?) Jamie embodies the Ohana spirit of the islands with everyone he meets.
Junior Bridesmaid
Emilia is Maria's oldest niece and her goddaughter. She has been the biggest cheerleader of Maria getting married so that she can "finally have a Nouno (godfather)!" Maria has gotten to watch Emilia grow over the past 13 years and is so proud to have her in the wedding party.